Best Areas to Stay in Hoi An (After Spending 4 Months There)

“Sunshine, a light which, for want of a better word I can only call you yellow — pale sulphur yellow, pale lemon, gold. How beautiful yellow is!” — Vincent Van Gogh

Have you ever had the experience of knowing you were going to LOVE a place, even before physically arriving? I definitely had this feeling with Hoi An. What was initially meant to be a six-week trip turned into a three-month stay. Then, as if that wasn’t enough, I returned again the following year for another month.

This small city in Central Vietnam, whose name literally translates to “peaceful meeting place,” is one of the most tranquil and beautiful places I’ve ever had the pleasure of calling home for a while. And I know I’ll forever be a repeat visitor.

The wonderful thing about Hoi An is that it isn’t particularly big. With everything from the famous Ancient Town to beaches, rice fields to rivers all within a short ride of one another, you can’t go drastically wrong in terms of convenience.

But still… where you come home to at night and those first impressions when you step outside in the morning can completely shape your experience of a place, don’t you think?

After spending months living in Hoi An, I’ve come to understand the subtle differences between each neighbourhood and the type of traveller they’ll suit best.

So if you’re planning a trip but aren’t quite sure which area would feel most you, here’s my guide to the five best places to stay in Hoi An.

Cam Chau ~ Best for slow travellers, digital nomads and those wanting the best of both worlds)

If I were returning to Hoi An tomorrow, I would stay in Cam Chau again without hesitation. This is the area I chose to base myself for all four months of my stay, and it’s where I found the version of Hoi An I truly fell in love with.

The version with a slower pace of life, a more local atmosphere, surrounded by peaceful rice fields and a handful of tranquil cafes and yoga studios.

What I particularly love about Cam Chau is that its location truly offers the best of both worlds. Despite feeling removed from the crowds, you’re never far from anything. A six minute scooter ride in one direction takes you to the Ancient Town and a short ride in the other leads to the beach.

My mornings often involved scootering past rice paddies and water buffalo on the way to grab a coffee or a yoga class. Evenings meant returning home after dinner to somewhere peaceful enough to hear the crickets (and frogs haha).

If you want to experience Hoi An in a way that leaves you feeling recharged rather than overstimulated, Cam Chau truly is the perfect base. I also wrote a full post about the boutique hotel I called home for four months ~ a place that, quite honestly, contributed hugely to me having such a heartwarming and memorable experience in Hoi An.

Minh An (Ancient Town) ~ Best for First-time visitors who Don’t mind touristy

If you’d love to step outside your accommodation and immediately find yourself wandering Hoi An’s famous yellow streets, then Minh An is for you. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the historic heart of Hoi An, staying here can genuinely feel like living inside an open-air museum.

You’ll find beautiful architecture, bustling markets, riverside cafés and plenty of opportunities to wander without a plan. That said, it’s also the busiest, most touristy part of the city. Accommodation tends to be pricier, and the atmosphere can feel more energetic than peaceful.

If you’re familiar with my slower, calmer style of travelling by now, you’ll know I personally wouldn’t choose to base myself here. But if this is your first visit and you’d like to be at the centre of everything, I can understand the appeal and around here is as bustling as Hoi An gets.

An Hoi ~ Best for Nightlife lovers and those who enjoy a lively atmosphere

Located just across the river from the Ancient Town, An Hoi is where you’ll find Hoi An’s famous night market and some of its liveliest evenings. It’s only around a seven-minute walk into the Ancient Town, making it an incredibly convenient place to stay if you’d like restaurants, bars and plenty of activity right on your doorstep.

The key thing to know is that An Hoi really comes alive at night. So if you’re someone who enjoys energy and doesn’t mind a little extra noise, this could be a great fit. However, if you’re prioritising early nights and a peaceful environment, one of Hoi An’s quieter areas coming up next may suit you better.

Cam An (An Bang Beach) ~ Best for Beach lovers and a slower rhythm

If your ideal day involves morning swims, long brunches and afternoon walks along the sand, then staying directly near the beach will be your best bet. Despite being one of the more well-known beaches in the area, it still manages to stay pretty laid-back.

It’s only around 15 minutes from the Old Town by bike, making it easy to dip in and out of the action before retreating back to salty hair and sunset dinners by the sea. An Bang is the main beach area with plenty of accommodation and a secluded alternative to this would be near Cua Dai beach.

Cam Thanh ~ Best for Nature lovers and countryside calm

This is another countryside area located along the river where you’ll find basket boats, local fishing communities and accommodation hidden amongst lush greenery. 

Surrounded by coconut groves and quiet waterways, Cam Thanh feels worlds away from the busier parts of Hoi An and is a nice area to stay if you’re seeking even more tranquility and to experience the rural and very local living.

Although slightly further out, it is still also pretty conveniently located between the town and beach so you need not worry about feeling too disconnected (especially if you have a scooter to get around).

Insider Hoi An tips from my four-month stay

One thing I noticed during my time living in Hoi An is that longer-term visitors (digital nomads like myself and expats especially) rarely spend much time in the Ancient Town once the initial novelty wears off.

Thank you so much for this amazing guide! Even though I was already in Hoi An when I purchased it, I’m glad I did. Paris provides truly beautiful, off-the-beaten-path tips for Hoi An. Despite its many touristy spots, Hoi An also has numerous cozy corners, making it incredibly practical to know them in advance, especially for a short stay of 2-3 days. This guide truly aids in slowing down and savoring life. I wish I had it before my arrival! ☺️ Thank you, Paris.

Anie