Tips for Navigating Hotel Quarantine in Vietnam
With more countries introducing mandatory hotel quarantine for travelers arriving from other countries, one writer shares her tips on how to get through a hotel quarantine experience.
Wringing out gym gear in a bathtub before hanging it on a thin piece of rope tied between a door and a hotel balcony is not how I imagined spending a Saturday night. I had to get used to temperature checks at 5 pm as part of the hotel quarantine routine. The experience was weird, necessary, and yes, lonely. It simultaneously felt like it went by either oh-so slowly or quite quickly.
One year ago, following the initial outbreak of COVID-19, Vietnam was among the first countries to implement mandatory quarantine for arrivals. Before recording its first case on January 23rd, Vietnam had already begun issuing public health warnings about this mysterious virus. They tightened borders in March 2020, suspending inbound tourist travel; even now, only “business experts” on government-approved chartered flights and Vietnamese nationals on repatriation flights are allowed to enter. All travelers must have a PCR test 3-5 days before flying, and quarantine in an assigned facility is mandatory. The current national COVID-19 tally is 2001, including 35 deaths.
For a country sharing a large part of its border with China, Vietnam’s handling of the pandemic is impressive. After the initial outbreak, instances of second and third waves emerged; however, Vietnam reacted rapidly, locking down entire towns when necessary. I was on a work trip to Thailand when the Vietnamese borders shut. I wasn’t surprised but didn’t expect to return to Ho Chi Minh until ten months later. The process to re-enter Vietnam was time-consuming and expensive. I had to secure a quarantine hotel for 15 days at my own expense.
The Cost of Hotel Quarantine
There was a choice of 20 government-approved hotels to select from, and my requirement was simple: which room would be least likely to make me lose my mind? I chose a 3-star hotel costing about $1100 (€900) for 15 nights. For that price in Ho Chi Minh, one could usually stay somewhere extraordinary, but during a global pandemic, I had a room with twin beds and a little desk that became my workspace and dining table.
I arrived at the hotel late at night via pre-approved private transport in a hazmat suit provided at the airport. Vietnam manages COVID protocols stringently. I checked in via QR code, unpacked in my new home, and wrote out a countdown of 15 days to be crossed off each morning. The first couple of days went smoothly. It felt like having a duvet day for two whole weeks, but that was far from reality.
Workouts During Hotel Quarantine
Initially, I thought I could keep busy with my work and workouts, but by day three, I was digging into my emergency stash of snacks. The only human contact was through daily temperature checks and two COVID tests. I communicated with the hotel staff via WhatsApp, forming an unexpected fondness for the receptionist who dropped off my outside deliveries. The only exciting part of my day was waiting for food deliveries, which I ordered using local apps. I balanced out online workouts with some indulgent meals.
Food Deliveries and Room Service
During my stay, an alarm sounded each time my room door opened, primarily to collect food left outside. Breakfast was part of the room rate, a delicious variation of noodle soup, breads, cakes, and fruit. I enjoyed strong coffee served with condensed milk. For lunch and dinner, I indulged in Ho Chi Minh’s incredible Vietnamese food offerings. While I could receive items from outside, nothing could leave the room during the quarantine period, and no other person could enter. I ordered cleaning supplies online to keep my room tidy and did laundry in the bathtub.
Work, Exercise, Netflix, Repeat
I tried to maintain a regular routine during weekdays, sticking to 8-9 hours of work, exercise, dinner, and Netflix. The weekends felt particularly dull. I engaged in yoga, drawing, reading, and taking baths only to realize it was still early in the day. I made an effort to stay online, but also found myself distracted by mindless scrolling on social media. Friends were gracious enough to drop off care packages, and I relished the occasional loud singing along to my favorite playlists.
Staying Connected
Online tips for self-isolation encouraged checking in with loved ones, so I tried to uphold that. Although I’m not a major fan of video calls, I made an effort to connect with friends and family. I managed to get through the 15 days with only one emotional moment and a few stressed-out cigarettes on the balcony, far better than the total meltdown I had anticipated.
On the day I was due to leave, my final COVID test results sent a wave of anticipation as I awaited approval from the Health Department. When the moment arrived, I was ecstatic. Transitioning into a country that feels safe and has effectively managed the virus is a privilege, well worth the half-month of quarantine. Surprisingly, I didn’t feel overwhelmed upon venturing outside again. Instead, I celebrated my release with friends at a rooftop bar, feeling a sense of normalcy restored.
