The Best Guesthouses & Places to Stay in Hoi An for First-Timers

With its candle-lit paper lanterns, colorful façades, and historic maritime trading history, Hoi An is undoubtedly one of Vietnam’s best places to visit.

However, as such, it can be tough to decide where to stay in Hoi An—especially if it’s your first time.

The obvious choice would be Hoi An’s Ancient Town. But where exactly? And is it too crowded? Too noisy? Is it walkable?

My guide will help you decide where to stay in Hoi An based on location and hotel/guesthouse comfort.

There is much to desire about a vacation to Hoi An: great food, cultural experiences, beaches, and more.

But Hoi An is so much more than a vacation spot. It’s a cultural gem and a beautifully preserved town that retains centuries-old traditions.

This is why I wanted to create this accommodation guide after spending two months as a digital nomad in Hoi An!

I want you to experience Hoi An’s unique atmosphere as much as possible.

Where you choose to stay in Hoi An will shape your experience, depending on the area:

• Ancient Town (Old Town),
• Cam Nam island area (outside of the center),
• the beachside near An Bang Beach,
• or somewhere lost in between the lush farmland and rice paddies!

As a nomadic slow traveler, I prefer plugging into local daily life as much as possible.

This guide will include the best areas and neighborhoods for first-time visitors (whether you’re a family with toddlers or a digital nomad couple!), and the boutique hotels and guesthouses in those areas that offer a mix of culture and comfort (I don’t deny that AC is a must!).

Where to Stay in Hoi An, Vietnam for First-Timers

For most people, the Ancient Town is the ideal area to search for hotels.

However, more areas and neighborhoods in Hoi An bring you closer to local life in the town with corner shops, underrated restaurants, and hidden guesthouses.

Here is a quick recap:

• Cam Nam: A local island outside of Old Town; ideal for quieter stays and digital nomads
• Old Town: Best for first-timers who want to base themselves in the heart of Hoi An
• Tra Que: Peaceful area outside of town; best for slow travelers
• An Bang/Cam An: Beachside area; ideal for vacationers

Below is an overview of each area and my recommended hotels!

Cam Nam Island

I’ll start with the area of Hoi An that I think is best: Cam Nam. This stretch of island connects to Old Town Hoi An via a small bridge.

On foot, you can easily reach the center in 10-15 minutes, but make sure to enjoy the local restaurants and cafes on this side, too. Our go-to spot for typical Hoianese food was Dua Viet—we highly recommend reserving for dinner!

As for where to stay, my partner lived for several weeks at the Yen Villa Guesthouse, which, when I visited, I said looked like a “little home in the south of France, but Vietnam style.” 🌺

The property has a beautifully manicured garden with an inviting pool, clean rooms, and a delicious, complimentary breakfast of eggs, toast, fruits, and tea/coffee. And our hosts, Vin and his family, were always very welcoming!

-> Explore more top-rated places to stay on Cam Nam

Most of the accommodation on Cam Nam will be tucked between residences. We loved this area for its location and proximity to Ancient Town without being in the thick of it.

Again, this area of Hoi An is much calmer and quieter than the Old Town, so you’ll be wandering closer to local life on your way to/from visiting around Hoi An.

If you’re comfortable driving a scooter, a rental is convenient for exploring beyond the center! Otherwise, depending on your travel style, you can just use Grab scooters or taxis.

Hoi An’s Old Town

Walkable, atmospheric, near temples, markets, and tailors… the Ancient Town of Hoi An has it all. But that means the crowds and noise, too.

At night, Hoi An becomes an overactive hive; a neon-lit Disneyland. However, during the day, you can witness locals going about their day at the market, explore cute coffee shops and boutiques, and check off your Old Town bucket list.

Hoi An offers every type of accommodation, from budget-friendly hostels to upscale hotels. However, one hotel stands out from the crowd for offering a typical Hoianese experience!

The Hoianese Heritage Hotel lives up to its name, offering an authentic stay in the heart of Hoi An.

If you want to plug into Hoi An’s culture through fun activities such as lantern-making, cycling in the farmland, and a history walking tour, then this is the perfect place to stay. And the value offered per price is exceptional, too! -> Check rates

If you’re searching for more places, just look for its location; the best area to stay in Old Town is near the Tru Bon river or just a few streets back.

Travel notes 📝

If you’re looking for something more boutique-style and modern, look no further than Cozy Savvy Boutique Hotel, located in a calmer area but within minutes of Hoi An’s famous Japanese-covered bridge and night markets.

Tra Que Vegetable Village

Wedged halfway between Old Town and Cam An (An Bang Beach), you’ll find the little torpedo-shaped islet of Tra Que Vegetable Village.

In this area, you won’t find any tailor shops or night markets. Instead, you’ll see locals tending to garden rows.

This small but quaint farming community is the perfect place to stay in Hoi An if you’re looking for slow mornings. There is even my favorite cafe in Hoi An here—Café Slow (appropriately named, of course).

Tra Que moves at a snail’s pace, but it’s ideal for those craving a sweet middle ground between Hoi An’s Old Town and the beach.

You can cycle through the vegetable rows, grab fresh produce, and even join a local cooking class using the herbs grown right in the backyard. Many of the guesthouses here will offer a garden cooking class or cycling experience!

To make the most of this area, you’ll definitely need a scooter or bicycle rental to get around. Some accommodations provide them for free!

Look for places with terraces or garden views as well.

Green Villa or La Casa Tra Que is undoubtedly one of the best accommodation options near the Tra Que Vegetable Village. And they come with free bikes!

Cam An (An Bang Beach)

For a Hoi An vacation focusing more on spas, relaxation, and beach days, head to the coastal area around Cam An and An Bang Beach.

Numerous resorts are available here, from large-scale Wyndhams (avoid) to more authentic boutique hotels with quaint pools and fitness centers.

If I were you, I’d look for a place right around An Bang Beach. You will be located just 15 minutes by car/scooter from Old Town, but 15 seconds walking distance until your toes are in the sand.

My top picks:

Of course, there are more great places to stay in Hoi An, it’s just about finding what suits your itinerary best!

Personally, Cam Nam strikes the perfect balance between exploring more locally and being in the center of the chaos.

I would recommend guesthouses for travelers seeking a more connective experience with Hoianese locals over the resorts. However, many Hoi An accommodations like Yen Villa have a mixture of both to cater to international visitors.