Where to Stay in Hoi An: The Complete Guide to Finding Your Perfect Hotel
- maya dalal
- 5 days ago
- 9 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
How to choose the right neighborhood so you can actually sleep at night
I know that after spending almost a full month in Hoi An, I got to know the different areas in depth and tried to understand what really suits whom. This guide is meant to help you understand the magic (and challenges) of each area, so you can choose exactly where you want to wake up in the morning.
💭 A Personal Note Before We Dive In
When I first arrived in Hoi An, I thought I was ready for anything. But nothing prepared me for the "noisy quiet" of Hoi An – the Old Town that never sleeps, with street food stalls on every corner, and vendors who don't take "no" for an answer.
My first night was particularly exhausting – not just because of the heavy heat (36°C!), but mainly because of the constant pressure. After two hours of "Massage?! River cruise?! Happy Hour?!" on every corner, I realized I needed to change strategy. I learned that sometimes "no" is a complete sentence, and sometimes ignoring isn't rudeness – it's self-defense.
🗺️ How Hoi An is Built
Understanding the city's structure will help you choose where to stay. Hoi An isn't one big city – it's divided into several distinct areas, each with its own character:
Old Town (Ancient Town) – the beating heart. UNESCO heritage site, lanterns, temples, and lots (lots!) of tourists. This is where all the action happens, but also where the noise, the crowds, and the aggressive sales never stop.
Cam Chau & Cam Pho – quiet residential neighborhoods surrounding the Old Town. This is where you get the perfect balance: close enough to walk to the action (5-15 minutes), far enough to sleep peacefully. Most of the recommended boutique hotels are here.
The Beaches – An Bang Beach (4 km north) and Cua Dai Beach (5 km south). Perfect if the sea is your priority, but you'll need transportation to get to town (Grab or bikes).
Now let's go through each area in depth.
🏮 Old Town – The Heart of the Action
The Old Town is exactly what you see in the photos: yellow buildings, red lanterns, and narrow alleys full of life. This is the touristic heart of Hoi An, and here you'll find the Japanese Bridge, the Assembly Halls, and all the famous sites.
Pros
You're right in the center of the action. Everything is within walking distance – restaurants, bars, the night market, and all the tourist attractions. The atmosphere is magical, especially in the evening when the lanterns light up.
Cons
The noise. The Old Town never sleeps. Not even at 11 PM. The heavy heat (sometimes 36°C!) and the constant pressure from vendors and stalls.
Who is this for?
People who want to be right in the action and don't mind noise. If you're only staying 2-3 days and want to maximize your time, this could work – but bring good earplugs.
Who is this NOT for?
Anyone who values quality sleep, introverts who need quiet time, and anyone sensitive to sales pressure.
🌾 Cam Chau – The Perfect Middle Ground
This is my personal favorite area. Cam Chau is a quiet residential neighborhood located between the Old Town and the beaches. Here you'll find modern hotels, rice fields, and a peaceful atmosphere – but you're still close enough to reach the Old Town on foot or with a 5-minute bike ride.
Why I Love This Area
The balance. You're close enough to walk to the Old Town when you want, but far enough to return to peace and quiet when you're exhausted. You can hear the roosters in the morning instead of karaoke.
The value. Hotels here offer much more for the price – modern pools, spacious rooms, and excellent service, without the tourist markup you'll find in the Old Town.
The authentic atmosphere. You'll see local life – families sitting outside their homes in the evening, kids playing in the streets, elderly people selling fresh vegetables.
Recommendation in Cam Chau (Mid-range + Pool)
Ivy Villa is an excellent option for those who want the perfect balance between location and quiet. The hotel received an amazing score of 9.1/10, with a clean outdoor pool, excellent WiFi, and a peaceful atmosphere. Located about 5 minutes' drive from the market and Old Town.
Recommendation in Cam Chau (Premium + 4 Pools!)
Cozy An Boutique Hotel is a gem that opened in 2023 – meaning everything is brand new. This hotel received an incredible score of 9.5/10. What makes it so special? Four swimming pools (yes, four!), ultra-modern rooms with river views, and proximity to the Old Town (10-15 minutes walk). If you want something luxurious but not too expensive, this is a perfect choice.
Another Recommendation in Cam Chau (Mid-range near Old Town)
Hoi An Hai Au Boutique Hotel & Spa (score 8.3/10) is located on Cua Dai Road, between the town and the beach. The hotel offers a spa, outdoor pool, and modern facilities. Good for those who want accessibility to both the Old Town and the beach.
🏛️ Cam Pho – Luxury and Complete Quiet
Cam Pho is another residential neighborhood, even quieter than Cam Chau, and this is where you'll find the most luxurious hotels. If you're willing to pay a bit more for premium service and complete quiet – this is the area for you.
Recommendation in Cam Pho (Luxury)
La Siesta Hoi An Resort & Spa is one of the best luxury hotels in Hoi An (score 9.5/10). Located in a super-quiet area but close enough for a 10-minute walk to the Old Town. The hotel offers 4 different pools (saltwater pool, infinity pool, kids' pool, and regular freshwater pool), spa, excellent restaurant, and impeccable service. If you want to pamper yourselves and are willing to pay for it – this is highly recommended.
🏖️ The Beaches – An Bang vs. Cua Dai
If the beach is a priority for you, you have two main options:
An Bang Beach
The more local and relaxed beach. Here you'll find small restaurants, local bars, and a laid-back vibe. This is where the locals come on weekends. The beach is about 4 km from the Old Town (15-20 minutes by bike through the rice fields – highly recommended!).
