Where to stay in Hoi An: choose the best area to stay in Hoi An
How could someone go to Central Vietnam without spending some time in the loveliest, most colorful, and vibrant town of Hoi An? Since you must stay the night, here’s my guide to where to stay in Hoi An.
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Choose the best area to stay in Hoi An
Are you planning a longer Vietnam itinerary and wondering if it’s worth staying in Hoi An? The answer is absolutely YES!
It is one of the most visited places in the country. Take a short stroll through its streets, and you’ll understand why.
When looking for a place to stay in Hoi An, you’ll have to decide whether you want to stay in the Old Town area or by the beach.
Thus, I’ll break it down for you to help you plan better, and I’ll share some great accommodation options for each location. I’m here to guide you in making the best decision.
Staying in the Old Town
While staying in the heart of your destination will always have its advantages, you’ll notice some downsides to it all as well. Since the town is pretty small, no matter what you choose, you won’t be secluded. However, you’ll want to consider both advantages and disadvantages and decide where the best area to stay in Hoi An is for you.
Advantages:
- You are in the middle of the action
- step outside of your building to the colorful streets filled with lanterns – you can even come out early in the morning and take some pictures without the crowds
- close to great food places, you’ll want to try
Disadvantages:
- It gets crowded and hectic – especially during the lantern festival, but not only
- You’ll have to take a taxi to get to the beach (roughly 10 min drive)
- Prices might be a bit higher, and you might need to book further in advance to make sure you find a great place
If you are only visiting for a night and want to make the most of your stay, I strongly recommend staying in the Old Town.
Here are some great accommodation options to consider for Hoi An Old Town.
Luxury stay
Anantara Hoi An Resort
A superb 5* resort right in the heart of the bustling, colorful village, set along the river and 5km away from the beach. If you want to pamper yourself and relax with their daily yoga classes or a Vietnamese massage, this is the place you’ll want to book.
Their rooms have a private porch, from which you can enjoy the view of the river or the lush tropical garden.
Perfect for couples
Mid-Range stay
Little Hoi An. A Boutique Hotel & Spa
Its location at the edge of Old Town makes it perfect for someone who wants to stay in Old Town but skip the noise while still being close to restaurants and entertainment.
The hotel has a mixed vibe where you’ll find the old traditional Vietnamese style with a modern twist, a cozy atmosphere, and an excellent spa and outdoor pool.
Budget stay
Hoian Central Hotel
This hotel caught my eye because of its traditional and colorful vibe, outdoor swimming pool, and the perfect location on the edge of the city center.
Many guests say that their expectations have been exceeded and rate the hotel 10/10. They particularly loved the hotel’s staff’s customer service and said they would go back anytime.
Staying by the beach
Before I visited, I wasn’t aware that Hoi An is so close to the beach. However, An Bang Beach is 10-20 minutes away by bike from Hoi An’s Old Town (less than 5 km away).
If you choose to stay by the beach, you shouldn’t worry about getting from one point to the other—most hotels have bikes for rent and shutter transfers, and finding a taxi or a Grab is super easy and cheap.
Advantages:
- The beach will offer a more vacation feel
- It is much quieter and more relaxing than staying in the Old Town
- Cooler temperatures during the high season
- Many luxury resorts with spectacular services are located here
Disadvantages:
- You’ll have to commute to get to the Old Town
When you spend more time in Hoi An and not only passing by, you should consider booking a stay by An Bang Beach. This is the perfect way of mixing a beach vacation with a cultural one – splitting the days between the sandy shores and the colorful village towns.
An Bang Beach is the best beach because it is the closest to Hoi An old town, Da Nang airport, and offers lots of food options and great hotels. Other options: South An Bang Beach, Cua Dai Beach, Hidden Beach.
Luxury Stay
Aira Boutique Hoi An Hotel & Villa
Hidden in the lush tropical gardens, minutes away from An Bang Beach, boasting two outdoor pools and a spa, this is the perfect destination for a wellness retreat.
On the other hand, this is a super affordable luxurious place, particularly appreciated by guests for its restaurant, tranquility, and proximity to Hoi An center (approx. 15 minutes commute).
Mid-Range Stay
LIDO Villa
A villa accommodating up to 10 people with the beach steps away from its private garden. Spend the time between the sandy beach and the private pool, rent a motorbike and explore the area, or organize a tour with the help of the people at the front desk.
They offer sunbeds on the beach and a bar with very affordable cocktail options, perfect for long sunny days.
Budget stay
Blue Whale Homestay
This basic option is particularly appreciated for its quiet location by the sea, the openness and helpfulness of the manager, and the coziness of the place.
It is excellent value for someone looking for a vacation on a budget.
Authentic Vietnamese location
I’ve saved the most authentic experience for last because it’s only for the adventurous, looking for the real deal.
When we first visited Vietnam some years ago, we chose to stay in the backpacker’s area of Ho Chi Minh because we wanted to experience the city’s real vibe. The same goes for rural areas. We experienced this in Phu Quoc Island, where we stayed with the locals.
Therefore, I would encourage you to look at these options, at least for a night or two. Who knows when you’ll get the chance to wake up and drink your delicious Vietnamese coffee with a view over the rice paddies?
I urge you to stay anywhere in Cam Thanh, An-My, or Cam Kim Island for such an experience, and you won’t regret it.
Luxury Stay
Zest Villas & Spa Hoi An
It is an exceptional location in the middle of the rice paddies, offering 4* accommodation services. A place I would book in the blink of an eye for my next Vietnam experience, not only because of its swimming pool, free bikes, and SPA facilities but also because of the breathtaking views from its terrace and rooms.
Check out that bathtub in the garden!
Mid-Range stay
Pomelo Garden Boutique Villa
A nice homestay with an outdoor swimming pool, the guests appreciated the professional services delivered by the host and delicious food.
Its location amid tropical greenery makes it the perfect escape destination.
Budget Stay
A Bống Villa Hội An
Finding a place in Vietnam where people aren’t friendly is hard. The same goes for this homestay in Cam Thanh; the guests loved and recommended it wholeheartedly.
Other information you might need for visiting Hoi An
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO GO
We visited in December, and the weather was hot but just right. However, the dry season is between February and July, and I would encourage you to go towards the beginning or end of the season.
Accordingly, prices outside the high season are lower, and temperatures are bearable. Another thing to remember is that during the Vietnamese public holidays, the town gets even more crowded than usual (especially during TET).
GETTING AROUND
As I’ve said, getting around in Vietnam is super easy and cheap. Most hotels offer shuttle transfers and bikes for rent and can help you organize tours and visits in the surrounding area.
We mostly traveled by taxi or Grab, which is easy to use on the phone, without cash, and at really acceptable prices. Check out available options and prices here!
Other Asia travel resources:
- Plan for the perfect 5-day Da Nang itinerary with beautiful day trips to Hoi An and Hue
- Why you don’t want to skip Phu Quoc island
- 4 days in Hong Kong
- 3 days in Seoul
