Where to Stay in Hoi An (Best Areas & Places)

Wondering where to stay in Hoi An? This enchanting town is more than a postcard-perfect destination; it’s a place that truly gets under your skin. I spent weeks exploring its lantern-lit streets, soaking in the daily rhythm that makes Hoi An so special.

Spending time here gave me a unique perspective of the distinct neighborhoods, from bustling markets to serene riverside retreats. Whether you’re seeking history, food, or a laid-back vibe, this guide will detail the best areas to stay in Hoi An.

Best Areas to Stay in Hoi An

Old Town: Best Place To Stay in Hoi An for Your First Time

Old Town is the ideal spot for first-time visitors as it’s full of ancient charm. Cobblestone streets, lantern-lit nights, and historic buildings create an immersive experience at every turn. Staying here places you right in the heart of Hoi An’s most iconic sights.

Pros of Staying in Old Town

• Central Location: You’re steps away from Hoi An’s most iconic attractions.
• Immersive Experience: The lantern-lit streets and ancient architecture create a magical, authentic atmosphere.
• Convenience: Everything from dining, shopping, and sightseeing is within walking distance.

Cons of Staying in Old Town

• Crowds: Old Town can get very busy, especially during peak tourist hours.
• Traffic Restrictions: The pedestrian-only streets mean you won’t have easy car or motorbike access.
• Higher Costs: Accommodations and restaurants are pricier than areas outside Old Town.

Best Places to Stay in Old Town

Staying in Old Town lets you wake up in the heart of Hoi An’s most iconic district. Boutique hotels and charming guesthouses are tucked among the ancient streets. Check out these great central options I found:

1. Little Hoi An Boutique Hotel & Spa: A delightfully charming hotel with an indoor pool, wellness center, and a fitness room. This is where you should stay in Hoi An city center to escape the tourist traffic and relax after a day of exploring. Click here for details.

2. Bel Marina Resort: A world-class resort and one of the best hotels in Hoi An. This option has all the luxuries and amenities of a large resort but is only a few minutes walk into the heart of Old Town. Click here for details.

3. Cozy Savvy Boutique: Thousands of reviews rate this hotel as superb. The location is perfect for access to Old Town. If you like extras, it’s where to stay in Hoi An as this hotel has parking, high-speed internet, and breakfast included. Click here for details.

Top Things to Do in Old Town

Old Town is packed with activities, and it’s the best area to stay in Hoi An for exploring. Wander amongst ancient temples, shop at bustling markets, or simply soak in the town’s unique atmosphere. There’s no shortage of things to do. Be sure to add these ideas to your itinerary:

1. Explore Old Town: Firstly, you need to explore! But be warned, it’s easy to get a little lost and miss some key features. I highly recommend a guided walking tour, as you’ll discover hidden gems and see all the important sites. Check out this great tour.

2. Take a Lantern Making Class: Colorful lanterns are a symbol of Hoi An that are believed to bring happiness, luck, and wealth. Learn more about this part of Hoian-ese culture and make your own lantern with this excellent class. Click here for more details.

3. Visit the Night Market: Old Town comes alive at night and a trip to the night market is an immersive experience. Shop for nick-nacks, feast on delicious street food, or simply enjoy the array of sounds, sights, and smells. Click here for directions.

Where to Eat and Drink in Old Town

Old Town is a haven for food lovers, offering a mix of traditional Vietnamese cuisine and modern dining. From bustling street food stalls to riverside cafes, there’s something to suit every taste and budget. Here are a couple of great places to check out:

1. Mango Mango: The perfect people-watching spot as the night market comes to life. Located at the market’s main entrance, it has views of the Japanese Bridge. Don’t miss the nightly happy hour of 2-4-1 drinks! Click here for directions.

2. 7 Bridges Craft Beer Taproom: If you enjoy more than just standard domestic beers, take a trip to 7 Bridges Taproom. They have an excellent selection of award-winning house-crafted beers in a sleek and cool setting. Click here for directions.

3. Hy Restaurant: Old Town is one of the best Hoi An neighborhoods for traditional Vietnamese restaurants – Hy is my favorite by far. Its simple facade and appearance give way to a delicious and affordable menu of local delights. Click here for directions.

Riverside: Best Area in Hoi An for Nightlife

When I say Riverside, I mean the section of the river that runs through Old Town, particularly the Nguyen Phuc Chu area that runs to the intersection at Trang Quang Khai. This stretch is lined with a multitude of lively bars and truly transforms in the evening.

It’s the best place to stay in Hoi An for nightlife. The atmosphere is always buzzing with music, great local food, and drinks, amongst lantern-lit streets and a consistent scenic river view wherever you stop for refreshments.

