Hoi An is a super touristy little town but honestly, I absolutely loved it. Its lanterns, colour and ancient charm had me hooked the moment I got there.

Biking around the narrow streets, drinking some of the BEST (and strongest) coffee I’ve had in my life and soaking in the charm of this gorgeous town was incredible. They have delicious Vietnamese cuisine and plenty of funky shops to explore. 

What used to be a port city is now a mix of French colonial buildings and Chinese architecture that cut through canals with the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge and its pagoda of course.

Deciding where to stay in Hoi An can be a tricky task as there are loads of areas to choose from. The best area to stay in will be completely on YOU and what you want to get out of your trip. 

Is it best to base yourself in the Old Town near the historical sites, or by the beach and countryside? Do you want to stay near the night market and nightlife, or are you more concerned with finding the cheapest place to stay in Hoi An?

Whatever travel budget and style you’re working with, I’ve got you covered in this guide to help you to decide which area to stay in Hoi An!

I’ve compiled the best areas to stay and categorised them to make it clear which will be best for you. Not only that, but you’ll also find the best things to do and places to stay in each too! 

So, let’s jump in and find out the best area to stay in Hoi An Vietnam for you!

nic near the river in hoi an ancient city, vietnam
Hoi An is a chilled place to visit
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short

The Broke Backpacker is supported by you. Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more.

Where Is the Best Place to Stay in Hoi An?

Travelling in Vietnam is not complete without a stop in Hoi An. This gorgeous, bustling little town is full of some of the best of what Vietnam has to offer in terms of; food, coffee, locals, culture and so much more.

In this guide, I’m going to cover what area to stay in Hoi An depending on your style and budget. But if you’re short on time, here are my top picks for the best hotels, hostel and Airbnb in Hoi An.

Lantana Hoi An Boutique Hotel & Spa | Best Hotel in Hoi An

Lantana Hoi An Boutique Hotel & Spa

This chic four-star hotel is located in An Hoi in the centre of the city. Conveniently situated near the Hoi An Old Town and the city’s major attractions, this hotel is close to restaurants, bars, museums, and art galleries. Each room has air conditioning, cable/satellite channels as well as a comfortable sitting area.

If you want to shower yourself in luxury during your stay, do yourself a favour and check this place out; it’s one of the best hotels in town.

East West Villa | Best Hotel in Hoi An for Couples

East West Villa

This is a great hotel for couples and anyone looking for a tranquil escape from the city, as it’s a bit out of the city located close to the beaches. The villa offers a beautiful outdoor pool and green gardens.

Bicycles are available for FREE. The staff will treat you like family and serve a personalized breakfast on your balcony each morning. You will feel so looked after here.

This place pays close attention to detail and offers guests a relaxing escape from the hustle and bustle.

Fuse Old Town | Best Hostel in Hoi An

Fuse Old Town

Just a stone’s throw (literally, 100m) from the city’s top attractions, this hostel is conveniently located near restaurants, bars and shops. They even have a free shuttle to take you right into the action.

If you want to understand what Fuse is like… it offers FREE BEER! Yes, that’s right, at certain times of the day they give away their liquid gold for free. Not only that, they also have a sauna and ice bath for you to recover from the free beer in too!

Of the handful of hostels located so close to Hoi An, Old Town Fuse Old Town is easily the best hostel around. But don’t just take my word for it, try it out for yourself.

Serviced Studio with 1 bedroom | Best Airbnb in Hoi an

Serviced Studio with 1 bedroom

Relax in your tranquil Hoi An paradise as you soak in stunning views of the gorgeous gardens and lush landscapes from your private balcony. This Airbnb is surrounded by lovely orchid gardens and has a welcoming, friendly energy.

This one-bedroom apartment features a comfortable large bed. The rooms come with a flat-screen TV, free wifi, safe and fully stocked minibar. It also boasts 2 bathrooms with a rain shower, a bathtub and a kitchenette area for the convenience of guests.

Hoi An Neighbourhood Guide – Best Places to Stay Hoi An

FIRST TIME IN HOI AN
The Japanese bridge in Hoi An and typical yellow painted houses near by in Vietnam
FIRST TIME IN HOI AN

Old Town

Old Town is the cultural and historic heart of Hoi An. It is made up of charming alleys and roads that wind between colourful buildings and traditional shophouses.

