Should we prebook accom in vietnam or find something when we get there?

Question

We are looking at flying into Hanoi and spending time in Sapa and Halong Bay - and maybe Hoi An. Has anyone got any suggestions on places to stay and should we prebook? thanks

Answer 1

definitely prebook.  In Vietnam a 5 star hotel room costs about $100 to $200 dollars, 4 star is even under $100.  But if you want these reliable, and most importantly sanitary accommodations, prebook because these hotels fill quickly.

In Hanoi avoid avoid hotel fortuna, it puts on a good face, but in truth its across town from anything and it is very shabby.  It cuts corners to save money, and the "potable" water got my entire group sick.

In Hoi An, I stayed at Hoi An beach resort.  It is very charming, quiet, and across the street from the beach.  You can arrange to rent a moped with the front desk, and for $5 dollars you get a 5 hour rental and a full tank of gas.  Internet is free and the grounds are gorgeous.  For a late night drink, visit My's cafe across the street from the north end of the resort.  He is the kindest man and a visit to his cafe means spending a delightful evening with his family

Answer 2

I would say it all depends on the dates of your travel and what not.  Yes you should prebook if you are going to be staying in all 4-5* hotels in the prelisted places, but other than that i would say it would be needless due to the fact that you can find a place easily anywhere in Vietnam almost anytime of year.  

Im going to recommend you some hotels other than the high enders.

In Hanoi i would recommend staying at the Orchid Hotel its a new hotel right next to the Hang Be market in the middle of the old qrtr.

Halong bay you would probably be just doing 2-3 days and i would only recommend the 2 day trips because there is no agency that can orchestrate the 3 day tours succesfully yet. So go with the 2 days 1 night and i can recommend the comopany i am a tour guide for is Bai Tu Long Junk company.

Hoi An has 2 of my top 5 hotels in Vietnam!  If you can afford about 300USD for 2 nights at a hotel than i would recommend the Swiss Bel Golden Sand Resort Private Beach Front Bungalow.  If you are on a bit more meager budget i would recommend the Hoi An Trails Resort in Hoi An a bit out of the city just a lil bit, but will provide you with free shuttle bus to the beach and the city.  Very nice rooms and nice aura at the hotel.

Answer 3

find as u go....no need to prebook

Answer 4

I would prebook direct with hotel.  If wanting to stay in the old quarter Golden Sun is a nice 3 star, we stayed there last summer.  They have a rooms from around $30 to $50 a night. We have stayed at a couple other hotels during past trips in the old quarter too; but not as nice, easy to book online.

This summer we are staying at the Van Mieu, close to the Temple of Literature away from the old quarter.  For us the Van Mieu is better is a better choice.  

As far as booking tours, any hotel that you stay at can do that for you and hold your luggage for free while you are gone.

A one or two day Halong Bay Cruise is enough.  We have done both and didn't do either this trip.  Many good day trips that you can do from HaNoi that are very resonable too.

Last Saturday we did an all day Boat Cruise on the Red River visiting two Pagoda's and Bat Trung Pottery Village.  Cost with live tradional music on board with lunch included was only $22 each.

Have fun.  Cheers fm C

Answer 5

WAIT UNTIL YOU GET THERE!!

i just got back and never had trouble finding a hotel room, stayed in great places all over the country, with pools, air-con, cable t.v etc and never paid more than USD10 for a double room (total for 2 people).

When you get to hanoi get a cab to the old quarter for approx USD10 and there are hundreds of hotels.

Also, for Sapa and Halong you are better to get the accom as part of a package incl transport, sightseeing, can do all of this from Hanoi - just look for the real Sinh cafe, there are only about 200 fakes so easy peasy.  just kidding, you will never find which one is the real one......most of the travel agents in the old quarter of Hanoi are sweet, especially the ones on ma may street. Just make sure you do not book a tour through your hotel as you will get ripped off and never get the product they sell you.

SERIOUSLY, WAIT UNTIL YOU GET THERE YOU WILL SAVE HEAPS!!

Answer 6

Dear Nic,

Thank you very much for your post.

you should book your accomodation in advance. Some hotel will be fully booking so you can not book on date you arrive.

My suggestion are:

Hanoi: Thang long opera hotel, Majestic Salute, Kingly hotel

Sapa: Chau Long hotel

Hoi An: River beach hotel, Thuy Duong 3 Hotel, Hoai Thanh hotel

Halong: Asean halong, Huong Hai Junk

If you try to book direct to the hotel the price surely higher. Pls email to me via [e-mail] I will give you special offer and good service guaranteed

Pls visit us at : www.travelindochine.net for more information

Tran Hoang Anh (Dent Tran/MR)

www.travelindochine.net

[e-mail]

Answer 7

Book in advance. It will save you a lot of hassle when you arrive in Vietnam. For Halong Bay I also recommend that you arrange the trip by boat upfront from Hanoi and make sure ALL is included ... there have been some scams recently.

Otherwise Vietnam is great, you'll love it!