Vietnam as one of the top tourist destinations in Southeast is indeed true. There are millions and millions of travellers from everywhere in the world are flying to Vietnam to experience not only its nice beaches but t ounderstand its culure, try the world-class Vietnamese cuisine, take a walk back at Vietnam’s history, try the Vietnamese coffee, ride a motorbike across the country, and of course to simply meet the locals.
RELATED POST: Check out our backpacking in Vietnam article where we answer all the questions under this topic.
Because of the unstoppable growth of tourists visiting Vietnam, businesses to accommodate the needs of the foreigners are not behind. There are accommodations, restaurants, and tour agencies popping out almost every half a year.
BEST VIETNAM HOSTELS: North to South
When I first came to Vietnam in 2015, there are hostels everywhere, a lot of them are very cheap with decent reviews. But let’s be honest, affordable prices and good reviews online are not everything. That online feedback can be manipulated, those cheap prices have hidden “gross” features why it’s cheap. So, I’ve decided to list the hostels I’ve personally stayed in plus hostels that are suggested to me by other travellers.
Check this out if you need to find anything about applying for a Vietnam visa or how to extend your visa in Vietnam. We also wrote a thorough article about motorbiking in Vietnam, while here are our recommended affordable motorbike tours around Vietnam.
Best Hostels in Hanoi
The thing about travelling in Vietnam, there’s almost only two ways to start your trip. Either through Hanoi, the capital of Ho Chi Minh, and you either make your way to the north or down South.
HANO TRAVEL TIPS: Best places to stay in Hanoi, Seasons in Hanoi, and Fun Things to do in Hanoi
Flipside Hostel
Why is it one of the best hostels in Vietnam?
Dorm rooms start at $5
Most guests in Flipside Hostel thinks that it’s the best hostel in Hanoi because of their rooftop bar, it’s not that high and the view is not very stunning. However, a rooftop is a rooftop, on hot days, the rooftop of this hostel is the best to chill out, both during the day and evening. It’s also the best place to meet other travellers, grab a cold beer.
For only $5 a night for a dorm bed, you can be in a great location, have an awesome rooftop bar, and a bed for the night. Another thing I like about this place is that if you are the kind of traveller who wants a party but not every night, this is definitely the place.
Box Hotel
Why is it one of the best hostels in Vietnam?
Dorm rooms start at $6
Probably not the most affordable hostel, but Box Hostel is praised as the best hostel in Hanoi because of its location; right at the Old Quarter, very close to Hoan Kiem Lake, and walking distance to almost every attraction in the city. This hostel is perfect for laid-back travellers, it’s quiet, a good place to meet same-minded people.
The dorm beds are accompanied by curtain covers to give you a little privacy. The service was also appreciated by its past guests, the staffs speak English, helped them with airport service o simply getting around the area. Box hostel is also very close to the popular beer corner where you can get fresh beer for $0.25.
Best Hostels in Sapa
SAPA TRAVEL TIPS:
Go Sapa Hostel
Why is it one of the best hostels in Vietnam?
Dorm rooms start at $5
A few years ago, Sapa only has guesthouses and homestays. Because of the big flow of tourists, hostels started to pop up here as well. Go Sapa Hostel is the most reviewed hostel in Sapa; they are popular for a great value of money, cleanliness, and having such helpful staffs. For only $5, you can get a bed in a dorm room, a free breakfast, and unlimited tips about travelling in Sapa. Despite being in the mountains, this hostel also offers free wifi.
Zizi Mekhoo Sapa Homestay
Why is it one of the best hostels in Vietnam?
Dorm rooms start at $7
For a more natural and quiet vibe, Zizi Mekhoo is located not in the town of Sapa but by the mountains. You will wake up overlooking a beautiful view while having a chat with the locals of Sapa.
They cater tours that are organised by indigenous and local people or also known as the Hmong tribe. Since it’s not by the town, you need to let them know how you want to be picked up by the owner; through trekking, taxi, or motorbike taxi. If you have luggage, they can handle it for you and bring it to the homestay. They also offer free breakfast and WiFi.
