Where To Stay In Hoi An First Time 2024 - 6 Best Areas
In this article, we dive deeper into your question about where to stay in Hoi An first time.
To make it as simple as possible for you as a reader, we start with an overview of all the recommended areas we cover followed by a short description.
Then, we briefly answer a few commonly asked questions:
Where to stay in Hoi An first time?
Where to stay in Hoi An with family?
Where to stay in Hoi An for backpackers?
Where to stay in Hoi An for couples?
Where to stay in Hoi An for nightlife?
Where to stay in Hoi An beach or town?
You can always tap on a purple link to go directly to that part of the article.
This will save you a lot of time and only read what you need to read.
Enjoy!
Overview of the best areas to stay in Hoi An
| Name of the area in Hoi An | Description of the recommended area |
|---|---|
Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓ | This is the most popular area to stay in Hoi An as it puts you right at the heart of Hoi An’s historic charm. You’ll be within walking distance to the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, colorful houses, and atmospheric cafes. The accommodation options here cater to all budget classes, making it an excellent stay for the majority of tourists, unless you want something alternative. *You can click on the purple or blue link to directly navigate to that part of the article to read in-depth information about that specific area. |
Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓ | As Hoi An’s Old Town does get crowded, many tourists seek a quieter atmosphere. The area along the Thu Bon River offers picturesque views and attracts fewer crowds. Riverside hotels often provide stunning views of the river and are still within walking distance of the Old Town. You can watch the lantern-lit boats at night. Keep in mind that Hoi An’s Riverside offers a more upscale experience compared to Hoi An’s Old Town. |
Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓ | For a more relaxed stay, consider An Bang Beach, located just a short drive or bike ride from the Old Town. This area offers beautiful sandy beaches, beachfront restaurants, and laid-back beach bars. You can find a variety of accommodations here, including beachfront resorts and cozy homestays. It’s one of the best options if you prefer to stay directly at the beach. |
Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓ | This area is a bit quieter compared to Old Town but still offers easy access to its attractions. Cam Chau Ward is known for its greenery, traditional village atmosphere, and bike-friendly paths. Staying here provides a more authentic experience of local life while still being close to Hoi An’s main sights. It’s an ideal area for families. |
Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓ | Nature lovers should most definitely consider staying in Cam Thanh Ward. This area is famous for its coconut palm groves, water coconut forests, and eco-friendly accommodations. You can experience activities like kayaking through the mangrove forests or taking a basketboat tour. Again, an ideal area for families. |
Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓ | For a unique stay, Tra Que Village offers a peaceful retreat amidst organic herb gardens and rice paddies. You can stay in traditional homestays or boutique resorts and participate in farming activities or cooking classes. It’s a great option for those seeking a tranquil escape from the city. Keep in mind that remote areas like these come with fewer amenities, but offer unique experiences none of the central areas can compete against. |
Where to stay in Hoi An first time
The best areas to stay in Hoi An first time are Old Town, Riverside, and An Bang Beach.
These three are the most popular areas among tourists who visit Hoi An for the first time.
Old Town is the most popular one out of these three areas as it’s the heart of Hoi An’s historical part and home to the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, colorful houses, and historical streets.
It’s also the most bustling area and the tourist epicenter of Hoi An.
As this part does get crowded, people always look for alternatives.
Riverside is the area along the Thu Bon River that offers a quieter experience with stunning views of the river.
It offers far more upscale hotels compared to Old Town, as Old Town offers something for everyone.
Because of that, Riverside is especially a popular area for families and couples.
The downside of both areas is the lack of direct access to the beach.
If you want to stay centrally but with direct access to the beach, An Bang Beach is the best option you have.
However, there are three alternative areas that are definitely worth considering, especially when you want to avoid the crowds.
Cam Chau Ward offers a traditional village atmosphere and an authentic experience with access to beautiful greenery and bike-friendly paths.
Cam Thanh Ward is famous for its coconut palm groves, water coconut forests, and eco-friendly accommodations and offers activities like kayaking through the (mangrove) forest and basket boat tours.
Lastly, Tra Que Village is a peaceful area home to organic herb gardens and rice paddies and offers traditional homestays.
Keep in mind that these somewhat alternative areas come with fewer amenities, but offer far more unique experiences compared to the central areas.
Where to stay in Hoi An with family
The best areas to stay in Hoi An with family are Riverside, An Bang Beach, Cam Chau Ward, Cam Thanh Ward, and Tra Que Village.
When it comes to convenience, Riverside is the best option.
It’s a relatively quiet area in Hoi An with excellent access to the other important parts of the city.
You can stay in Hoi An’s Old Town as well, however, there is quite some nightlife there and I believe families will appreciate a quieter stay more.
Yet you will wander around the historical parts of Hoi An in the evening anyway.
