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Best Areas to Stay in Hoi An (2026): First-Timer’s Guide to Areas & Top-Rated Hotels

The best areas to stay in Hoi An will define your entire trip, not just where you sleep, but how your days unfold. Do you want to step straight into glowing lantern streets at night? Sip coffee by the river before the tour groups arrive? Or wake up a few minutes from the sea with sand still cool under your feet?

While Hoi An is not big, it is quite extended, that’s why it’s worth it to take some time choosing the best location for your needs.

In Hoi An, your neighbourhood sets the rhythm. Some areas put you in the middle of the buzz, others give you space to breathe. And choosing the right one makes everything feel easier, from spontaneous evening strolls to slow, unplanned mornings that end up being your favourite part of the trip.

Best Areas to Stay in Hoi An

Before choosing your hotel, it’s also worth thinking about how you’ll spend your days. From exploring the lantern-filled Old Town and visiting the Japanese Covered Bridge to taking cooking classes, cycling through the countryside, or relaxing at An Bang Beach, there’s plenty to fill your itinerary. If you’re still planning your activities, check out my full guide on what to do in Hoi An to help you decide which area fits your travel style best.

I spent hours researching best areas to stay in Hoi An. It took me longer than expected because of the way Hoi An is organized. There are beautiful and luxury hotels everywhere. It is also small enough to be flexible with choosing the neighbourhood. What I really liked in Hoi An was that it is common to cycle everywhere. Not once I needed a taxi. I ether walked (my hotel was located around 30 minutes walking from the Old Town) or cycled. Many hotels offer complimentary bicycles.

So below I’ve selected the best areas to stay in Hoi An , so you only need to decide what best suits your preferences and itinerary. All the hotels I am mentioning are the ones that I saved on my list before the trip, but of course, I could not stay in every single one. And the good news? Every hotel I’m mentioning here scores 9 or above on Booking.com, so you can be confident they’re all tried-and-tested picks for comfort, location, and overall experience.

Hoi An Old Town – Best for First Timers

Staying in Hoi An Old Town is a dream for first-time visitors. This UNESCO World Heritage site is the heart of the city, filled with ancient architecture, colorful lanterns, riverside cafés, and winding streets lined with tailor shops and markets. When you stay here, you are literally steps away from the Japanese Covered Bridge, the iconic symbol of Hoi An. Morning walks in the Old Town offer peaceful moments before the streets fill with tourists, while evenings transform the area into a magical display of lantern light reflecting on the river.

The major benefit of staying here is walkability. You can explore most of Hoi An’s famous sights without needing taxis or motorbikes, making it ideal if you want a stress-free stay and the ability to soak in the atmosphere at any time. In the Old Town you also have a huge variety of dining options, from traditional Vietnamese eateries to international cafés. Night markets pop up in the evenings with souvenirs, street food, and a lively, authentic experience.

The only minor drawback is that some streets can be lively late into the night. For those sensitive to noise, choosing a hotel on a quieter side street still gives you access to all the charm without the late-night bustle.

Luxury option:
Hoi An Historic Hotel sits right in the center of the Old Town. It’s really pretty with its classic architecture and wide open garden space with one of the best locations for exploring Hoi An entirely on foot.

Mid-range option:
La Charm Hoi An Hotel & Spa — This boutique hotel offers beautifully decorated rooms, excellent service, and is just a short stroll from key attractions. Ideal for travelers who want comfort without breaking the bank. It has a rating of 9.6 based on nearly 5k reviews.

Budget option:
Lan Uyen Homestay – Hoi An — A cozy, charming homestay that gives you a local experience, just a few minutes’ walk from the Japanese Covered Bridge and the night market.

Cam Pho – Riverside Charm with Easy Old Town Access

Just west of the Old Town lies Cam Pho, a quieter and slightly more residential area that still keeps you very close to the heart of Hoi An. This neighborhood is defined by its scenic riverside views, leafy streets, and slower pace, making it a fantastic option if you want proximity to attractions without the constant buzz of tourists.

Early mornings are peaceful here – perfect for sunrise walks along the river or enjoying a riverside café breakfast. Evenings are calmer than Old Town, yet you can be in the center in minutes either by foot or by bike.

Cam Pho is also a great choice for you if you prefer a relaxed atmosphere after a busy day exploring. Boutique hotels and guesthouses here often have riverside pools, spacious rooms, and excellent hospitality. The area still has plenty of cafes and local restaurants, meaning you can enjoy authentic Hoi An flavors without venturing far.

Luxury option:
ANNAM HERITAGE Boutique Hotel & Spa — Elegant design, a serene pool, and highly praised service make this property a perfect riverside retreat.

Mid-range option:
Hoi An Odyssey Hotel & Spa — Comfortable rooms, thoughtful amenities, and a convenient location make it a consistent favorite among travelers.

Budget option:
Happy Town Hoi An — A simple yet welcoming property just a few minutes from the Old Town, perfect for travelers who want convenience on a budget.

Cam Chau – Quiet Riverside & Countryside Feel

After long research and thinking of what I’d like my stay to look like in Hoi An, I decided to find a hotel in Cam Chau.

