Accommodation

Capsule Hotels in Japan - location

Shouganai1@gmail.com (About Andrew Sheldon) — Wed, 21 May 2008 08:37:00 +0000

I think capsule hotels are one of the best ways for a foreigner to travel around Japan. They do have a few constraints though:
1. They dont offer much in the way of English-language support, and I dont think they want high-manitenance gaijin. Its a very traditional crowd I think.
2. You have limited space for storage. Basically your sleeping area is open so you dont have storage space there. You get one elongate, school-type locker in the bath area. This is not terribly secure, but I have never had a problem. I have often stored a locked case on ground floor in the office storage area, and this has been fine, though not always secure. i.e. They have left the door open. They did not mind me taking things out daily for overnight stays.
3. They dont really suit more than 2 night stays.
4. I am not aware of any website which provides a list of capsule hotels in Japan, and since they are advertised in Japanese, they are not always easy to find. Your best chance is going to a youth-entertainment district in a major city and asking people. I dont know the Japanese name, but they will know enough English.

I have stayed at capsule hotels in the Tenjin district of Fukuoka (Green Cell?), Nagoya (near JR station), Tokyo (near Prince Hotel, Shinjuku) and Hiroshima. Could not find anything in Osaka, though I'm sure they are there. I literally couldn't find anything, so I dislike the place to this day. Ok, not literally. They tend to be around the Y3500-4500/night. The value is the hot bath before and after a night out. Dont forget you save on transport too (Y300+). Sometimes they have a discount for the 2nd night.
As indicated they dont stand out very well. They dont have signs saying 'capsule hotel'. Just a lot of Japanese garb. Ask people. If you have trouble storing your bags, maybe you should use a locker at the station overnight, and recover your things the next morning. But as indicated, I never had a problem storing or accessing a lockup case.
For more info see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capsule_hotel and Osaka Capsule Hotels (paradoxically I found this list) and here for pictures of a capsule hotel.
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Andrew Sheldon www.sheldonthinks.com

Capsule Hotels vs Youth Hostels

Shouganai1@gmail.com (About Andrew Sheldon) — Wed, 21 May 2008 08:33:00 +0000

Another great way to travel around Japan on the cheap is by staying at youth hostels. My experiences with youth hostels has mostly been in other countries, eg. Canada, NZ, Australia. In fact I have only stayed at a youth hostel once in Japan and that was in Nagoya. The reason I didn't like it was because this place has a 11pm curfew, so after clubbing until 2AM in the morning, I was unable to go to bed. Instead I was forced to walk around the city for 3 hours to keep warm. I dont know why I was unaware of the curfew. Maybe such information was in Japanese or staff neglected to tell me. Can't recall.

Youth Hostels are a cheap option and I would recommend them, particularly in the smaller cities and countryside where ryokans tend to be expensive and capsule hotels are absent. See www.jyh.or.jp/english/index.html for more information. I prefer capsule hotels in the city because I love a hot bath before and after going out, and also they have the advantage of being 24 hours and they are conveniently located close to entertainment areas (bars) in the cities, so I dont need to get an expensive taxi. Capsule hotels are similarly priced to youth hostels.

I guess both options should be tried as an experience. Capsule hotels are really only suitable for single men. There are a few I believe that cater to women, but they are rare. There are no private baths to my knowledge, so be prepared to flaunt you penis. I'm sure you'll put on a great show. The towels don't offer much shelter if you are not well endowed. But rest assured there will not be any Japanese walking around laughing at you in any language you understand. :)

The cheapest accommodation you might find

Shouganai1@gmail.com (About Andrew Sheldon) — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 06:29:00 +0000

If you are planning to travel overseas or interstate and you face a huge expense for accommodation - you might want to consider one of the following options:
1. Renting a campervan: Depending on your budget they can cost anywhere between $5-150/night, cheaper if you are returning a vehicle for them. It also depends on how many people you are travelling with, and if you are comfortable driving with the size camper you need. They range in size from 1-3tonne. A large one is easily handled in the countryside, but you might freak out in large cities, and where would you park. So oyu need to think about these issues. Campervanning present their own security concerns as well. I think it makes sense if you are going to hire a car anyway, you are travelling through a safe country, you are familiar with the country, the road rules are familiar. It makes more economic sense if you are travelling with 4 people, as the cost per person will fall, and there are benefits eating as well, so its a great strategy for families.
2. Buying a campervan: This option only makes sense if you are planning to travel for a long duration, or you are prepared to use a camper long term as a lifestyle vehicle, or you are buying a very cheap one second hand. Much depends on how much comfort you are prepared to tolerate. Some retirees by a campervan and travel around their home country, then sell it. That makes sense if you are well-endowed, but you will loose alot on amortisation. I might make more sense just to rent. If you are intending to buy, it makes sense to rent a few vehicle types beforehand to get a sense of the type of vehicle that you want, as well as to determine if you really like the lifestyle.
See my blog for more info - http://campa-living.blogspot.com
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Andrew Sheldon www.sheldonthinks.com

