Hanoi, Vietnam is the cheapest city in Asia. If budget is key, the northern Vietnamese capital of Hanoi is a must-visit location in Asia offering the best value, with a total daily spend of just £14.24 ($18.30). That includes a full day’s food, drinks, attractions, transport as well as an overnight stay (hey, it’s back-packer style, not 5 star!). Hanoi is famous for its rich historical heritage as well as its huge range of street food available to try and taste.

sigmoid wrote: ↑Wed Jan 08, 2020 12:28 pm In general, VN offers good value in terms of accommodation. Even the cheapest mini-hotel rooms will have A/C, hot showers, wifi, cable TV, stocked minifridge, etc. I don't have any experience with hostels but see them advertised at $5/night.

Food though is quite the opposite. You can get cheap food but the quality is usually not very good and the "restaurant" pretty depressing. It's best to spend more on food, both VNese and western, but even then, you run the risk of paying a lot for a mediocre meal.

In addition, cities like Ha Noi and Sài Gòn lack much in terms of attractions and often rub first-time visitors the wrong way.

Isaanbarang wrote: ↑Wed Jan 08, 2020 1:09 pm

sigmoid wrote: ↑Wed Jan 08, 2020 12:28 pm In general, VN offers good value in terms of accommodation. Even the cheapest mini-hotel rooms will have A/C, hot showers, wifi, cable TV, stocked minifridge, etc. I don't have any experience with hostels but see them advertised at $5/night.

Food though is quite the opposite. You can get cheap food but the quality is usually not very good and the "restaurant" pretty depressing. It's best to spend more on food, both VNese and western, but even then, you run the risk of paying a lot for a mediocre meal.

In addition, cities like Ha Noi and Sài Gòn lack much in terms of attractions and often rub first-time visitors the wrong way.

I found Hanoi has lots to see but then our views on what an attraction is may well differ. Traffic is atrocious but I would return in a heartbeat.

pczz wrote: ↑Wed Jan 08, 2020 4:16 pm Why do backpackers stay in boutique hostels in dorm rooms that cost more than a hotel?

Despite being the country’s capital and a popular tourist destination that has constantly received global plaudits, Hanoi still vexed many tourists with its lack of nightlife compared to other Asian metropolises, the city tourism department stated.

All amusement and business establishments in the capital like bars, pubs, restaurants, and shops start winding down before midnight when police patrols set out, reminding them to shut down, turn off the electricity and clear motorbikes off the sidewalk and street.

sigmoid wrote: ↑Mon Jan 20, 2020 2:42 pm The latest news regarding Ha Noi's tourist situation:

Hanoi trails regional tourist hubs in attracting visitors

https://e.vnexpress.net/news/travel/pla ... 44582.html

Despite being the country’s capital and a popular tourist destination that has constantly received global plaudits, Hanoi still vexed many tourists with its lack of nightlife compared to other Asian metropolises, the city tourism department stated.

All amusement and business establishments in the capital like bars, pubs, restaurants, and shops start winding down before midnight when police patrols set out, reminding them to shut down, turn off the electricity and clear motorbikes off the sidewalk and street.