The best accommodations North

Budget & Tips

Prices naturally vary according to the category of establishment. The hotel infrastructure (hotel is called khach san) has developed enormously. Luxury resorts (over U$100 for a double room) are proliferating. Alongside luxury hotels that meet international standards, there are a multitude of inns or mini-hotels(nha khach or nha nghi). Not all are of high quality, but most offer acceptable comfort. In the more modest hotels, the hierarchy is established according to comfort - air conditioning or fan - but also according to floor (the last being always the cheapest, especially when there is no elevator...). The season is also a factor: the high season, which runs from May¹ to the end of September, also includes the months of January and February (Tet celebrations). In the major cities, expect to pay a minimum of US$40 per person for a room in a standard hotel. In mini-hotels, expect to pay between US$20 and US$30 for a double room with a certain level of comfort (in major tourist cities; elsewhere, it's half the price). All prices are given as an indication only; with tact, it is often possible to haggle. This is particularly true of resorts, which often offer substantial reductions on official rates (websites are full of promotional offers and full of pleasant surprises). More and more establishments accept payment by credit card (3% service charge), but this is not always the case, especially for the less expensive hotels.

To be booked

It's always better to make a reservation. Firstly, because it gives you a strong bargaining position. Establishments with websites often offer attractive promotional offers for online bookings. Secondly, because during certain periods (summer vacations, from May to September, and especially the Têt period in January-February), many establishments are fully booked.

What's very local

You can stay privately with Vietnamese friends: all they have to do is report you to the police (!).Homestay is not yet commonplace in Vietnam, but it is becoming more widespread, particularly in the northern mountains. It has been "institutionalized" and taken over by tourism agencies, and the practice is proving very successful, as in certain minority villages in the north of the country (for example, in the Lac village of the Thai minority, in Mai Chau) or in the Mekong delta.

Last but not least, Airbnb (www.airbnb.fr), the paid community platform for renting and booking private accommodations, is booming. As is always the case in Vietnam, its initial purpose is often misused, and the platform is sometimes used by professionals. It also operates in a certain legal limbo. However, it does offer some excellent opportunities. See also Booking (www.booking.com).

For food lovers

Breakfast is generally included, even if the quality is not always up to scratch, particularly in the case of buffet breakfasts offered in establishments catering to tourist groups (fruit juice from concentrate, etc.). You'll often find both Western (eggs, bread, pastries) and local(pho, stir-fried rice) offerings. Luxury hotel restaurants often serve high-quality cuisine.

Smokers

No-smoking areas are signposted. Vietnam suffers from a very high smoking rate. In practice, smoking bans are not always respected. In theory, smoking is forbidden in unventilated public places, including hotels. Smoking rooms are available in most large hotels. Smaller establishments generally have an outdoor area dedicated to smokers.

Tourist traps

If you're traveling as a couple, specify that you'd like a double bed, otherwise you may end up in a room with 2 single beds. At mini-hotel reception, specify that you want a room with a window. Choose the upper floors to escape street noise, especially in big cities like Hanoi. The downside of this advantage: it's often necessary to climb steep, narrow staircases. Space is scarce and expensive, resulting in a very particular type of high, narrow building.

In Hanoi, several establishments offer rooms... without windows! This may be acceptable for one night, but becomes a real inconvenience for many. Check before you book!