Banaue Hotel, Ifugao Province, The Philippines

Shouganai1@gmail.com (About Andrew Sheldon) — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 13:49:00 +0000

I have never seen so many foreigners gathered in one place in the Philippines. Without a doubt the place had the ambience of a terrorist bomb target.. he he. Fortunately the statute of limitations on tasteless jokes has run out. Seriously, this place is as far away as you could get from terrorists. Though it was not long ago that this area was a NPA (Communist) hotspot. The only signs of that are the checkpoints.

The number of foreigners was a surprise because you dont see many around, except in the neighbouring village of Banaue and at the viewing deck over the famous 'rice terraces'. Personally I think the rice terraces in Bali are much more appealing, and much more famous. Having said that there are more delights in this country than the government tourist office is promoting. The problem of course is that the government has no money to promote tourism and no idea how to, but they are getting better. Of of the real treasures going to Banaue is the drive there. The Cagayan Valley is beautiful between Aritao and Salano, and there are alot of opportunities to shop, though the problem is getting the cane and cloth handicrafts and sculpture back to your homeland without breaching a quarantine restriction.

There are a vast array of home craft industries in this part of the Philippines. Check out this piece (below) - No doubt a monument to my greatness. Well when I make such jokes with my GF she rebuts 'Well such jokes are half true'. Dear you are so right! I accept that with pride. If you are looking for this piece as a trophy, you can buy it for P12,000 ($US300) at this store adjoining Francillas grill & restaurant, which is just north of Santa Fe town in Nueva Escaya Province, in Central Luzon. If you have some ideas for a customised sculpture go up to Banaue. There is a museum in town, if you like a piece, take a photo and get a local artist to duplicate it.

Ok back to the topic at hand. The Banaue Hotel was built along with the Banaue Youth Hotel (next door) to provide a higher standard of accommodation for tourists. The strategy was supported by Imelda Marcos. The hotel has the styling of a ski chalet. The food was good, the view of the mountains great. The hot water was slow in coming and my superior room was smaller than a standard, so go figure. The fact that I was on the 3rd floor rather than the 2nd made little difference. The walls were very thin. I could here the German guy next door playing around with his girlfriend, so I must have sounded twice as loud. Poor guy, and thats just when I'm by myself. The hostel is P250/night, and the hotel P2300/night for a basic room including a continental breakfast. The service was annoying. They kept bugging me for coffee. I hate talking in the morning. Filipinos just dont get the protocol. 'I before E, leave me alone before 3'. I'm an afternoon person :)

Here are pictures of the hotel from the main road to the village and the breakfast view. The hotel is arounf 10 hours from Manila.

For hotel bookings contact email: sales@philtourism.gov.ph or tel: 63-2-524 2513. Fot hostel bookings, you can call tel: 63-74-386 4087.

Porto Novo Hotel, San Jose City, Philippines

Shouganai1@gmail.com (About Andrew Sheldon) — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 23:19:00 +0000

The Porto Novo Hotel is without a doubt the best value hotel I have ever stayed in - all the factors considered. Here is what you get for P1000 per standard room - continental breakfast and tax included. The 4-floor hotel is just 6mths old, so its very clean and modern. The standard rooms are generously sized, and come with aircon, cable TV, ensuite toilet/bathroom and a work table. It was very comfortable working there. There was even wifi, though the signal was a little weak in the room, and the manager turned off the internet later in the evening...to our dismay. Breakfast was simple but pleasing....something you might order from McDonalds. There was undercover parking, off-street parking, which makes alot of sense in the Philippines because of the security concerns and frequent rainstorms. The service was also friendly and attentive, though I must say they could offer little help for us as tourists. No travel maps, no tips for where to go. I guess the area doesn't have much to offer, but might they dig something up?? My guess is that they are targeting a business market, but given the possibility to attract holidayers, why not fill those vacant rooms.

