Best Places to Stay in Hoi An Vietnam Ultimate Travel Guide!

Hoi An in 2026 is pure magic – glowing silk lanterns lighting up ancient streets by night, the gentle Thu Bon River reflecting golden sunrises, and An Bang Beach offering endless barefoot sunsets. Whether you dream of waking up surrounded by UNESCO heritage and lantern-lit alleys, sipping morning coffee with river views from your balcony, or stepping straight onto soft white sand with a cold drink in hand, this charming town has the perfect backdrop waiting just for you.

From intimate boutique hideaways to luxurious yet affordable resorts, the options in 2026 are better than ever. Let’s dive in right now and discover the best places to stay in Hoi An - so you can find the one that feels like home for your dream trip!

1. Why Hoi An’s Accommodation Feels So Special

Why Hoi An’s Accommodation Feels So Special

• Hotels that reflect Hoi An’s soul: Accommodation in Hoi An feels special because traditional design elements like lanterns, wood, and heritage-inspired architecture are woven into modern comfort.

• Easy mix of culture and relaxation: Guests can seamlessly switch between exploring the Ancient Town, relaxing by the river, or enjoying beachside luxury.

• Excellent location and accessibility: Most top hotels are walkable to the car-free Ancient Town or provide free bikes and shuttles, keeping everything close.

• Great value for money: Boutique-style charm and high-quality amenities in Hoi An are far more affordable than similar stays in other destinations.
  Warm, personalized service: Friendly, attentive staff and strong English skills make international travelers feel genuinely welcomed.

• Day tour I Exploring Hoi An cuisine by Vespa
• Day Tour | Experience Hoi An Sunset by Jeep
• Day Tour | Explore Linh Ung Pagoda, Marble Mountains and Experience Hoi An Cuisine

2. TOP 3 Places to Stay in Hoi An Vietnam in 2026

Hoi An offers three distinct areas that cater to different travel styles, allowing you to match your accommodation to your priorities—whether it's cultural immersion, relaxed romance, or pure beach downtime. Here's a more detailed breakdown to help you decide:

Ancient Town (Old Town / Central Area)

Ancient Town (Old Town / Central Area)

Staying right in or very close to the UNESCO-listed Ancient Town puts you steps away from the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, colorful lantern-lit streets, historic assembly halls, tailor shops, bustling night markets, and endless cafes/restaurants. You'll wake up to the charm of yellow-walled heritage houses and can easily join evening lantern releases on the Thu Bon River or explore hidden alleys on foot—no transport needed after dark. 

• The atmosphere is magical at night with glowing lanterns everywhere, street performers, and lively vibes, but it comes with more energy: pedestrian crowds (especially in peak evenings), some street noise from scooters/motorbikes, and higher foot traffic. 

• It's ideal for first-timers, culture lovers, foodies, shoppers (custom clothing in 24–48 hours), or anyone wanting to soak in Hoi An's historic soul without commuting. 

• Drawback: Less green space or quiet; evenings can feel busier and more touristy. Perfect if your trip is short (3–4 days) and focused on sightseeing.

Riverside (Thu Bon River area, including spots like An Hoi Island or Cam Nam)

Riverside (Thu Bon River area, including spots like An Hoi Island or Cam Nam)

This zone offers the sweet spot for many visitors: serene river views, lush gardens, private pools, and a romantic, laid-back feel, while still being just a short 10–20 minute walk, bike ride, or quick shuttle/taxi to the Ancient Town. Many properties sit directly along the riverbank, giving you stunning sunrise/sunset scenes over the water, plus easy access to boat trips or lantern viewing without the full intensity of central crowds. 

• The area feels more spacious and green compared to the compact Old Town, with boutique hotels and resorts blending Vietnamese design with modern comforts. 

• Drawback: Not directly on the beach (though some offer shuttles to An Bang), and you’ll need transport for longer outings. Ideal if you want both culture and calm without extremes.

• Hotels in Hoi An Vietnam: Top Best Hotels for a Perfect Stay

An Bang Beach

Located about 4–5 km north of Ancient Town, An Bang delivers classic beach relaxation: soft white sand, epic sunsets, beachfront bars with loungers and cocktails, fresh seafood restaurants (grilled fish, crab, or morning catch), and a chill, bohemian atmosphere. It's less crowded than some Vietnamese beaches, with a laid-back expat/local mix—perfect for lazy days reading, swimming in roped-off areas, yoga sessions, or sunset drinks. 