Cam Chau is ideal if you want a blend of tranquil countryside and accessibility. Located east of the Old Town, this neighborhood provides a window into daily village life. Rice paddies, small canals, and quiet cycling paths dominate the landscape, giving visitors a sense of local life and authenticity.

Unlike the bustling Old Town or even Cam Pho, Cam Chau is much more peaceful, so it perfect if you are seeking a calm retreat while still being within a short bike or car ride from the main attractions.

Staying here means you can start your day cycling past rice fields, enjoy bird songs in the morning, and return in the evening to a serene riverside setting. Hotels and homestays here often combine modern comfort with rustic charm, making them highly rated for both relaxation and value.

It was around 30 minute walk to the old town, which I did daily on foot or by bike that my hotel offered. But I could also go cycling around the fields whenever I felt like simply watching the locals.

Luxury option:
Silk River Hoi An Hotel & Spa — Modern riverside rooms, attentive service, and beautiful views make this an excellent choice for a peaceful stay.

Anio Boutique Hotel– I stayed in this hotel for 6 nights and was extremely satisfied with everything, especially breakfast that was out of this world.

Mid-range option:
Grand Sunrise Palace Hoi An – A Luxury Indochine Hotel & Spa — This hotel is quite cute with its classic Vietnamese design and luxurious modern touches: elegant rooms, relaxing spa, and attentive service. It has a rating that you cannot beat beat: 9.8 based on over 4k reviews!

Budget option:
Hoi An Golden Holiday Hotel & Spa — Comfortable, relaxed, and with excellent reviews, this property offers an authentic local feel without being far from Hoi An’s main sites.

best areas to stay in hoi an

An Bang Beach & Cam An – Best for a Beach Stay

If your Hoi An trip includes sun, sand, and sea, An Bang Beach and Cam An are the perfect spots. Just a short ride from the Old Town, these areas offer a completely different vibe – laid-back, breezy, and scenic. The beaches here are lined with small seafood restaurants, beach bars, and cafés, making it easy to spend the day by the water. Early mornings are ideal for beach walks, while evenings offer beautiful sunsets over the South China Sea.

The main trade-off is that you won’t be able to walk to the Old Town. However, most hotels provide bikes or shuttle services, so you can enjoy beach serenity without losing access to the city’s attractions. For travelers prioritizing relaxation, this area is unbeatable.

You might love this neihgbourhood, but it was not my favourite because the beach was not as nice as I expected. However, I need to mention that it was raining most of the time during my 6 days in Hoi An, perhaps I’d like it more on a sunny day.

Luxury option:
JM Hoi An Beach Hotel — A top-rated beachfront property offering modern rooms, stunning ocean views, and a free shuttle to the Old Town.

Dechiu hotel– it’s say it one of the priciest hotels, but it was high on my list when I was preparing my trip. It’s really beautiful with great reviews.

Mid-range option:

Sand River Hoi An Villa– is a stylish riverside retreat where modern design meets relaxed comfort, set just a short stroll from the Old Town’s lantern-lit streets and vibrant cafés.

Tips for Choosing Where to Stay in Hoi An

When deciding where to stay in Hoi An, think about how you plan to spend your days:

  • Want history, food, and nightlife at your doorstep? Stay near the Old Town.

  • Prefer riverside calm with easy access? Cam Pho or Cam Chau are ideal.

  • Dreaming of beach mornings and seafood sunsets? Choose An Bang or Cam An.

One final tip: Book early. During lantern festivals and high season, the best-rated hotels fill up quickly, especially those with 9+ scores.

See also:

Please note that this post included affiliate links, when you decide to purchase anything through these links I get a small commission at NO extra cost to you, it helps me to keep running this blog! I only promote products and services I use or would use myself. All images are the property of Postcards from the World and cannot be used without permission.

where to stay in hoi an

Use my favourite travel resources to plan your dream trips

  • Booking.com for searching best prices on accommodation.
  • AirHelp helps to get compensation for cancelled or delayed flights.
  • Travel Payouts is my favourite platform for monetizing the blog.
  • Discover Cars is a great website as they search both local and international car hire services, so you can choose the best deal for yourself. Make sure though, that the company has a good reputation and reviews.
  • Get Your Guide is my place to go for searching and booking tours and excursions, especially when I travel solo.
  • World Nomads and EKTA travel insurance. I like them because they have quite extensive coverage of different activities.
  • WeGoTrip sends you audio guides to your mobile, so you can visit places while learning history and interesting facts easily and for little money.
  • Go City is a perfect site for booking bucket list experiences and attractions all in one to avoid paying for multiple tickets. Easy and saves money. You can even save 50%.
  • Trip Advisor– amazing for good quality recommendations.
  • Skyscanner is a perfect website for searching flight routes and comparing prices.
  • Airalo is my eSim choice for alternative data abroad.

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Ania is a founder of Postcards from the World, a place where she wants you to be inspired to travel and visit new places This is also a place where you can find tips and honest travel guides to help you with you plan your dream trips with ease.

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