Backpacking can be a good way to explore a foreign country. You can see a lot more on foot or bicycle than you can from any other mode of travel. While tent camping has its advantages, there are times when a hostel sounds like a much better plan.
Not all hostels have the same amenities, and the choice depends on how you feel, how much you want to spend and whether or not you have children or pets as companions.
Here are the best four for you to choose from.
City Backpackers Hostel
This hostel has many amenities and is located in downtown HCMC. If you want to cook, there is a shared kitchen with pots, pans and cooking utensils provided. On the other hand, if you’re tired of cooking, there’s a restaurant at the hostel. There are also street venders not far away.
The other benefits of this hostel, including that children are allowed, are laundry facilities, a locker room and air conditioning. If you are there during the more humid times of the year, this will be a godsend to you. Tourist attractions are nearby as well.
Most popular amenities: Free WiFi Airport shuttleFamily rooms Non-smoking rooms Free parking24-hour front desk
Kiki’s House Saigon
On the other end of the scale, you will find Kiki’s House Saigon. There is no indication that pets and children are banned from the hostel, but there are only two amenities; wi-fi and air conditioning. That’s not a bad thing, but it is fairly bare boned.
However, location often makes up for what the hostel may lack. Bun Cha Restaurant is a short walk from the hostel. They serve a variety of traditional Vietnamese foods. You may want to arrive early, as there is usually a line outside the door well before it opens. Another nearby attraction is The View Rooftop bar where you can have a cocktail while gazing at the skyline of HCMC.
Most popular amenities: Non-smoking rooms Airport shuttle Free WiFi Free parking
Khoi Hostel
This hostel is in the middle as far as amenities go. It doesn’t have a restaurant or cooking facilities but it does have an electric kettle and laundry facilities. If you’re backpacking, you know that clean clothes are at a premium. Having the facilities at the hostel will save you a lot of time. Khoi Hostel doesn’t allow pets but it is child friendly.
The hostel isn’t in the city center itself, but it is within walking distance. For food you can go to Five Oysters Restaurant. Here you can get traditional Vietnamese seafood dishes. There are also plenty of veggie options for those who don’t eat animal products. Beer and cocktails are available for those who desire them.
Most popular amenities: Non-smoking rooms Free WiFiFamily rooms24-hour front desk Air conditioning
Alleyway Hostel
This hostel is adults only. There are some benefits to that, as children can be rather noisy and may want to ask a lot of questions to everyone else in the hostel. The amenities here are fairly basic; you’ll have free wi-fi, a flat screen television and a dryer. The nearby restaurant is Khe Garden Restaurant which serves traditional Vietnamese food.
Most popular amenities: Non-smoking rooms Airport shuttle Free WiFi24-hour front desk Room service Breakfast
