Where to Stay in Hoi An, Vietnam: Best Areas, Hotels and Hostels

Hoi An is a charming ancient city located in central Vietnam, about 30km south of Da Nang. With a population of around 120,000, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its well-preserved Ancient Town, colorful lanterns, and incredible food scene. Knowing where to stay in Hoi An can make or break your experience in this magical destination

The city is situated roughly 800km south of Hanoi (a 1.5-hour flight) and about 850km north of Ho Chi Minh City (also a 1.5-hour flight). The closest airport is Da Nang International Airport, which is approximately 30-40 minutes away by taxi.

I recently spent six nights in Hoi An, initially staying by the beach before moving closer to the Ancient Town (the city centre). This guide shares my personal experience and recommendations to help you find the perfect place to stay during your visit. Whether you're after beachside relaxation, proximity to the Ancient Town, or a vibrant social scene, I've got you covered with firsthand insights.

Which Areas to Stay in Hoi An
Best Hostels in Hoi An
Best Hotels in Hoi An
Frequently Asked Questions About Where to Stay in Hoi An
Conclusion

Which Areas to Stay in Hoi An

There are several distinct areas to stay in Hoi An, and since they can be quite far from each other, your choice really matters. While Grab taxis offer a cheap way to get around (I used them frequently), I actually moved hostels after my first day because I felt too disconnected from the heart of Hoi An. Here's a breakdown of the main areas to consider:

By the Beach (An Bang and Cua Dai)

This area is perfect if you're looking for quiet, beach vibes away from the hustle and bustle of the city. I initially stayed here, drawn by the idea of waking up near the ocean (and because somebody in a hostel in Ninh Binh had recommended it to me). However, it's more than an hour's walk from the Ancient Town, which left me feeling a bit isolated from where most of my friends were staying and where the action was happening. Also, it was overcast, so the beach was deserted.

If you're primarily looking to relax by the beach and don't mind the distance from the Old Town, this could be your ideal spot. You'll find a mix of homestays, boutique hotels and beach resorts along An Bang Beach, many offering great value for money at around 600k-800kVND (22-30€) per night.

An Hoi Island

This smaller island, connected to the mainland by bridges, is where the night markets are hosted and is what I'd consider closest to the "center" of tourist activity. This is where most of the bars and clubs are located, as well as many nice hostels. Staying in An Hoi puts you within easy walking distance of the Ancient Town while providing a slightly more relaxed atmosphere.

The island has a wonderful setting along the Thu Bon River and offers beautiful views of the Old Town, especially at night when the lanterns light up. Accommodation here tends to be mid-range, with some budget options available as well.

Cam Nam Island

This is another island to the east of An Hoi, and this is where I moved to after leaving the beach area. I stayed at iHome hostel here and I did love it, but there's one logistical challenge: Cam Nam isn't directly connected to An Hoi. To reach the bars, night market, and other attractions on An Hoi, you have to cross to the mainland, walk down the coast, and then cross back onto An Hoi island.

This is really just a minor inconvenience, the walk is only around 20 minutes and Grabs are really cheap. I enjoyed staying in Cam Nam because it offered a more local feel while still being reasonably close to the main attractions. It's a bit quieter than An Hoi but still lively enough to keep things interesting.

Old Town (Ancient Town)

The UNESCO-protected Ancient Town is the historical heart of Hoi An and a truly magical place to stay—if you can find accommodation there. There aren't many hostels in the Old Town as it's primarily filled with shops, restaurants, and cultural sites, but you'll find some beautiful boutique hotels and homestays.

Staying here means you'll be right in the middle of Hoi An's most picturesque area, surrounded by yellow buildings, colorful lanterns, and the Thu Bon River. It's particularly magical in the evenings when the lanterns are lit. However, accommodation here tends to be more expensive, and it will be busy and noisy with tourists during the day.

🇻🇳 Recommended Reading: A Complete Travel Guide to Hoi An

Best Hostels in Hoi An

Based on my personal experience and recommendations from friends I met while travelling, here are some of the best hostels in Hoi An:

iHome Hostel (Cam Nam)

This is where I moved to after my failed attempt at being a beach girlie and I really enjoyed my stay. It's definitely a party hostel, so you'll be tempted to join the social activities and drink quite a bit! The facilities include clean rooms, a nice pool, and lots of different areas to chill.

What everyone loved here was the insanely huge breakfast buffet, which was included in the room rate of about 180kVND (6.70€) per night. The staff were friendly and organised various activities, mostly involving drinking games and nights out.

