How Much Does Travel to Mongolia Cost? Detailed Expenses for the Trip

Mongolia – the land of vast steppes, the mysterious Gobi Desert, and unique nomadic culture – is an attractive destination for those who love exploration. The questions that many travelers are most concerned about are: How much does it cost to travel to Mongolia? In this article, NVK Travel will analyze in detail the necessary expenses for a self-guided or tour trip to Mongolia, helping you plan your finances accurately and most economically.

Overview of travel costs to Mongolia

The cost of traveling to Mongolia depends on many factors such as time, type of travel (self-guided or tour), level of comfort, and the activities you want to experience. Below is an estimate of the total cost for a 7-day trip from Vietnam:

• Self-guided travel: About 25-40 million VND/person (depending on the level of savings or luxury).
• All-inclusive tour travel: About 35-60 million VND/person (including airfare, accommodation, transportation, and guide).

Let's analyze each specific expense with NVK Travel so you can easily budget!

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Airfare costs

Currently, there are no direct flights from Vietnam to Mongolia. You need to transit through cities like Seoul, Beijing, or Hong Kong to reach Chinggis Khaan International Airport in Ulaanbaatar. Some popular airlines include:

• Korean Air, Asiana Airlines: Transit in Seoul, round-trip ticket prices from 15-22 million VND.
• Air China: Transit in Beijing, prices from 13-20 million VND.
• MIAT Mongolian Airlines: A domestic airline in Mongolia, often combined with other airlines, prices from 18-25 million VND.

Tips for saving:

• Book tickets 2-3 months in advance, especially if traveling during peak season (June-September, especially for the Naadam festival in July).
• Use platforms like Skyscanner or Google Flights to compare prices.
• Choose short transit flights (4-6 hours) to save time and additional costs.

Estimate: 15-25 million VND/person (round trip).

Visa application costs

A highlight for Vietnamese tourists is that from March 7, 2024, Mongolia will waive visas for Vietnamese citizens with a maximum stay of 30 days. This helps you save about 30-50 USD (equivalent to 700,000-1,200,000 VND) compared to before. However, please prepare:

• A passport valid for at least 6 months.
• Travel insurance (about 200,000-500,000 VND for 7 days) to cover risks.

Estimate: 200,000-500,000 VND/person (mainly for insurance).

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Transportation costs in Mongolia

The public transportation system in Mongolia is still limited, especially outside the capital Ulaanbaatar. Here are some common transportation options:

• Renting a 4x4 jeep with a driver: Suitable for exploring the steppes, Gobi Desert, or national parks. Prices from 700,000-1,500,000 VND/day (including fuel and driver).
• Horse/camel riding: A unique experience, prices from 200,000-500,000 VND/hour, depending on the area.
• Bus or taxi: Only available in Ulaanbaatar, prices from 20,000-100,000 VND/short trip.

Tips for saving:

• Travel in groups to share vehicle rental costs.
• Negotiate prices with drivers before departure.
• Use offline map apps (like Maps.me) to avoid getting lost.

Estimate: 3-7 million VND/person for 7 days (depending on the itinerary).

Accommodation costs

In Ulaanbaatar

The capital has many accommodation options suitable for all budgets:

• 4-5 star hotels: Shangri-La Ulaanbaatar, Best Western Premier (prices from 2-4 million VND/night).
• 2-3 star hotels: Prices from 500,000-1,200,000 VND/night, basic amenities.
• Hostels or guesthouses: Sunpath Mongolia, Zaya Hostel (prices from 150,000-400,000 VND/night).

Traditional Ger tents

In the steppes or Gobi Desert, Ger tents are a unique option:

• Basic Ger camp: Prices from 200,000-500,000 VND/night, with beds and heating.
• Luxury Ger camp: Equipped with amenities like private bathrooms, prices from 1-2 million VND/night.

Money-saving tips:

• Book early through Agoda, Booking.com or contact nomadic families directly.
• Bring a sleeping bag if camping freely to reduce costs.

Estimated: 1.5-7 million VND/person for 7 days (depending on accommodation type).

Food costs

Mongolian cuisine mainly relies on meat and dairy, reflecting the nomadic lifestyle. Some must-try dishes:

• Buuz: Steamed buns with meat filling (price 10,000-20,000 VND/piece).
• Khorkhog: Meat stew with hot stones (price 150,000-300,000 VND/portion).
• Airag: Fermented horse milk (price 20,000-50,000 VND/liter).
• In Ulaanbaatar: A meal at an average restaurant ranges from 100,000-300,000 VND/person.
• In the steppe: Eating with nomadic families is cheaper, around 50,000-150,000 VND/meal.
• Self-prepared: Buy dry food (instant noodles, biscuits) at supermarkets in Ulaanbaatar, prices around 50,000-100,000 VND/day.

Money-saving tips:

• Buy groceries at Nomin supermarket or Naran Tuul market in Ulaanbaatar.
• Avoid ordering complicated dishes in remote areas to save costs.

Estimated: 1.5-3 million VND/person for 7 days.

Sightseeing and activity costs

Entrance tickets

• National Museum of Mongolia, Zanabazar Museum of Fine Arts: Ticket prices from 50,000-150,000 VND.
• Gandan Khiid Monastery: Free entry, but donations of around 20,000-50,000 VND are encouraged.
• Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, Khustai Nuruu: Entrance fee around 50,000-100,000 VND.

Special activities

• Naadam Festival (July): Ticket prices for competitions from 200,000-500,000 VND/day.
• Horseback riding in the steppe: 200,000-400,000 VND/hour.
• Gobi Desert tour (3-4 days): Prices from 5-10 million VND/person, including transport, guide, and accommodation.

Estimated: 2-5 million VND/person for 7 days (depending on activities).

Other costs

• 4G SIM: Mobicom or Unitel, prices from 150,000-400,000 VND for 5-10GB, but note that remote areas may have no signal.
• Souvenirs: Buy sheep wool scarves, handicrafts at Naran Tuul market, prices from 100,000-500,000 VND/item.
• Unexpected expenses: Budget 1-2 million VND for emergencies (medications, unexpected travel).

Estimated: 1-3 million VND/person.

Cost comparison: Self-guided and tour package

Self-guided: Suitable for travelers who enjoy freedom, have planning experience, and are ready to face challenges such as difficult transportation or language barriers. Package tour: Saves time, ensures safety, suitable for first-time visitors to Mongolia.

Tips to save costs

• Book early: Flights, accommodations, and tours should be booked 2-3 months in advance, especially during peak season.
• Travel in groups: Share costs for vehicles, Ger tents, or guides to reduce expenses.
• Prioritize free experiences: Enjoy the steppe, visit Chinggis Khaan Square, or walk in the national park.
• Bring dry food: Reduce dining costs in remote areas.
• Choose budget accommodations: Stay in hostels or basic Ger tents instead of luxury hotels.

Why choose NVK Travel for your trip to Mongolia?

Traveling in Mongolia is a unique but challenging journey, especially if you are self-guided. To ensure a cost-effective, safe, and fulfilling trip, consider the professionally designed tours from NVK Travel. We offer:

• Flexible itineraries: Suitable for all needs, from exploring the steppe to experiencing the Naadam festival.
• All-inclusive services: Including flights, accommodations, transportation, and local guides.
• Attractive offers: Book tours early to get the best prices.

Start your journey to explore the land of nomadic warriors today! Visit https://nvktravel.com/ for free consultation and plan your memorable trip to Mongolia with NVK Travel.