Budget/Backpacker Travel Guide: Hcmc

Accommodation

$8-25 per night

Dorm beds in backpacker hostels, basic guesthouses, budget hotels with shared bathrooms

Food & Dining

$8-20 per day

Street food stalls, local markets, pho shops, banh mi vendors, occasional local restaurants

Transportation

$3-12 per day

Public buses, walking, occasional motorbike taxi for short distances, local buses to nearby areas

Activities

$5-25 per day

Free walking tours, self-guided temple visits, public parks, occasional museum entry, local markets

Eat at local street food stalls and markets instead of tourist restaurants - typically 60-80% cheaper with authentic flavors

Use public buses and walk when possible instead of taxis - can save 70-85% on daily transport costs

Stay in Districts 3, 5, or 10 instead of the city tourist area - accommodation typically 40-60% cheaper

Book tours directly with local operators rather than through hotels - usually 30-50% less expensive

Shop at local markets like Ben Thanh early morning for better prices - vendors often give 20-40% discounts

Drink local coffee at sidewalk cafes instead of international chains - typically 3-5 times cheaper

Use ride-sharing apps during off-peak hours to avoid surge pricing - can save 25-50% on transport

Taking taxis everywhere instead of learning the bus system - can triple your daily transport costs unnecessarily

Eating only in the city tourist zone - food prices typically 100-200% higher than local neighborhoods

Booking last-minute accommodation during peak season - can pay 50-100% more than advance bookings

Buying souvenirs at tourist attractions instead of local markets - markup typically 200-400% higher

Not negotiating prices at markets and with tour operators - missing out on standard 20-40% discounts