Where to Stay in Hoi An, Vietnam: 7 Best Areas

Hoi An is one of those rare destinations that feels both dreamlike and wildly practical. Lantern-lit nights? Check. Quick beach access? Absolutely. Cafés with Vietnamese drip coffee and rooftop views? Plenty.

Figuring out where to stay in Hoi An isn’t just about budget; it’s about choosing the experience you want, because this small city has a surprising amount of personality packed into each corner.

Unlike major Vietnamese cities, Hoi An isn’t about skyscrapers or subway lines; it’s a walkable, scooter-friendly town broken up into distinct pockets.

The Old Town has all the photogenic charm and foot traffic, while beach areas like An Bang offer a quieter, ocean-cooled vibe. And if you’re looking for something more local or riverside, there are options available as well.

I’ve stayed in Hoi An multiple times now, and each visit reminded me just how much your neighborhood shapes your entire trip. So let’s break it down.

Hoi An Ancient Town

• Good for: First-time visitors, photographers, café lovers

• Vibe: Charming, walkable, historic

• Pros & Cons: Beautiful architecture and easy access to everything, but crowded and pricier during peak hours

If this is your first time in Hoi An, the Old Town is the main area, and an excellent place to base yourself.

You’ll be waking up surrounded by yellow-washed French colonial buildings, riverside lanterns, and all the tailoring shops, temples, and street vendors you could hope for.

It’s especially ideal if you want to ditch motorbikes and explore mostly on foot. Mornings are peaceful, evenings glow, and your camera roll will thank you.

The trade-off? It gets packed midday with tour groups, and hotel prices reflect the high demand. But for atmosphere, charm, and convenience, it’s tough to beat.

There’s also a growing café and boutique scene that makes slow mornings and relaxed evenings incredibly easy to fall into. And if you want to join a cooking class, many of the best ones meet right in this area before heading to local markets.

Top Hotels in Hoi An Ancient Town

Allegro Hoi An – Luxury

Hoian Central Hotel – Mid-Range

HY Local Hotel by Hoianese  – Budget

An Hoi Island

• Good for: Nightlife seekers, couples, those wanting proximity to Old Town

• Vibe: Lively, central, slightly chaotic

• Pros & Cons: Super walkable to the Ancient Town and great for nightlife, but it can be noisy and a bit touristy

Sitting just across the lantern-lit bridge from the Ancient Town, An Hoi Island is where the party begins once the sun sets.

This compact area punches above its weight with bustling night markets, riverside restaurants, and plenty of spots for a happy hour cocktail or two.

If you want to be close to the action without paying the premium of staying directly in the Old Town, An Hoi is your loophole.

It’s especially popular with younger travelers and couples who like being near the buzz, and don’t mind the music drifting in late.

By day, you’ve got chilled riverside views. By night, it’s a colorful mix of street food, souvenir stands, and bars pulsing with live music. Not for light sleepers, but undeniably fun.

Top Hotels in An Hoi Island

Lantana Riverside Hoi An Hotel – Luxury

Hoi An Odyssey Hotel – Mid-Range

Green Town Hoi An – Budget

Cam Pho

• Good for: Culture lovers, peaceful stays, families

• Vibe: Calm, authentic, neighborhood feel

• Pros & Cons: Walkable to Old Town but quieter and more affordable; fewer nightlife or dining options immediately nearby

Cam Pho is just west of the Ancient Town, making it a smart pick for those who want to be close, but not surrounded by all the action.

This area has a slightly more residential vibe, featuring temples, local eateries, and a wealth of traditional architecture.

It’s perfect if you’re looking for a quieter, less touristy base while still being able to walk into town in 10 minutes or less. There’s more breathing room here, and prices tend to be more budget-friendly without sacrificing charm.

Great for families, older travelers, or those seeking early mornings and calm evenings without the chaos of the tourist hub.

Top Hotels in Cam Pho

La Siesta Hoi An Resort & Spa – Luxury

Hotel Royal Hoi An – Mid-Range

Harmony Old Town Hostel – Budget

Cam Chau

• Good for: Digital nomads, long-stay travelers, culture explorers

• Vibe: Relaxed, green, semi-rural

• Pros & Cons: Peaceful and local, great cafés and co-working, but farther from the beach and Old Town

Cam Chau is the sweet spot between rice paddies and tailor shops. Located east of the Old Town, this area offers a more authentic glimpse into daily Hoi An life, with numerous homestays, local markets, and those lush green fields that everyone loves to Instagram.

It’s also become a bit of a digital nomad enclave, with yoga studios, great Vietnamese coffee, and charming, low-key restaurants scattered throughout.

If you’re in Hoi An for more than a few days and want to feel a bit like a resident, Cam Chau is your spot.

