Vietnam Hotels and Hostels

Tourism has been steadily increasing in Vietnam, and locals are making the most of this trend. There are constantly new and refurbished hotels opened throughout the country. This creates competition which keeps the prices quite low and the quality surprisingly high. You can find budget accommodations that are some of the cheapest in the region that far surpass the quality you might expect in nearby Cambodia or even Thailand.
If you're looking for a splurge, you won't be disappointed as well. In addition to the many accommodation options for budget conscience travelers, there are many high end resort facilities that come equipped with all kinds of amenities.
Throughout the country you'll find travel agents eager to book you a room in a hotel. This is usually not necessary and will likely cost you more as the travel agents take a cut of the price. Hotels will also offer to book your bus or train tickets. This is a convenient option, but you will pay more and you aren't guaranteed to end up on the bus that is promised. Always be a little skeptical, and do negotiate hard.

Finding the Best Prices

Generally speaking, prices in Vietnam are quite low. Even the traveler on the tightest budget will be pleasantly surprised with the costs of accommodations in Vietnam. It is typically expected that you will negotiate the price, so come prepared. Also ask to see the room and bathroom ahead of time to ensure you're getting exactly what you have been told. The best advice is to wait to find accommodation until you arrive in a city. Many travel agents will try to book your accommodations ahead of time and will take a cut of the top. This also significantly limits your ability to negotiate so you are likely to pay more than your fellow travelers. You may also be surprised to find that you pay more in less touristy areas, where there are less hotels and competition has not driven the prices down yet.

Types of Accommodation

There are a range of accommodation types in Vietnam. You can find anything from a backpacker's hostel to a budget hotel to five star resort hotels. Many hotels come equipped with things like a mini fridge, air conditioning, or an on-site restaurant. You may also have a pool at your hotel, but don't be surprised if they actually cool the water, making it a little uncomfortable to swim. Hotels are rated with "stars" and stars are given based on the amenities available, not the quality of accommodation. Even the cheapest hotels may have a fridge in the corner to boost their star rating, despite the run down nature of the accommodation. Generally you will be pleasantly surprised in the quality of accommodation in Vietnam though. The constant turnover in hotels means there are always new facilities trying to get your business.