I give the place 5-stars for value.

The Porto Novo Hotel is located on the Mahalika Highway as you leave San Jose City towards the north. Its in barangay Malasin, and their tel: 63-44-947 6688. As indicated, you can get a standard room (good for 1-2) for P1000/night or a family suite for P3,500. They even have separate quarters for your driver (P350/night with breakfast), and function rooms for P3,500. They have a very generous check-out of 12 noon.

Check the terms when you travel - my suspicion is that there terms are a 'special price' to boost market awareness. Perhaps it might be best to take up the offer before prices rise!

Cheap accommodation in South Korea

Shouganai1@gmail.com (About Andrew Sheldon) — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 06:35:00 +0000

It would be fair to say that I consider Korea among the most interesting countries I have been too...NOT!!! probably trailing Singapore because its a less comfortable place to stay, and very cold in winter. I imagine it to be like Japan was 30 years earlier. So having spent alot of time in Japan I cant appreciate its own identity. They are pretty aggressive people too though the better educated classy people are nice enough, and among the few to speak English. But maybe this is all just a communication problem.
The good news is that accomodation and transport is cheap so you can flick through the country on your way elsewhere just to say you have been there. On the positive side there was some interesting cultural aspects. I watched a funny cartoon skit on TV about a tragic romance. It struck me as much better than Japanese humour. I also ate at some nice restaurants and a tea house in Seoul. Seoul was surprisingly cultured in ways, though it makes you wonder whether it was the Korean American influence, so I showed no respite when I was interviewed by local TV channel on the virtues of travelling to Korea. I was really giving shit. Aside from bibinba and fast internet, there were not many redeeming features. It was the most organised place I have been to. All the buildings are numbered, so if you are good with numbers, you will never get lost. I think after they have build 1ooo condominiums they start to build a new city.

Seoul
1. Anguk Hanok Guest House – see http://anguk-house.com.
2. Seoul Guest House – see www.seoul110.com, or email: seoul110@yahoo.com.
3. Dongyang Motel – see www.dymotel.com or email: zorou@hotmail.com. Address: 6-1203, Choryang-dong, Seoul.
4. Jongno-won Guest House: See www.jongnowon.com. Address: #29 Ikson-dong, Jongro-gu, Seoul, Korea. Tel: 82-2-763 4249. I stayed here. It cost me W28,000 per night, or Y35,000 for two.
5. Songwontel Guest House: A single was W25,000 or W30,000 for a double. Its near Jongno-won guest house, should it be full. Address: #103-62, Doneui-dong, Jongro-gu, Seoul, Korea. Tel: 82-2-742 4469. See www.songwontel.com.

West Coast Korea

The highlight of the west coast was this beach resort. Korea actually has decent beaches compared to Japan. They had some wave action going and its white sand. Be careful not to trip over the barbed wire. When I was digging my sand castles I was hoping to find some ancient Korean treasury from the days when Japan wa plundering everything. But didnt find anything....not even a land mine.

Saraksan National Park was a disappointment. It was crowded and few highlights. Had a nice walk, a few nice autumn trees, but it wasnt worth the wait trying to get into the place. The queue of holiday makers was kilometres long. I think it must be the only half-decent place to go in Korea.

1. SP Sun Motel: See www.spsunmotel.fo.st. I stayed at this nice hotel in the Naksan Beach Resort town on he NW coast, close to the beach. Its not a great tourist stop, but it was cheap, at just W20,000. Nice beach except for the barbed wire to stop the North Koreans. Tel: 82-33-671 5665. They don’t speak English.

Pusan

1. Dong-gu, Pusan, Korea. This hotel is down an alley-way, past food stalls, on the southern (?) side of Pusan train station. Close to the International ferry terminal too. The cost was Y35,000 per night. I found it by going to tourist info at the train station.

