Your Haiphong budget travel cost per day can be surprisingly low. A backpacker eating street food, sleeping in a hostel and walking or using ride apps can travel comfortably on a small daily budget, while mid range travelers enjoy good hotels, restaurants and a guided tour without overspending. Haiphong is generally a little cheaper than Hanoi, and its famous street food is excellent value.

Below, the Haiphong Adventure team shares rough price ranges and sample budgets based on what our guests typically spend. Prices change with season, exchange rates and inflation, so treat every figure as a reference only, updated October 2026, and check current prices when you book.

Haiphong budget travel cost per day, guide and traveler stopping by a motorbike on a city street — *Exploring Haiphong does not have to cost a lot*

Quick Daily Budget Overview

Travel style	What it includes	Rough daily budget
Shoestring	Hostel dorm, street food, walking and Grab bikes	Around 20 to 30 USD
Comfortable budget	Simple private room, local restaurants, Grab cars, one paid activity	Around 35 to 60 USD
Mid range	Good hotel, mix of restaurants, guided tour, taxis	Around 70 to 130 USD

These ranges are per person, not including flights or long distance transport. Couples sharing a room spend less per person.

Accommodation Costs

Hostel dorm bed: often the cheapest option, but Haiphong has fewer hostels than Hanoi, so book early.
Budget guesthouse or mini hotel: clean private rooms with air conditioning at friendly prices.
Homestay: a good mix of value and local experience.
Mid range and upscale hotels: good value compared with bigger tourist cities.

Prices rise on weekends, during Vietnamese holidays and around Tet. The area near the Opera House and Tam Bac Lake saves you transport money because you can walk to many sights.

Small rooftop terrace of a homestay in Haiphong in the late afternoon — *Homestays offer good value and a local feel*

Looking for something cozy and affordable? See our guide to quiet Haiphong homestays.

Food and Drink Costs

Eating is where Haiphong really shines for budget travelers. A bowl of noodles at a local stall usually costs only a few dollars, and you can eat very well all day without visiting a single restaurant.

Item	Rough price range (VND)
Banh da cua or noodle soup at a stall	About 35,000 to 60,000
Banh mi cay bundle	About 20,000 to 50,000
Rice plate (com binh dan)	About 35,000 to 60,000
Iced coffee at a sidewalk cafe	About 20,000 to 40,000
Glass of fresh beer (bia hoi)	About 10,000 to 25,000
Meal at a mid range restaurant	About 150,000 to 400,000

Seafood is priced by weight and varies a lot by type and season. Always confirm the price per kilogram and the weight before cooking.

Busy local food street in central Haiphong in the evening — *Local food streets are the best value in the city*

For the dishes worth your money, read our DIY Haiphong food tour map.

>>> Comparison Banh Mi Cay Brands Which Is Tasty

Transport Costs

Walking: free and the best way to see the center.
Grab bike: the cheapest way to cross town, usually a small amount for short trips.
Grab car or taxi: more comfortable, still affordable for short city rides.
Airport transfer: Cat Bi Airport is close to the center, so taxis are not expensive.
Hanoi to Haiphong: buses are cheapest, limousine vans cost a little more and are more comfortable, trains are slow but cheap.

Ride apps show the fare before you book, which helps you stay on budget and avoid surprises.

>>> Comparing Bus And Train From Hanoi To Haiphong

Recommended tour

The Haiphong NightTime and Street Food Experience

Want to splurge once? This evening ride includes many local dishes and drinks, so it can replace dinner and a night out while showing you the best value spots.

From $90 per person

View tour & book

Sightseeing and Activities

Many of the best things in Haiphong are free: the Opera House area, the French quarter, Tam Bac Lake, the Cau Quay swing bridge, local markets and evening life in the squares. Museums and pagodas are free or have small entrance fees.

Free: walking the center, markets, lakes, murals, most pagodas.
Low cost: museums, cyclo rides, coffee stops.
Bigger spend: guided food or motorbike tours, Cat Ba boat trips, kayaking.

Our list of free things to do in Haiphong will keep your budget happy.

Cat Ba and Lan Ha Bay Costs

A trip to Cat Ba is often the biggest expense of a Haiphong visit, but it is worth it. Plan for:

Transport: bus and boat combo tickets, or a car ferry crossing.
Accommodation: many budget hotels in Cat Ba town, higher prices on summer weekends.
Boat trip: shared day boats are the budget choice, private boats and cruises cost more.
Food: local eateries are affordable, harbor seafood restaurants vary a lot.

Passenger bus waiting near a ferry pier on the way to Cat Ba Island — *Bus and boat combos are the budget way to reach Cat Ba*

>>> Haiphong To Cat Ba Trip Local Transport Advice

Sample One Day Budgets

Shoestring day

Dorm bed or very simple room
Three street food meals and two coffees
Walking plus a couple of Grab bike rides
Free sights and a bia hoi in the evening

Comfortable budget day

Private room in a guesthouse or homestay
Street food lunch, local restaurant dinner
Grab cars around town
A museum and a cyclo ride

Mid range day

Good central hotel
Seafood dinner and drinks
A guided food or motorbike tour
Taxis whenever you like

Money Saving Tips

Eat where locals queue. Busy stalls are cheaper and safer.
Use ride apps instead of hailing taxis on the street.
Withdraw larger amounts at once to reduce ATM fees.
Travel midweek to Cat Ba to avoid weekend price rises.
Carry small notes for street food and markets.
Share a private car or tour with other travelers to split costs.
Drink fresh beer at bia hoi spots instead of imported beer in bars.

Busy sidewalk bia hoi corner in Haiphong at night — *Sidewalk bia hoi is one of the cheapest nights out*

Where You Might Overspend

Seafood without a clear price: always agree on weight and price first.
Unmetered taxis: use apps or well known companies.
Last minute holiday bookings: book ahead around Tet and national holidays.
Motorbike rental damage claims: check the bike carefully and take photos before you ride.

A guided experience can also save money by helping you avoid tourist traps, which is why many budget travelers still choose one or two haiphong tours during their stay.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much money do I need per day in Haiphong?

Roughly 20 to 30 USD for a shoestring traveler, 35 to 60 USD on a comfortable budget and 70 to 130 USD for mid range travel, as a rough reference.

Is Haiphong cheaper than Hanoi?

Often slightly, especially for food and mid range hotels, though the difference is small.

Can I pay by card in Haiphong?

Many hotels, supermarkets and restaurants accept cards, but street stalls, markets and small shops need cash.

How much should I budget for Cat Ba?

Plan extra for transport, one night of accommodation and a boat trip. Shared boats keep costs low.

Do I need to tip in Haiphong?

Tipping is not required, but a small tip for good guides and drivers is appreciated.

Plan Your Haiphong Budget with Confidence

Your Haiphong budget travel cost per day depends on your style, but the city rewards every traveler with great food, free sights and friendly people. Eat local, walk the center, use ride apps and save your bigger spending for a day on Lan Ha Bay.

If you want honest advice on costs or a tour that fits your budget, Haiphong Adventure is happy to help. Contact us:

WhatsApp, Viber, WeChat: +84(0)934.555.001
KakaoTalk, Line ID: haiphongadventure

We look forward to helping you travel smart in Haiphong.