Rent a bike and you’ll easily be able to bounce between the beach, Old Town, and the rice fields, all while enjoying a much quieter base.

Top Hotels in Cam Chau

Silk Sense Hoi An River Resort – Luxury

Lantana Boutique Hotel Hoi An – Mid-Range

Mad Monkey Hoi An – Budget

Cam Thanh

• Good for: Nature lovers, families, eco-minded travelers

• Vibe: Green, quiet, village-style

• Pros & Cons: Surrounded by coconut groves and rivers, but a bit removed from both the beach and Old Town

Cam Thanh is often overlooked by first-timers, but it’s a gem if you’re after a countryside feel. Nicknamed the “Coconut Village,” this area is characterized by lush waterways and serene views, particularly along the riverbanks.

Here’s where you can hop in a traditional basket boat, paddle through palm groves, and then head back to your eco-homestay.

It’s ideal for families seeking some space or travelers who prefer a slower, more local experience.

Just know: you’ll need a scooter, bicycle, or daily Grab rides to reach the town or the beach, they’re both around 10–15 minutes away.

Top Hotels in Cam Thanh

Zest Resort & Spa Hoi An – Luxury

Moodhoian Riverside Resort & Spa – Mid-Range

Red Flower Cottages Homestay – Budget

Cua Dai Beach

• Good for: Resort stays, older travelers, those who want beach and quiet

• Vibe: Sleepy beachfront, laid-back, residential

• Pros & Cons: Direct beach access and resorts, but not walkable to Old Town and quieter nightlife

Cua Dai Beach was once the beach hub in Hoi An, before erosion and shifting sands made An Bang the new star. But that doesn’t mean this area is out of the game.

It’s a solid pick for anyone wanting a peaceful beachfront stay without the foot traffic of An Bang.

The resorts here often have their stretch of sand, and it feels more secluded in the best way.

This area is ideal for honeymooners or older travelers who want to unwind with ocean breezes and poolside cocktails, rather than dance floors and beach clubs.

Top Hotels in Cua Dai Beach

Victoria Hoi An Beach Resort & Spa – Luxury

Hoi An Beach Resort – Mid-Range

Sea Star Homestay – Budget

An Bang Beach

• Good for: Beach lovers, couples, chill travelers

• Vibe: Trendy, boho, breezy

• Pros & Cons: Beautiful beach and great restaurants, but farther from the town center, and can be busy in peak season

An Bang Beach is now the go-to beach destination in Hoi An, and for good reason.

It’s relaxed, full of charming bungalows, and lined with beachfront restaurants and bars that keep the vibe alive well into the evening.

This area has a bit of that Bali-meets-Vietnam energy: smoothie bowls, yoga classes, and acoustic sets by night.

You won’t find much traditional Vietnamese life here, but you will find a crowd that loves flip-flops and fresh seafood.

Great for travelers who don’t need to be near ancient temples and markets 24/7 and would rather fall asleep to crashing waves.

Top Hotels in An Bang Beach

Aira Boutique Hoi An Hotel & Villa – Luxury

KA Villa – Mid-Range

Hoi An Wanderlust – Budget

Getting from Da Nang Airport to Hoi An

Flying into Da Nang International Airport? Good news, Hoi An is just 45 minutes away, making it one of the easiest jumps between airport and beach town in Southeast Asia.

You’ve several transportation options, depending on your budget and level of convenience.

The best part? All of these services run 24/7, so even if your flight lands at midnight or 4 a.m., you won’t be stranded. Just book ahead or download the necessary apps before arrival.

Once you’re en route, the drive itself is pretty straightforward, a mix of local neighborhoods, beachfront pockets, and rice paddies that give you a small taste of central Vietnam before you even check in.

• Book a Private Transfer: The easiest, fastest, and no price haggling. You’ll be greeted with a sign and whisked away with AC and luggage help. Worth the few extra bucks, especially if you’re arriving late or have a lot of luggage.

• Grab: The most affordable and flexible ride-hailing option. When exiting the airport, turn left and walk for approximately 1–2 minutes. You’ll find the official Grab pick-up zone, usually with signage and a few Grab staff helping out. Be patient, drivers sometimes cancel last-minute due to distance.

• Taxi: Available outside the terminal. Always go with reputable companies like Mai Linh or Vinasun and confirm the meter is running.

• Shared Shuttle or Bus: Slower but cheaper. Some hotels can arrange group transfers, or you can check online in advance.

Tips for Booking Hotels in Hoi An

Hoi An might be small, but when it comes to accommodation, it punches well above its weight.