Cheap accommodation in Japan

Shouganai1@gmail.com (About Andrew Sheldon) — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 06:06:00 +0000

I used to consider myself a 'Japan expert' but I might be getting a little rough here. I did most of my travel there a few years ago, and these days most of my travel is short trips, but I still have alot to offer for the larger cities.
The type of accommodation to get in Japan will depend on how long you intend to stay. If you are staying more than 2 weeks think about getting a 'gaijin house' - these are short term rentals based on monthly payments. There are several big companies offering this type of accommodation. Actually the flexibility and general high standard of this accommodation makes it well-suited for longer term stays. But bear in mind, you are sharing with alot of people, some noisy, untidy in bathroom, shower and kitchen, so think about that before you commit long term. There are issues with group responsibilities. Think about the location you choose. Pay a little more to be on a good train line or close to a station. Also try to get neat some open spaces. I rented a place for 2 months at Sumiyoshi, which was close to the Arakawa River, which allowed me to go for long uninterrupted rides up the river in relatively open spaces. Kanagawa has areas like that too SW of Tokyo city.
For shorter stay accommodation there are lodges or 'backpacker' style places, but actually if you dont have too much gear, you might consider capsule hotels. If you are a guy and dont mind being naked in public, you will love the hot baths. I was surprised but I never heard any racial taunts in these places. Most Japanese are polite, but usually their are some idiots around. What makes these places special is the hot baths and the fact they are located in the centre of the larger cities, and close to entertainment centres, and they are open 24 hours. I tend to have a bath before I go out, then after I have returned. Very refreshing.

Tokyo
The accommodation I liked in Tokyo was:
1. U-City Hotel, Narita City: Adjacent to Narita JL Line Station is the best value in Narita. Kihoko can get me a discount through work. It cost me Yen7,370/night, including breakfast & tax. No service charge paid.
2. Narita Station Hotel: Much cheaper at Y5,400/night and much closer to the station. I stayed here the last time. Free shuttle service from the Airport too, which I abused.
3. New Kayo Economy Hotel: Cheapest in Tokyo at Y2,700/night. Has internet access, TV, though small rooms. Located on the same subway line as Roppongi, close to Minowa Station, and therefore Ueno. Need to book at least 2 days in advance. Tel: 81-3-3873 0343?? [might be wrong number]
4. Space Inn Capsule Hotel, Shinjuku: This place is well located near a ATM (for Mastercard), Shinjuku Station, and is write among the action for entertainment. I did not really enjoy the area. Rate was Y3,800/night. Near Prince Hotel.
5. Geijin House, near Ueno: There are 2 Geijin Houses advertised at www.geijinhouse.com which Katsue found on the internet. This one is well located. I think it costs Y65,000 per month + deposit.

Nagoya
Nagoya is a smaller city, but it still has a few capsule hotels.
1. Space Inn: A capsule hotel near Nagoya Station, but also within walking distance of the entertainment area. McDonalds is right across the road. I have stayed at this place on 2 occasions now, the last time about 15mths ago. I thin it cost Y4200 per night.
2. Park Hotel: This is an economy business hotel, but was booked out the night I needed. I think the capsule hotel is better. This is probably Y6500 per night.

Osaka
1. Hokke Club Hotel: This is the only place I stayed at in Osaka. It was a bit expensive. Public laundry & baths. Cost Y5,250 if you book through Tourist Information at Osaka Station, otherwise higher price.
2. Capsule Hotel: I tried this place, but there was a 4:00pm opening and they did not speak English.
3. Yukikaze Youth Hostel: Just 10 minutes from Kansai International Airport. Just Y3,500/night. Address: Osaka-fu, Sennan-shi, Kitano 2-3-34, tel: 81-724-845 254, fax: 81-724-823 688. I did not stay. Closed at the time for renovation.

Kyoto
Kyoto is a very attractive city because it is surrounded by forest, and it has alot of old traditional buildings, temples, etc.
1. Maruko Inn: This place was very good value. A good room for Y4,200, and reasonably close to the entertainment district. Tel: 81-75-361 0505, fax: 81-75-361 7340.

Hiroshima
1. Capsule Hotel, located in the Ebisu Area. From Hiroshima Station, get the tram to Ebisu-cho. Walk south about 3-4 blocks and there is a Capsule Hotel. This is in the vicinity of several bars. Eg. Macs Bar, Twister Café being the better ones I visited. They offer a discount if you stay a 2nd night.

Fukuoka
1. ETS Inn: This place was very good value, and was a new hotel. Located near Fukuoka Station, but need to go through Tourist Information for discount. Tel: 81-92-642 4563. It is located near the railway, behind the bus shelters.
2. Green Land Capsule Hotel: This place is well-located in the Tenjin district, so easy access to entertainment district.

I have more places to add here, but I'll need to source them from other notes. Most of the others are country locations.

