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Cheapest SE asian city for Backpackers

Posted: Wed Jan 08, 2020 10:36 am
by phuketrichard
Some interesting results,
NOTE BACKPACKERS ie hostel stays not hotels :beer3:
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.
https://www.alphatravelinsurance.co.uk/ ... t-in-asia/

Re: Cheapest SE asian city for Backpackers

Posted: Wed Jan 08, 2020 10:46 am
by Terry Fishsauce
Shame it's a complete shit hole then, populated by frosty people.

Re: Cheapest SE asian city for Backpackers

Posted: Wed Jan 08, 2020 12:28 pm
by sigmoid
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.

Re: Cheapest SE asian city for Backpackers

Posted: Wed Jan 08, 2020 1:09 pm
by Isaanbarang
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. The food was reasonably priced and the cleanliness of restaurants and cleanliness of public areas to surpass PP's by far.

I am surprised a travel writer would write a story about backpack lifestyle but does not experience the lifestyle herself.

Numer 2 on the list is another great place to visit and the traffic is not a concern. Head and shoulders, cleaner, safer and quieter than PP.

Re: Cheapest SE asian city for Backpackers

Posted: Wed Jan 08, 2020 1:40 pm
by shnoukieBRO
Hanoi isn't the cheapest place but it's close

Re: Cheapest SE asian city for Backpackers

Posted: Wed Jan 08, 2020 1:50 pm
by sigmoid
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.
Yes, it's quite subjective. What did you see? Any specific examples?

In terms of food, I compare with Thailand and Laos, etc.

Anyway, I wouldn't discourage travellers from visiting Ha Noi or VN, but neither would I strongly recommend it.

However, it is still often surprisingly cheap.

Re: Cheapest SE asian city for Backpackers

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

Re: Cheapest SE asian city for Backpackers

Posted: Thu Jan 09, 2020 6:28 pm
by DaveG
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?
The ambience and so they can talk about backpacking stuff with other backpacking types I suspect :? :?

Re: Cheapest SE asian city for Backpackers

Posted: Mon Jan 20, 2020 2:42 pm
by sigmoid
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.

Re: Cheapest SE asian city for Backpackers

Posted: Mon Jan 20, 2020 4:24 pm
by Mishmash
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.
Well, if you're not in bed by midnight then go home is the motto....