Riverside Dolphin Hostel (An Hoi)

A couple of friends stayed at this recently-opened hostel and loved it. Its main selling point is the location - it has the best views overlooking the river and is just steps away from the night market. The dorm beds were comfortable according to my friends, and the social atmosphere was great without being overwhelmingly party-focused.

Prices were around 150kVND (5.60€) per night for a dorm bed when my friends stayed there, which is excellent value considering the prime location (but as it's recently opened, I imagine this price will increase at some point).

The Imperfect Downtown Hostel

Despite its self-deprecating name, this hostel is actually quite perfect for many travellers. Located close to the Ancient Town, it offers a great balance between being social and allowing for quiet time. The hostel has a nice common area where you can meet other travellers and a small bar serving reasonably priced drinks.

The Seaside Bungalow

This is the first hostel I moved out of after just one night, simply because I decided I wanted to be closer to the city centre. However, I liked the actual hostel itself - it had a relaxed, beachy vibe with comfortable beds and friendly staff. If you're primarily in Hoi An for beach time and don't mind being away from the Ancient Town, this could be a good option.

It's worth mentioning that several people I met were staying at the Mad Monkey hostel and were frustrated with its location - it's neither close to the town nor the beach, putting guests in a kind of no-man's land that requires transportation to get anywhere interesting.

🇻🇳 Recommended Reading: The Best Hostels in Hoi An, Vietnam

Best Hotels in Hoi An

If you're looking for more privacy and comfort than a hostel can offer, here are some of the best reasonably-priced hotels in Hoi An:

Hoi An Town Center Hotel

As the name suggests, this hotel boasts an excellent central location near the Ancient Town. It offers comfortable rooms with traditional Vietnamese touches, a swimming pool, and helpful staff who can arrange tours and transportation. Prices typically range from 1,000k-1,500kVND (37-56€) per night, depending on the season.

Virgo Villa Que Hoi An

This beautiful boutique hotel offers excellent value for money with its spacious rooms, attentive service, and peaceful garden setting. It's located in a quieter area but still within easy reach of the Ancient Town by a short walk or bicycle ride (which the hotel provides for free). Rooms start at around 900kVND (33.50€) per night.

Em's House Homestay

For a more authentic experience, Em's House Homestay offers comfortable rooms in a family-run establishment. The friendly hosts go out of their way to make guests feel welcome, often inviting them to join family meals for an additional cost. Located in a quiet residential area about 15 minutes' walk from the Ancient Town, it provides a glimpse into local life while still being convenient for sightseeing.

🇻🇳 Recommended Reading: 14 Things to Do in Hoi An, Vietnam

Frequently Asked Questions About Where to Stay in Hoi An

Which area of Hoi An is best to stay in?

The best area depends on your priorities. An Hoi Island offers the perfect balance - close to the Ancient Town but also to nightlife and restaurants. The Ancient Town itself is magical but can be more expensive and busy. Beach areas are great for relaxation but require transportation to see the main sights.

How many days do you need for Hoi An?

I recommend a minimum of 3-4 days to fully appreciate Hoi An. This gives you time to explore the Ancient Town, visit nearby attractions like the rice fields in Cam Thanh, enjoy the beach if the weather is good, and experience the night market without rushing. If you have more time, you could easily spend a week or more here!

Is 4 days in Hoi An too much?

Not at all! I stayed for 6 days and could have stayed longer. Between exploring the Ancient Town, taking cooking classes, visiting tailor shops, cycling through rice fields, and relaxing at the beach, there's plenty to fill 4 days or more, especially if you enjoy taking things at a relaxed pace.

Where is the main part of Hoi An?

The Ancient Town (Old Town) is considered the main part of Hoi An. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is characterized by its well-preserved buildings, Japanese covered bridge, Central Market, and streets decorated with colorful lanterns. It's the cultural and historical heart of the city.

Conclusion

When deciding where to stay in Hoi An, consider what aspects of the city you most want to experience. If nightlife and easy access to the Ancient Town are priorities, An Hoi is your best bet. For a more local experience with still reasonable access to attractions, Cam Nam is excellent. Beach lovers should look at An Bang, while those wanting to be immersed in history might splurge on a place in the Old Town itself.

My personal recommendation would be to stay in An Hoi or close to the Ancient Town for at least part of your stay; the magic of Hoi An's lantern-lit streets at night is something you'll want easy access to. Whatever your choice, Hoi An's charm will likely captivate you as it did me, making it one of the highlights of any Vietnam trip.