If you're jetting off to Asia's beloved S-shaped nation, take care of booking the best accommodation before you arrive. This resplendent country offers an abundance of listings and styles of homes. We have dropped in some useful tips and guidelines to ensure you have a safe and inclusive experience in your new abode.
Throughout this article, we will take a glance at standard accommodation options, such as hotels and hostels. However, we will also advise you on private accommodation, from apartments to bungalows. We will share several resources to enable informed decisions before your arrival. Regardless of your budget, you're bound to find accommodation in Vietnam that matches your inclination.
Interesting fact about Vietnam
The French colonized Vietnam at the end of the 19th century, and European influence is still prominent in city structures across the country. The characteristic facades and uniquely shaped roofs paint a small portrait of Vietnam's lengthy heritage. The Presidential Palace, Opera House, and St Joseph's Cathedral are classic examples of French influence.
Different styles of accommodation in Vietnam
Let's take a look at some of the most prevalent accommodation options in Vietnam. There is something to suit every budget; from cheap and cheerful hostels to the red carpet treatment, Vietnam will not disappoint. You can expect to spend as little as USD 6 per night or up to USD 40 per night. You can also find diversity if you are looking for monthly or weekly payments. Remember that apartments, hostels, and houses in Vietnam are different from other parts of the world, and keep these style choices in mind to avoid disconnect in viewings:
- Elevators are not common unless you are specifically booking a luxurious hotel. Expect many stairs.
- Houses will have a ground-floor garage space with a kitchen sharing the same level.
- Apartments usually have small or non-existent kitchen space.
- It is common to have a large outdoor space in the front of a house versus zero backyard.
- Floors are almost always tiled, and a small Buddhist shrine can be found near the entrance of most properties. If you are moving into a new home, you may find a previous shrine or your landlord may come over to continue tradition and good luck.
Accommodation for budget travelers in Vietnam
If you are traveling through Southeast Asia with just a backpack and a low budget, you still have many housing options, both temporary and long-term.
Good to know:
Whether you're arriving in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, visit the Old Quarter or Bui Vien Street, respectively, and see how far you can make USD 10 stretch. This amount of money should be ample for drinks and street food at local establishments.
The most popular websites people use to find accommodation in Vietnam are:
Booking.com: Excellent selection of budget or high-end accommodations. Booking.com is great for reviews and photos but lacks accommodation outside of central tourist areas.
Agoda: Medium selection of main hotels. Mostly geared towards mid-budget travelers.
Hostelworld: Perfect for travelers with tight budgets, Hostelworld is also a social platform that helps connect travelers while in the same city.
Airbnb: Great for long-term accommodation. A lot of landlords will have apartments on Airbnb and will negotiate off the platform. It is not recommended for budget plans but works in a pinch of medium to high-end budgeting. It is also a great option to live in a variety of neighborhoods not associated with “tourism”.
Facebook: This social media is widely used in Vietnam, and joining expat groups can also help connect with shared housing or with real estate agents.
High-end accommodation in Vietnam
If money is no object, the sky's the limit in Vietnam. The obvious choice of hotels in the major cities would be brands like The Hilton or The Sheraton. Expect the crème-de-la-crème from these reputable hotels:
- Fusion Suites
- Mia Saigon
- Sofitel Hanoi
The hospitality at this level of accommodation is different, and the staff may even have experience abroad or certificates specifically in hospitality and tourism.
Prices for rooms at this level start at $US 100/night and come with the benefit of around-the-clock room service or a private tour desk. What's more, luxury hotels are always situated in the nicest parts of town. The Hanoi Sheraton, for example, sits right beside West Lake, the largest body of water in the city. The Hanoi Hilton, on the other hand, is located near the Opera House, as in Saigon, where the Hotel D'Art is also next to the opera house.
Should you choose to reside in a luxury apartment or villa during your stay in Vietnam, the options will dazzle you. For top-end prices, you are guaranteed a swimming pool, but if you are also searching for gym facilities, make sure to double-check with the property.
The most expensive areas in Vietnam
In 2018, Ho Chi Minh City was declared the priciest place to live in Vietnam. This was closely followed by Hanoi and then Da Nang. Compared to other Southeast Asia countries, Vietnam is at the cheaper end of the spectrum in general. However, if you're hoping to adhere to that shoestring budget, smaller towns are your best bet. The difficulty you'll encounter here is that the international letting outlets have a limited supply of accommodation in the lesser-known places.
Customs in Vietnam regarding accommodation
If you plan to stay in private accommodation for longer durations, you will almost certainly be required to pay a deposit. Most landlords will ask for a one-month deposit in addition to the first month's rent in advance. However, some may ask for a two-month deposit. Should you decide to arrange something outside of the trusted networks like Airbnb, you would be assuming additional risk.
You will be expected to sign a rental contract, and it is legal to have it in both Vietnamese and English. This will serve a dual purpose to protect yourself as the tenant and for the landlord to update the police records of the tenancy. Unfortunately, if any discrepancy occurs between you and your landlord, taking legal action would be a costly and lengthy process. For this reason, sticking to reputable letting companies is advisable.
Choosing accommodation in Vietnam considering the weather
Vietnam is a hot country; however, if you prefer chillier weather, consider the north between November and March. Temperatures can drop to less than 10 degrees Celsius in Hanoi and even lower in the further mountainous ranges of Sapa or the province of Ha Giang.
The south is hot for the majority of the year, minus the rainy season, which makes the metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City challenging for some to live in. Temperatures can soar to the high 30s, and combined with the humidity and city congestion, it can border on unbearable.
Central Vietnam also goes back and forth between dry and rainy and is an area that experiences annual flooding. Nha Trang, Hoi An, Da Nang, and Hue are some of the most popular cities. Heading further inland, the mountainous city of Dalat offers tranquility, excellent cafes, and budget-friendly accommodation.
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