Hoi An is a charming and historic town located in central Vietnam. This UNESCO World Heritage site is known for its well-preserved ancient buildings, stunning architecture and a vibrant night market. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach holiday or an adventure exploring the local culture, Hoi An has something to offer for every traveller! When looking for where to stay in Hoi An, I’ve got you covered with accommodation options for all budgets.Â
Why Visit Hoi An?Â
If you’re planning a trip to Vietnam, you can’t leave Hoi An off your list of places to see! It’s a charming city that’s steeped in history and culture, with ancient temples, traditional architecture and a rich heritage that dates back centuries.Â
The city is a fusion of Vietnamese, Chinese and Japanese influences that creates an atmosphere that’s hard to find anywhere else. With so many shops, local markets and incredible food to get your hands on, it’s no wonder why people love Hoi An!
Vietnam is a popular destination among tourists moving through Southeast Asia because it’s inexpensive for those coming from the dollar or euro. You get a good bang for your buck in Vietnam as a whole but Hoi An has a charm you won’t find in other parts of the country.
The Best Time to Visit Hoi AnÂ
Hoi An experiences beautiful weather during most of the year but it’s important to remember that they have a rainy and dry season. Dry season = high season and for some that’s great. However, I personally prefer to travel to places during the shoulder seasons.
This means travelling when it’s not super crowded with tourists and it happens before and after the rainy season. With the rainy season in Hoi An being from September to January and the dry season starting in February and ending around May, I’d recommend travelling to Hoi An in late January/early February or early June.
During that time of year, you’ll have more sun to enjoy the beaches and rice fields. The hottest and driest month on average is July, so if you’re going purely for the sun, you might want to keep that in mind.
I was in Hoi An at the beginning of March 2020 and the weather was incredible!
Things to Do in Hoi An
Not sure where to start in Hoi An?
Here are a few activities you should keep in mind before you go:Â
- Full Moon Festival – This occurs every month in the Old Town! It’s illuminated with traditional lanterns and the streets are filled with music, dancing and local cuisine.
- Beach Days – This is the best part of Vietnam if you love a good beach day! Hoi An is home to some of the best beaches in Vietnam, with clear blue water and soft sand. You can take a boat tour to explore nearby islands or simply relax on the local beaches.
- Explore the Old Town – The Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and I completely see why. It’s beautiful and there’s so much to do, you can easily spend an entire day or two getting lost in the streets.
- Custom Tailoring – This is a MUST when you’re in Hoi An! I had an entire outfit and bikini constructed from scratch and it was ready within 2-3 days. You can read about my entire experience with getting an outfit custom-made in Hoi An here!
- Explore by Bike – It’s not uncommon for hostels or hotels to offer free bicycles to use during your stay. I’d recommend biking through the rice fields and over to the different beaches!
- Night Market – Hoi An has one of the best night markets. Of course, you can expect to find amazing food but you’ll also see beautiful shops with great souvenirs and the Insta-worthy lantern shops. If you want a photo, you should offer to pay the shop owner, as many people go just for a photo and don’t purchase from them.
- Check out the Japanese Covered Bridge – Otherwise known as Cau Pagoda, this Japanese bridge was built in the 17th century and its architecture draws many tourists in. It has an incredibly interesting history that’s worth exploring if you’re going to spend some time in the Old Town.
Finding the Best Place to stay in Hoi An
Hoi An has many different neighbourhoods to choose from. This can make deciding on accommodation rather difficult. Luckily, most areas are great so you can’t really go wrong. However, some spots are closer to the beaches, while others are close to restaurants, rice fields and more. If you want to see a little of everything, you might want to book a few different types of accommodation (depending on the length of your trip) but with that being said, you can see and do a lot from most places in Hoi An!Â
Cam Chau
Cam Chau is a neighbourhood on the northern side of Hoi An’s Old Town. You’ll be surrounded by traditional houses and workshops where local artisans create hand-made lanterns, clothing and pottery.
Cam An
Cam An is a peaceful and picturesque village located just a few km from Hoi An. It’s the best spot if you’re looking for a tranquil environment and a quieter place to stay during your visit. It’s also very close to An Bang Beach and offers a more authentic experience with many local businesses nearby.
An Bang Beach
If a beach location is more your speed, you should stay near An Bang Beach! It’s a popular spot for surfing and is surrounded by gorgeous, tall palm trees. It’s very laid-back and is the perfect spot to relax and soak up the sun.
Cam Pho
This small village is found just outside of Hoi An’s Old Town and is known for traditional pagodas and rice paddies. It’s a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and experience more of the local culture.
