The best areas to stay in Hoi An are Hoi An Ancient Town, Cẩm Châu, An Bang Beach, Cửa Đại Beach, Riverside, and Cam Nam Island.
Now that’s an overwhelming answer to your question about where to stay in Hoi An.
So, to make things easier, we cover in this article what we believe are the best areas in and around Hoi An, regarding the type of traveller you are.
If you want to go straight to the recommendations, tap on the following button.
Otherwise, simply continue reading.
Known for its enchanting blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, Hoi An captivates travelers from all over the world.
Hoi An’s most renowned feature is its incredibly well-preserved Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The town’s winding streets are lined with beautifully restored 15th to 19th-century buildings, reflecting a mix of architectural influences from Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, and European cultures.
The captivating atmosphere is further enhanced by the nightly display of colorful lanterns that illuminate the streets, adding to the town’s romantic and magical ambiance.
The city is also celebrated for its vibrant culinary scene.
Hoi An’s cuisine is distinct, offering a delectable array of dishes that highlight the city’s coastal location and regional specialties.
From savory Cao Lau noodles to mouthwatering Banh Mi sandwiches, food enthusiasts are in for a delightful gastronomic adventure.
In fact, Hoi An is considered the Banh Mi capital of the world and we highly recommend you try this heavenly French-influenced sandwich.
Hoi An also boasts pristine beaches just a short distance away from the Ancient Town.
An Bang Beach and Cửa Đại Beach offer tranquil settings to unwind and soak up the sun, while beachside bars and seafood eateries cater to every visitor’s desires.
Hoi An is also renowned as a haven for shopping, particularly for those seeking tailor-made clothing.
With a vast number of skilled tailors and artisans, visitors can have custom-made garments created within a day or two, providing a memorable and unique souvenir of their journey.
Lastly, Hoi An embraces its rich cultural heritage with numerous festivals and events throughout the year, showcasing traditional performances, art, and crafts.
Combining all of this and you have the perfect ingredients for a historically, culturally, and culinary-rich trip.
But with so many things to offer, it’s a bit challenging to pick the right area for you.
We’ve come up with a list of recommended areas to make things easier.
Each of the recommended areas comes with its own advantages and disadvantages, which are summarized after each paragraph.
With that being said, let’s jump straight to our recommendations.
Where to stay in Hoi An? Keep reading!
Overview of the best areas to stay in Hoi An
Below, you find a table with an overview of all the recommended areas along with a short explanation of what makes that area so special.
You can tap on one of the green links to go immediately to that recommended area, or just continue reading the article.
| The best areas to stay in Hoi An | What’s so special about this area? |
|---|---|
| 1. Hoi An Ancient Town | Staying within the ancient town itself is a fantastic choice, as it allows you to immerse yourself in the historic atmosphere and be within walking distance of most attractions, restaurants, and shops. The ancient town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and many hotels and guesthouses offer a unique experience within these historic surroundings. |
| 2. Cẩm Châu | Located just a short bicycle ride or walk away from Hoi An Ancient Town, Cẩm Châu is a more peaceful area with a mix of traditional houses and rice fields. Staying here offers a more tranquil experience, yet it remains close to the bustling town center. |
| 3. An Bang Beach | For beach lovers, An Bang Beach is an excellent option. It’s about a 10-minute drive from the ancient town, and you can find various beachfront accommodations, seafood restaurants, and beach bars. It’s a great place to relax by the sea while still being relatively close to the main attractions. |
| 4. Cửa Đại Beach | Another beautiful beach area to consider is Cửa Đại Beach, which is around 5 kilometers away from the ancient town. This area offers a more laid-back atmosphere, and you can find several beach resorts and hotels to choose from. |
| 5. Riverside | Some hotels and guesthouses are situated along the Thu Bon River, which provides a serene ambiance and lovely views. Staying in a riverside accommodation allows you to enjoy peaceful evenings and easy access to boat tours and riverside dining. |
| 6. Cam Nam Island | Located across the river from the ancient town, Cam Nam Island offers a more local and less touristy experience. Staying here allows you to explore the countryside, enjoy the rural scenery, and interact with friendly locals. |
How to get around in Hoi An as a tourist?
Hoi An’s Ancient Town is primarily pedestrian-friendly, and walking is one of the best ways to experience its narrow streets, historic buildings, and charming atmosphere.
Most of the main attractions, restaurants, shops, and markets are within walking distance of each other in the Ancient Town.
Cycling is a popular and enjoyable mode of transportation in Hoi An.
Many hotels and guesthouses offer complimentary bicycles for their guests to explore the city.
Biking allows you to venture beyond the Ancient Town and explore the surrounding countryside, beaches, and nearby villages at a leisurely pace.
Cyclos are three-wheeled pedal-powered rickshaws, and they are a unique and traditional way to get around Hoi An.
Cyclo drivers can take you on short tours around the Ancient Town or to nearby attractions.
Negotiate the fare before starting the ride.
Motorbike taxis, locally known as “xe om”, are a common sight in Hoi An.
These motorbike drivers offer rides to various destinations within the city and beyond.
Again, it’s essential to negotiate the price before hopping on, as they don’t have fixed meters like regular taxis.
While Hoi An is relatively small, taxis are available for longer journeys or when you want to travel in air-conditioned comfort.
To explore the river and nearby islands, you can take boat tours offered along the Thu Bon River.
These tours provide a different perspective of Hoi An and its surroundings.
If you prefer a more tailored and private experience, you can hire a car with a driver to take you to specific destinations.
