Where to stay in Vietnam: Areas & booking tips

Accommodations in Vietnam range from high-rise hotels in Ho Chi Minh City to wooden stilt houses in the far north, and everything in between. You won’t see many big-name chains outside the cities, but that’s not a bad thing.

Expect good value, though prices jump in the dry season. From November to March, book ahead for Hanoi, Hoi An, and the islands. From May to September, when it’s hot and wet, deals are easier to find. In smaller towns, you can still knock on doors and ask around.

This guide to where to stay in Vietnam helps you find the right base – from street-food neighborhoods to sleepy river towns – and offers booking tips that save you time, money, and hassle.

Where to stay in Vietnam: From budget to luxury

Accommodations in Vietnam are practical, varied, and often surprisingly affordable, whether you’re in the heart of Hanoi or on a quiet stretch of the Mekong. You’ll find everything from bare-bones guesthouses to high-end resorts, with plenty in between.

Dorm beds in hostels usually run $5-7 (€4.60-€6.50), while basic private rooms start around $10 (€9). Expect simple comforts – a fan, a mattress, and maybe a cold shower – plus a genuine welcome.

Spend $25-60 (€23-€56) and you’ll get a noticeable step up: boutique hotels, mid-range homestays, and bungalows with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and stronger Wi-Fi. Pools and breakfast are common in this range, too.

Luxury accommodations in Vietnam start at around $80 (€75), including beachside resorts, city hotels in colonial buildings, and villas with panoramic views. Go above $100 (€93) and you can expect spa access, more space, and polished service.

Where to stay in Vietnam depends on how you like to travel – fast and flexible, or slower with more comfort. Either way, you’ll find good places to stay without stretching your budget.

Best accommodation types in Vietnam

Vietnam’s accommodation landscape is shaped by local habits, geography, and rapid development. From a nhà nghỉ on the side of a highway to designer villas in Hoi An, options vary widely in comfort, style, and reliability. These are the main types of places you’ll come across when booking accommodations in Vietnam.

Mini-hotels (Khách sạn mini)

From $10 (€9.30) per night

Found in nearly every Vietnamese city or town, these small, family-run hotels often go five or six stories high, squeezed into narrow urban plots. Rooms are functional – tiled floors, a firm bed, an en-suite bathroom, and often a window with a view of the next concrete wall. Some include free tea or instant noodles for breakfast. Don’t expect polish, but they’re usually clean and affordable.

Nhà nghỉ (guest lodges)

From $8 (€7.50) per night

These are local-style motels used by domestic travelers, often near highways or on the edge of towns. Rooms are no-frills – fan or air-con, private bathroom, TV, and maybe a fridge. Designed for short stays, they’re easy to find last-minute, but rarely listed on English-language platforms. Not ideal for long-term comfort, but useful for stopovers.

Homestays

From $10-15 (€9-14) per night

A homestay in Vietnam could mean a stilt house in Hà Giang or a spare room in the Mekong Delta. Meals are shared, routines are local, and comfort is basic – a mattress, a mosquito net, shared bathroom.

For the best homestays in Vietnam, look to Sa Pa, Dong Van, or Cai Be – places where the setting matters as much as the stay. Always follow local customs and ask before taking photos.

Boutique hotels

From $30 (€28) per night

Boutique hotels have grown fast in places like Da Nang, Hue, and Hoi An. Many are set in restored shophouses or styled with Vietnamese design – think lotus tiles, wooden shutters, and leafy courtyards. Rooms usually come with air-con, modern bathrooms, and reliable Wi-Fi. Some offer extras like café lounges, airport pickup, or rooftop pools.

If you’re traveling in Vietnam with kids, this category works well – quieter than hostels, more flexible than big resorts, and often with connecting rooms or family-friendly staff.

Coastal resort complexes

From $60 (€56) per night

Along Vietnam’s coast – especially in Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, and Mui Ne – resort-style complexes dominate. These range from international chains to Vietnamese-owned resorts with bungalows, buffet breakfasts, and motorbike rentals on site. Expect air-conditioned rooms, landscaped grounds, and direct beach access. Some are isolated from town centers, so check transport options if you plan to explore.

Eco-retreats and farmstays

From $20 (€18.50) per night

Found in highland provinces like Lam Dong or near national parks like Cat Tien, these places lean into sustainability. You might stay in a clay house on stilts, a bamboo hut, or a converted farm building. Power may come from solar panels, showers might be outdoors, and the atmosphere is usually quiet and slow. Not ideal if you need strong Wi-Fi, but perfect for a break from the city.

Average prices per night

Vietnam is affordable across the board, whether you're staying in city centers, beach towns, or rural provinces. Expect to pay around $12-20 (€11-€18) for a basic private room, $30-60 (€28-€56) for a comfortable mid-range hotel, and $80+ (€75+) for boutique or luxury stays. Dorm beds in hostels typically start at $6-8 (€5.50-€7.50), while eco-lodges, farmstays, and beachfront bungalows vary depending on location and comfort.

• Prices rise during the dry season (November to March), especially in popular destinations like Hoi An (central coast), Da Nang (central city with beaches), Sapa (northern mountains), and Phu Quoc (southern island).
• Book ahead if you're visiting over Christmas, Lunar New Year (Tết, usually January or February), or other Vietnamese public holidays – many accommodations fill quickly and prices often jump.
• In the hot, wet months (May to September), crowds thin and it’s easier to find discounts. Outside tourist hubs, you might even get a better rate by walking in and asking in person.

