Where to stay in Hoi An: Best areas & hotels

Hoi An is one of my favorite destinations in Vietnam. I have visited Hoi An several times, and my recent visits are in May as a solo traveler.

I stayed in a few hotels in Hoi An, and in this article, I will share with you my experience on Where to Stay in Hoi An and the best areas for both first-timers and returning visitors.

I’m Vietnamese and have traveled extensively throughout the country, so I speak from real experience. I bring deep local knowledge and valuable insights.

Hoi An is best known for its UNESCO-listed heritage old town with yellowing shop houses and beautiful white sandy beaches. It is located in Quang Nam province in Central Vietnam, around 30 km from Da Nang.

Where to stay in Hoi An?

Hoi An Old Town and Hoi An Beach are the two main best areas to stay in Hoi An. In my opinion, Old Town is the best overall base for first-time visitors it is the historic heart and sould of the city.

Staying in the old town means you can walk to many historic attractions, famous restaurants, bars, and tailor/ leather shops. You can enjoy the lively nightlife scene here without worrying about taking a taxi back to your accommodation.

Hoi An Beach includes An Bang and Cua Dai Beach is a great base in Hoi An, especially if you want to spend most of your time on the beach and don’t mind traveling to get to the old town.

The beach area is usually more relaxing than the old town. It has enough restaurants and shops for a comfortable stay but it doesn’t have as many choices as in the old town.

Me at the busy banks of Hoai River near An Hoi Bridge in the evening

Hoi An old town and beach area are located 5 km apart, around a 10-15 mins Grab car ride (70,000 VND). Grab is plentiful and easy to reach in both areas. Many hotels in Hoi An offer free use of bikes, so you can cycle between these two areas if you are an active traveler.

You can choose to split your stay in Hoi An both in the beach area and the old town area, like me. I stayed a night in An Bang and a couple of nights in the old town. I had to pack my luggage and move between hotels but I’m happy with my choice.

There is no accommodation in the pedestrian area of the old town, but you can find many hotels within walking distance to the old town. The best areas to stay near Hoi An Old Town include An Hoi, Cam Pho, Cam Nam, and part of Cam Chau.

Many hotels and guest houses in Hoi An offer laundry services, however I recommend doing your laundry outside for a more affordable price. You can find many laundromats near major tourist areas and your hotel. They often charge per kilo, and can return within a few hours.

My recommended hotels in Hoi An:

Luxury: La Siesta Hoi An Resort & Spa
Mid-range: Hoi An Historic Hotel
Budget: Square Villa

Best Hotels in Hoi An

In An Bang Beach, I stayed at the mid-range 4-star AIRA Boutique Villa. The hotel is located right on the beautiful white fine sandy beach, so I enjoy swimming at any time from early morning when the sun rises to late afternoon when sun sets.

ARIA has a swimming pool and delicious breakfast with many options. My room #B102 had garden views. It was very clean with a comfortable bed and pillows. The best thing was that everything on the minibar was free, including 2 bottles of water, 2 cans of soft drink, and 2 cans of beer.

There were many restaurants within walking distance from the ARIA hotel on Nguyen Phan Vinh Street. The atmosphere in the beach area was very peaceful and relaxing, not crowded like Hoi An old town.

In the old town, I had experience staying at the Hoi An Historic Hotel. I think it is a good 4-star mid-range hotel in a prime location on Tran Hung Dao street, just a few minutes walk from the ancient town. My room #163 was a classic double room, clean and spacious. The breakfast area was lovely with both indoor and outdoor settings.

I was a bit overwhelmed when checking in because I arrived around 12pm when many other guests were checking out but overall it was a good base for a short stay in Hoi An.

I also stayed at the budget-friendly Square Villa on Dao Duy Tu street. It is a small family-run hotel, conveniently located within 5 minutes to the river bank and the old town. My room was on the 3rd floor and had a nice balcony with street views.

The room at Square Villa was clean with a comfortable double bed and good soundproof. I think Square Villa is best suited for solo travelers who want safe, affordable guest house near the old town. The owner and staff are very friendly and help me organize the bus to Hue.

