Best Places to Stay in Hoi An, Vietnam: Where to Book for Old Town Charm, Beach Days, or Rice-Field Calm
Hoi An is one of those rare places that rewards you no matter how you travel—romantic weekends, family holidays, solo slow-travel, foodie missions, or a “work remotely but make it beautiful” month. The only real mistake is choosing the wrong base.
This guide is built to help you pick the best place to stay in Hoi An based on your vibe: lantern-lit evenings in the Ancient Town, morning swims at the beach, or quiet countryside living where the loudest sound is a bicycle bell and a chorus of frogs. You’ll get neighborhood-by-neighborhood advice, curated stays, and practical booking tips so you can land in Vietnam feeling prepared—not overwhelmed by a million listings.
Quick takeaway: For first-timers, staying near the Ancient Town is the easiest win. If you want breezy, barefoot mornings, head to An Bang Beach. If you want peace and space, choose the countryside around Cam Chau/Cam Thanh.
Why Where You Stay in Hoi An Matters (More Than You Think)
Hoi An looks compact on a map, but the experience changes dramatically depending on where you sleep. The Ancient Town is wonderfully walkable, but it’s also the busiest. The beach zone feels like a different world: surfy cafés, sandy lanes, and a slower clock. The countryside sits in between—rice fields, coconut palms, and boutique villas that feel like hidden retreats.
The best accommodation in Hoi An isn’t “one perfect hotel.” It’s the right match between your priorities (walkability, quiet, pools, beach access, family space, or boutique design) and the area you choose. Make that one decision correctly, and the rest of your itinerary becomes effortless.
Hoi An at a Glance: The Best Areas to Stay
If you’re searching for the best places to stay in Hoi An, you’ll keep seeing the same four zones—and for good reason. Here’s what each one does best.
1) The Ancient Town & Central (Best for First-Time Visitors)
The Old Town area puts you right where you want to be: lantern streets, riverside walks, cafés, tailor shops, markets, historic houses, and easy access to tours. If your dream Hoi An is “sunset, lanterns, and a night market snack crawl,” stay central.
- Best for: first-timers, short stays, photographers, food lovers, travelers who hate taxis
- Trade-offs: more noise and foot traffic, smaller rooms, fewer “resort-style” properties
2) Cam Pho / Cam Chau (Best All-Round Base: Close to Town, More Space)
These areas sit just outside the Ancient Town—close enough that you can bike or grab a quick ride, but far enough to enjoy quieter streets and better value. You’ll find villas, boutique resorts, and stays with gardens and pools. If you want the convenience of town without sleeping in the thick of it, this is the sweet spot.
- Best for: couples, families, travelers who want calm evenings, longer stays
- Trade-offs: you’ll commute a little (often by bicycle or short taxi ride)
3) An Bang Beach / Cua Dai (Best for Beach + Cafés)
On map: An Bang Beach area:
The beach areas are where you go when you want Hoi An with salty hair and flip-flops. An Bang especially has a cool, easygoing feel—beach clubs, smoothie bowls, and relaxed nights. Cua Dai has larger resort-style stays and wide beachfront stretches.
- Best for: beach lovers, families, digital nomads, travelers who want pools and space
- Trade-offs: you’ll travel into town for lantern nights and sightseeing
4) Cam Thanh & the Countryside (Best for Quiet, Nature, and “Boutique Escape” Vibes)
If your version of luxury is quiet mornings, green views, and a villa that feels like your own private hideout, this is your lane. The countryside around Cam Thanh is known for palms and water coconut landscapes, and it’s ideal for travelers who want calm between Old Town visits.
- Best for: slow travel, wellness trips, couples, remote workers, anyone who sleeps early
- Trade-offs: you’ll rely on bikes or rides for most outings
Best Hotels and Resorts in Hoi An by Travel Style
Below are curated stay ideas to match how you travel. I’m keeping this practical: what the stay is good for, who it fits, and what kind of experience you can expect. (Availability changes constantly in Hoi An, so use these as starting points and compare similar properties in the same area.)
Best Luxury Resorts Near Hoi An (For the “Once-in-a-Lifetime” Trip)
If you’re coming to Central Vietnam for a milestone trip—or you simply want a stay that feels like an experience on its own—Hoi An has standout beachfront luxury. These places typically offer spa programs, private pool villas, destination dining, and service that feels quietly next-level.
Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai (Beachfront Villa Luxury)
This is one of the best-known luxury stays in the region: a high-end beachfront resort with private villas and a tranquil, polished atmosphere. It’s ideal if you want resort days (spa, pool, beach, dining) while keeping Hoi An within easy reach for evening adventures.
- Best for: honeymoons, anniversaries, luxury travelers, villa-and-pool people
- Tip: build in “nothing” time—this is the kind of place you’ll regret over-scheduling
Resort-Style Stays Around Cua Dai (Space, Pools, and Beach Time)
If you want a classic resort setup—bigger pools, beachfront access, and an easy family-friendly rhythm—Cua Dai is a strong option. The vibe is less “old town boutique” and more “holiday mode.” Great for travelers who want to mix beach mornings with Old Town nights.
Best Boutique Hotels Near Hoi An Ancient Town (Walkable + Charming)
Boutique hotels are the signature Hoi An move: stylish, personal, often family-run, and designed to feel like a home base rather than a generic room. Staying near the Ancient Town means you can head out early for photos, return for a midday break, then go back out for lantern evenings without thinking twice.
La Siesta Hoi An Resort & Spa (Near Town, Resort Comfort)
La Siesta is a popular pick for travelers who want boutique style with resort-level comfort—pools, gardens, and a relaxed atmosphere—while still being close to Hoi An’s key sights. It’s a strong “easy choice” if you want a reliable base with amenities for downtime.
- Best for: couples, families, first-timers who want a comfortable all-rounder
- Tip: prioritize a room/villa style that matches your trip: quiet garden feel vs. easier access to facilities
Small Riverside & Alleyway Hotels (For Peak Old Town Energy)
If you want to be steps from the action, look for stays just outside the pedestrian core or near the river. These are perfect for: sunrise walks when the streets are quiet, quick coffee breaks, and spontaneous dinner decisions. Expect smaller rooms, more character, and the occasional soundtrack of scooters and street life.
- Best for: short stays, solo travelers, photographers, anyone who wants to walk everywhere
- Watch for: soundproofing (bring earplugs if you’re sensitive to noise)
Best Places to Stay in An Bang Beach (Chill Cafés + Barefoot Mornings)
An Bang is where you go to wake up slow. Think: beach walks, espresso and coconut coffee, a midday swim, and a relaxed dinner where nobody is in a hurry. It’s a great contrast to the buzz of the Ancient Town, and many people love splitting their trip—half Old Town, half beach.
Beachside Boutique Villas (Privacy + Style)
An Bang has a growing scene of boutique villas and small hotels that lean stylish, leafy, and low-key. They’re ideal if you want to feel “local beach life” rather than “big resort.” Many have pools, garden courtyards, and easy access to cafés.
Budget-Friendly Beach Stays (Great Value, Great Location)
If you’re traveling light and want value, An Bang can be surprisingly affordable, especially in small guesthouses and simple boutique stays. Prioritize: air conditioning, reliable Wi-Fi, and a location you’ll actually use (close to the sand or close to the café strip—both are valid).
Best Countryside Stays in Hoi An (Rice Fields, Quiet Lanes, and Space)
The countryside is where Hoi An becomes a deep exhale. You’ll bike along narrow paths, pass rice paddies glowing green, and return to a pool that feels like a private oasis. This area is perfect if you want wellness energy without needing a formal retreat.
Eco-Lodges and Garden Villas (For Nature-Lovers)
Look for eco-lodges and boutique villas around Cam Chau and Cam Thanh if you want a nature-forward stay. These properties often prioritize gardens, open space, and a more relaxed rhythm. They’re great for reading, journaling, or working remotely with a view.
River & Coconut Palm Retreats (For “Quiet Luxury” Without the Price Tag of Big Resorts)
Some of the most memorable Hoi An stays are in riverfront or coconut-palm areas where you feel a world away from the crowds—but you can still reach town quickly. If you’re choosing a retreat-style property, check transport: bikes, shuttles, or easy Grab pickup points.
How to Choose the Right Stay: A Simple Decision Framework
When you’re deciding where to stay in Hoi An, ignore the marketing photos for a moment and ask yourself these four questions. You’ll narrow the options faster than any filter.
Question 1: Do I want to walk home at night?
If the answer is “yes,” stay in or near the Ancient Town. Lantern nights are the magic of Hoi An, and being able to wander until late—then walk home—changes the whole vibe.
Question 2: Is my priority beach time or sightseeing?
If you want beach mornings, book An Bang or Cua Dai. If you want to maximize sightseeing, cafés, and night markets, stay central. If you want both, consider a split stay: 2–3 nights near town, then 2–3 nights at the beach.