Cheap accommodation in Thailand

Shouganai1@gmail.com (About Andrew Sheldon) — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 05:59:00 +0000

I have not been to Thailand for a number of years so I can't vouch for the pricing policy of these places. I went there as a conference delegate and to research for a report, so I they were my classy days as a big spender. Yep, back in those days I was spending $US70/night - not my money mind you. Hard to change bad habits. Since these are likely to be the older hotels, they might still be cheap, though more likely rennovated.

1. President Inn, 155/14 Sukhumvit Soi 11, behind Siam Commercial Bank, Bangkok 10110. Tel: 66-2-255 4230-4, fax: 66-2-255 4235. Rooms were Baht 500-1000/night. Quiet rooms with bath/shower, hot water, air con, fridge, satellite TV, tel, business center, fax, copying machine. Near the Ambassador Hotel. Small apartment-style hotel.
2. Ambassador Hotel, 171 Sukhumvit Road, Bangkok 10110. Tel: 66-2-254 0444, fax: 253 4123. Cost $US70/night when booked from Philippines.
3. Asoke Place, 4/49 Soi Cowboy Sukhumvit 21 Road, Bangkok 10110. Fully-furnished rooms with air-conditioning, bath+shower. Cost Baht650/night. Reservations on tel: 66-2-258 3742, 3733, fax: 66-2-258 4338. Close to Old Windsor Hotel.
4. Mido Hotel, 222 Pradipat Road, Sapankwai, Bangkok. Tel: 66-2-279 4560, fax: 66-2-278 3412. Cost of Baht 1050/night. Good rooms, though I would think something cheaper this far from the city centre.

Cheap backpackers in Vietnam

Shouganai1@gmail.com (About Andrew Sheldon) — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 05:29:00 +0000

I have not been to Vietnam in a few years now so prices are likely to have risen, and there are likely to be more places. Anyway here is a selection. If you are unsure it might be best to spend the first night of your stay at a nice hotel, and look around for a cheapeer place after you have settled. That way you dont have to search with all your luggage.

Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City)
There are several hotels in the Saigon area which are good value. The backpacker district is located in District #1 of Saigon. This is the old part of the city. The reason for staying at backpackers I think are:
1. Hotels dont offer you any 'real' experience of how life is in Vietnam
2. You are more likely to meet backpackers and Englih-speaking Vietnamese in the backpacker district
3. Its much cheaper, whereas international hotels are more pricey despite the low cost of building in Vietnam. The reason is the extra fees, plus your fears of being mugged

Some of the budget/backpacker style accommodation I looked at was:
1. Thanh Thanh Hotel, HCMC: Paid $US6/night for fan room with double bed, toilet, table & chair. Can pay $US9/night for air-conditioning (not required). Address: 205 Pham Ngu Lao St, District 1, HCMC, tel: 84-8-886 1751, fax: 84-8-836 7027. I stayed here. No tel in room.
2. Hotel Hoang Huy, HCMC: Located at 18 Bui Vien St, HCMC. Tel: 836 7956. Rooms start at $US5/night. I think alright but the room shown did not have good security.

Hanoi City

Hanoi City is a much nicer city I think than Saigon. Which is why I spent alot of time there. I think its cleaner, cooler, better maintained (as the national capital), and it has attractive old French districts, and well-maintained lakes in the city. The backpacker district is centered around the northern end of Lake Kiem. There are several blocks of backpacker lodges stretching north from there.