Where to stay in Hoi An for families with kids?

When it comes to the best areas to stay in Hoi An with kids, your family has two choices: The old town or the beach area ( An Bang/Cua Dai Beach). It is around 10 minute taxi ride from the old town to An Bang beach.

The old town is best suited for families who want to step away from top historical attractions, ancient shop houses, as well as some of the towns’ best restaurants and tailor shops. The beach is best suited for families who want to stay right on the beach. An Bang’s town is more laid back than Hoi An old town.

If your family wants to stay in An Bang/ Cua Dai beach, you can consider the family-friendly AIRA Boutique. I stayed here and recommend this place. Right next to the beach with plenty of sunbeds, a swimming pool, and a nice breakfast buffet. AIRA has a family connecting room for families of 4 and three bedroom villas for families of 8.

In Hoi An Old Town, you can consider staying at Bel Marina on An Hoi island, La Siesta or Allegro in Cam Pho. If your family is looking for a good 4-star hotel, I suggest Laluna Riverside.

Best Family Hotels in Hoi An

The best areas to stay in Hoi An for tourists

1. Hoi An Old Town, best area for first-time visitors

Staying near Hoi An Old Town is the best option for first time visitors. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with narrow streets, well-preserved shop houses, and historical attractions like Chinese Assembly Hall, Japanese Covered Bridge, Tan Ky Old House, and Museum of Sa Huynh Culture.

Hoi An was known as Lâm Ấp Phố under Champa Kingdom from 2nd to 15th century. It was already the trading port during Champa Kingdom due to its strategic location in the East Sea. But, it was more developed in the 16th to the 18th century when it became a busy trading port in South East Asia.

The city attracted merchants from all over the world like Japan, China, Portugal, Spain, and the Netherlands. It was known with different names during this period including Hoai Pho and Faifo.

These foreign traders built the houses, bridges, temples, and assembly halls in Hoi An, and many of them still exist today. These buildings have a blend architecture of local Vietnamese, Japanese, and Chinese elements.

By the 19th century, Hoi An lost its status as a major international port town due to the siltation of the Thu Bon river and the new trading port in the region shifted to nearby Da Nang.

During the late 19th and early 20th century, the city was neglected under French colonial rule because the French focused their development on Da Nang. The city also escaped the damage of the American–Vietnam War and the widespread devastation seen elsewhere.

Today, you can visit the late 16th century Japanese Covered Bridge, the 18th century Tan Ky Old House, the 17th century Fujian Assembly Hall, the 18th century Cantonese Assembly Hall, 17th century Quan Cong Temple, the 18th century Phung Hung House, and the 18th century Duc An Old House.

Walking along the narrow cobbled stone streets in the old town is like stepping back in time. You can have beautiful photos with yellow-washed houses, lantern lit streets, and Bougainvillea. Most ancient houses are now used as shops, restaurants, and cafes.

Old town has a lively nightlife scene with many bars and restaurants, especially the area along Hoai River. The old town is at its best in the evening when all the lanterns are lit up along the streets and the river. The weather is also cooler in the evening, so many people come out to enjoy the atmosphere.

The Old Town is a 2 square km area on the north bank of the Thu Bon River, encompassing major streets such as the riverside Bach Dang, Tran Phu, Phan Chau Trinh, Nguyen Thai Hoc, and Le Loi. There are also hundreds of small alleys connecting these streets together.

There are no accommodations in the walking and cycling town area, but you can stay in its immediate area. The best places to stay near Hoi An old town include An Hoi, Cam Pho, Cam Nam, and Cam Chau (the area bordering the old town).

For families and couples who are looking for a bit of luxury in Hoi An Town, I recommend looking at Bel Marina, La Siesta, Allegro, or Anantara.

There are also plenty of good 4-star mid-range hotels that have prime locations, including Laluna Riverside or Hoi An Historic Hotel.

For solo travel and those who have a smaller budget, I suggest staying at Hoi An Heart Lodge, located in Cam Pho ward and is easily walking distance to the old town.