Cau Dai
Cau Dai Beach is just a short bike ride from Hoi An’s Old Town as well. It’s a popular spot for sunbathing and swimming, as it’s surrounded by lush vegetation, and coconut trees and has a relaxed vibe.
Cam Thanh
Another spot you should consider visiting when you’re in Hoi An is Cam Thanh. It’s a small village near Cau Dai Beach and is a fishing and farming community. Villagers in Cam Thanh still use traditional methods to farm rice and rice and it’s a great place to learn about the local culture and to see how the people of Vietnam truly live.
Old Town
Hoi An’s Old Town is famous for a good reason. It’s the heart of the city and the best place to stay if you want to be in the action during your stay. It’s a short walk from the city’s main sights and attractions. If you stay in Old Town, you’ll be nestled in a narrow street, lined with traditional buildings and historical landmarks.
Best Hotels in Hoi An’s Old Town
It’s normal to feel a little overwhelmed when choosing where to stay in Hoi An! I remember being riddled with so many options making it a challenge to make a decision.
These are some of the best hotels in the Old Town if you just want to pick from the best!
- Anatara Hoi An Resort – Located in the heart of Hoi An’s Old Town this is a great option if you’re after a beautiful outdoor pool, private rooms and double rooms with stunning views of the city.
- The Hoi An Silk Marina Resort & Spa – Found on the banks of the Thu Bon River with a gorgeous outdoor pool and beautiful view of the rice paddies, you’ll love this resort!
- The Kiman Hoi An Hotel & Spa – Want to relax and unwind during your trip? This elegant hotel is right in Hoi An’s Old Town and the best spa services you can get your hands on.
Budget Accommodation in Hoi AnÂ
Budget travel is great in Vietnam, Hoi An included! I spent a few weeks in Hoi An and stayed at hostels to save money. The best part is that breakfast is usually included and it’s also super cheap to eat the rest of your meals out every day.Â
I was in Hoi An at the start of 2020 so the hostel I stayed at (Cococha Hostel & Pool Club) is no longer around. With that being said, here are a few other budget options to try:
Wanderlust Hostel
Location: An Bang Beach
Dorm Price: $10
Wanderlust Hostel is a bright and vibrant hostel just a few steps away from An Bang Beach and 4km outside of Hoi An’s Old Town. They have everything you could ever need at a hostel, including a large outdoor swimming pool! It’s an aesthetic place to spend a few nights or weeks, depending on the length of your trip.
With dorm rooms starting at $10 and private rooms available for $35, it’s a great option for solo travellers and couples alike.Â
The Seaside Bungalow Hostel and Bar
Location: Ha My Beach
Dorm Price: $8
Want a private beach area on a budget? Nothing is too good to be true at this hostel! The hostel has a rustic and beachy vibe with family dinners each week, peach parties on the weekends, street food and bicycle tours, free breakfast and a swimming pool.
All of that is available for only $8/night in a dorm or private room starting at $27! This would definitely be my pick if I were planning another trip to Hoi An.
Sun Paradise Villa
Location: Cua Dai Beach
Dorm Price: $5
You won’t beat this price in Hoi An! If you’re on a tight budget, Sun Paradise Villa is a great option. Not only does it have a massive pool, but it’s also near the beach, and offers free breakfast, free bike hire, free yoga mats, free filtered water and more!
This is definitely the place to be if you’re interested in staying in Cua Dai and private rooms start at $23/night if you want to change it up and have your own space for a little.
Mad Monkey Hoi An
Location: Cua Dai Beach
Dorm Price: $7
Mad Monkey is a chain of hostels around South East Asia. It’s great if you’re after a party and want to have a good time drinking and going out to bars and clubs. It’s a great price for budget travellers and it can be a lot of fun, however, if you’re not so keen on partying, I’d suggest a different hostel!
SnapStay Hoi An
Location: Cam Pho
Dorm Price: $11
Working from Hoi An? You should try out this hostel! It has a great co-working cafe and it’s close to the Old Town. I will say that the rooms don’t look like they get much natural light but it’s in a convenient location and the price for dorm rooms is great.
Crony Villa
Location: Cam Thanh
Dorm Price: $8
If you’re interested in sustainable travel, Crony Villa might surprise you! It has a Level 3 for sustainability on Booking.com, a gorgeous pool and outdoor area, free breakfast, large balconies and spacious bathrooms.
Mid Range Accommodation in Hoi AnÂ
Sometimes it’s nice to upgrade from budget travel and switch from dorm rooms to your own space. I always look for boutique hotels because they’re often small and have good rates.