Pros of Staying in Riverside

• Scenic Views: Waking up to river views, and watching the lanterns reflecting on the water at night are magical experiences.
• Lively Atmosphere: The area comes alive in the evening with bars, restaurants, and street vendors.
• Late-Night Spots: If you like to burn the midnight oil, this is the best place to stay in Hoi An.

Cons of Staying in Riverside

• Crowds and Noise: The riverside area gets busy and can subsequently be quite noisy at night.
• Humidity and Mosquitoes: Being near the water can often bring higher humidity levels and mosquitoes.
• Tourist-Centric: Many businesses along the riverside cater primarily to tourists and can lack traditional authenticity.

Best Places to Stay in Riverside

There are plenty of Hoi An hotels near nightlife and a wide spectrum of accommodation options in Riverside. Here are a few hotels that are right in the thick of the nightlife action:

1. Hoianese Heritage Hotel: Whilst many of the bars and restaurants cater to tourists in this area, this traditional hotel boasts lots of local Vietnamese charm. Simple yet stylish and classically finished rooms in a perfect location. Click here for details.

2. Little Riverside: Experience a slice of luxury during your stay. This has to be one of the best places to stay in Hoi An. Expect world-class service, celebrity treatment, and the perfect chill-out retreat after enjoying Hoi An’s nightlife. Click here for details.

3. Riverside White House Hotel: Enjoy river views from the hotel pool and relax in a tranquil but central location. There’s a bar and restaurant onsite and a fabulous breakfast is included. Click here for details.

Top Things to Do in Riverside

The Riverside area in Hoi An is where the town comes to life. Whether you’re hopping on a boat, grabbing a drink by the water, or just soaking in the lantern-lit vibes, there’s no shortage of cool things to do. Here are a couple of my top recommendations:

1. Take a Secret Cocktail Tour: Discover Hoi An’s hidden and ancient watering holes and find the best local bars off the beaten track. This is a great way to kick start a night on the town. Click here to book a tour.

2. Explore the City at Night: There’s nowhere quite like Hoi An at night, so get out on the water and soak in the colors and sounds of this magical city. There’s a great tour that includes a boat trip and a guided visit to the night market too – check it out here.

3. Precious Heritage Art Gallery Museum: Celebrating Vietnam’s ethnic tribes through striking portraits, heirlooms, and stories, this free museum offers a rare glimpse into the lives of these remarkable groups. Click here for directions.

Where to Eat and Drink in Riverside

Riverside is precisely where to stay in Hoi An for nightlife. Here are 3 of my favorite spots that you should visit:

1. 3 Dragons Sports Bar: A cool sports bar with a Vietnamese twist. This is a great spot for catching a game from back home and sinking a few casual drinks with friends. It’s a fun and friendly bar. Click here for directions.

2. The River Lounge: Part of the Riverside White House Hotel I mentioned earlier, The River Lounge is a simple but stylish cocktail bar with stunning river views and a decent nightly happy hour. Click here for directions.

3. Do An Thai Lan: The best Thai street food in Hoi An! Authentic, fresh cuisine cooked up right on the river bank from a simple pop-up kitchen. Most dishes are under $2! Click here for directions.

An Bang Beach: Coolest Place to Stay in Hoi An 

During my time in Hoi An, I strategically placed myself a little out of the city center to be closer to An Bang Beach. I’d heard great things about this area being one of Hoi An’s best neighborhoods.

It didn’t disappoint. The beach is immaculate and lined with great bars, cafes, and restaurants. There’s a chilled vibe and a nice mix of tourists and locals; it feels like a nice escape from the busy streets of Old Town.

Pros of Staying in An Bang Beach

• Fabulous Beach: The beach is expansive, clean, safe, and well-serviced by amenities.
• Plenty of Food and Drink Options: For dining or beach drinks, there are plenty of excellent Western and traditional options.
• More Tranquil Setting: The area surrounding the beach is significantly quieter than other parts of Hoi An.

Cons of Staying in An Bang Beach

• Away From the Main Attractions: Staying here means a short journey into the center to see Hoi An’s major cultural sites.
• Limited Shopping Options: There aren’t any major supermarkets and most establishments are geared towards the tourist trade.
• Inclement Weather: Being on the coastline, An Bang Beach is subject to some of the harsher aspects of Hoi An’s weather.

Best Places to Stay in An Bang Beach

An Bang Beach is one of my favorite places to stay near Hoi An city center. There are choices to suit every traveler, from families looking for a chilled vacation spot to backpackers on a budget. Here are a couple of great options to consider:

1. Coco Villa: Split your relaxation time between the beach, the pool, and a tranquil garden at this amazing beachside option. It’s just steps from all the delights of An Bang Beach and guests can enjoy private airport transfers and bike hire. Click here for details.

2. JM Beach Hotel: A 4-star beachfront hotel, with free bikes, and an outdoor pool. Enjoy ocean views from the terrace, dine at the restaurant, or relax with a drink at the bar. The hotel also provides a free shuttle to the Old Town which is super convenient. Click here for details.