1.1. An Hoi – best area near Hoi An old town for nightlife

An Hoi is a great area to stay near Hoi An Old Town. It is a small island on the Thu Bon river, just south of the old town. It is linked with the old town by several bridges including An Hoi and Quang Truong Bridge. You can easily walk from An Hoi to many attractions and activities in the old town.

An Hoi has a lively nightlife atmosphere, especially along the 500 m long waterfront Nguyen Phuc Chu Street. It is packed with restaurants, bars, massage shops, street food stalls where you can sit, eat, drink, and people watching.

Many of the bars and restaurants on the riverfront area have second floors with balconies where you can look down to the street and the river. The busiest spot in the area is the area around An Hoi Bridge.

The back streets of An Hoi like Nguyen Phuc Tan, Ngo Quyen, and La Hoi are lined with homestays, villas, and resorts. Many of the accommodations offer a peaceful atmosphere and river views while still being easy walking distance to the action.

An Hoi is home to Hoi An Night Market, which is located on the 300m long Nguyen Hoang Street. The night market starts at 6pm, adding a lively atmosphere to the old town. You can eat street food, buy souvenirs, and clothes.

An Hoi is also home to the only bamboo theater in Vietnam, Lune Center for the Performing Arts. You can buy a ticket to watch the local art performances and the Vietnamese Bamboo Circus.

An Hoi is also connected to Cam Kim island by the Cam Kim Bridge. You can get to this area to visit Kim Bong Carpentry Village, which is one of the traditional craft villages in Hoi An.

Here are my recommended hotels in An Hoi:

Bel Marina Hoi An Resort. Bel Maria is a beautiful accommodation and is a great choice for families and couples. It is located in a quiet area on Nguyen Phuc Tan Street of An Hoi, but within walking distance to the old town, the night market, and the lively waterfront area with many restaurants and shops. They also have a nice rooftop infinity pool and bar.

Little Hoi An . A Boutique Hotel & Spa. Little Hoi An is a nice little mid-range hotel, conveniently located on the banks of Hoai River, within easy walking distance to the ancient town and the night market. Great base to explore the city.

hoi an center town. If you have a smaller budget, I think Hoi An Center Town Hotel is a great option. It has an excellent location to explore the old town and night market. The host can give you recommendations for tailors, tours, and laundry services.

1.2. Cam Pho – best area near Hoi An old town for relaxing atmosphere

Dao Duy Tu street from my hotel's balcony — Dao Duy Tu street from my hotel’s balcony

Cam Pho is an area located right west of Hoi An old town. It offers quiet stay while still being within walking distance to the main area.

You can find hotels, villas, and homestays along main roads like Dao Duy Tu, Hung Vuong, Tran Hung Dao, and Nguyen Du riverside area. There are also many budget-friendly options nestled among the narrow alleys.

Cam Pho is close to Thanh Ha Pottery Village, and Silk Village Hoi An, which are popular tourist attractions in the city. You can visit these places and learn about the traditional craft villages of Hoi An.

Here are some of the best places to stay in Cam Pho:

La Siesta Hoi An Resort & Spa. This is a popular 5-star hotel on Hung Vuong Street, a bit outside of the Old Town, but easily accessible on foot, bicycle, and Grab. The rooms here are spacious and luxurious. Great place for a relaxing night sleep away from the hustle and bustle. La Siesta has multiple swimming pools and one of those has beautiful views of the rice fields.

Laluna Hoi An Riverside Hotel & Spa. I think Laluna is a good mid-range option for families and couples staying near the river and the old town. It has a family room, an outdoor swimming pool, and a fabulous buffet breakfast.

MaiChi Villa Hoi An. Maichi is a good place near the old town, and is best suited for those on a budget of around 40 AUD/night. It is located in a nice quiet area on the back alley of Dao Duy Tu street and is a short walk to the ancient town. The room is clean and big. They also have a swimming pool.

1.3. Cam Nam – best area near old town for budget travelers and local vibe

Cam Nam is an island located just south of the old town, and is connected with the old town by the Cam Nam bridge. You can find some good value for money accommodations in this ward and still be close to the heart of action.