Question 3: Am I traveling for rest or for activity?
Hoi An can be surprisingly active—day trips, cycling, cooking classes, temples, markets, and tailor sessions. If you want true rest, choose the countryside or beach and travel into town in short bursts.
Question 4: What will I actually use: pool, breakfast, spa, or location?
Be honest. Some travelers love a great breakfast and a pool; others want to spend every hour outside. If you won’t use resort facilities, put your budget into location. If you plan to lounge and reset, put your budget into comfort and amenities.
Booking Tips for Hoi An Hotels (How to Get the Best Experience)
Stay Length: How Many Nights in Hoi An?
For a first visit, 3 to 5 nights is the sweet spot. It gives you time for Ancient Town mornings, a beach day, a cooking class, and at least one slow evening where you do nothing but wander. If you’re using Hoi An as a rest stop between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, even 2 nights can work—but you’ll want to stay central to minimize logistics.
Pick the Right Season for Your Style
Hoi An is beautiful year-round, but your comfort depends on weather patterns. Hotter months make pools and beach bases extra appealing. Rainier stretches can be romantic (lantern reflections!) but you’ll appreciate covered walkways, quick rides, and a cozy room.
Transportation: How You’ll Get Around
You don’t need to overthink transport. Many travelers bike everywhere. Taxis and ride-hailing are common for longer distances. If your hotel offers a shuttle to town or the beach, that’s a bonus—but not a must.
- If you stay central: walk most places, bike for farther cafés or rice-field rides.
- If you stay at the beach: plan on quick rides into town for evenings (or bike if you love it).
- If you stay countryside: bikes are your best friend; rides help when it’s hot or rainy.
Room Strategy: What to Look for in Listings
When comparing places to stay in Hoi An, look beyond star ratings. Focus on the details that impact your daily life:
- Air conditioning (non-negotiable for many travelers in hotter periods)
- Shower and water pressure (read recent reviews)
- Wi-Fi reliability (especially if you work remotely)
- Sound (Old Town can be lively; countryside can have early roosters)
- Distance to what you’ll do every day (Old Town walks vs. beach cafés vs. rice-field cycling)
Sample Stay Plans (Copy These Itineraries)
Plan A: First-Time Visitor (4 Nights, Maximum Convenience)
- Base: near the Ancient Town or Cam Pho
- Why: walkability + easy sightseeing + great evenings
- Best for: short trips, couples, solo travelers
Plan B: Split Stay (6 Nights, Old Town + Beach)
- 3 nights near the Ancient Town (lantern nights and markets)
- 3 nights at An Bang Beach (rest, café life, ocean air)
- Best for: travelers who want variety without long travel days
Plan C: Slow Travel (10+ Nights, Countryside Calm)
- Base: Cam Chau or Cam Thanh villa
- Why: space, quiet, routine, and easy resets
- Best for: remote workers, writers, wellness trips, long holidays
Frequently Asked Questions: Staying in Hoi An
Is it better to stay in Hoi An Ancient Town or at the beach?
It depends on your priorities. If you’re sightseeing, eating out, and want lantern nights on foot, stay near the Ancient Town. If you want rest, swimming, and a slower pace, stay in An Bang or Cua Dai. Many travelers do both with a split stay.
What’s the best area to stay in Hoi An for families?
Families often love Cam Chau/Cam Pho (more space, still close to town) or beach areas for easy pool/ocean days. Look for family rooms, villas, or suite-style stays so everyone sleeps well.
Where should I stay in Hoi An for nightlife?
Hoi An nightlife is more “night market + riverside cafés + bars” than clubs. If you want to be close to the evening scene, stay central near the river and the Ancient Town edges.
Are boutique hotels in Hoi An worth it?
Yes—Hoi An is one of the best places in Vietnam to lean boutique. You’ll often get more personality, better design, and more memorable hospitality than in big generic chains.
Final Thoughts: The Best Place to Stay in Hoi An Is the One That Matches Your Trip
If you want the classic postcard version of Hoi An, stay near the Ancient Town and give yourself at least one night to wander with no plan. If you want beach mornings and café life, An Bang delivers. If you want calm, nature, and a slower pulse, the countryside villas are the quiet superpower of this destination.
And if you’re still stuck deciding, here’s my simplest advice: book a place that makes your mornings easy. Because Hoi An is at its best early—soft light, quieter streets, fresh coffee—and the right base lets you enjoy that magic without effort.