Mid-range and high-end hotels usually include breakfast, often a mix of Vietnamese and Western options. Cheaper places may charge extra for air-conditioning or hot water, so check the details before booking.

Where to stay in Vietnam: Best areas by region

Vietnam’s diversity isn’t just in the food or the landscapes – it’s in the way you stay. From mountain towns to beach enclaves to full-throttle cities, these five regions offer the best bases for exploring the country. Here’s where to stay – and why it works.

Northern Vietnam

The north is Vietnam at its most dramatic – limestone cliffs, rice terraces, and ethnic minority villages. Distances can be long, so choosing the right base matters.

• Hanoi – The gateway to the north. If you're wondering where to stay in Hanoi, the Old Quarter puts you in the heart of the action – walkable streets, nonstop street food, and easy access to major sights. For more space and calmer surroundings, head to Tay Ho, a lakeside district popular with expats. Good for first-time visitors and day trips to Ninh Binh or Ha Long.
• Sapa – A tourist hub, but still great for mountain views and easy access to hikes. Pick a homestay in Ta Van or Lao Chai for more authenticity and fewer tour buses.
• Ha Giang – For adventure travelers. Stay in Ha Giang City for bike rentals and permits, or choose villages like Du Gia or Dong Van for remote homestays along the loop.

Central Vietnam

Central Vietnam balances heritage towns and beach life – all within easy reach.

• Hue – Stay near the Perfume River for historic charm and easy access to the Citadel. Great for travelers into temples, royal tombs, and street food.
• Hoi An – Choose Old Town if you want lanterns, markets, and convenience. An Bang Beach is a better pick for quiet homestays near the sea, just a short bike ride from the center.
• Da Nang – Stay on My Khe Beach for surf and sunsets, or near the Han River for a more local, city-focused experience.

The Central Highlands

This inland region offers a break from the heat and a different side of Vietnam.

• Da Lat – Base yourself near Xuan Huong Lake for colonial architecture and walkable streets. Further out, Tuyen Lam Lake offers villas and eco-retreats. Great for coffee lovers, couples, and families.
• Buon Ma Thuot – Less polished but more local. Stay here for access to waterfalls, minority villages, and coffee plantations.

Southern Vietnam

Southern Vietnam packs contrast – one of Southeast Asia’s busiest cities, and laid-back beaches just a flight away.

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) – To experience Vietnam's nightlife and history, stay in District 1. For a calmer, residential vibe with leafy streets, go for District 3. Thao Dien in District 2 is ideal for families or longer stays, with villas and apartment hotels.

Phu Quoc Island – Phu Quoc Island – Home to some of the best beaches in Vietnam. Stay in Long Beach for restaurants and resorts, or Ong Lang for peace and nature. An Thoi in the south is growing fast, and is good for boat trips and beaches with fewer crowds.

The Mekong Delta

A region defined by rivers and rice paddies, the Mekong moves at a different pace, and staying in the right spot makes all the difference.

• Can Tho – The biggest city in the delta. Stay near Ninh Kieu Wharf for floating markets, river views, and access to tours. Best if you want comfort and convenience.
• Ben Tre – A quieter alternative with coconut groves, biking paths, and welcoming family-run homestays.
• Vinh Long – Often overlooked, but good for off-path travelers. Stay at an island homestay in the middle of the Mekong for total calm.

Booking tips and smart travel advice

Finding where to stay in Vietnam isn’t just about picking a cheap bed – it’s about knowing what to book, when, and how. Some of the best Vietnam travel tips come down to smart booking: understanding seasonal price swings, spotting quality beyond star ratings, and avoiding the traps that catch out first-timers. A bit of strategy will save you time, money, and hassle.

• Book ahead during high season (November-March). This is when Vietnam is busiest, especially around Lunar New Year (Tết), when locals travel en masse and many businesses shut down. If you’re after a boutique hotel, beach bungalow, or soft bed (a rarity), reserve early.
• The rainy season (May-September) means lower prices and fewer crowds. Some island resorts close temporarily, but in some places, you can often bargain down a room or get upgraded, especially at family-run guesthouses.
• Not all “homestays” are homestays. Many listings use the label but offer basic hotel rooms. For the real thing – meals with a local family, cultural immersion, simple wooden houses – read reviews carefully and check for photos showing communal living or traditional architecture.
• Rooms with windows aren’t guaranteed. Some cheaper hotels put you in windowless rooms unless you book a specific type. Always double-check the listing photos and room description before confirming.
• Beds can be seriously hard. Many hotels use thin or firm mattresses. If you’re sensitive to that, filter for Western chains or read reviews that mention bed comfort.
• Mid-range hotels often rent scooters. You don’t need to book transport in advance – most hotels and guesthouses offer motorbike rental at check-in, often cheaper than nearby shops.
• Avoid walk-ins in major cities. In places like Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) or Da Nang, it’s common to get a better price online than in person. In smaller towns walk-ins can still work – just be polite and flexible.
• Bring a passport copy. Hotels must register foreign guests, but some will ask to hold your passport. You don’t have to agree – offering a copy usually works if you insist kindly.
• Use local booking platforms. Sites like VnTrip and Traveloka sometimes list lower prices for domestic hotels than international sites. But star ratings are unreliable – recent guest reviews matter more.