Ho Chi Minh City is a bustling metropolis, one of the better known cities in South-East Asia but maybe slightly more overlooked compared to the other major cities like Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok and Singapore City. However, this is where the prices are nigh on unbeatable. The culture in Vietnam is also quite intriguing, as it is a unique blend of Vietnamese Asian culture, which also has a strain of Chinese influence, with a dash of French flair, a legacy of colonial times.

And the best thing of all, everything is of very reasonable price, especially the cheap hotels! The hotel that comes highly recommended is the Bich Duyen hotel, which is located in the well-known backpacker part of town - Pham Ngu Lao street, and only a five-minute walk to the Ben Thanh market, bank, shops and so on. With room rates starting from US$20, the prices are exquisitely low.

The beauty of this hotel is that, even though it is cheap, it's not dodgy like so many backpacker hotels are. The rooms come with individually-controlled air conditioning, IDD phone and internet access, private bathrooms with a shower or bathtub and hot water (no waiting in line for the grubby bathroom at the end of the corridor like other places!) and cable or satellite TV.

Amenities include a restaurant and bar, 24-hour room security, conference rooms, a business centre and a fitness centre, and even a transport rental service. Free breakfast is served, along with coffee, tea and pineapple juice, a uniquely South-East Asian touch to the usual continental options. The reception staff are friendly and cheerful, and would be happy to tell you all you want to know about Vietnam to make your sight-seeing experience a hassle-free one.

In short, Bich Duyen is the prince of all budget cheap hotels! If you are backpacking across Vietnam or just want a cheap place to stay, make your way there at once!