Hoi An is small, so choosing where to stay is mostly about the trade-off between convenience and calm. You can stay in or beside the old town and walk everywhere, choose a riverside resort for a mix of both, or go to the beach for a quieter, more resort-like stay. Da Nang has bigger hotels, but most visitors to this region choose Hoi An.
Old town and central Hoi An
Staying in the centre means you walk to the Ancient Town, the market, the tailors and the evening lanterns in minutes. The trade-offs are noise in the evening and fewer grounds. The Hoi An Historic Hotel is our mid-range pick, with a pool and garden close to the old quarter, and the Hotel Royal Hoi An - MGallery is the more polished choice, in a colonial style near the river. For a budget base, the Hoi An Pho Library Hotel, formerly Vinh Hung Library Hotel, is a simple central option at a lower rate.
The riverfront
The Thu Bon riverfront gives you water views, a promenade and a short walk into the old town. Anantara Hoi An Resort is the best-known address here, with colonial-style buildings, gardens, a pool and a spa. It suits first-timers who want a resort feel without losing walkability. The drawback is that the river can rise in the wet season and affect nearby lanes, so check updates before you travel.
The beach
The coast is a short drive from the old town, with long sand beaches such as An Bang and Cua Dai and a string of resorts. Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai is the luxury choice, with villas, private pools and a spa, best for travellers who want a resort holiday with day trips into town. Expect to use a car, taxi or hotel transfer to reach the old quarter, and expect rougher seas and rain in October and November.
Choosing by traveller
First-timers will do well in the old town or riverfront, so evenings are easy. Couples celebrating something might prefer the Nam Hai or Anantara. Families benefit from pools and space, so look at the resorts. Budget travellers get the best value in central Hoi An, and can spend more on tours and cooking classes instead.
Booking tips
Book early for the peak months, which are generally the dry season and major holidays. Check what breakfast includes, whether you need parking, and how the hotel handles flood and storm disruption. Ask for a quiet room if you are a light sleeper, particularly in the centre. Three of the hotels in this guide are booked through Expedia, so compare the cancellation terms before you pay.
One base or two
You can easily use a single hotel for a week, but some travellers split the stay, with two or three nights in the old town and a few days at a beach resort. If you are planning Ba Na Hills or Hue, a Da Nang stay can shorten the drive, though you will lose the lanterns of Hoi An in the evening.