3. Palm Garden Beach Resort: This superb option is one of the best places to stay in Hoi An for groups and families. A resort-style hotel and spa with exceptional reviews, breakfast, parking, and a city shuttle bus are all included. Click here for details.

Top Things to Do in An Bang Beach

Well, I guess chilling on the beach is top of this list but aside from the obvious, here are a couple of things I enjoyed while visiting An Bang Beach:

1. Cycle Through the Rice Paddies: It’s easy to hire bicycles and ride from An Bang Beach towards the city center. Shortly after leaving the beach, you can cut through the expansive traditional rice paddies, dodging water buffalo as you go!

2. Snorkel Around Cham Islands: Some of the best snorkeling I’ve ever experienced is off the coast of An Bang Beach. Book a small group tour and hop across to Cham Island for an unforgettable day trip. Click here to see the tour I booked.

3. Visit the Marble Mountains: It’s a short drive to get to the Marble Mountains. Visit the mountain’s caves, and underground tunnels, and enjoy unrivaled scenic views from the top. Here’s a great private guide who’ll take you there from Hoi An.

Where to Eat and Drink in An Bang Beach

I enjoyed a couple of work-free weekends just being by the beach and subsequently a couple of my favorite dining and drinking spots are around An Bang Beach. These are my top picks:

1. Bikini Bottom Express: A very cool and quintessential beachside restaurant with a casual vibe and great food. The fish tacos here are epic, the beer is cheap and it’s always served super cold. Click here for directions.

2. La Riva: Excellent, authentic Italian food cooked by an Italian chef! Great pizzas, an extensive wine list, and a nice atmosphere. This spot is a little more expensive than others but well worth a visit. Click here for directions.

3. La Plage: There are plenty of beachside bars in An Bang but I kept returning to La Plage. Buy a drink and you’ll get a sunbed, a towel, and beachside service. There are also showers, clean facilities, and affordable food options to be found here. Click here for directions.

Cam Chau: Best for Digital Nomads

Cam Chau is hands down the best neighborhood in Hoi An for digital nomads. It’s got everything you need: cool cafes, coworking spaces, and a chilled-out vibe that makes it easy to stay productive. Read my Hoi An digital nomad guide here.

By staying here, you’re also only a bike ride away from both the Old Town and the beach, so you get the best of both worlds. The area is full of trendy eateries and quiet corners to work but still feels authentic. It’s perfect for balancing work and enjoying life in Hoi An.

Pros of Staying in Cam Chau

• Digital Nomad Facilities: Firstly, there are plenty of great dedicated coworking cafes and shared spaces with fast WiFi.
• Ideal Location: Cam Chau is conveniently located between the Old Town and the beach.
• Quieter Atmosphere: Away from the center and the beach there is a more residential feel, ideal for longer stays.

Cons of Staying in Cam Chau

• Limited Nightlife: Cam Chau is nowhere near as lively as the Old Town, so nightlife options are limited.
• Away From Attractions: Being further from the main tourist attractions means you’ll need a bike or scooter for access.
• Fewer Accommodation Options: There are limited accommodation options compared to the more central areas.

Best Places to Stay in Cam Chau

There are certainly fewer accommodation options in Cam Chau compared to other areas of Hoi An but don’t let that put you off staying there. Check out these great options I found, ideal for digital nomads in Hoi An:

1. Hai Anh Villa: A bright and vibrant setting with WiFi throughout the property so you can work by the pool. Free bicycle hire is included and ideal for exploring further afield. Click here for details.

2. Blue Sky Boutique Hotel & Spa: A little luxury without the price tag. Digital nomads will love the communal areas for working, a fitness center for burning off a little steam, and the outdoor pool and garden for chilling out. Click here for details.

3. Hoi An Chic – Green Retreat: If you’re seeking tranquility and peace while you work, this is the place for you. Situated among Cam Chau’s green rice fields but with all the amenities of a central hotel. Click here for details.

Top Things to Do in Cam Chau

You didn’t just come to Hoi An to sit at your laptop right? Be sure to make time for these great activities:

1. Explore Local Markets: Cam Chau is more residential so there are plenty of opportunities to use the traditional markets. Check out Ba Le Market for fresh produce, local street food, and a glimpse of everyday Vietnamese life. Click here for directions.

2. Take a Yoga Class: There are several excellent yoga studios around Cam Chau. I took a couple of sessions at Aum Yoga where you can pay by the class (under $10) and there are classes for all levels. Click here for directions.

3. Try the Local Coffee: Work your way through Cam Chau’s coffee scene. There are plenty of great options and even the smallest cafes usually have WiFi. Sample some local caffeinated delights like a Ca Phe Den or even a Ca Phe Trung.