Here are a few boutique hotels I’d love to stay at in Hoi An:
Nghê Prana Villa & Spa Hoi An
Location: Cam Nam
Private Room Price: $52
Catch a sunset from Nghê Prana Villa, enjoy their garden and restaurant and stop by their spa! This 4-star hotel is only a few km from the best attractions that Hoi An has to offer but far enough from the hustle and bustle that you can get some much-needed R&R.
Cozy Savvy Boutique Hotel Hoi An
Location: Cam Pho
Private Room Price: $72
Want to stay near the Japanese Covered Bridge in Hoi An? You can’t get much closer than Cozy Savvy Boutique Hotel! They have a fitness centre, free bikes to use, a shared kitchen, lounge and garden. There’s a buffet breakfast available each day and you’ll love their infinity pool!
Blooms Boutique Village
Location: Tan An
Private Room Price: $27
This may be the best accommodation in Hoi An for the price point and what’s offered! It has unique decor, a large outdoor pool and a range of facilities. It definitely has more of a resort vibe and is known for its friendly staff and comfortable beds. The only downside is that the wifi doesn’t seem to work well in the rooms but is free in the common areas.
Dai An Phu Villa
Location: An Bang Beach
Private Room Price: $51
If the beach is calling you, Dai An Phu Villa might be the spot for you! They have everything you could want during your stay, including a beautiful garden, outdoor pool, terrace and spacious rooms with air conditioning. The food on site is said to be fantastic and you’re only a short walk to the beach. With great reviews, this one might be a winner.
Luxury Accommodation in Hoi AnÂ
Want to treat yourself? It might be the time to book a luxury hotel in Hoi An! There are many beach resorts and other options that will satisfy your craving for a little luxury.
Here are the best hotels in Hoi An:
Victoria Hoi An Beach Resort & Spa
Location: Cau Dai
Private Room Price: $109
Sometimes it’s nice to check yourself into a fancy resort! Not only are the staff incredible but you’ll have tennis courts to use on the property, it’s ten steps away from the beach and you’ll have an ocean view from your room. Guests noted that the breakfast was great and it was incredible value!
Mulberry Collection Silk Village
Location: Tan An
Private Room Price: $151
You need to stay at Mulberry Collection Silk Village if you’re on a family vacation! The rooms are comfortable and the hotel is conveniently located to see all the sights of Hoi An. It’s just outside the busy streets of the Old Town and a serene escape when you want a place to relax.
Koi Resport & Spa Hoi An
Location: Cua Dai Beach
Private Room Price: $189
This resort is unique in that many of the rooms overlook a gorgeous lagoon that passes through the different living quarters. The beach is also just a few minutes away and the food is superb. Nothing to complain about, especially if you want a laidback beach trip!
Anantara Hoi An Resort
Location: Cam Chau
Private Room Price: $347
This is without a doubt the ultimate luxury stay in Hoi An! Each room is insanely spacious and the food is unmatched. There are three bars on site so you can test out different drinks at each one and make yourself at home during your stay.
Prepare for Your Trip
Before you head off to Hoi An, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Visa and Passport – Take it from someone who was denied entry to Vietnam in 2019 … you don’t want to book a flight to Hoi An and realize you can’t board the flight! Make sure you’ve reviewed the visa requirements for your country before you head to the airport. You’ll also need a passport that’s valid for at least 6 months from the date you plan on entering Vietnam.
- Transportation – The nearest airport to Hoi An is Da Nang International Airport. It’s about a 30-minute drive to Hoi An and you can hire a taxi, take a local bus or use Asia’s version of Uber, Grab. I’d recommend getting a grab because it’s easy and they accept cash or card. It’s also really affordable so it’s not worth all the effort that goes into taking local transportation when you first arrive.
- Culture and History – There is so much to explore in Hoi An with many temples, museums and old buildings to explore. A walking tour is a great way to first see a place and learn about the history from a local!
Make the Most of Hoi An!
Hoi An is the perfect place in Vietnam to soak in the culture and experience a little bit of everything. By now, you should have a better idea of where to stay in Hoi An. No matter what, you’ll have a great time, as most places are within walking distance from each other or you can easily hop around from place to place on a bike!
I’ll be back shortly with another blog but in the meantime, you can follow my travels on Instagram and TikTok, where I share tips and inspo daily.Â
Cheers,
Amy xx
P.S. Don’t forget to book travel insurance before your trip! I never leave home without SafetyWing’s Travel Medical Insurance. It’s super affordable and especially easy if you’re a digital nomad and moving around throughout the year.
