Where to stay in Hoi An: old town, rice fields or beach
Updated 1 November 2026 · 4 min read
In short
To enjoy Hoi An early in the morning and at night, stay a few minutes' walk from the old town or on An Hoi island, just opposite. For a beachier stay, choose An Bang beach, about 10-15 minutes away; for peace and quiet, a villa in the rice fields between the two.
The neighbourhoods at a glance
| Area | Best for | Strengths | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Old town and around | First stay | Walkable, lanterns at night, market | Very busy by day, rooms often smaller |
| An Hoi island | Couples | Old town views, night market, one bridge from the centre | Lively at night |
| Rice fields (Tra Que, Cam Thanh) | Calm, families | Villas with pools, cycling through paddies, basket boats | Bike or Grab needed to reach the centre |
| An Bang beach | Beach stay | Beach, seafront restaurants | About 10-15 min from the old town |
Our advice
- First stay (3 nights): the old town or An Hoi, to see the lanterns without a taxi.
- Relaxing stay: a rice-field villa with bikes provided, a few minutes from the centre.
- Beach first: An Bang, with one or two evenings in the old town by Grab.
See also the top-rated hotels in Hoi An, Hoi An by boat and staying in Hoi An or Da Nang.
Frequently asked questions
Where to stay in Hoi An for a first visit?
In the old town or on An Hoi island, just opposite: everything is walkable and you can enjoy the lanterns at night.
Is it better to stay on the beach or in town in Hoi An?
In town for the atmosphere and sights, at An Bang beach for the sea. They are about 10-15 minutes apart.
How many nights in Hoi An?
3 nights let you enjoy the old town, a cooking class, the beach and My Son Sanctuary.