Another great area is An Bang Beach, where, as the name already suggests, you have direct access to the sandy shores.
Similar to Riverside, you are still located centrally and have good access to the other parts.
There are three somewhat alternative areas that are worth considering when traveling with family.
These three areas are located further away from the tourist epicenter and come with fewer amenities but do offer some unique perks that make them interesting areas.
Cam Chau Ward offers a traditional village atmosphere and an authentic experience with access to beautiful greenery and bike-friendly paths.
Cam Thanh Ward is famous for its coconut palm groves, water coconut forests, and eco-friendly accommodations and offers activities like kayaking through the (mangrove) forest and basket boat tours.
Tra Que Village is a peaceful area home to organic herb gardens and rice paddies and offers traditional homestays.
To be fair, these areas are still within reasonable distance from the tourist attractions.
Where to stay in Hoi An for backpackers
The best areas to stay in Hoi An for backpackers are Old Town and An Bang Beach.
While the Old Town may not offer the cheapest accommodations, it’s a hub of activity with numerous budget hostels, guesthouses, and homestays catering to backpackers.
You’ll be within walking distance of Hoi An’s main attractions, street food stalls, and affordable eateries.
As it’s the gathering point among backpackers, it automatically makes it the most popular area, but it’s not always the cheapest option.
An Bang Beach has a growing backpacker scene with budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses located near the beach.
While accommodations may be slightly pricier compared to other backpacker destinations in Southeast Asia, you can still find affordable options, especially if you’re willing to stay a bit further from the beachfront.
An Bang Beach offers a more relaxed vibe with beachfront bars and affordable seafood restaurants.
If you really want to stay somewhere cheap, the areas Cam Chau Ward, Cam Thanh Ward, and Tra Que Village are good options.
However, there aren’t that many things to do and in order to meet like-minded travellers, you always have to travel to Old Town and An Bang Beach.
Where to stay in Hoi An for couples
The best areas to stay in Hoi An for couples are Riverside, An Bang Beach, Cam Chau Ward, Cam Thanh Ward, and Tra Que Village.
For the majority of the couples that visit Hoi An, Riverside is the best option.
You’re located centrally with great access to Old Town, however, you stay in a beautiful area with stunning views where you can find all sorts of romantic accommodation options without the noise that Old Town has.
Couples who prefer to have direct access to the beach should stay at An Bang Beach.
If you seek a quieter, almost countryside-like experience with beautiful nature, consider staying at one of the following three, somewhat alternative areas.
Cam Chau Ward offers a traditional village atmosphere and an authentic experience with access to beautiful greenery and bike-friendly paths.
Cam Thanh Ward is famous for its coconut palm groves, water coconut forests, and eco-friendly accommodations and offers activities like kayaking through the (mangrove) forest and basket boat tours.
Tra Que Village is a peaceful area home to organic herb gardens and rice paddies and offers traditional homestays.
Keep in mind that these areas come with fewer amenities, but offer far more unique experiences compared to the central areas.
Where to stay in Hoi An for nightlife
The best areas to stay in Hoi An for nightlife are Old Town, An Bang Beach, and Riverside.
While it may not have the clubbing scene of bigger cities, you’ll find plenty of bars, pubs, and rooftop lounges scattered throughout the ancient streets of Old Town.
This is by far the most bustling area when it comes to nightlife.
An Bang Beach has a laid-back nightlife scene with several beach bars and restaurants that often host live music events and beach parties, especially during the high season.
For a more sophisticated experience with bars and restaurants offering riverside seating and views of the illuminated waterfront, Riverside is the perfect option.
That being said, the majority of the nightlife in Hoi An takes place in Old Town.
Where to stay in Hoi An beach or town
The best areas to stay in Hoi An beach or town are Old Town, Riverside, and An Bang Beach.
If you want to stay near Hoi An’s historical town, you either stay at Old Town or Riverside.
Old Town is the tourist epicenter and comes with many conveniences.
It’s a bustling area with plenty of things to do during the day and night.
But it also attracts a lot of crowds.
So, if you want to stay closeby in a quieter area, consider staying at Riverside.
This is a more upscale area that’s far quieter than the bustling Old Town.
If you prefer to stay in an area with direct access to the beach, then An Bang Beach is the best option you have.
There is one alternative, namely My Khe Beach in Da Nang.
It’s one of the most beautiful beaches in Vietnam and is located 25 kilometers from Hoi An’s Old Town.
As these two popular places are located near each other, there are tourists who simply stay at one place and visit both places during day trips.
For more information, check out our article about Where to stay in Da Nang first time where we dive much deeper into My Khe Beach.
1. Old Town
Simply put, Hoi An’s Old Town is the most popular area to stay at for the majority of the tourists.
The Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its exceptionally well-preserved architecture and rich cultural heritage.
