Ultimate Guide: Where to Stay in Hoi An, Vietnam (2024)
Trying to decide the best places to stay in Hoi An? We’ve got you covered! After 1.5 months living in Hoi An, this is our ultimate guide on the best areas and hotels.
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This article may contain affiliate links, meaning I make a small commission on any purchases at no extra expense to you. Read our disclaimer & privacy policy here.
Ashley Metcalfe
November 12, 2024
Wondering where to stay in Hoi An for the best trip?
Hoi An is the most charming town in Vietnam (at least in our humble opinion).
This quaint, riverside town known for its lantern-lit streets and a blend of Vietnamese, French and Chinese influences make it a truly unique destination!
Matthew and I lived in Hoi An for a month as digital nomads and we also visited Hoi An for a week as tourists. From the history, culture and relaxing vibes — this ancient town completely won us over!
Planning your trip to Hoi An starts with choosing the right area to stay in.
After exploring each area with its own character and appeal, we’ve narrowed down the best places to stay for every type of traveler.
From the relaxing beach of An Bang to the budget-friendly area of Cam Pho and everything in between, there’s a neighborhood that suits each type of traveler.
Here’s our complete guide to help you find the perfect spot to make the most of your time in Hoi An!
Quick Tips: How To Pick Accommodation In Hoi An
Before diving into specific neighborhoods, we want to give you a few insider tips on how to choose the right accommodation in Hoi An so your trip is as smooth as possible.
Consider the type of transport you’re comfortable taking.
Hoi An is walkable in the center but not ALL areas are easy to get to and from. You’d have to consider other transport options like cycling, scooters or Grab cars (Uber equivalent) if you stay outside the main areas.
Get reliable mobile data.
Choosing the best eSIM plans in Vietnam can be tricky. Finding the best coverage with the best value for money is important. We found Gigago to be the best provider in terms of pricing and various plans.
Look for accommodation with air-conditioning.
Hoi An gets VERY hot and humid during the dry season (up to 113ºF / 45ºC). You’ll want air-conditioning wherever you go, especially at your hotel or Airbnb.
Be cautious with the traffic in Hoi An, it’s chaotic.
Even if you’re walking or cycling, it’s important to be cautious and hyper-aware of your surroundings — the driving in Vietnam comes from ALL directions, no joke.
We saw so many near-misses on the daily. Get good travel medical insurance like SafetyWing for your trip. You never know what happens on these roads (even as a pedestrian).
Now you’ve got that info, let’s start this Hoi An neighborhood guide!
Top Picks: Hoi An’s 6 Best Areas For Everyone
Each area in Hoi An has its own unique character and something different to offer each traveler.
There’s neighborhoods in Hoi An that are perfect for foodies excited to try the local cuisine like Cau Lau Noodles. Or there’s an area that gives you insight into what it’s like to live like a local.
It’s important to choose the neighborhood based on what matters most to you. Whether it’s culture, nightlife, or beach time, Hoi An has a spot that’s just right.
📍 Where to stay in Hoi An for first-timers – Old Town
📍 Where to stay in Hoi An on a budget – Cam Pho
📍Where to stay in Hoi An for families – Old Town
📍Where to stay in Hoi An for long-term stays in Hoi An – Tan An
📍Where to stay in Hoi An for nightlife – An Hoi
📍Where to stay in Hoi An for digital nomads – Cam Chau
📍Where to stay in Hoi An for the beach – An Bang
📍Best neighborhood in Hoi An overall – An Hoi
Read on for our Hoi An neighborhood guide, including affordable accommodation options in each area.
Hoi An offers a variety of neighborhoods, each with its own charm. We’ve picked the top 6 areas to stay, catering to different preferences and budgets.
Where To Stay In Hoi An – Neighborhood Guide
This neighborhood guide shares the top areas and accommodation options focused on two things: Location and Purpose.
We think a great way to determine where to stay in Hoi An is by deciding the kind of things you want to do, asking questions like:
- Do I want to be within walking distance to restaurants, bars and cafes?
