Guesthouse availability- Dec/Jan

[afterDawn]

Hi All,

I'll be backpacking on the (now well established) backpacker circuit from vientiane, vang vieng, luang prabang, then from hanoi overland to HCMC and then onto Pnom Penh and Angkor. I'll be doing this with 2 friends over december and january.

As this is peak travel season to these areas, do you think that the amount of budget accommodation will suit demand? Or will we need to occasionally stay in more expensive accomodation, or consider camping or other options?

Cheers,
aD

[hiyo]

Guesthouse availability will not be an issue even at peak season this year. The reference to "camping" leads me to believe it is your first trip to the region.

There is a glut of cheap places in Phnom Penh, even with the demise of the Boueng Kak Lake area. Siem Reap is a little more, but head to Wat Bo area and there are US$15 guesthouses.

Vietnam is not as cheap, not as competitive, as the rest of the region but you will find plenty of <US$25 lodging. Food away from tourist areas is delicious and cheap.

I don't know about Vientiane, but Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang have plenty of budget accommodations. VV may not have too much extreme low-end availability during Dec-Jan, but still plenty in the US$15-20 range.

Not going to Thailand? Traveler's paradise right now. They seriously overbuilt accommodations in all price ranges, and there is real competition in lodging, food and transportation.

Get off the main drag. There are places to stay for much less than on "Pub Street," wherever you may be.

Forget about camping.

[afterDawn]

Originally Posted by hiyo

Guesthouse availability will not be an issue even at peak season this year. The reference to "camping" leads me to believe it is your first trip to the region.

First trip to Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, but not to the region. I grew quite accustomed to US$3-8 guesthouses in Thailand and was hoping for something similar. Basic is fine- just a bed and a fan i can deal with.

And the reference to camping was more of a flippant comment than anything else- im fully aware that campgrounds are near nonexistent in that area.

[cj001f]

Originally Posted by afterDawn

First trip to Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, but not to the region. I grew quite accustomed to US$3-8 guesthouses in Thailand and was hoping for something similar. Basic is fine- just a bed and a fan i can deal with.

If you show up in town at midnight, you might have a problem. midday, not so much of a problem but you might have to trade up. As always, avoid the guidebook reccomendations and you'll find something cheaper and less in demand.

beachside might be a problem for the Xmas-New Years peak peak travel period

[hiyo]

Originally Posted by afterDawn

First trip to Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, but not to the region. I grew quite accustomed to US$3-8 guesthouses in Thailand and was hoping for something similar. Basic is fine- just a bed and a fan i can deal with.

These days we stay in what is being called "flashpacker" GHs, and hence haven't priced the extreme low end lately. I have been traveling the region for some time, and have stayed in all kinds of places over the years.

In Saigon, the alley east of De Tham is packed with basic guesthouses. Hanoi has fan dorm hostels, very cheap away from the lake.

In Phnom Penh, the cheap flops near the lake are relocating as the lake is filled in, and there are more upscale rooms than there used to be, but you won't have a problem finding something under US$10. Farther from the river is cheaper.

In Siem Reap, Wat Bo area, we saw plenty of "Mom's GH" type signs pointing down alleys, but did not check them out. A friend who has an upscale GH in the area said they are decent if not luxurious.

Vang Vieng, Luang Prabang are similar, as I assume will be Vientiane. Explore away from the tourist centers and you will find lots of rooms in your range.

You won't need A/C at that time of year, and if you bring a good lock and don't mind sharing space, you can still lowball it everywhere you have said you want to go. Try to have a good idea of where in town you want to stay and go there and walk around. Find a cafe, one of you stay there with your bags/packs and the others walk around. Avoid the touts that will be meeting your bus/boat.

Expect Lonely Planet, Rough Guide, etc. mentioned places to have gone downhill and/or be sold out. MOST low end places in the region do not have an internet presence!

A surplus of rooms and a dearth of occupants due to the world economy means great availability in all ranges. We actually stayed in 3-4 star hotels in June-July in Hong Kong, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Phnom Penh and Bangkok due to rock-bottom prices. We stayed in upscale guesthouses elsewhere, although did do some rock-bottom one-nighters in Mae Hong Son province.

How are you getting from Luang Prabang to Hanoi? HCMC to Phnom Penh?

Have fun, it's a great part of the world, sometimes feels like Thailand of old, especially in Laos.

[afterDawn]

Thanks for your info :-) It was very reassuring!

How are you getting from Luang Prabang to Hanoi? HCMC to Phnom Penh?

Luang Prabang to Hanoi will be a bus affair i feel, once we reach the end of the Laos tourist trail. HCMC to Phnom Penh will either be direct bus or mekong cruise if we are not pressed for time.