Best Hostels in Phong Nha
Elegant Hostels
Why is it one of the best hostels in Vietnam?
Dorm rooms start at $5
For affordable as $5, you can get a comfortable bed in a dorm room and fresh blankets and a pillowcase. WiFi is also free of access and free breakfast. The elegant hostel is loved by their past guests for their impeccable service, the staffs speak well English and are very friendly. The hostel is also well-located, only a few kilometres away from Phong Nha Cave and Dong Hoi Airport.
Best Hostels in Hue
ALSO READ: What to do in Hue and food to eat and how to get to Hue
Hue Backpackers Hostel
Why is it one of the best hostels in Vietnam?
Dorm room starts at $ 6
This hostel is one of the properties of Vietnam Backpacker’s Hostels. When you get to Hue, you will probably have come across their other hostels in Hanoi. This is exactly the place you want to be if you are looking for a crazy party. Although there are other bars and clubs you can drink and dance all night. Hue Backpackers Hostel is well-located, close to the “high street” where it’s packed with restaurants, bars, and shopping places.
Amy Hostel Hue
Dorm room starts at $ 4
For a more chill place to stay in a busy town, Amy Hostel Hue is your choice. It’s named the best hostel Hue for its affordable price, great beds, amazing breakfast, and best location. Not only backpackers enjoy this place but also family travellers. If you prefer to relax and just enjoy the local vibe, this is the place for you.
Best Hostels in Hoi An
HOI AN TRAVEL TIPS:
Under The Coconut Tree
Why is it one of the best hostels in Vietnam?
Dorm room starts at $ 6
Just like Easy Tiger, Under The Coconut Tree was recommended to me by other travellers and I am happy I stayed there. The atmosphere is so relaxing, most people who have been here also described this place as “more than a hostel”. The vibe here is more like a homestay, you will feel very welcome. The fact that it is also close to the beach, is definitely a big plus. Go book your bed and see what I’m talking about.
Tribee Kinh Hostel
Why is it one of the best hostels in Vietnam?
Dorm room starts at $ 7
Tribee is one of those homes away from home type of place, the staffs are very friendly that you will feel at home right away. They surely have rules and policies but everyone is very chill, you will meet and get along with a lot of people in no time.
The beach is a little bit of a walk but at the same time, you will get the chance to explore the other parts of the city. Tribee hostel was recommended to me by people who have stayed here and enjoyed it a lot. There are other Tribee hostels in Hoi An, make sure you booked the right one.
Hoi An Backpacker’s Hostel
Why is it one of the best hostels in Vietnam?
Dorm room starts at $ 7
Vietnam Backpacker’s Hostel didn’t miss bringing the party to Hoi An. If you are not tired of dancing yet, then you have to stay in Hoi An Backpacker’s hostel, they were renovated recently and improved a lot better. They have a swimming pool, every night there is an event, and of course, an epic pub crawl.
Best Hostels in Nha Trang
NHA TRANG TRAVEL TIPS: What to do in Nha Trang, where to stay in Nha Trang, and how to get to Nha Trang
Mojzo Dorm
Why is it one of the best hostels in Vietnam?
Dorm room starts at $7
Mojzo Dorm is one of the top five best hostels in Nha Trang. Without surprise, travellers enjoy staying here not only for its cleanliness and amazing staff. The location was not only perfect, but it was also stunning.
On their rooftop, you will enjoy a great view of the mountains and the city. The free breakfast can be enjoyed with this view. After exploring Nha Trang, enjoy a cold beer while meeting new people. If you love Vietnamese food, come join them on their FREE food tour every night.
iHome Nha Trang
Why is it one of the best hostels in Vietnam?
Dorm room starts at $5
More parties down on the best party hostel in Nha Trang, there are free beers every night for one hour for everyone. Go hang out at their rooftop bar where all the cool things are happening. Even it is known for its party, iHome Nha Trang is also known for its amazing staff, free breakfast, and comfortable and clean rooms. There is no other reason why you should not stay or at least check out this hostel.
Backpack Abode Nha Trang
Why is it one of the best hostels in Vietnam?
