Should I just walk in and ask for a room?

You can, but you will pay a higher rate than the online price. Use the app to check the price while standing in front of the lobby, then show it to the receptionist to see if they can match it.

Is breakfast usually included?

Often, yes. However, it is usually basic (banh mi or eggs). Don't pay extra for it if your hotel price jumps more than $3; you can get a better breakfast on the street for $1.

Booking Budget Hotels in Vietnam

Book your stay 2-3 weeks in advance using local platforms like Agoda, which dominate the Vietnamese market. Filter for 'guesthouses' or 'homestays' to find the best value, usually between $15 and $25 per night.

Use the right booking engine. Stick to Agoda. It has the largest inventory in Vietnam and often lists smaller, local hotels that aren't on Booking.com or Expedia. Check both platforms to compare, but Agoda usually wins on price.
Look for 'Homestays' and 'Guesthouses'. Search for these specific terms rather than 'hotels.' In Vietnam, a 'homestay' is often a clean, private room in a family-run building that provides much better value than a budget hotel chain.
Check the location against the 'Old Quarter' or 'Center'. Budget hotels in Vietnam often claim to be 'central.' Always open Google Maps and measure the distance to the main tourist hub. If it's more than 2km away, verify if you have easy access to Grab bikes or taxis.
Verify AC and Window status. Vietnam is humid. Double-check that your room has AC. More importantly, check the room photos for a window. Many 'budget' rooms in narrow Vietnamese shophouses are windowless, which makes them feel like caves.

Should I just walk in and ask for a room?: You can, but you will pay a higher rate than the online price. Use the app to check the price while standing in front of the lobby, then show it to the receptionist to see if they can match it.
Is breakfast usually included?: Often, yes. However, it is usually basic (banh mi or eggs). Don't pay extra for it if your hotel price jumps more than $3; you can get a better breakfast on the street for $1.