Here, you can find centuries-old, iconic yellow buildings and many temples.
You explore this historical masterpiece by exploring narrow alleyways and ancient streets.
Many of Hoi An’s main attractions are located within the Old Town or just a short walk away.
You’ll be close to iconic landmarks such as the Japanese Covered Bridge, the Assembly Hall of the Fujian Chinese, and the Quan Cong Temple.
The Old Town is a paradise for shoppers and food lovers alike.
In the evening, the streets come alive with the glow of colorful lanterns.
It’s highly recommended to hop on a boat for a lantern-lit cruise along the Thu Bon River, which creates quite a romantic experience.
Every 14th day of the lunar month, the Hoi An Lantern Festival is held here.
And those who love a fun night out, will not be disappointed.
You won’t find nightclubs here, but there are plenty of cool bars to spend the evening and meet like-minded travellers.
Hoi An’s Old Town is the reason why people visit Hoi An in the first place.
That also means it gets crowded and noisy.
Because of that, people look for alternatives.
Riverside and An Bang Beach are the most common alternatives, and of these two popular areas, Riverside is located the closest.
And although these alternatives do offer a quieter ambiance, none of them can compete against the convenience and energy that the Old Town offers.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Hoi An in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and is the best option for booking a hotel in Asia. They often offer significantly cheaper options compared to their competitors, including Booking.com. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
2. Riverside
For a quieter and upscale experience in Hoi An, with stunning riverside views of the Thu Bon River, especially during sunrise and sunset, consider staying in the Riverside of Hoi An.
Here, you wake up to the sight of traditional fishing boats on the river and the reflection of lanterns in the water during the evening.
This is such a romantic experience that especially couples and honeymooners should consider staying here, although it’s also a popular spot for families.
Out of all the alternative options to Hoi An’s Old Town, Riverside is located the closest to this tourist epicenter.
It’s just a short walking distance away, yet you are away from the hustle and bustle of the Old Town.
The area is dotted with great restaurants that are specialized in seafood dishes and many of these places offer beautiful riverside views.
It’s also possible to arrange and enjoy a lantern-lit boat ride under the stars from here.
And after such a romantic boat ride, you can explore some of the sophisticated bars in this area and call it a day.
When it comes to accommodation options, you will easily find something luxurious and comfortable here and many of these beautiful hotels are surrounded by beautiful gardens and greenery.
Is there anything not to like about this area?
First of all, it’s an upscale area, so when travelling on a strict budget, it doesn’t make much sense to stay here.
Secondly, you’re located further away from the beach.
Couples and families who prefer direct access to the beach should consider staying in the next recommended area.
Lastly, the area does not have much of a historical charm that Old Town does offer.
But if you’re looking for a carefree stay in Hoi An in a hotel that comes with all sorts of comfortable amenities, beautiful views and heavenly food, the Riverside is the area you are looking for!
Some of the best hotels to stay in Hoi An in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and is the best option for booking a hotel in Asia. They often offer significantly cheaper options compared to their competitors, including Booking.com. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
3. An Bang Beach
If you’re looking for an area with direct access to the beach in Hoi An, then An Bang Beach is the best option you have.
It’s home to one of the most picturesque stretches of coastline in Vietnam with golden sands, clear blue waters, and swaying palm trees.
These are all ingredients for a tropical paradise setting and An Bang Beach simply doesn’t disappoint.
Aside from its tropical paradise setting, the area is much calmer and laid-back compared to Hoi An’s Old Town and there is a group of travelers who simply pick a hotel here and visit Old Town during the day and night as a day trip and wake up the next morning with beachfront views.
But you don’t have to leave An Bang Beach to have a fun night out, because, along the beachfront, you’ll find a vibrant dining and nightlife scene with several beach bars and restaurants.
As the area offers all sorts of accommodation options for all budget classes, An Bang Beach attracts a diverse crowd.
Some more remote parts have become popular destinations for backpackers as you can find plenty of affordable accommodations there, while the premium locations attract those who seek a luxurious experience.
Despite its secluded feel, An Bang Beach is just a short drive or bicycle ride away from Hoi An’s Old Town.
You can easily explore the city’s cultural attractions, historical sites, and vibrant markets during the day and return to the beach in the evening to relax and unwind.
And as you can expect from a beach like An Bang Beach, there are plenty of water sports and activities you can enjoy, including surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, and kiteboarding.
So, is there anything not to like about this area?
Well, first of all, the main reason why people visit Hoi An is because of the Old Town and you won’t find any historical charm in this area.
Many tourists tend to enjoy the beach life in Da Nang (25 kilometers from Hoi An) and enjoy the historical charm of Hoi An instead of enjoying beach life twice.
Secondly, the area comes with fewer amenities, shopping options, and dining choices.
