Choosing the right accommodation is one of the most important parts of planning an international trip. We spent a considerable amount of time researching our stays in Vietnam because our criteria were clear — the hotels had to be comfortable, budget-friendly, well-located, and equipped with all basic facilities. Easy accessibility to public transport, day-trip pick-ups, and major attractions was equally important.

After reading countless Google reviews, watching YouTube videos, and comparing multiple options, we finally shortlisted and stayed at the following hotels during our Vietnam trip. This blog aims to help fellow travelers narrow down good yet affordable hotel options in Vietnam, based purely on our personal experience.

Hanoi – Hanoi Emerald Waters Hotel Valley

Located in the heart of the Hoan Kiem District, this hotel is just 300 meters from Hoan Kiem Lake, making it an excellent base to explore Hanoi.

From the moment we checked in, the hotel gave off a very positive and welcoming vibe. The staff were exceptionally polite and friendly. We reached the hotel around 7:30 AM, while the official check-in time was 2 PM. As expected, they allowed us to store our luggage, but what truly surprised us was that they offered us a complimentary breakfast as well.

The hospitality didn’t stop there. The receptionist noticed that we had a slight cough and throat irritation, and the next time we passed by the reception, she thoughtfully offered us cough tablets — a small gesture that spoke volumes about their care and attentiveness.

The location is a big advantage. Day-trip buses picked us up directly from the hotel doorstep, which made logistics extremely convenient.

Coming to the room — the size was adequate for two people, though it was the smallest room we stayed in during our Vietnam trip. That said, there were no complaints regarding cleanliness or facilities. Despite being on a busy street, the room was surprisingly quiet, ensuring a good night’s sleep.

On the day of checkout, the receptionist even walked up to our taxi to personally bid us goodbye. Little gestures like these leave a lasting impression.

Highly recommended for first-time visitors to Hanoi.
Hotel link: Hanoi Emerald Waters Hotel Valley

Hoi An – La An Central Boutique Villa & Spa

Located right in the heart of Hoi An, this hotel felt warm and homely from the moment we arrived. We were welcomed by a lovely receptionist who shared excellent recommendations for local food and things to do around the city.

The location is excellent — within walking distance of the Ancient Town and surrounded by plenty of eateries. The room was cozy yet spacious, featuring a beautiful balcony overlooking lush greenery, which added to the overall charm of the stay.

The hotel also offers bicycles for rent at reasonable prices, making it easy to explore the extended and quieter parts of Hoi An at your own pace.

A perfect blend of comfort, location, and value for money.

Highly recommended.
Hotel link: La An Central Boutique Villa & Spa

Da Nang – Sofiana My Khe Hotel & Spa

This hotel is located just a 1–2 minute walk from My Khe Beach, which is one of the biggest highlights of staying here.

The rooms were quite spacious, with the bathroom and toilet as separate areas. The room window opened up to a beautiful beach view, which was a pleasant surprise. As part of the stay, we received complimentary cocktail and beer vouchers, redeemable at their terrace bar.

The terrace features a small bar and a swimming pool (more like a large jacuzzi). It’s a great spot to unwind in the evening while enjoying views of the city and the beach.

Breakfast was one of the standout features — excellent variety and great taste. There are also plenty of food options nearby, including a very nice café right next to the hotel.

This hotel truly offers great value for money.

Recommended for beach lovers looking for comfort on a budget.
Hotel link: Sofiana My Khe Hotel & Spa

Ho Chi Minh City – Sanouva Saigon Hotel

After going through multiple blogs and travel guides, we understood that District 1 is the best area to stay for first-time visitors to Ho Chi Minh City. Similar to Hanoi, hotels here tend to be more expensive compared to Hoi An and Da Nang.

We couldn’t find an option as economical and impressive as our Hanoi stay, so after extensive research, we finalized Sanouva Saigon Hotel.

The hotel is centrally located in District 1, within walking distance of most major attractions. The room was spacious, and the bathroom was particularly large. Throughout our stay, the staff were professional and courteous.

Breakfast was decent — limited options with acceptable taste.

Overall, it was a satisfactory stay based on our expectations, though we would recommend exploring a few other options as well before booking.

Hotel link: Sanouva Saigon Hotel

Final Thoughts

Vietnam offers a wide range of accommodation options, but finding places that strike the right balance between budget, comfort, and location takes some research. All the hotels listed above were personally experienced by us and chosen after careful planning.

If you’re traveling to Vietnam for the first time and want reliable, budget-friendly stays without compromising on comfort, these hotels are definitely worth considering.