Hanoians flock to guesthouses to avoid the heat

Many guesthouses in Hanoi have already closed at around 9 pm in the past week since they are full as people seek shelter from the heat wave.

Many guesthouses in Hanoi are fully booked

Dang Thi Hoai from Hoang Mai District said they were saving up money to buy an apartment. They had planned on buying an air-conditioner but if they can bear the heat for the next month, they would have enough to move into a new apartment.

Hoai and her husband's workplaces have air-conditioners and their children' school also have air conditioning. However, it's another matter when they go home.

"Last night, we went to the guest house nearby since 8 pm to rent a room for VND250,000 (USD11)," Hoai said.

When returning the room in the morning, she left a VND100,000 (USD4) deposit to reserve the room. Hoai said the prices were a bit high but they could deal with it for a few days or else they wouldn't be able to sleep.

Tran Van Thai, the receptionist of a guest house on Dai Tu Street said he'd call it a good day if the 36-room guest house was half-full but they had always been full in the past week. All rooms are taken or booked since 9 pm. Guest houses often open 24/7 for walk-in guests. This time, their guests are usually families wanting to sleep overnight.

Thai said, "Either their houses don't have air-conditioners or the air-conditioner was broken and the repairman failed to arrive."

Duong Van Nga, a guest house owner on Dinh Cong Street, said all 20 rooms were taken since 8 pm last night. By noon the next day, two-thirds of the rooms were booked. A single costs VND130,000 (USD5.65) per night and a twin room costs VND180,000 while a dorm room costs VND250,000. Nga said two people often rented a single room while a twin room could accommodate three people to save cost.

Guest houses on Dinh Cong, Truong Dinh and Lang streets are also always full.