Quick answer: Hanoi runs about EUR 40 per day mid-range - noticeably less if you eat local and walk. Cheapest window: October–November or March–April (mild, dry).
What things actually cost
| bowl of pho | 1.80 EUR |
| egg coffee | 1.20 EUR |
| glass of bia hoi | 0.40 EUR |
| banh mi | 1.20 EUR |
| Grab ride across town | 2 EUR |
| Temple of Literature entry | 1.20 EUR |
Eat well for little
- Pho bo at Pho Gia Truyen, 49 Bat Danthe benchmark beef pho, about 1.80 EUR, morning queues move fast
- Bun cha at Bun Cha Huong Liengrilled pork with noodles at the spot Obama ate, about 2 EUR
- Banh mi at Banh Mi 25crusty pate-filled baguette for about 1.20 EUR
- Egg coffee at Cafe Giangwhipped yolk over dark coffee, invented here, about 1.20 EUR
- Bia hoi at the Ta Hien cornerfresh draft beer on plastic stools for about 0.40 EUR a glass
Money mistakes to avoid
- Freezing mid-street while crossingwalk slowly and steadily and the scooters flow around you; sudden stops cause accidents
- Hailing random street taxismeters get rigged; use Grab where a cross-town ride costs 1-3 EUR
- Only eating in tourist restaurantsthe best food is at single-dish street stalls; busy stalls with locals are the safe ones
- Changing money at the airportrates are poor; use gold shops on Ha Trung street or ATMs in town instead
Transport without the tourist tax
From Noi Bai Airport take Bus 86 to the Old Quarter (about 1.50 EUR, 45 minutes) or a Grab car for 10-12 EUR. In town walk the Old Quarter and use Grab bikes or cars, with most rides costing 1-3 EUR.
Planning the full trip? Start with the 4-day Hanoi itinerary.