- What activities am I looking to do? Are they mostly in the center or further out of Hoi An?
- How often do I want to go to the beach?
- Am I interested in museums and culture?
All of these determine where you spend most of your time.
Matthew and I lived in Hoi An for a month, these are the top neighborhoods we recommend you choose and the best accommodation based on our experience in each area. Enjoy!
Old Town ✔ First-Timers
Old Town is perfect for shorts stays and anyone looking to sightsee around the city.
An Hoi ✔ Foodies & Nightlife
An Hoi is just south of the Old Town — A prime central location with lots of restaurants and bars.
Cam Pho ✔ On a Budget
Sticking to a budget? Cam Pho is only a 10 minute walk to Old Town with much cheaper, affordable hotels and hostels.
Cam Chau ✔ Digital Nomads
Nestled amid the lush rice fields, Cam Chau has coworking spaces, cafes and a perfect area for long-term stays.
An Bang ✔ Beach Lovers
Stay in An Bang and be within walking distance to the beach. Perfect for resort getaways while easy access to the Old Town.
Tan An ✔ Live Like A Local
Quiet, residential neighborhood with affordable long-term housing options.
1. Old Town Neighborhood – Best For First-Timers
Old Town is the area we recommend you stay in if it’s your first time visiting Hoi An and if you’re staying less than 3 days.
This is the most central location in Hoi An so it’s extremely walkable to most restaurants, cafes and the iconic lantern-lit streets and alleyways — making Old Town the best neighborhood for sightseeing.
One of the best things about staying in Old Town is the ease of getting around.
You can see top attractions like the Chùa Cầu bridge, go on the famous lantern boat tour along the river, drink a traditional drink at Mot and eat local Vietnamese cuisine at Morning Glory Original — all within about a 10-minute walk.
And we must tell you — if you visit during peak season, the amount of people gets very overwhelming and the noise could become an issue.
Best hotel in Old Town Hoi An: HOI AN HISTORIC HOTEL
Hoi An Historic Hotel is an iconic stay in the Old Town.
From the extremely spacious rooms to the impressive pool, this hotel is the perfect choice for travelers who want to mix sightseeing with relaxation.
The amenities at Hoi An Historic Hotel are what make this a unique stay, offering complimentary yoga classes, a fabulous breakfast buffet included and beautiful garden areas.
Best budget hotel in Old Town Hoi An: H Boutique Hotel
Matthew and I stayed at H Boutique Hotel for one week. This was one of our favorite hotels in Hoi An because of the value for money.
We tried two of the room options — the Superior King Room and their top tier, King Suite with Balcony. The rooms are modern, beautifully decorated, comfortable, have decent AC and are very clean.
The facilities and amenities are amazing, from the decent size pool to the cafe which served what we think is the best coconut coffee in Hoi An. Seriously, we were shocked ourselves!
The only downside we found was that it’s close to a busy street so the noise could be an issue for light sleepers. But overall, we didn’t have any issues with it.
We highly recommend H Boutique Hotel in Hoi An even on a tighter budget, you get a high standard of comfort and amenities to enjoy.
2. An Hoi Neighborhood – Best For Foodies & Nightlife
We love An Hoi for its lively atmosphere and prime location. An Hoi sits just south of the Ancient Town across the famous bridge so it’s the next most walkable neighborhood.
The Hoi An Night Market filled with street food stalls, souvenir shops and beautiful lantern-lit streets is a must-visit in An Hoi. This market is open daily from 6pm to 10pm.
When staying in this area, you are amongst the hustle and bustle of Hoi An. This makes An Hoi perfect if you’re staying only a few days. It’s easy to access most attractions, tailors and must-try restaurants within walking distance.
Matthew and I stayed in An Hoi on our first visit to Hoi An. We couldn’t have asked for a better location — we were far enough away from the crowds in Old Town but steps away from all the cafes, restaurants and sightseeing we wanted to do.
If you’re excited to try the local cuisine, visit the restaurants or nightlife and want to be close to where all the action is — An Hoi is the place to be.
