Agoda generally better in Asia, including Vietnam.

I have seen the same thing — fake and misleading listings on Agoda for Hanoi and HCMC, then the trick of taking you to an inferior “partner” hotel. I have also experienced aggressive requests to post good reviews.

Vietnam tourism booming right now and enforcement weak. I suggest double-checking with Google hotels and even visiting the hotel before booking, ask to see a room. If you can’t do that consider staying one or two nights at a reputable brand name hotel while you look for a cheaper place.

Currently in Da Nang and have not seen this problem on Agoda here.

People who use online travel agencies like Booking, why?

I understand the benefit of many middlemen from Uber to Amazon to Airbnb, as they solve a significant discovery or delivery problem. But what does Booking do that Google Hotels does not?

As an aside, this explains why Marriott can command such a premium there.