From riverfront boutiques to homestays with bikes and breakfast included, there’s a lot to choose from, and a few things worth keeping in mind:

• Decide if You Want to Be Near the Old Town or the Beach: If you’re dreaming of lantern-lit nights and walkable charm, stay close to the Old Town. If morning swims and fewer crowds are more your vibe, An Bang or Cua Dai will suit you better.

• Book Early for Peak Season: December to February is the high season, expect dry weather, the Tet holiday, and heavy demand. If you have your heart set on a specific area or hotel, book it early.

• Many Properties Include Free Bikes (and Sometimes Airport Transfers): Biking is one of the best ways to explore Hoi An. If your hotel throws in a free one, that’s a solid perk. Some higher-end stays even offer Da Nang Airport pickups, so double-check the fine print.

• Boutique and Homestays Dominate — But Double Check What’s Actually Included: Not every “resort” here means five-star amenities. Check reviews for details such as reliable Wi-Fi, breakfast quality, and the actual distance from town.

• You Can Walk to the Beach From An Bang, But Not From Old Town: A lot of listings loosely claim to be “near both beach and Old Town.” That’s optimistic at best — it’s a 10–15 minute drive minimum, so know your priorities and pick accordingly.

• Hoi An’s Popularity Keeps Growing: With the continued boom in travel content, digital nomads, and foodie tourists, this city isn’t a secret anymore. Expect high occupancy during festivals and holidays, and be prepared for your hotel to be fully booked unless you plan ahead.

Now, some personal advice: if you’re someone who hates touristy areas, avoid staying directly in the Old Town. It gets slammed busy after 4:00 PM every single day.

I’ll be honest, the first time I visited Hoi An, I didn’t like it. But that’s because I experienced it at night first. Once I explored the peaceful mornings and breezy afternoons, everything changed.

I’ve returned several times since, and every friend who’s spent months living here has said the same thing: avoid the Old Town in the evening unless you’re specifically there for the spectacle or for a reason. Otherwise, stay nearby and enjoy the quieter, better-balanced version of Hoi An.

How Many Days Should You Stay in Hoi An?

Three to four days is the sweet spot for most travelers. It gives you enough time to soak in the lantern-lit charm of the Old Town, lounge on the beach, join a cooking class, and maybe squeeze in a countryside bike ride or a tailor fitting, without rushing through the experience.

If Hoi An is part of a larger Vietnam itinerary, I’d say lean toward three days. That gives you flexibility for Da Nang, Hue, or further south without cramming your schedule.

But if you’re craving a slower pace (and some time to sit by the river with a coffee), four days lets you do that without FOMO creeping in.

Since I already have a 3-Day Hoi An itinerary, I can confidently say it covers a full range of experiences, and trust me, you won’t run out of things to do.

The magic here really lives in the mornings and early afternoons, before the crowds descend, so pace yourself and enjoy it. I love this charming, romantic, and laidback town!

Best Areas to Stay in Hoi An: Final Thoughts

Figuring out where to stay in Hoi An can feel surprisingly tricky for such a compact town. But once you understand the distinct vibes of each neighborhood, from Old Town charm to beachside calm, things start to fall into place.

Personally, I prefer staying just slightly outside the Old Town. You get the convenience of being close to the action, especially for restaurant options, without being smack in the middle of the tourist rush.

As mentioned earlier, Hoi An’s Old Town gets slammed after 4 PM, and while it’s magical at night, it can be overwhelming. If you’re not into that vibe, don’t feel bad about staying further out and biking in.

And speaking of biking, that’s hands down my favorite thing to do in Hoi An. Grab a bicycle from your hotel, cruise through the quiet alleys in the morning, and get lost in the rice paddies.

You’ll see locals starting their day, pass school kids zipping by, and stumble across cafés that look like they’re straight out of a magazine.

Try waking up early at least once to experience the Old Town before the crowds. It’s a different world at 6 or 7 AM.

he morning market buzzes with vendors setting up shop, the air’s cooler, and the streets feel like they belong to you. I’ve done it a few times and always end up sitting back on a lawn chair, coffee in hand, just soaking it all in.

Don’t skip out on the tailoring scene either. I’ve picked up some fantastic clothing over the years here, and if you’re into leather, Hoi An is famous for its buffalo leather belts, bags, and custom jackets. Prices are solid, and the quality holds up.

And of course, this is the town for food lovers. If you haven’t had a proper banh mi yet, you’re in for a treat. Even if you have another, you can still have one. Hoi An’s versions are next level. And don’t miss Cao Lau noodles, a local specialty that you’ll find all over the city.

Hoi An rewards the slow traveler. It’s not a place to rush, it’s one to explore, savor, and return to. Wherever you choose to stay, you’ll quickly realize why so many people fall in love with this little riverside gem.