Best hotel in An Hoi Hoi An: The Signature Hoi An
Looking for a beautiful hotel in An Hoi? You can’t go wrong with The Signature Hoi An.
From the impressive pool(s) to the tastefully decorated amenities, this hotel takes your hotel experience up a notch. Blending modern touches and comfortability with the traditional Vietnamese charm makes this a unique property.
The Signature Hoi An exceeds expectations when it comes to service and spacious rooms. This spot only opened in 2024 and it’s already scoring a 9.5 Exceptional rating.
The Signature Hoi An is the perfect tranquil escape only a 5-minute walk from all the action.
Best budget hotel in An Hoi Hoi An: Hoianan Boutique Hotel
The Hoianan Boutique Hotel is a great option for travelers looking for a comfortable stay offering good amenities. The nightly rate starts from $40 USD, including access to a pool, free bicycle rentals and complimentary breakfast.
Matthew and I stayed at Hoianan Boutique Hotel for our first time in Hoi An. The staff were very friendly and helpful offering advice on the best things to do. This was a prime location because we could easily meet our friends and walk everywhere (or bike if we wanted to).
The complimentary breakfast was very simple, in our opinion but for the price — you can’t complain! The rooms were private, quiet and the AC worked a treat. We were very comfortable and felt safe at this hotel in An Hoi.
Make sure to book early for Hoianan Boutique Hotel, the standard rooms get sold out quickly so if you want the best prices — book early!
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3. Cam Pho Neighborhood – Best On A Budget
Traveling on a budget?
Cam Pho is the most affordable area to stay in Hoi An. Located just west of the Old Town, Cam Pho is home to interesting landmarks like the Japanese Covered Bridge, Confucius Temple and Communal House.
From Cam Pho to the Old Town, it’s only a 10-15 minute walk giving you the best of both worlds.
Besides historical monuments, Cam Pho is home to many restaurants and cafes. Our favorite brunch spot in this area is Ellie’s Cafe where you can get the staple dishes — avocado toast, pancakes and smoothie bowls. Another great spot is Cam Coffee n More for well, coffee!
Otherwise, you can stroll along the river or grab a cheap Banh Mi sandwich at a local food stall. You’ve got options if you’re staying in Cam Pho!
Best hotel in Cam Pho Hoi An: Hoi An Delicacy Hotel & Spa
I have to say — this is the best value for money hotel possibly on this entire list.
Starting from only $45 per night, Hoi An Delicacy Hotel offers travelers a beautifully decorated room complete with a private bathroom, big TV and mini-fridge.
The best part? Complimentary daily breakfast is included in your nightly rate. But the hotel’s facilities like the big pool, sauna, gorgeous rooftop bar, and friendly staff are what make this stand out from the rest. Perfect for unwinding after a day exploring the streets of Hoi An.
You simply won’t get over the value for money here!
Best budget hotel in Cam Pho Hoi An: Khong Cam Garden Villas
This hotel is a highly-rated option in Cam Pho for travelers on a budget. You’re still close to the Old Town but far enough away that it won’t break the bank (starting from only $24 per night).
More than that, you don’t have to compromise on comfortability. The rooms have private bathrooms and they are spacious and minimally decorated. Despite the low rates, Khong Cam Garden Villas offers a tranquil courtyard garden to relax and a nice pool to swim in after a long day out.
4. Cam Chau Neighborhood – Best For Digital Nomads
We think Cam Chau is the best neighborhood for digital nomads staying longer (for 1-3 months) and working remotely.
This quiet area offers nomads and expats a peaceful home base amongst the lush rice fields. While it’s not in the center of town, Cam Chau sits between the beach of An Bang and the Ancient Town.
There’s many unique cafes and restaurants in the area like the popular restaurants amongst the rice fields, Roving Chillhouse and our favorite Bun Cha spot, Bún chả Gia Hưng.
Cam Chau is also home to the top coworking space in Hoi An — The Hub, a beautiful space with views of the rice fields.
