Where to Stay in Hoi An: Best Areas and Places for 2026

Hoi An offers three main accommodation zones: Ancient Town (heritage boutique hotels $60-150/night), An Bang Beach (beachfront guesthouses to resorts $20-200/night), and budget areas surrounding the old town ($15-25/night). Choose based on whether you prioritize lantern-lit old town atmosphere, beach access, or value - each area provides distinct experiences for 2026 travelers exploring this UNESCO-protected Vietnamese destination.

Choosing the right area depends on your priorities - whether you want to be in the heart of the lantern-lit ancient town action or prefer waking up to beach views with the historic center a bicycle ride away.

Ancient Town

Staying within or adjacent to the UNESCO-protected old town puts you steps from the lantern-lit streets, riverside restaurants, tailors, and main attractions. The trade-off is higher prices and more tourist activity - you will share the narrow lanes with day-trippers until evening and hear the buzz of commerce throughout the day.

Boutique hotels here often occupy restored heritage buildings, their traditional architecture lovingly maintained while adding modern amenities like proper plumbing and air conditioning. Sleeping in a 200-year-old merchant's house with its original wooden beams and courtyard gardens is an experience unique to Hoi An. Expect to pay $60-150 per night for quality options.

The riverside properties command premium prices but offer magical evening views as lanterns illuminate the water and restaurants spill onto the banks. Even if you do not stay here, come for sunset drinks.

An Bang Beach

About 4 kilometers from the old town, An Bang has developed from a quiet fishing beach into a proper beach community with excellent restaurants, laid-back bars, yoga studios, and accommodation ranging from simple guesthouses to boutique resorts. If beach access is your priority, this is the best option with the old town remaining accessible by bicycle (free at most hotels) or a cheap taxi ride.

Beachfront properties range from simple guesthouses with basic rooms ($20-40) to atmospheric boutique resorts with pools and spa services ($80-200). The vibe is more relaxed than the ancient town - beach bars with cushions on the sand, morning yoga, sunset cocktails. Many visitors prefer staying here and visiting the old town rather than the reverse.

The beach itself is excellent - clean sand, calm water for swimming, and far less developed than Vietnam's resort beaches further south.

For more accommodation options in Vietnam, explore our Da Nang expat community for insider tips on finding the perfect place to stay.

Cua Dai Beach

South of An Bang, Cua Dai has seen erosion issues in recent years that have impacted some beachfront properties. The beach situation changes seasonally and efforts continue to address the problem. That said, the area still offers good accommodation options at slightly lower prices than An Bang, and the large resorts have maintained beach access through various measures.

Several international-brand resorts operate here, offering full amenities and the reliability of chain standards. If you want resort experience without ancient town premium pricing, investigate options here.

Cam Thanh

The coconut village area east of the old town offers a more rural experience amid the palm forests and waterways that tourists explore on basket boat tours. Homestays and eco-lodges here provide tranquility while remaining close to the action - bicycle into the old town in 15 minutes or take boat tours through the palm forest from your doorstep.

This area suits travelers seeking authentic Vietnamese village atmosphere rather than tourist infrastructure. Expect basic but comfortable accommodation with genuinely warm hospitality from families who live the traditional lifestyle they share with guests.

Budget Options

Budget travelers find excellent value in the streets surrounding the old town - close enough to walk everywhere but outside the premium zone. Simple but clean rooms start around $15-25, often with breakfast included. Many family-run guesthouses offer the kind of hospitality that chains cannot replicate - advice on where to eat, help arranging tours, genuine interest in your experience.

The backpacker area near the night market has hostels and budget hotels competing for business, keeping prices reasonable and standards decent.

Luxury Choices

Several international resort brands operate in Hoi An, typically located between the town and beaches with shuttle service connecting both. The Four Seasons, Victoria Hoi An, and Anantara properties offer full resort amenities - multiple restaurants, spa facilities, pools, private beaches - with the ancient town accessible for evening exploration.

Within the old town itself, several boutique properties achieve genuine luxury in heritage settings, combining antique atmosphere with contemporary comfort.

My Recommendation

For first-time visitors, I suggest staying near the ancient town to maximize your evening time among the lanterns. The magic happens after dark when day-trippers leave and the streets transform. If you are returning or staying longer, An Bang Beach offers a nice balance of relaxation and accessibility - beach days followed by bicycle rides into town for dinner. Consider splitting your stay between both areas to experience Hoi An's full range.

Planning extended stays in Southeast Asia? Check out our comprehensive guide to expat living across Asia for practical tips on accommodation, visas, and local communities.