Where to Eat and Drink in Cam Chau

This is a safe neighborhood in Hoi An for exploring and the traditional food scene is as good as you’ll find in the city. Check out these great options:

1. Silent Cafe & Food: I previously mentioned exploring Cam Chau’s coffee scene, but here’s a cafe you should make a priority to visit. They serve great local coffee and a simple but delicious menu of food. It’s also a tranquil place to work. Click here for directions.

2. Red Dragon Restaurant: For the best pork belly in Hoi An, this is a must-visit! They serve up a variety of delicious meat dishes and fresh sushi. Additionally, their cooking classes, mean you can take part and learn their secrets. Click here for directions.

3. Circle Restaurant: The go-to spot for a tasty Vietnamese-Mexican fusion. Their ‘Juicy Lucy’ burgers come with a unique twist, and they also offer some great veggie options. Perfect for a casual bite in a chilled, friendly atmosphere. Click here for directions.

Cam Thanh: Best Place in Hoi An on a Budget 

Cam Thanh tops the list of cheap places to stay in Hoi An. It’s known for its peaceful surroundings and affordable guesthouses, making it perfect for budget-conscious travelers.

The area has a relaxed vibe, with local cafes and restaurants offering a more laid-back experience compared to the city center. Plus, it’s close enough to explore the main attractions while offering budget-friendly options and a greater cultural immersion.

Pros of Staying in Cam Thanh

• Cheaper Accommodation: You’ll pay less to stay outside the tourist centers in places such as Cam Thanh.
• True Cultural Experience: Enjoy being among locals in a more traditional part of the city.
• Enjoy Nature: This area of Hoi An is known for its lush coconut palm forests and tranquil waterways.

Cons of Staying in Cam Thanh

• Limited Accommodation: There are fewer hotel options in Cam Thanh.
• Fewer Westernized Amenities: Local services such as restaurants and shops are unlikely to provide many home comforts.
• Away From the Main Center: Hoi An’s main attractions require a decent cycle ride or taxi.

Best Places to Stay in Cam Thanh

Although options may be somewhat limited in this area of Hoi An, there are still several great hotels, guesthouses, and homestays to be found. It’s an ideal place to stay in Hoi An on a budget as rates are generally cheaper across the board.

1. Zen Retreat: Surround yourself with natural beauty in this true chill-out spot among the coconut trees of Cam Thanh. This place has everything – a gym, a pool, free bikes, and breakfast included to further help the daily budget. Click here for details.

2. Green Areca Villa: Budget doesn’t have to mean sacrificing quality. This amazing villa has exceptional reviews and comes with a host of amenities included as standard. An affordable and tranquil retreat in Hoi An! Click here for details.

3. Coco Village Homestay: Take a look at this place for under $10 a night! A delightful homestay with superb reviews. For this price, it has to be the best guesthouse in Hoi An! Click here for details.

Top Things to Do in Cam Thanh

Cam Thanh showcases Hoi An’s natural side with plenty of traditional experiences and eco-friendly activities. Here are a couple of great things to pack your itinerary with:

1. Hoi An Village Experience: This hands-on experience includes traditional activities such as fishing, cooking, and farming among the serene coconut palm forests, offering a unique glimpse into Vietnamese culture. Click here for directions.

2. Traditional Cooking Class: This is the perfect way to dive into local culture by preparing traditional Vietnamese dishes in a local’s home. You’ll learn authentic recipes that are easy to follow and can be recreated at home. Click here to book your class.

3. Explore the Waterways: Lastly, don’t miss out on Cam Thanh’s natural beauty. Take to the water in a famous bamboo basket boat. This fun guided trip is full of fun activities and amazing sights. Click here for more information.

Where to Eat and Drink in Cam Thanh

Far from the posher areas of Hoi An, this more traditional and localized region of the city has plenty of affordable and downright delicious dining options. Embrace the culture and head to a couple of these places that I noticed locals seem to love:

1. Cafe Dong Xanh: Always a popular spot, whether it’s a quick coffee, breakfast, lunch, or dinner, Cam Thanh locals seem drawn to this place. Prices are incredibly cheap without skimping on quality or portion size. Click here for directions.

2. Tok Bar & Restaurant: With fresh, seasonal dishes crafted from local ingredients and their on-site organic garden, it’s the perfect spot to relax with a cocktail or enjoy a memorable meal in a peaceful, scenic setting. Click here for directions.

Where to Stay in Hoi An: FAQs

Here are some answers to the most commonly asked questions about where to stay in Hoi An:

In Conclusion

Hoi An’s charm lies in contrast – ancient streets, vibrant culture, and a welcoming community that makes you feel at home. This guide isn’t just about finding a place to rest your head, it’s about experiencing Hoi An in a way that matches your travel style.

Hoi An formed a big part of my time in Vietnam and remains a fond place in my memory that I will surely revisit. Have fun exploring!