Best Hostels in Hoi An
With so many hostels in Hoi An, it can be challenging to decide which one to choose. Many places offer top-notch accommodations at a price that’s easy on the wallet without sacrificing anything on quality. Given that there is so much history packed into one area and many intriguing Japanese influences in the city, most …
Top Hostels by Town
Guide to Hostels in Vietnam
When choosing accommodations in another city or country, most people opt to stay at a familiar hotel chain. However, electing to stay in a hostel might be the best decision of your entire trip. Hotels were once the most common type of place to stay, but these days, hostels are starting to become more popular for their high-quality experiences and affordability.
What is a hostel?
Hostels are low-cost lodging options that come in dormitory shared rooms or private rooms and have several shared common areas. Dorm rooms can be designated for one gender or mixed and often provide bunk beds with a locker to store personal items. Staying in a hostel is usually significantly cheaper than booking at a hotel because you’re essentially renting a bed in a family-run property.
Singles, couples, and even families enjoy staying in hostels for the atmosphere. This accommodation type can have limited privacy, but there are ample opportunities to mingle with other travelers in social settings. Many hostels provide group dinners and evening entertainment as a means for everyone to get to know one another. Someone might be hesitant to stay at a hostel thinking that it’s unsafe, but contrary to that belief, they are incredibly secure and often have 24-hour working staff and property cameras.
Hostels in Vietnam
Hostels in Vietnam are a great source of income for many local families, which is why several of them are operated by a husband, wife, and their children. While these accommodations are different in each city, many hostels are located near the town center to make it easier for tourists to access attractions. Hostels in villages or less populated areas exist too but serve as more of a retreat on a budget rather than a place to stay for convenience.
No matter what type of hostel you stay in, most of them are equipped with modern-day features like Wi-Fi internet, parking spaces, and cable TV in their rooms. Because of this, hostels are becoming very competitive businesses for hotels, which often offer the same amenities at a much higher price.
If you are thinking about booking a stay in a hostel, consider these pros and cons.
Pros:
- Very inexpensive compared to hotels
- Good opportunities to meet other travelers
- Getting to immerse yourself in a foreign culture
- Experience a first-hand look at how locals live
- Get insider tips and advice to the city from the hosts
- Being able to eat homecooked meals at some hostels
- Being able to stay in more “homey” accommodations
Cons:
- Less privacy, especially in the dormitory rooms
- Potentially more challenging to park a rental car
- The noise level at hostels can sometimes be loud
- Air conditioning and heat may not be available
- Potentially not having a private bathroom
- Guests may not get along with the host
- Having to prepare your own food if you don’t like what’s offered
If you’re planning on booking a trip to Vietnam and are up for an adventure that guarantees a more immersive experience, check out our lists of best hostels in cities around the country.