Main roads in Cam Nam are Hoàng Dieu, Nguyen Tri Phương, and Luong Nhu Bich. There are numerous local restaurants, cafes, massage shops, bike rental, tour agencies, and laundry services in these streets.

I personally believe that Cam Nam is a good base for those who want a relaxing atmosphere, affordable accommodation, local experiences, and easy access to the old town.

Hoi An Memories Land island is also part of Cam Nam where you can find a luxury resort on the private island.

Here are my suggestion for accommodations in Cam Nam:

Bay Resort Hoi An. Bay resort is a beautiful family-friendly resort in Hoi An, located in Cam Nam ward right on the bank of Thu Bon river. It is within walking distance to the old town and Hoi An market. You just need to walk across the Hoang Dieu bridge. You can use the resort’s free bikes to explore the old town. Other facilities include a garden, a swimming pool, and a fitness center.

iHome Hoi An. iHome is a popular place to stay in Cam Nam, located right on Nguyen Tri Phuong street, which is one of the main streets of this ward. You can find several shops, restaurants, cafes, bike rental. tour services within walking distance away. The old town is also reachable by walking and cycling.

1.4. Cam Chau – best area between the old town and the beach

Cam Chau is a huge area located between the old town and the beach area. For the best access to the old town, I recommend staying somewhere near the border with the old town on popular streets like Phan Boi Chau, Nguyen Duy Hieu, Cua Dai, or Ly Thuong Kiet.

Phan Boi Chau street is a lovely and arty street in the area, where you can find numerous art galleries, exhibition spaces such as Precious Heritage Art Gallery Museum.

Here are some of the best hotels in Cam Chau near old town:

For luxury travelers, Anantara Hoi An Resort is a great choice located along the Thu Bon River and within easy walking distance to the ancient town. It has an Outdoor swimming pool, amazing breakfast, spa center, and fitness center.

Little Riverside Hoi An is a great option for a mid-range traveler for families and couples who want a close proximity to the river and the old town. It is located on a quiet spot on Phan Boi Chau street and has fabulous breakfast.

For solo travelers and budget visitors, you can have a look at Little Town Villa, on Nguyen Duy Hieu Street. This hotel is in a very good location, featuring a comfortable bed and spacious room.

See more: Where to stay in Old Town Hoi An for frist-timers

2. An Bang Beach and Cua Dai Beach, best area for beach lovers

An Bang Beach and Cua Dai Beach are popular locations in Hoi An for beach lovers and those who want to spend most of their time on the beach. Be mindful it is located 4-5km from the old town, and you can easily reach by bicycle, motorbike rental, and Grab.

An Bang beach and Cua Dai Beach are beautiful beaches with white fine sand clean water and not crowded as My Khe beach in Da Nang. You can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and water sport activities.

There were lots of umbrellas and sun loungers along the beach. Most of them belong to the hotels and resorts. Many of them are available to rent. If you order drinks/ meals from the cafes/bars you can use it for free.

Lots of umbrellas and bed chairs on An Bang beach

An Bang Beach has a great selection of mid-range and budget-friendly resorts, boutique hotels, hostels and homestays. You can find many larger chain beachfront resorts in Cua Dai. An Bang beach has a very chill atmosphere with many lovely and good local restaurants and cafes.

Hoi An Beach also has plenty of luxury resorts, budget-friendly villas and homestays. I had a great experience staying in AIRA Boutique in An Bang Beach.

For families and couples who are on a luxury beach holiday, you can also stay at the Palm Garden Resort in Cua Dai Beach, Victoria Resort, or Wyndham Garden.

See more:

3. Cam Thanh, best for experience countryside area in Hoi An

Cam Thanh is an area located a bit further away from the bustling old town. It is a great base for a more local atmosphere, especially if you drive a motorbike. This area is home to Coconut Village, known for its beautiful coconut groves and scenic boat tours.

If you want to stay in Cam Thanh, you can look at Hoi An Coco River Resort, which is a good mid-range 4-star hotel. For a smaller budget, why not choose staying in Crony Villa or My’s Flower Villa.