Vietnam: Accommodation

We had decided early on in our trip planning that we wanted to have a good mix of luxury offerings, but also save money where we could.

When it came to booking hotels – we had a couple of non-negotiables: We needed a private bathroom, free WiFi (accessible in the room), a view where applicable and breakfast included.

Generally I prefer to spend my money on experiences rather than fancy meals or accommodation – but when I’m travelling to somewhere relatively cheap, I don’t mind splashing out on a bit of luxury – to see how the other half live, and all that.

Having organised to stay in a cheap and cheerful run-of-the-mill sort of place in the backpacker district in Ho Chi Min City – and knowing we were going to be saving cash by roughing it in overnight buses and trains, we decided to splash out a bit, and reward ourselves with a fancy hotel in Nha Trang.

Next up was Thanh Binh Riverside Hotel in Hoi An, which, while really pretty decent, didn’t stand a chance in the shadow of the Sheraton in Nha Trang.

For our day in Hue we booked a kip – just somewhere to leave our stuff while we explored the city.  In the end though, we hired a private car and guide, and didn’t end up going to the hotel.

Later that night we flew to Hanoi, where we stayed in Hanoi Backpackers in the busy French Quarter.

Finally, after hours spent labouring over which boat to spend the night on for our trip to Ha Long Bay – we decided to go with Ha Long Phoenix.

HCMC

Name

Saigon Backpackers Hostel @ Pham Ngu Lao

Location

Pham Ngu Lao – right in the heart of the busy backpackers district. Minutes from where national buses collect travellers. Close to dozens of food, booze and massage places.

Price

$25 dollars per night for a double room with en suite.

Includes

Hot, but basic breakfast, WiFi throughout entire hotel, travel agent/booking desk, communal relaxation/gaming room.

Website

Review

Nha Trang

Name

Sheraton Hotel & Spa

Location

Fantastic. Right on the beach in the thick of it.

Price

$171 per night for a Deluxe Sea View Room

Includes

Buffet breakfast, WiFi throughout the entire hotel, concierge service that we found helpful in booking our overnight train to Hoi An.

Website

Review

Hoi An

Name

Thanh Binh Riverside Hotel

Location

The hotel is in what I would call an up and coming area. It’s right on the river and close enough to down but it seems to be in a bit of a backwater that’s not quite there.

Price

$75.00 for a Deluxe River View Room

Includes

Buffet breakfast, free WiFi throughout entire hotel, helpful staff who helped us book a private driver and tour guide for our day in Hue.

Website

Review

Hue

Name

Binh Minh Sunrise Hotel

Location

Just across the river from the Royal Palace

Price

$15 for a double room with en suite

Includes

Breakfast and free Wifi throughout the hotel

NB We didn’t end up staying in this hotel and chose it purely on its location and price.

Website

Hanoi

Name

Hanoi Backpackers – Downtown Hostel

Location

Right in the centre of the busy French Quarter

Price

$57 per night for a double room with an en suite

Includes

Free collection from the airport, free WiFi throughout the hostel, travel service, free walking tours and pub crawls, a very busy bar and a selection of hot or cold breakfast options

NB Hanoi Backpackers has two outlets in the city – Original and Downtown. We chose Downtown – on Ma May street

Website

Review

Ha Long Bay

Name

Ha Long Phoenix

Location

Ha Long Bay

Price

$150 for a Deluxe Cabin

Includes

Return transfers from your accommodation in Hanoi to Tuan Chau International Marina, meals (but not drinks), several side trips (beach, caves etc), guided kayaking trip, cooking class.

Website

Review