Accommodation options

Accommodation is not an issue in Vietnam, even if you’re traveling on a pretty tight budget. Accommodation in Vietnam ranges from basic US$6-a-night dorm accommodation in backpacking hostels to world-class resorts, both in large cities and in popular coastal and rural destinations. Even backpacking hostels and budget hotels are far cleaner and nicer than in neighbouring countries (Cambodia, Thailand, Laos), and cheap hotels that charge US$8-10 for a double room are often very clean and equipped with towels, clean white sheets, soap, disposable toothbrushes and so on.

In hotels costing a few dollars more (US$12 per room upwards, more in Hanoi) you can expect an en suite bathroom, telephone, air conditioning and television. As with hotels elsewhere in the world, mini-refrigerators in Vietnamese hotels are often stocked with drinks and snacks, but these can be horribly overpriced and you would be much better off buying such items on the street. Adequate plumbing can be a problem in some hotels but the standard is constantly improving.

Most hotels throughout Vietnam now have very good high-speed Internet access and the use of computers is generally free, although some hotels levy a small charge. The more high-end hotels offer a multitude of amenities; such as elaborate buffets with local cuisine, spa treatments, local sightseeing packages, etc.

Homestay accommodation is easily booked through travel agents. However, some tourists are disappointed to learn that the “homestay” they booked is really a commercial hotel or the accommodation is situated in a separate building from the family home.