Halong City

Despite enjoying a stunning position on the cusp of Halong Bay, where its high-rise hotel developments dot the shoreline, most travelers opt to skip Halong City, preferring to spend a night out in the bay itself. As such, increased competition for a dwindling clientele means the budget hotel rates here are some of the cheapest in Vietnam. 

Still the city, known locally as Bai Chay, draws some tourists, and it's particularly popular with Chinese and Korean visitors who prefer to enjoy terra firma attractions such as casinos and karaoke after a day exploring the bay.