Choosing Your Accommodation: Where to Stay in Vietnam (First-Timers)

Deciding where to stay in Vietnam first time is a crucial step in planning your adventure. From bustling city centers to tranquil beach resorts, Vietnam offers a vast array of accommodation options to suit every budget and travel style. This Vietnam accommodation guide will help first-time visitors navigate the choices, from vibrant hostels and comfortable budget hotels to charming boutique stays and luxurious resorts, with suggestions for the best places to stay Vietnam in its most popular destinations.

To ensure your trip is seamless, remember to consult our comprehensive Vietnam trip planning guide for pre-departure essentials, and our Vietnam's Best Itineraries for First-Time Visitors for route planning.

Understanding Vietnam Accommodation Options

Vietnam’s hospitality scene has grown tremendously, offering a wide spectrum of choices:

• Hostels: Ideal for solo travelers and budget-conscious backpackers. They offer dorms (mixed or female-only), private rooms, and a great social atmosphere with common areas, tours, and activities.

• Budget Hotels/Guesthouses: Often family-run, these provide clean, comfortable private rooms with en-suite bathrooms, air conditioning, and sometimes breakfast. Excellent value for money.

• Mid-Range Hotels: Offer more amenities like swimming pools, gyms, restaurants, and better service, often at very competitive prices compared to Western counterparts.

• Boutique Hotels: Smaller, stylish hotels with unique design, personalized service, and a distinct local character.

• Luxury Resorts & Hotels: Found in major cities and popular beach destinations, offering world-class facilities, exquisite dining, and impeccable service. This is where you'll find true luxury resorts Vietnam travel experiences.

• Homestays: Offer an immersive Vietnam homestay experience by staying with a local family, often in rural or ethnic minority areas. Provides a unique cultural insight (be aware that "homestay" can also refer to guesthouses designed in a traditional style).

Best Places to Stay Vietnam: City by City

Here are top recommendations for where to stay in Vietnam first time in key destinations:

1. Ha Noi Hotels for First Timers

The capital city offers diverse neighborhoods, each with its own charm.

• Old Quarter:

  • Pros: The vibrant heart of Hanoi, perfect for first-timers. Walking distance to major attractions (Hoan Kiem Lake, Water Puppet Theatre, street food). Endless dining and nightlife options. Buzzing atmosphere.

  • Cons: Can be noisy and crowded. Streets are narrow and often full of motorbikes.

  • Accommodation: Abundance of budget hotels Vietnam and mid-range options, charming boutique hotels, and many hostels.

  • Recommendations:

    • Hostel: Old Quarter Hostel, Hanoi Buffalo Hostel.

    • Budget/Mid-range: Old Quarter Garden Hotel & Spa, Golden Legend Boutique Hotel.

    • Boutique/Luxury: Apricot Hotel (overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake), Hotel de l'Opera Hanoi.

• French Quarter:

  • Pros: More elegant, spacious, and quieter than the Old Quarter. Home to grand colonial buildings, high-end shops, and luxury hotels.

  • Cons: Less street food vibrancy, further walk to some key Old Quarter attractions.

  • Accommodation: Predominantly upscale hotels and sophisticated boutiques.

  • Recommendations: Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, Hotel de la Coupole (MGallery by Sofitel).

Find more options of accommodations in Ha Noi for your trip in Vietnam.

A charming street scene in Hanoi's Old Quarter, with traditional narrow buildings. Source: Internet

2. Ho Chi Minh City Accommodation Areas

The dynamic southern metropolis has distinct districts catering to different preferences.

• District 1 (Downtown/Ben Thanh Area):

  • Pros: The most popular choice for first-timers. Central to major attractions (Ben Thanh Market, Reunification Palace, War Remnants Museum), shopping, dining, and nightlife. Excellent transport links. This is the prime area for Ho Chi Minh City accommodation areas.

  • Cons: Can be busy, noisy, and slightly more expensive.

  • Accommodation: Wide range from budget hostels to luxury hotels.

  • Recommendations:

    • Hostel: The Dorm Saigon, The Common Room Project.

    • Budget/Mid-range: Liberty Central Saigon Citypoint, Au Lac Charner Hotel.

    • Boutique/Luxury: The Reverie Saigon, Park Hyatt Saigon, Hotel des Arts Saigon.

• Bùi Viện / Phạm Ngũ Lão (Backpacker Area, District 1):

  • Pros: Super budget-friendly, vibrant, and social. Home to many hostels, cheap guesthouses, and lively nightlife.

  • Cons: Can be very loud, especially at night. Not for those seeking peace and quiet.

  • Accommodation: Primarily hostels and very basic guesthouses.

  • Recommendations: Ben Thanh Hostel, The Vintage Hostel.

• District 3:

  • Pros: Slightly quieter and more local feel than District 1, but still well-connected. Offers a mix of local eateries and independent cafes.

  • Cons: Requires short taxi/Grab rides to many major tourist sites.

  • Accommodation: Good selection of mid-range hotels and boutique guesthouses.

  • Recommendations: Ma Maison Boutique Hotel, HCMC Hotel.

Find more options of accommodations in Ho Chi Minh City for your trip in Vietnam.

A wide, modern boulevard in Ho Chi Minh City's District 1, showcasing upscale hotels and the bustling urban environment. Source: Internet

3. Hoi An: Ancient Town Charm

Hoi An's accommodation is divided between the atmospheric Ancient Town and the nearby beaches.

• Ancient Town / Riverside:

  • Pros: Immerse yourself in the UNESCO World Heritage site. Easy walking access to all attractions, shops, and restaurants. Magical atmosphere, especially at night with lanterns.

  • Cons: Can be crowded during peak hours. Hotels here are often older and have restricted access for vehicles.

  • Accommodation: Charming boutique hotels, guesthouses, and smaller homestays (often family-run hotels rather than staying in a family home).

  • Recommendations: Hotel Royal Hoi An - MGallery, La Siesta Hoi An Resort & Spa, Little Riverside.

• An Bang Beach / Cua Dai Beach:

  • Pros: Perfect for relaxation, beach access, and a more laid-back vibe. Good seafood restaurants.

  • Cons: Requires a short taxi, Grab, or bicycle ride (10-15 minutes) to the Ancient Town.

  • Accommodation: Resorts, guesthouses, and villas, from budget to luxury.

  • Recommendations: An Bang Beach Hideaway Homestay, Victoria Hoi An Beach Resort & Spa.

The inviting exterior of a boutique hotel in Hoi An, showcasing traditional Vietnamese architectural elements. Source: Internet

General Tips for Vietnam Accommodation Guide

• Book in Advance: Especially during peak season (Dec-Feb) or around major holidays like Tet (Lunar New Year), popular places book up quickly.

• Read Reviews: Always check recent reviews on platforms like Booking.com or Agoda for cleanliness, service, location accuracy, and specific room types.

• Amenities: Confirm amenities like air conditioning (essential!), Wi-Fi, hot water, and breakfast if important to you.

• Location, Location, Location: Decide if you prefer being in the heart of the action (noisy, convenient) or a slightly quieter, more local neighborhood.

• Homestay Expectations: If booking a true Vietnam homestay experience, understand that facilities might be basic, and language barriers are common. It's about cultural immersion.

• Flexibility: For longer trips, consider booking your first few nights and then booking as you go, allowing for more flexibility in your itinerary.

By considering these options and tips, you'll be well-prepared to choose the perfect base for your first time Vietnam travel, ensuring a comfortable and memorable journey through this incredible country.

Travel Vietnam Guides