Vietnam720: Cost of living in Saigon Vietnam created by Doug Rice from HCMC, Bangkok and Beyond. Do note that this list was blogged back in March this year (2009) so some prices will change.
Doug Rice: Sample prices of common items you might need while in Saigon – (aprox. 17,500 dong = 1 US dollar)
• Pho (Vietnamese noodle soup) ……11,00o – 25,000 dong
• Bun Bo Hue……… Zen Plaza food court …….25,000 dong
• Can of coke at the market……………………………6,000 dong
• Can of soda water -market…………………………..4,000 dong
• Aquafina 1.5 l of mineral water market……… 8,000 dong
• Iced coffee with milk – ca phe sua da…5,000 – 25.000 dong
• Ba Ba Ba beer in the market…………………….. 8,000 dong
• Tiger beer in the market……………………………12,000 dong
• Heineken beer in the market……………………….14,500 dong
• Budweiser beer – market …………………………….21,000 dong
• Pilipino Tondena rum gold -750 ml bottle….. 65,000 dong
• Havana Club Anejo 3 Anos, Cuban rum -750 ml bottle. 235,000 dong
• Vietnamese Ruou rhum 650 ml – Ben Thanh Market … 20,000 dong
• Rex Golith California wine…………………………….258,000 dong
• Ruou Dalat red wine………………………………………82,000 dong
• Peter Pan, jar (chunky) peanut butter…………….50,000 dong
• Sardines, can (packed in olive oil)…………………..46,200 dong
• Spam, can…………………………………………………………63,000 dong
• Tray for freezing ice cubes for my rhum and co-ca. 4,000 dong
• Nice dinner for two at a Vietnamese restaurant… 130,000 dong
• Omelet and coffee in the Pham Ngu Lao area………..40,000 dong
• Hair cut, shampoo, face wash with chair massage. 80,000 dong
• Knock off polo shirt……………………………………………….85,000 dong
• Xe om – motorbike taxi in city center………… 5,000 – 15,000 dong
• Guesthouse monthly stay ………………. $ 250 -350.00 USD per month including cable TV, AC, hot water private bath, and laundry
• Hotel room …………………………… $ 35.00 – 250.00 USD a night
• Air fare to Bangkok from Saigon…$ 300.00 USD round trip
• Air fare to Hanoi from Saigon……. $ 200.00 USD round trip
• Hydrofoil to Vung Tau…………………$10.oo USD each way
• Direct bus Saigon to Siem Reap, Cambodia…. .$ 20.00 USD one way
• Cambodian Visa…………………………..$ 24.00
• Serviced apt- fully furnished ……….. $ 800.00 USD and up per month
• Mars dark chocolate bar . Zen Plaza……………. 14,000 dong
• Breakfast Pho, iced tea and coffee with milk.. 30,000 dong
• Khoai tay chin small bag (potato chips) from the market…. 14,000 dong
• One hour of computer use at a Saigon Internet shop….. 4,000 dong
• Cost of a pet Bull dog bred imported from Australia…….$800. USD on up
• Cost of a pet Pug pure bred dog imported from Austrialia……$300.00 USD up
• restored 1950’s -1960’s Vespa…$ 2,000 – $ 6,000 USD
• new motorbike ……. starting at… $1500.00 USD
• Disposable rain poncho bought on the street…..2,500 dong
• Copy MS Office Pro 2007……………………………….50.000 dong
Let me know if you would like something added to the list. And do share these Vietnam tips with your friends.
Hi.
How can I find a place for less than $300 a month? Staying for 3 months
Looking for minimal space with private bath.
Hi Jason, just make your way to Pham Ngu Lao Street
Lots of places for under $300 in this backpacker’s area in Saigon.
Vietnam 720,
How long are you staying in Vietnam for?
“The Deck” on District 2, per your Virtual Tour, seems like a nice spot. Thank you for posting that. I’ve marked it down for lounging.
Thought about staying in Phu My Hung, but heard traffic was really bad getting into the city. and it might be boring staying out there.
Thanks for the suggestion on accommodation. I’m looking for a simple & clean & modern apartment/room with private bath. will search in Pham Ngu Lao for a decent place.
be there late November for christmas, new year, and lunar new year.
Hi Jason, I have a few more years for Vietnam
Yeah, The Deck is GREAT. They have some sunset pictures in their Facebook Group. Not too well taken but still give u a good idea of how’s it’s like in the late evening.
Not sure if u can get anything for under $300 at PMH or not although I had an offer 3 years back for $250 in one of the hotel room.
If u ask me, my vote still go to PNL for the proximity to town and good food.
Do let us in on your updates and maybe share your home hunting experiences with the visitors here.
All the best.
Ben
Ben,
What do you recommend I should do for accommodation?
Reserve a hotel for several days, then look around Pham Ngu Lao for rooms?
Would you recommend staying on De Tham Street, Bui Vien Street, or Pham Ngu Lao Street?
Hi Jason,
Many of the mini hotels in the backpacker’s area double up as private apartment or that they do provide long term stay. So 1 tip is to stay a few days with a few of them, then chose 1 good place.
As for which street, it makes no difference as they are all close by. Important is to have a comfortable room with proper facilities and friendly landlord.
How long are u gonna be staying in Saigon?
Ben,
Great Tip.
I’ll be staying for 3 months minimum.
Thank you for offering resources. Your website is fantastic!
Jason,
Thank you for your compliment.
Sorry, didn’t read the top comments to realise it’s the same person posting and that you had mentioned already you are staying here for at least 3 months.
Have fun in Vietnam. I’m sure you gonna love Vietnam
What about safe travel to Xuan Loc, and lodging there. Are the guest houses cheaper than Saigon?
Hi Ezra,
I’m not familiar with Xuan Loc so can’t comment about the safety there. But I do know Xuan Loc is in Dong Nai which is a good 50km away from Saigon. If it’s on a tour, then yeah, go on the road less travelled. But if it’s for work, then try coming to Ho Chi Minh City, at least for a start and as a warm up to Vietnam. Things ouside the major cities will for sure be cheaper but this also means lesser entertainment spots, lesser friends and expat around you…
Thanks for your responses. I was in Xuan Loc during the war. My tentative plan is to essentially “backpack”; that is, not looking for organized entertainment, clubs etc. Just want to wander in the markets, maybe mix a little with the farm community and maybe even take some guided hikes through the jungle. I love the food and wish to buy the dishes in the most humble of settings and at low prices. The fruits are second to none! Also, am thinking of coming during the rainy season as not as convenient for many tourist and not as busy. The every day cultural experience is interesting to me. Also, might seek temporary employment in an area where my English language skills can be an asset. I am able to speak only a little Vietnamese – just enough to make them smile and answer in very simple sentences. Can you comment on any of this? Thanks again.
Hi Ezra,
Wow, a war veteran.
The wet weather usually starts around May in Vietnam. But if u are taking the unbeaten track, then I guess anytime will be fine.
As for teaching, u’ll find it easier to get hired at the bigger cities. Hope this help.