This option is convenient for day trips to nearby attractions outside Hoi An.
It’s worth noting that Hoi An’s Ancient Town is closed to traffic in the evenings (usually from 6:00 PM to 9:30 PM), which further encourages walking and cycling, creating a charming and peaceful atmosphere for tourists to enjoy.
What is the best time of the year to visit Hoi An?
The best time of the year to visit Hoi An is during the dry season, which typically spans from February to August.
Within this period, there are two peak seasons that are particularly favorable for tourists:
Spring (February to April)
Spring is considered one of the best times to visit Hoi An.
The weather is pleasant with mild temperatures, low humidity, and minimal rainfall.
It’s an ideal time for sightseeing and exploring the city’s attractions, including the Ancient Town and nearby beaches.
During the spring months, Hoi An also celebrates several cultural festivals, adding to the vibrant atmosphere.
Autumn (September to October)
Autumn is another excellent time to visit Hoi An.
The weather remains relatively dry, and the summer heat starts to subside, making the climate more comfortable for outdoor activities.
The autumn months offer beautiful landscapes with lush greenery and clear skies, creating picturesque scenes for photography and sightseeing.
Both spring and autumn are the most popular travel seasons in Hoi An, so you can expect a higher number of tourists during these periods.
If you prefer fewer crowds and still want pleasant weather, consider visiting during the shoulder months of February, March, September, or October.
However, if you don’t mind some rain and prefer to avoid peak tourist seasons, you can consider visiting during the following periods:
Late November to January
While this period falls within the rainy season, the rainfall is generally not as intense as in the peak monsoon months (October to early November).
The temperatures are cooler, and you can still enjoy Hoi An’s festive atmosphere during the Christmas and New Year celebrations.
May to August
The summer months bring higher temperatures and occasional showers, especially in June and July.
While it can get hot and humid, you can still enjoy your visit by planning activities in the morning and late afternoon and relaxing in air-conditioned accommodations or cafes during the hottest part of the day.
The best areas to stay in Hoi An are:
1. Hoi An Ancient Town
Hoi An Ancient Town is the heart of the city and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
What makes this area so special is its incredibly well-preserved architecture that reflects a mix of indigenous and foreign influences.
The charming narrow streets are lined with old merchant houses, temples, and communal halls.
The iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, built in the 16th century, is a symbol of Hoi An and a must-visit attraction.
The area comes alive in the evenings with beautifully lit lanterns, making it a magical place to explore at night.
Staying here allows you to immerse yourself in the city’s rich history and culture while being within easy reach of its vibrant markets, restaurants, and tailor shops.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Hoi An in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and often offers significantly cheaper options compared to its competitors. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
2. Cẩm Châu
Cẩm Châu is a more rural and laid-back area, offering a glimpse into the countryside life of Vietnam.
What makes this area special is the opportunity to experience the tranquility of rice fields and traditional houses, providing a unique contrast to the bustling ancient town.
Staying in Cẩm Châu often means you’ll be surrounded by natural beauty and have a chance to interact with locals, who are usually welcoming and friendly.
The area also offers some charming homestay accommodations that provide an authentic and immersive experience.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Hoi An in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and often offers significantly cheaper options compared to its competitors. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
3. An Bang Beach
An Bang Beach is a beautiful stretch of coastline, and what makes this area special is its relaxed beach vibe.
It’s less crowded than many other popular beach destinations, and you can find soft golden sand, clear blue waters, and beachfront bars and restaurants.
The area is perfect for those seeking a more laid-back vacation where they can unwind, enjoy beach activities, and indulge in fresh seafood dishes.
The beach itself is within easy reach of the ancient town, making it convenient for day trips and exploring the town’s cultural attractions.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Hoi An in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and often offers significantly cheaper options compared to its competitors. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
4. Cửa Đại Beach
Cửa Đại Beach is another appealing beach option near Hoi An, and what makes it special is its natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere.
It’s a great place to relax and escape the crowds.
The beach’s golden sands and palm trees create a serene environment, ideal for lounging by the sea, taking long walks, or trying out water sports.
Several resorts offer direct access to the beach, ensuring a delightful beachfront experience.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Hoi An in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and often offers significantly cheaper options compared to its competitors. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
5. Riverside
Staying along the Thu Bon River provides a different perspective of Hoi An.
The riverside area is characterized by its peaceful ambiance, and what makes it special is the opportunity to enjoy picturesque views of the river, especially during sunrise and sunset.
Many accommodations here are boutique hotels or guesthouses with balconies overlooking the water, making it a romantic and charming place to stay.
Additionally, boat tours departing from the riverside allow you to explore the river and nearby islands.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Hoi An in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and often offers significantly cheaper options compared to its competitors. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
6. Cam Nam Island
Cam Nam Island is a less touristy area, and what makes it special is its authentic and local atmosphere.
The island is connected to Hoi An by a bridge and provides a glimpse into the everyday life of the locals.
You’ll find small alleys, rice paddies, and traditional houses, creating a serene and rustic setting.
Staying here allows you to experience a more off-the-beaten-path side of Hoi An while still being close enough to the ancient town to easily access its attractions.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Hoi An in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and often offers significantly cheaper options compared to its competitors. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
Map of best areas to stay in Hoi An
The next image is a map of the best areas in Hoi An including the highlights.
The image is in high resolution so you can easily zoom in to see all the details.
A map will follow soon.
There you have it, all our recommendations to your question about the best areas to stay in Hoi An.
We hope you enjoyed it and hopefully, you can make a good decision and have the time of your life at this amazing destination!