Cua Dai Beach
The more developed and luxurious beach. Here you'll find 5-star resorts with private beaches, spas, and full pampering. The beach is about 5 km from the Old Town.
Recommendation on Cua Dai Beach (Luxury Resort)
Palm Garden Beach Resort & Spa (score 9.5/10) is a 5-star beachfront resort with private beach, 3 outdoor pools, spa, gym, and free cultural workshops (cooking, lantern making). The resort offers free shuttle to the Old Town, so you don't have to worry about transportation. Pricey but worth it if you want a beach vacation with maximum pampering.
Tips for Choosing a Hotel in Hoi An
Heat and Air Conditioning
Hoi An can be very hot – during summer (April-August) temperatures can reach 36-38°C. I remember my walking tour in the Old Town was almost unbearable because of the heavy heat. Make sure there's strong AC in the room, request a room on upper floors (less heat), and consider quality earplugs for good sleep.
Bikes and Transportation
Most good hotels in Hoi An offer free bikes to guests – this is the best and most convenient way to get around the city. If you choose a hotel far from the Old Town, check if there's free shuttle service (this can save a lot of money on Grab).
Breakfast
Many hotels in Hoi An include an excellent buffet breakfast. This is a significant value that can save you money and time in the morning.
Safety: Is Hoi An Safe?
Absolutely yes! Hoi An is considered one of the safest cities in Vietnam. Crime rate is very low, and locals are friendly and welcoming.
A Few Basic Safety Tips
• In crowded places: Keep your bag close to your body in the Old Town and night market • Taxis: Use Grab – convenient, safe and saves bargaining • Bikes: Always wear a helmet, traffic is calm but you need to be careful
The Bottom Line – Where Should You Stay?
• First time in Hoi An and want maximum accessibility? → Cam Chau or Cam Pho (close to Old Town but quiet)
• Looking for perfect balance between accessibility and quiet? → Cam Chau (Ivy Villa, Cozy An Boutique, Hai Au Boutique)
• Want pampering, luxury and complete quiet? → Cam Pho (La Siesta Resort)
• Dreaming of a beach vacation with a pampering resort? → Cua Dai Beach (Palm Garden Beach Resort)
• Looking for a relaxed beach and local atmosphere? → An Bang Beach
FAQ
Where is the best place to stay in Hoi An?
The best area depends on what you're looking for. If it's your first time in Hoi An, I recommend Cam Chau or Cam Pho – close to the Old Town (5-10 minutes walk) but quiet at night. You'll get convenient access to all attractions, hotel pools, and a pleasant atmosphere. If you're looking for luxury and complete quiet – Cam Pho (La Siesta) is an excellent option.
Is it better to stay in Old Town or at the beach?
Depends on what's more important to you. Old Town offers walking access to all attractions, excellent restaurants, and Hoi An's unique atmosphere – but it can be noisy and crowded. The beach (An Bang or Cua Dai) is perfect for those who want to relax by the sea – but you'll need to rely on Grab or bikes to get to town (15-20 minutes ride). Most travelers choose the middle ground – Cam Chau – which gives you the best of both worlds.
Is Hoi An safe?
Absolutely yes! Hoi An is considered one of the safest cities in Vietnam. Crime rate is very low, and locals are friendly and welcoming. The main risk is pickpockets in crowded places (Old Town, night market), so keep your bag close to your body. Use Grab instead of random taxis, and always wear a helmet if you're riding bikes.
How much does accommodation cost per night in Hoi An?
Prices vary a lot. Budget: Hostels and guesthouses at $7-20 per night. Mid-range: Good mid-range hotels with pools at $25-50 (average $29). Boutique Premium: Designed hotels like Cozy An at $50-120. Luxury: Resorts like La Siesta or Palm Garden Beach at $120-264 per night. Prices increase during peak season (February-April).
How far is the beach from the Old Town?
An Bang Beach is about 5 km from the Old Town – about 15-20 minutes by Grab (costs around 70,000-100,000 VND = $3-4), or 20-25 minutes biking through the rice fields (recommended!). Cua Dai Beach is a bit further. The beach is not within walking distance from the Old Town, so you'll need bikes, Grab, or choose a hotel that offers free shuttle.
🗺️ My Hoi An Map - Available Now!
After weeks of searching, testing, and documenting every place in Hoi An – the ultimate map is finally here!
This isn't just another list from Google. It's a real experience map that includes only the places that are truly worth it – where locals eat, work, and enjoy themselves.
What you'll find in the map:
✨ Perfect cafes for digital nomads (excellent WiFi + AC!)
🍜 Restaurants and street food stalls that locals love
🎨 Authentic local workshops (not the tourist traps)
🏛️ Attractions worth visiting (and which to skip)
💆 High-quality spas and massages
📍 All the little tips that save time and money
The map includes over 60 places I personally tested, with detailed notes about each one – what's special, when to go, and how much it costs.
💡 Need Help Planning Your Route?
If you feel like you want something more personal – a custom itinerary made just for you, with all recommendations that fit exactly your travel style and budget – I'm here for you!
I offer personal consultation and custom itinerary planning for people who want to travel smart, save time, and avoid expensive mistakes.
Some of the links in this post are affiliate links - if you book through them, it won't cost you more, but it helps me continue writing and sharing this journey with you. Thank you for your support! 🧡
Read More About Vietnam Here:
🎭 The Complete Guide to Hanoi Experiences You Can't Miss 🛏️Where to Stay in Da Nang? The Complete Neighborhood Guide
⭐Get to Know Vietnam: The Complete Guide
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