Hanoi Travel Forum

Hi all

any one know of any good budget accomodation in Hanoi im staying over Xmas this year but want to book up early to be sure of good deals...

Also can anyone tell me how easy is internal travel in Vietnam ie, i want to get down to Ho Chi Minh city and tra nang etc etc are internal flights easy to book once you are there .. like thailand or is it best to book early?

Thanks

Cat x

Its very easy to book internal flights once you arrive. There are dozens and dozens of travel agents to choose from for things to do. I booked my internal flights when I arrived. Best to look at other vters pages for tips on Ho Chi Minh, Nha trang etc.

I did Vietnam last year and it was extremely easy to book a flight from Hanoi to Ho Chi Mingh City on relatively short notice. You should have no problem, and good luck!

Right now I'm staying at the Prince 79 Hotel in the Old Quarter for $11/night. It's perfectly adequate, pretty clean, comfortable, good location, etc. If you want a place a little nicer, Bamboo hotel is also centrally located in the old quarter, and has Wi-fi and rooms for $15.
There are undoubtedly cheaper beds in dorm rooms in hostels, but those are two hotels I've personally seen and would recommend.
Like the others said, you'll have no problem booking flights once you're here.

I doubt if you could find a nicer room in Hanoi for $25. than the Especen Hotel in the Cathedral District (very close to Hoan Kiem Lake). I stayed at 5 hotels in Hanoi this month, and the Especen was the best. I took a pic of my room:
http://sea2009.travellerspoint.com/18/

It is necessary to book early during important holidays, such as Tet, when there's mass movements across the country. At other times, you will be perfectly safe booking upon arrival. We attended at Vietnam Airlines and had no language or any other problems. Staff were helpful and it was a painless experience.
The other internal carrier is Jetstar Pacific.
Have a great time!