Dorm room starts at $5
If you are on a budget but don’t want to miss the fun, Backpack Abode Nha Trang is the place for you. For such an affordable price, $5 will get you a bed, free breakfast, free beer for an hour every night, and the unbeatable service of their staff.
The people who work here are young people, which speaks great English, are easy-going, and are helpful in everything you need. The dorm rooms have little curtains to give you some privacy, their location is only a few minutes walk from the city centre.
Best Hostels in Mui Ne
MUI NE TRAVEL TIPS:
- How to get from Ho Chi Minh City to Mui Ne
- Where to stay in Mui Ne and Phan Thiet
- Top things to do in Mui Ne
Mui Ne Hills Backpackers
Why is it one of the best hostels in Vietnam?
Dorm room starts at $2
Why is this one of the best hostels in Mui Nei? This hostel has two large pools where everyone is hanging around, playing pool games, sharing travel stories, getting tanned, and partying at night. For $2.50, there is no way you can find a better deal than this.
Well located with a beautiful view, the hostel caters for tours at a very good price. The reception desk is operating 24 hours a day to help you, they also have a bar and restaurant to offer you food throughout the day and night.
LongSon Mui Ne
Why is it one of the best hostels in Vietnam?
Dorm room starts at $3
For an affordable place with a great view and location, LongSon Mui Ne will take care of you. They have a daily offer of $1 for a snack or drink and every Friday, you can rent a camp tent for $1. The rooms are designed in a very tropical way, clean, and are well ventilated with fresh air. They also have a bar and restaurant that is open 24/7.
The location is great, right at the front beach and only a few minutes walk to the main street. If you need to go to the main town, the staff can help you arrange transportation.
Best Hostels in Ho Chi Minh City
If you are looking for other options for accommodations, check out our where to stay in Ho Chi Minh City article.
Kha Hostel and Cafe
Why is it one of the best hostels in Vietnam?
Dorm room starts at $9
Kha Hostel and Cafe is not the cheapest place in Ho Chi Minh City, however, there is a great reason why. For a really comfortable room in a shared room, they surely offer the best in the city. Your bed has its own reading light, you have your own curtain for privacy, between beds are solid wood.
Imagine those capsule dorm rooms, Kha Hostel Cafe offer the same but is very cosy and private. They also offer free breakfast, they serve food all day. They are located perfectly; not far from the backpacker’s street (Pham Ngu Lao and Bui Vien) but at the same time, it is away from the annoying traffic noises. The must see in Ho Chi Minh City are only a few minutes walk. The hostel opened recently which guarantee very clean common areas.
Long Hostel
Why is it one of the best hostels in Vietnam?
Dorm starts at $6
If you want a more laid back place to stay while in Ho Chi Minh City, Long Hostel offers a quiet and clean room. The location is not far from the backpacker’s street (Pham Ngu Lao and Bui Vien) but the foot and car traffic is a lot less. The biggest dorm room they have has only 5 beds, which means more privacy compared to other hostels that come up to 14 or 20 beds.
They offer free breakfast and free beers to their guests, the staffs are helpful if you need any assistance with what to see around, transportation, and other essentials. Long Hostel is a smaller hostel which gives you a great break in such a busy city.
Hangout Hostel
Why is it one of the best hostels in Vietnam?
Dorm room starts at $6
If you want to play it safe and rather stay in a hostel that has been running for a while, the Hangout hostel is a good fit. They are one of the most booked hostels by backpackers. For an affordable price, they offer free breakfast, free shot, free beers, and all their rooms are with AC.
They also have a computer to use for free. The rooms are clean, the beds are comfortable, and their best feature is their location. Located right at the heart of the backpacker’s street, Pham Ngu Lao, there is no doubt why they are loved by most travellers.
Where are you going after Ho Chi Minh city? If you want to go to a small and quiet beach town, you can head to Vung Tau, here is how to get to Vung Tau from Ho Chi Minh City. If you are leaving Vietnam and heading to Cambodia, check out this article about border crossing between Ho Chi Minh to Phnom Penh.
I hope you find this article about hostels in Vietnam useful. If you have any questions, let us know on the comment section or contact us.