Lastly, you’re obviously located further away from the major attractions of Hoi An.
But the combination of natural beauty, relaxation, local eateries, and beachfront nightlife scene makes An Bang Beach still an excellent option.
Not only for backpackers who enjoy a night out at the beach but also for couples who enjoy a romantic and luxury experience and families who have kids who enjoy staying and playing at the beach.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Hoi An in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and is the best option for booking a hotel in Asia. They often offer significantly cheaper options compared to their competitors, including Booking.com. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
4. Cam Chau Ward
So far, I’ve discussed the three most common and popular areas among tourists in Hoi An.
Old Town is the most convenient option to see the main attractions of the city.
Riverside is the quieter and upscale alternative while being within walking distance from Old Town.
And An Bang Beach is the best option if you want direct access to the beach while staying in Hoi An.
This area and the next two areas are somewhat alternative areas that come with a few unique perks.
Cam Chau Ward is known for its peaceful and relaxed ambiance, making it an ideal retreat from the bustling streets of Hoi An’s city center.
It offers an authentic, local experience.
The area is home to traditional Vietnamese villages which can be explored by bike.
While Cam Chau Ward is slightly removed from the main tourist areas of Hoi An, it is still within walking or biking distance of the city center.
As this area is a local area and not the first choice for the majority of tourists, you can find all sorts of budget-friendly accommodations here, including guesthouses, homestays, and affordable hotels.
Most importantly, the area is home to impressive natural beauty with rice paddies, waterways, and greenery all over the place.
The area’s idyllic setting provides opportunities for relaxation and outdoor recreation.
Just keep in mind that this area is less developed, so you find fewer restaurants and shops, there is not much nightlife, and certain useful amenities like ATMs and pharmacies are harder to find.
But that’s the whole point of staying in a local, authentic area that’s known for its natural beauty.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Hoi An in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and is the best option for booking a hotel in Asia. They often offer significantly cheaper options compared to their competitors, including Booking.com. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
5. Cam Thanh Ward
The previously recommended area (Cam Chau Ward) and this area (Cam Thanh Ward) have a lot in common.
Both of them are widely known for their scenic beauty where you can enjoy beautiful views of the greenery, waterways, and rice paddies.
Both are excellent to discover by bicycle.
Both offer a wide range of homestay accommodations in the affordable budget range.
And both have decent access to Hoi An’s City Center, despite being located a bit remotely.
But what sets this area apart from the previous area is that it’s renowned for its eco-tourism.
That fits perfectly with the local atmosphere, Hoi An’s countryside, and the traditional way of life.
An eco-friendly area comes with a few disadvantages, though.
Don’t expect to find a nightlife scene here, and the amount of dining options is limited.
But it does offer a unique, local atmosphere that the central areas can’t compete against.
You also won’t find many tourists here.
And if you want to visit the beaches, the temples, the (local) markets, and Hoi An’s historic Old Town, you just take the bike and within no time, you already arrive.
For rural beauty and tranquility, Cam Thanh Ward is one of the best options you have.
And the cherry on top is that you won’t spend much on accommodation and you really get value for money!
Some of the best hotels to stay in Hoi An in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and is the best option for booking a hotel in Asia. They often offer significantly cheaper options compared to their competitors, including Booking.com. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
6. Tra Que Village
Tra Que Village is the area between the previously two recommended areas and Hoi An’s beaches.
That means that you have better access to the beaches, but you’re located a bit further away from the main attractions of Hoi An and its historical center.
Similar to Cam Chau Ward and Cam Thanh Ward, Tra Que Village offers an authentic, countryside experience.
But Tra Qua Village is particularly known for its traditional Vietnamese farming practices.
The area is famous for its organic vegetables and herbs, where crops are grown with traditional methods without the use of pesticides or chemicals.
Cooking classes are available here, but if you just want to enjoy delicious and nutritious meals, simply go to one of the local restaurants that serve food solely made from locally sourced ingredients.
The area offers a peaceful environment with countryside views.
And although these views never get old, you can easily reach the beaches from this area as well.
When it comes to accommodation options, you mainly find homestay accommodations.
This all makes sense when you’re staying in a local area and that is all part of the experience.
Many of these homestays also provide meals that are obviously made from local, organic ingredients.
Keep in mind that the area doesn’t offer many things to do.
It’s just a great, peaceful area with great food and good access to the beach.
Getting to historic Old Town is not challenging, but it’s not a distance that you overcome on foot.
If you’re looking for modern amenities, lots of bars, international restaurants, and meeting lots of like-minded travellers, this area is not for you.
If you’re looking for something authentic, away from the crowds, Tra Que Village won’t disappoint!
Some of the best hotels to stay in Hoi An in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and is the best option for booking a hotel in Asia. They often offer significantly cheaper options compared to their competitors, including Booking.com. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.