Hostels

              
Accommodation in the city
 
Accommodation in Vietnam is excellent, especially in the tourist areas. Hostels are available for all budgets in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Hue. Competition between the establishments is fierce. This results in high accommodation standards and low rates for travellers luckily. The average price for a dormitory at the time of writing is around £5/$6 per night. If staying longer, it is perfectly acceptable to bargain.
 
En-suite, single rooms with a fan are a good budget option. Prices start around £8/$10. If air-con and cable TV are wanted, expect to pay around £15/$20. Accommodation £22/$30 and up is of a very high standard.
 
Because of the number of hostels springing up, it is not necessary most of the time to book ahead. This means one can check out a couple of places on arrival and find the best price. Booking is however, absolutely essential during Tet.
 
Accommodation in the countryside
 
If venturing out of the cities and into the countryside, staying at a homestay is highly recommended. This involves having a mattress on the floor in a communal room with a blanket and mosquito net. Prices range from £4-£12/$5-$15.