• Many boutique villas, resorts, and homestays here have direct beach access, pools, and gardens, making it feel like a true escape. 

• Getting to town is easy via free hotel shuttles (common), rented bikes (15–20 min ride), or cheap Grab/taxi (~10–15 mins). 

• Drawback: Less central for frequent Ancient Town visits (you'll spend more time commuting if sightseeing heavily), and it lacks the historic lantern magic at night. Best for longer stays (5+ days), beach lovers, families wanting space, or anyone prioritizing recharge over constant exploration.

3. Practical Booking Tips for 2026

Ancient Town (Old Town / Central Area)

Hoi An remains excellent value in 2026, with high-quality options across budgets thanks to strong competition among boutique properties and resorts. Here's expanded advice to secure the best stay:

• Best seasons to visit and book ahead Prime dry periods offer the most comfortable weather: February–May (mild 24–30°C, sunny, low rain—perfect for walking and beaches) and September–November (cooler 22–28°C, quieter post-summer, fewer crowds but occasional showers). These are peak times for international visitors, especially around festivals like the Full Moon Lantern events. Book 2–4 months in advance for these windows to lock in preferred properties, room types (e.g., river-view or pool-access), and deals—popular spots sell out fast. Avoid peak Tet/Lunar New Year (mid-February 2026) if you dislike crowds, though it's culturally fascinating. Rainy season (Dec–Jan) can bring quieter vibes and lower rates but more unpredictable weather.

• Budget range and value notes Vietnam's central coast delivers exceptional quality-to-price ratios:

  • Boutique/mid-range: $60–180/night — Stylish homestays, small hotels, or riverside villas with pools, great design, and local charm (e.g., many score 9+ on reviews).

  • Luxury/resorts: $200–500+ /night — 4–5 star options with spas, large pools, beachfront or riverfront settings, fine dining, and extras like free bikes/shuttles. Overall, you get far more (spacious rooms, breakfast, amenities) than similar prices in Western countries—2026 rates remain competitive despite tourism recovery.

• Must-have features for most travelers Prioritize these in filters/searches for a smoother stay:

  • Free bicycles — Hoi An's flat streets make biking the best (and most fun) way to explore town, beaches, or rice fields.

  • Breakfast included — Opt for local flavors (pho, banh mi, fresh fruit, Vietnamese coffee) to start days right.

  • Pool and/or spa — Essential in warmer months for cooling off.

  • English-speaking staff — Helpful for advice, bookings, and communication.

  • Strong free Wi-Fi — Reliable for maps, reviews, and sharing photos.

  • Free shuttles — Many properties offer to/from Ancient Town or An Bang—huge convenience. Bonus: Look for river-view balconies, garden settings, or proximity to night markets if immersion matters.

• Where and how to book

  • Booking.com — Excellent for detailed filters (e.g., free cancellation, pool, bike rental), guest reviews, and maps showing exact locations relative to Ancient Town. Often has flexible policies.

  • Agoda — Frequently offers Asia-specific deals, flash sales, and lower base rates—great for comparing and stacking promotions.

  • Direct with the hotel — Once you shortlist (via above sites), check the property's website for exclusive perks like room upgrades, free early check-in/late check-out, welcome drinks, or better rates. Some offer loyalty discounts or avoid third-party fees. Always read the latest 2026 reviews (focus on recent ones for service consistency, post-renovation notes, or any weather-related updates). Compare prices across platforms, watch for Genius/ member discounts, and book with free cancellation if unsure about dates.

Your Hoi An stay sets the tone for everything else—lantern reflections at night, fresh morning markets, peaceful countryside rides. Choose a place that feels like part of the story, then let Joytime’s authentic tours add the chapters: glide through palm waterways in basket boats, cycle rural paths with delicious stops, or discover hidden eateries on a Vespa. Small-group, sustainable, and full of heart—these experiences make every day in Hoi An unforgettable.

Browse Joytime’s full Hoi An collection at: https://joytime.vn/en/tour-sightseeing/tour-in-hoi-an and book your perfect add-ons today. Your glowing nights, river sunsets, and warm Hoi An memories are waiting—let the lanterns guide you home.