1. Nam Phuong Hotel: Located at 64 Cau Go St, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, tel: 825 5988. This place is very close to Lake Kiem. The owners are very friendly & do not take advantage of you. You get more than you pay for. I paid $US8/night for fan+TV+hot water+double bed.
2. My Kinh Hotel: Located at 72-74 Hang Buom St, Hanoi. Tel: 825 5726, fax: 828 0514. Offered $US8/night including TV+hot water+2 beds+closet+table. Large room, but old place, so need adaptor for new plugs. Good value & many rooms.
3.The Old Darling Café: Address 142 Hang Bac St, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi. Tel: 84-4-824 3024, fax: 926 0102.. There is another office at 10 Dao Duy Tu Alley, Hanoi. Tel: 828 1711. Dormitories are good for 6 & only $US3/night. If want security & personal toilet can get room for $US7-8/night. This place probably had the best atmosphere at dinner of all the cafés, and is a good place to meet people. They also organise tours, which apparently gave no problem, though I suspect particular tourists are targeted.
4. Darling Café: Address at 33 Hang Quat St, Hanoi. Tel: 826 9386, fax: 825 6562. Rooms were $US8/night.
5. Especen Hotel No. 8: This is where I stayed on my 1st night. I was in a small room, sharing toilet way downstairs, noisy, though just $US5/night. Address: 30 Luong Van Can St, Hanoi. Tel: 824 5924.
6. The Red River Tours: Address at 73 Hang Bo St, Hanoi. Tel: 826 8427, fax: 828 7159, email: redrivertours@netnam.org.vn. This is one of the 3 travel groups (Sinh Café & Queen Café being the others). It was rooms, a large restaurant & email services. Did not see the rooms.
7. Queen Café: Address at 65 Hang Bac St, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi. Tel: 826 0860, fax: 825 0000, email: queenaz@yahoo.com or queenaz@usa.net or queenaz@fpt.vn. Have rooms & email.
8. Mai Phuong Hotel: I stayed here the following nights. They are associated with Queen Café. Address at 32 Hang Be St, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi. Tel: 826 5341, fax: use Queen Café fax & email. The food here is very cheap & reasonable, the room I got for $US7/night including large bed & room, large toilet/showever, table & chair +fan (was cold so did not need). There was a strange bouncing ball noise I could not identify.
9. N.A.M. Long Hotel: Address at 10b Dinh Liet St, Hanoi. Tel: 826 6054, fax:??? No email. The rooms were cheap here at $US6/night for nice single room + fan. The toilet was downstairs though, so sharing. Maybe older style plug, but I think can take new (USA) or old (French) plug.
10. Ta Hien Hotel: Located at 22 Ta Hien St, Hanoi. Tel: 825 5888. They were offering a single (big) room with fan & toilet for $US8/night. This is an old style hotel. Old power point maybe??? Security might be an issue as there was a side door, though this may allow you to take girls in.
11. Youth Hotel: This place is very pleasant & up-market. Can get air-conditioned room (dont need) & TV for $US25/night, or standard room with air-con, toilet &shower for $US15/night. Common facilities include a restaurant, bar and pool table. There are many cheaper hotels offering similar rooms, but common facilities are superior to most.
12. Love Planet: Address at 98 Ma May St, Hanoi. Tel: 828 4864, fax: 828 0913, email: loveplanet@hn.vnn.vn. Dormitories for $US3/night or offered room for $US6/night, but the room I looked at had a musty smell. Large room with toilet.
13. Dong Xuan Hotel: Address at 26 Cao Thang St, Hanoi. Tel: 828 4474. This place has rooms from$US6/night I understand, but is too far from lake. Did not go there.
14. Binh Minh Hotel: 50 Hang Be St, Hanoi. Tel: 826 7356, fax: 84-4-824 7183. This has the cheapest room I saw for just $US4/night (Room 207), however dark, no ventilation or windows. Good for storage if travelling with valuables. Try get $US2-3/night if need security.
15. Vinh Quang Hotel: A girl told my she paid $US8/night for TV+tel+hot water+double beds. I found it to be $US15/night. Address: 24 Hang Quat St, Hanoi. Near Old Darling Café. Good if can negotiate the price down.

Nha Trang City
Nha Trang City is famous for its nice beaches, though I am sure they dont compare with Australia and USA. I did not go to these places so you might want to research more. Nha Trang is located in central Vietnam, so its midway between Hanoi and Saigon, but a long way.

1. O-Sin Hotel & Restaurant, Nha Trang City: I was recommended to go to this hotel for $US3/night. This place is apparently where all the foreigners go. Danang is a hole I understand. Has nice beach & bars. Can meet pros on the beach.

Halong Bay City
Halong Bay is one of the most beautiful places in Vietnam. It is the gateway to the limestone tors that rise out of the Red River Estuary like the scales of a crocodile skin sit out of the water. This is a great place to go sea kayaking, though you would need to be weary about privacy in these unsecure estuaries.

1. Manh Cuong Hotel, Bai Chay precinct, Halong City: Address: 79 Sector 2A Vuon Dao St, Bai Chay, Halong City. This place is on the hill. It has clean, modern rooms, 2 beds, balcony with no chairs or view, 5 floors, hot water for $US15/night, though it was a lot cheaper though Queen Café tour.
3. Opposite Manh Cuong Hotel, Bai Chay precinct, Halong City: I lost the business card for this place, though very cheap. Offered me $US5/night because I think they liked me. Anyway that was 6 years ago. She could have a PhD now?? I think the mother wanted me for her daughter who was a stunner & spoke English. It comprised 2 bed room + toilet & hot/cold water shower.