Mid-Range Travel Guide: Hcmc

Accommodation

$35-85 per night

Private rooms in mid-range hotels, boutique guesthouses, 3-star properties with private bathrooms

Food & Dining

$25-55 per day

Mix of local restaurants, tourist-friendly eateries, hotel breakfast, occasional upscale dining

Transportation

$12-35 per day

Grab rides, taxis for convenience, occasional private transfers, mix of public and private transport

Activities

$30-75 per day

Paid guided tours, museum entries, day trips to the city or the city, cultural shows

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