1. Hoi An where to stay: city, beach or countryside
Hoi An is a highlight on most Vietnam itineraries, and many travelers end up staying here longer than planned — for good reason. It’s beautiful, walkable, and full of charm. But choosing where to stay in Hoi An isn’t always simple.
There are hundreds of hotels, homestays, and resorts spread across the city center, beaches, and countryside. It can feel overwhelming. And the truth is, picking the wrong area can affect your whole experience. Maybe you want to explore the Ancient Town but end up staying too far out. Or you book a beach resort only to find it’s the rainy season and the sea isn’t swimmable.
This guide breaks down the three main areas — city center, beach, and countryside — with pros, cons, and insider tips to help you make the right choice for your travel style and timing.
Option 1. Staying at Hoi An city center (near Old Town)
If your main reason for coming to Hoi An is to explore the Ancient Town, staying in the city center makes a lot of sense. This area includes neighborhoods directly around the Old Town, all within easy walking or cycling distance. While the Ancient Town itself has strict preservation rules limiting accommodation, the surrounding streets offer a wide range of hotels — from budget to boutique.
Below are the main areas that make up the city center:
Hoi An city center areas explained
1. Ancient Town
There are very few places to stay inside the Ancient Town itself. Most of the historic buildings have been converted into cafes, shops, tailors, or museums. You might find the occasional homestay tucked into an alley, but space is limited and options are rare. When we talk about staying in the “city center,” we mostly mean the neighborhoods just outside the Ancient Town’s walking zone.
2. Cam Pho
Just west of the Ancient Town, Cam Pho has plenty of small hotels and guesthouses. The main advantage here is location — you can walk into the Ancient Town in just a few minutes. The area itself doesn’t have a strong atmosphere or standout sights, but there are a few restaurants and convenience shops around. It’s a solid, practical choice.
3. Cam Nam
Cam Nam is an island across the river, directly south of the Central Market. It’s a quieter area with several riverside hotels and homestays, some of which lean toward the mid-range or boutique level. The island is larger than it looks — some hotels are a bit far from the action, but many are close to the main bridge that connects directly to the Old Town. Cam Nam has limited dining options but offers a peaceful setting that’s still very accessible and is a lot more atmospheric compared to Cam pho.
4. North of ancient town
North of the Old Town, you’ll find a mix of neighborhoods with both budget guesthouses and a few more upscale hotels. This area feels more local, with plenty of Vietnamese restaurants and street food stalls. It’s not particularly scenic or quiet, but the location is convenient, and prices tend to be lower than in the more touristy areas.
What is good and not so good by staying in the city center?
Staying in the city center puts you right in the heart of Hoi An. If your focus is exploring the Ancient Town, browsing shops, and enjoying local restaurants, this is the most convenient area.
Pro’s
- Walking distance to the Ancient Town and night market
- Close to cafes, restaurants, tailors, and shops
- Good for short stays where you want to see as much as possible in a short time
Cons
- Some neighborhoods feel more functional than charming
- Certain streets can be noisy or crowded
- Less green space or open views compared to beach or countryside
Option 2. Staying ats a beach in Hoi An
Hoi An isn’t just about lanterns and old streets — it also has a coastline. Staying at the beach is a great option if you want to combine sightseeing with time to relax. The beach is about 4–6 km from the Ancient Town, so still close enough to cycle or take a short Grab ride.
There are two main beach areas to choose from: An Bang and Cua Dai. Each offers a different atmosphere and suits different types of travelers.
Beach areas explained
An Bang Beach
An Bang is the more popular and lively of the two beach areas. It has a trendy, laid-back vibe with boutique hotels, small guesthouses, beach bars, and lots of restaurants. There’s a growing expat community here, which gives the area a modern, international feel. You can walk to the beach, grab a smoothie, or enjoy live music in the evening.
Best for: Couples, solo travelers, and anyone who enjoys a social, walkable beach scene with plenty of dining options.
Cua Dai Beach
Cua Dai is further south and was once Hoi An’s main beach before erosion affected parts of the shoreline. Some areas are still swimmable, and the beach is much quieter than An Bang. Here you’ll mostly find larger resorts with private beach areas, pools, and landscaped gardens. Not many shops or restaurants nearby, but ideal if you’re looking for a more all-in-one beach resort experience.
Best for: Families, couples looking for a resort stay, and travelers who prefer quiet over activity.
What is good and not so good by staying at the beach?
Staying by the beach gives you a more relaxed, spacious base — especially if you’re planning to spend more than just a couple of days in Hoi An.