Doesn’t get better than that right?! If you’re interested in working from The Hub, make sure to contact them at least 1-1.5 months before your arrival as they get full quickly.
The accommodation options are affordable for long-term stays in Cam Chau. From Airbnbs to hotels, we have fellow nomad friends that prefer to stay in this peaceful oasis.
As for transport, most people that stay in Cam Chau rent scooters for the month or you can use the rideshare app, Grab to get around.
This area is still developing with many construction zones around, plus more restaurants and cafes opening up. We suspect Cam Chau will only grow as a neighborhood in the future.
Best hotel in Cam Chau Hoi An: Paddy Boutique House Hoi An
With a 9.5 Exceptional rating, Paddy Boutique House Hoi An has to be one of the most highly-rated hotels in Cam Chau.
This hotel provides world-class service, beautifully decorated rooms with rice field views and great amenities. Paddy Boutique offers guests free bicycle rentals to use which makes heading into Old Town easy.
If you’re looking for an escape from the chaos in the center, Paddy Boutique House is in the perfect location being 2km away. It’s only a 15-minute bike to most attractions but far enough away from all the noise and crowds.
Best budget hotel in Cam Chau Hoi An: Trúc Huy Tranquil Villa
A great budget hotel option in Cam Chau is Truc Huy Tranquil Villa. As the name suggests, it’s a peaceful oasis set amongst greenery.
From only $17 USD per night, the rooms are a little more traditional than modern. But this is perfect for backpackers looking to save some cash without compromising on comfort.
5. An Bang Neighborhood – Best For Beach Lovers
Hoi An is only 13 minutes away from a popular beach area — An Bang.
We think An Bang is a top choice if you want to prioritize the beach. You can still sightsee during the day in the Old Town and lounge on the sun beds during the afternoon. It’s the best of both worlds!
The beach is actually really nice with soft sand and calm waters. In fact, we prefer this beach to My Khe Beach in Da Nang. It’s perfect for families, couples or solo travelers who want to take it easy and still have easy access to the Old Town.
An Bang has a laid-back vibe with plenty of cafes, restaurants and bars along the shore. Some of our favorite spots are Bikini Bottom Express, Na Huy Restaurant and Sound of Silence Coffee Shop.
Best hotel in An Bang Hoi An: AIRA Boutique Hoi An Hotel & Villa
Want a hotel close to the beach?
Aira Boutique is only a 2-minute walk from An Bang Beach. It doesn’t get much closer than that! With a 9.1 Superb rating, this hotel offers guests spacious rooms, helpful service and cool amenities like two outdoor pools and a billiard table.
The best part? AIRA Boutique Hotel includes private sun beds, umbrellas and towels on An Bang Beach. That’s right, you can move from the pool to the beach with ease because these sunbeds are only accessible to guests staying at the hotel.
AIRA Boutique Hotel is the ultimate hotel for beach lovers staying in An Bang.
Best budget hotel in An Bang Hoi An: The Linh Seaside Villa Hoi An
Nestled just a few steps away from An Bang Beach, The Linh Seaside Villas are a great budget hotel option.
Each room features garden views or pool views, along with modern comforts and amenities. The friendly staff is what makes this place truly stand out. You will feel welcome and cared for at The Linh Seaside Villas.
If you want to head into the Old Town, they provide guests with a complimentary shuttle service. Or you can use the free bike rentals to cycle into town.
6. Tan An Neighborhood – Best To Live Like A Local
Tan An is an overlooked neighborhood located just northwest of the Old Town. It’s a lot more residential but it’s got this peaceful vibe with friendly locals going about their daily lives.
Matthew and I lived in Tan An for a month at a wonderful apartment we found on Airbnb. It’s owned by a Vietnamese family who were very sweet and accommodating. They offered free laundry and cleaning once a week.
Expats and digital nomads can easily find affordable accommodation in Tan An, especially if they stay long-term. Contrary to most areas around Vietnam, this neighborhood is fairly quiet. We heard the occasional karaoke from our neighbors but that’s totally normal in any area (they love to have the volume all the way up when the karaoke machine is out).
The best part about staying in Tan An is that you are only a 5-minute scooter away from the Old Town and about a 10-minute scooter to the coworking space, The Hub.
Our favorite spots in this neighborhood have to be Bonte Cafe, Rosie’s Brunch, Quán cơm Sơn Phạm (to try Com Tam, a local pork dish).
If you stay in Tan An, you’ll find yourself living amongst friendly locals, small cafes and traditional markets. We think Tan An is a great choice for anyone wanting to experience the local culture while still having easy access to Hoi An’s main attractions.
Best hotel in Tan An Hoi An: Hoi An Golden Holiday Hotel & Spa
Hoi An Golden Holiday Hotel provides comfortable rooms, relaxing common areas and complimentary bicycles for exploring the nearby Ancient Town.
The serene spa which offers traditional Vietnamese massages are a big reason people choose this hotel. The staff offer top-notch hospitality, making each stay great for guests from offering local recommendations to a simple greeting each morning.
Best budget hotel in Tan An Hoi An: Hoi An Merrily De Art Hotel
This is a family-owned hotel with welcoming staff that want to make your stay memorable. Hoi An Merrily de Art Hotel is filled with custom local artwork and stylish furnishings that truly make this a unique stay.
The best part about staying at Merrily De Art Hotel? The fabulous complimentary breakfast is actually very good with western and local dishes being served. The value for money is unbeatable here!
Travel & Accommodation Tips For Staying In Hoi An
Before booking accommodation in Hoi An, there’s just a few things you should know to help you plan your trip better.
Book Early During High Season
Hoi An gets busy during peak season. If you don’t book early, you could miss out on the affordable rooms at your favorite hotels.
High season is from December to June. We suggest booking at least 2-3 months before if you want the best room options and prices. Look for fully refundable options if you want to book but not necessarily commit to your stay.
Get Travel Medical Insurance
Travel medical insurance is a must when visiting Hoi An. This protects you from unexpected accidents or health issues while visiting a foreign country.
We recommend checking out SafetyWing, which has great coverage, including trip cancellations, lost luggage, and 24/7 customer support. It works like a flexible subscription that you can cancel at any time.
You can also get SafetyWing while already abroad if you forget to buy before leaving your home country. Easy peasy!
Transportation Tips
There’s a few ways to get around Hoi An. Here are some tips:
- Bicycle: Lots of hotels offer complimentary bikes. A great way to get around and it’s easy to park in most areas in Hoi An.
- Scooter: Only rent a scooter if you’re confident because Vietnamese driving is another level. It’s only about $7 per day, make sure to wear a helmet and be hyper-aware of your surroundings — they come from all directions. Seriously!
- Grab: This ride-share app works well in Hoi An. Certain areas won’t be accessible but the driver can figure out where to drop you off. Much more affordable and reliable to get around!
- Walk: The Old Town is small and walkable. It’s the best way to experience the lantern-lit streets and soak up the atmosphere.
For trips to Da Nang or the airport, you can pre-book with your hotel. We recommend booking with WelcomePickups as you can pay online and book in advance.
Our Final Recommendations For Best Places To Stay In Hoi An
Now you know where to stay in Hoi An!
There’s quite a few options but as long as you know your purpose of travel and which transportation options you feel comfortable with, it’s easy to narrow down your choices.
For first-time visitors, we recommend staying in the Old Town area or the An Hoi neighborhoods. It’s small and walkable to most attractions!
If you’re a digital nomad or expat staying longer, we love Cam Chau and Tan An as they offer affordable accommodation in more peaceful neighborhoods away from the chaos of the city center.
For beach lovers, the best option is An Bang. The perfect mix of relaxation and quick access to the Ancient Town.
Overall, remember to book in advance for the best hotel options and prices as they fill up quickly during the high season.
No matter where you stay in Hoi An, the beautiful rice fields, ancient lantern-filled streets and friendly locals will make your trip unforgettable.
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