If you’ve scrolled through Vietnam travel content online, you must’ve seen countless reels of content creators telling how Vietnam is one of the cheapest places for Indians. And among the many factors that are considered affordable in Vietnam, accommodation stands as one of the cheapest.
In fact, cheap hotel rates in Vietnam are becoming something of an internet legend – with people sharing memes and viral posts in India about how one can book rooms in Vietnam for as low as INR 160 for a night. While it may sound dramatic, it is very much real and a defining reason why Indian travelers are making their way to Vietnam. Let’s take a deep dive into why Vietnam hotels are cheap for Indian travelers.
Why Vietnam Hotels Are Cheap For Indian Travelers: An In-Depth View
Why The Price Gap Exists In The First Place
Currency And Purchasing Powers
The Vietnamese Dong (VND), compared to the Indian Rupee, creates a natural ‘value boost’. Vietnamese denominations are higher than Indian ones, making the prices look much higher than their Indian counterparts. However, the actual exchange rate and currency conversion actually showcase that these prices are not that high. Good exchange rate swings and a favorable INR to VND conversion make everyday costs in Vietnam seem very attractive to Indian travelers.
Real Operating Costs Are Lower (Especially Labor)
Vietnam’s hospitality sector benefits from lower minimum wages and cheaper service costs than many Western countries. This means that hotels, especially those that are family-run and budget mid-range, can operate profitably even when charging lower room rates. Several travelers have observed that labor and running cost differences serve as a major reason why Vietnamese hotels are often cheaper than most other countries in Southeast Asia.
A Crowded, Competitive Market
Recent years have seen a sharp rise in Vietnam’s tourist arrivals, and the graph is only showing steady growth. The market has become quite crowded and competitive, and when supply grows fast, competition forces prices down. Add aggressive online promotions from online travel agents, and you have frequent flash deals and very low headline prices.
Seasonality And Promotional Quirks
Vietnam, just like any other country, has a pronounced peak and off tourist seasons. Outside peak tourist season, most hotels in Vietnam slash rates to fill rooms. This is why Vietnam hotels are cheap for Indian travelers in the off-season. Also, occasional pricing errors and platform-exclusive promotions can sometimes show astonishingly low prices. This explains those viral INR 160 bookings that were all over the internet!
Also Read: No More Reapplying For Visa: Vietnam 5-Year Visa Exemption Cards Set To Attract International Talent
Is Vietnam Cheap For Indian Tourists: How To Find The Best Deals
Attention travelers! If you’re searching for ways to score a good deal without burning a hole in your wallet, you must follow these helpful tips!
Compare – But Read Beyond The Price
Use aggregator websites like Google, Booking.com, and Agoda among others to compare headline rates. But also make sure to check the hotel’s own website – some hotels offer lower prices on their own website, plus offer perks like free breakfast and airport transfers. Also make sure to check the cancellation policy, amenities offered, and additional taxes/fees before you settle on a hotel deal.
Time Your Trip (And Your Booking)
If you’re traveling in Vietnam’s peak tourist season, you’ll find most hotels in key tourist areas with competitive rates. However, traveling in shoulder months can guarantee not only fewer crowds but also lower prices. Book moderately in advance so that you can get sweet deals on hotels in popular tourist destinations. Also, set price-drop alerts that are available on platforms like Agoda, MakeMyTrip, and Booking to be alerted of price drops and good deals.
Know The Real Address And Neighborhood
Looks can be deceiving they say – and it holds true for some hotel listings unfortunately! Some listings that look ‘cheap’ and ‘affordable’ might be quite far away from your desired tourist destination or locality. Make sure you check the property name and address on Google Maps and note the distance of major tourist sites you’re eyeing to visit from your hotel. Also, check recent Google reviews and their social media accounts, if any.
Check Reviews And User Photos
Never make the mistake of skipping user reviews. Look for recent comments by users, especially about the service, cleanliness, and basic amenities. Social proof can help you gauge how the hotel fares in comparison to other hotels offering similar deals. Plus, checking user reviews is a good defence against the ‘too good to be true’ listings that are often cheap but end up becoming inconvenient, overpriced in the end, or even unsafe.
Watch Out For Hidden Extras
Some hotels might show a cheap headline cost that acts as a bait to lure travelers looking for budget accommodation. However, these hotels then charge additional fees for basics like WiFi, breakfast, airport transfers, and even amenities like laundry and bedding. These extra costs can easily add up to the actual cost you end up paying, resulting in you shelling out more money than expected. Check hotel websites and Google reviews for such hidden extra costs to save yourself from getting scammed!
Also Read: Top 10 Best Places To Visit In Vietnam
Summing Up
Vietnam’s currency, Indian purchasing power, and a generally crowded and competitive market are major reasons why Vietnam hotels are cheap for Indian tourists. However, you’ll have to check reviews, confirm hotel locations, and compare prices on trusted websites before hitting that “book” option. Do these smart things, and we assure you that you’ll get comfortable and affordable accommodation in Vietnam.