Pro’s
- Close to the sea — great for swimming, sunbathing, or evening walks
- Quiet, especially at night
- Easy to relax, with many hotels offering pools and gardens
- Still just 10–15 minutes by Grab or bike to the Ancient Town
Cons
- Less convenient if your focus is sightseeing in the Old Town
- Fewer local restaurants and cafes compared to the city center
- Not ideal in the rainy season (Oct–Dec) when the sea can be rough and beach days are limited
Option 3. Staying in the countryside of Hoi An
Between the Ancient Town and the beach, you’ll find a stretch of peaceful countryside — a mix of rice paddies, quiet roads, palm trees, and small canals. This area is great if you want more space and a slower pace, without being too far from town. There’s a wide range of accommodations, from budget homestays to boutique villas with private pools.
It’s a favorite for longer stays, families, or anyone who prefers nature and quiet over tourist crowds.
Countryside areas explained
Cam Chau
Cam Chau is the closest countryside area to the Ancient Town, with large patches of rice fields and quiet streets. You’ll find everything from local homestays to stylish boutique villas. It’s very easy to reach town by bicycle or even on foot from some places.
Best for: Travelers who want a countryside feel without being too far from shops and restaurants.
Tam Thanh
A bit further east, Cam Thanh is more spread out and lush — with coconut trees, canals, and garden-style properties. The rice fields are less dominant here, but the setting still feels green and peaceful. It’s popular with eco-resorts and mid-range accommodations. Easy biking distance to both the beach and town.
Best for: Nature lovers, families, and those looking for a mix of garden and riverside views.
Cam Kim
Located south of the Ancient Town, Cam Kim is the quietest and least developed of the three. There are fewer tourists, limited restaurants, and mainly budget homestays. But if you want to stay somewhere completely peaceful and local, this is it. You’ll need to cross the bridge into town, so a bicycle or scooter is a must.
Best for: Budget travelers, longer stays, or anyone who really wants to disconnect.
What is good and not so good by staying in the countryside?
The countryside offers a break from the busier areas without losing access to town or the beach. You’ll see more of local life and often get better value for your money.
Pro’s
- Peaceful setting, with rice fields, canals, and gardens
- More space, many villas with private pools
- Great for relaxing or longer stays
- Still close enough to bike into town or to the beach
Cons
- Limited restaurants and shops nearby (need a bike or Grab)
- Some areas feel isolated, especially at night
- Not walkable to Ancient Town unless you’re very close
The best area to stay in Hoi An
To help you decide where to stay in Hoi An, here’s a quick summary of which area fits which type of traveler. Each has its own pros and cons — but the right choice depends on what you want from your time in Hoi An.
Stay in Hoi An city center when:
- You want to be within walking distance of the Ancient Town
- You plan to visit the Old Town multiple times
- You’re staying 1–2 nights and want to maximize sightseeing
- You prefer easy access to shops, restaurants, and cafes
Stay at Hoi An beach when:
- You’re visiting during the dry season (March–August)
- You want to mix culture with beach time
- You’re staying longer than 2 days and only plan to visit the Ancient Town once or twice
Pro tip: If you’re visiting Vietnam in summer (May–August), southern beach destinations are often rainy — but Hoi An usually has good weather. It’s a smart spot to include beach time without changing region.
Stay in Hoi An countryside when:
- You want a quieter, more peaceful experience
- You prefer a homestay, villa, or boutique place with more space
- You’re staying longer than a couple of days and want a slower pace
- You enjoy nature, rice fields, or garden settings
Da Nang vs Hoi An
For many travelers, the real question isn’t just where to stay in Hoi An, but whether to stay in Hoi An or Da Nang at all. These two destinations are very close — just 30–40 minutes apart by car — which makes it tempting to stay in both. But unless you’re on a longer trip, it’s usually not worth the hassle of packing, checking in and out, and moving around.
The good news is: you can easily visit one from the other as a day trip. So it’s often smarter to pick just one place to stay and explore both from there.
Hoi An
Hoi An is a historic town known for its lantern-lit streets, traditional houses, riverside cafes, and laid-back charm. It’s smaller, more atmospheric, and especially popular with those looking for culture, architecture, or a peaceful setting. The Ancient Town is the highlight, but there are also beaches and countryside nearby.
Stay in Hoi An when:
- You want to explore the Ancient Town, tailors, markets, and street food
- You prefer a small, quiet town with lots of charm
- You’re staying 1–4 nights and want to relax or explore by bike
- You like the idea of walking everywhere without dealing with traffic
Da Nang
Da Nang is a much larger city with modern infrastructure, high-rise hotels, shopping malls, and a long stretch of coastline. It’s more urban and developed, but still close to nature with places like Son Tra Peninsula and Marble Mountains. Some people skip it entirely, but for others, it offers better value, more nightlife, and easier access via the airport and train station.
Stay in Da Nang when:
- You just want to visit Hoi An as a day trip
- You want a classic beach holiday with long sandy stretches
- You prefer a modern city with more variety in restaurants and nightlife
- You’re flying in or out of Da Nang Airport and want a quick base
Still unsure? Check our full comparison guide:
