HHowdypandaHotel was located about 15-20 mins walk away from Hekou/Lao Cai border. General cleanliness was there however, the room and lift reeks of cigarettes as the hotel allowed smoking in the rooms and although I requested for a non-smoking room, there were still cigarette scents everywhere in the room. Aside from that, basic amenities were provided and check in process was very quick.
WWandering WünderkindWe stay here every time we cross into Vietnam. It’s reasonably priced, the staff is nice, and the breakfast is decent. It was much better in previous years but that’s to be expected. Less tourists go there these days post Covid.