ON A BUDGET
An ornate gateway in Hue Vietnam
ON A BUDGET

Cam Pho

Cam Pho is a central Hoi An neighbourhood that surrounds the Old Town to the west and north. This neighbourhood is located within walking distance of the city’s top tourist attractions and conveniently located to explore both the town and surrounding countryside.

NIGHTLIFE
Colourful lanterns hanging outside a typical yellow shop house in Hoi An, Vietnam
NIGHTLIFE

An Hoi

Across the river from the historic centre of Hoi An is the vivacious and lively neighbourhood of An Hoi. An island in the Thu Bon River, An Hoi where you’ll find a variety of charming buildings, colourful houses, and stunning cultural attractions.

COOLEST PLACE TO STAY
A person in a conical boat in mangroves in the Mekong Delta in Vietnam
COOLEST PLACE TO STAY

Cam Chau

Cam Chau is a beautiful and quiet neighbourhood located to the east of the city centre. Lying between the Old Town and the beach, this neighbourhood is well positioned for exploring all the very best of Hoi An.

FOR FAMILIES
Round conical boats on the beach with mountains in the background in Vietnam
FOR FAMILIES

Cam Thanh

Cam Thanh is a delightful village located east of Hoi An along the river. Situated between the beach and the city, this neighbourhood is well connected to the rest of Hoi An, yet home to a number of rice paddies, streams, rivers and other picturesque landscapes.

Backpacking in Hoi An is an incredible experience. Hoi An is a small city located south of Da Nang on Vietnam’s central coast. It is one of the most charming and atmospheric towns in Vietnam, home to a great selection of cultural and historic attractions.

There are plenty of things to plan to do when staying in Hoi An for intrepid travellers. From dining on amazing Vietnamese cuisine to exploring the narrow streets and winding lanes in the old town. It’s a beautiful place in Vietnam to visit.

Hoi An is home to approximately 120,000 people, yet it retains all of its small-town appeals. It is divided into nine distinct districts, which span 60 square kilometres inland from the shores of the South China Sea.

bicycle in hoi an, vietnam
Get on ya bike, love!
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short

At the heart of Hoi An is the Old or Ancient Town. Here you will find Hoi An’s most famous and iconic attractions, including the Japanese Covered Bridge, colourful shophouses, and streets adorned with vibrant and glowing lanterns.

To the north and west of Old Town is the Cam Pho district. This downtown neighbourhood is well connected to all of Hoi An’s top attractions and where you’ll find the best options for budget hostels.

Head south of Old Town and you’ll cross to the island of An Hoi. Home to the famous Night Market, this neighbourhood is also where you’ll find Hoi An’s liveliest nightlife.

As you travel east to the shores of the South China Sea, you’ll pass through the charming neighbourhoods of Cam Chau and Cam Thanh. These two neighbourhoods are perfectly situated for exploring the city as well as the lush countryside and some of the best beaches in Vietnam.

Still not sure where to stay in Hoi An? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered.


Want to save money on accommodation?

supporting image for Booking.com deals promo

We got you. For reals.


Hoi An’s Five Best Neighbourhoods to Stay in

Hoi An is a small city. The downtown neighbourhoods of Cam Pho, Old Town and An Hoi can easily be covered on foot. Should you choose to stay in Cam Thanh or Cam Chau, I recommend you rent a bike or moped to get around the different neighbourhoods with relative ease.

Be cautious when driving a moped in Vietnam, if you’ve never ridden one before, this may not be the best place to learn… it can be WILD out there.

Whether you’re looking to party all night or spend your days in nature with the family, there’s a neighbourhood in Hoi An that’s perfect for you. Here are the best Hoi An neighbourhoods broken down by interest for your stay.

1. Old Town Hoi An – Where to Stay in Hoi An for First Visits

Old Town is the cultural and historic heart of Hoi An. It is made up of charming alleys and roads that wind between colourful buildings and traditional shophouses.

Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999, the Ancient Town of Hoi An is where you’ll find a range of well-preserved houses and buildings that reflect a variety of architectural styles.

bridge and river in the ancient city of hoi an, vietnam
How nice is this bridge?
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short

Old Town Hoi An is the ideal base for first-time visitors to the city and is the best area to stay in Hoi An for tourists. The majority of Hoi An’s top tourist attractions and restaurants are located in this neighbourhood, including the Japanese Covered Bridge, which makes it a snap for a short itinerary in Hoi An.

Hoi An Historic Hotel | Best Hotel in Old Town

Hoi An Historic Hotel

This hotel is in the best location to stay in Hoi An to be close to the action, nestled into the heart of the city. Just a short walk to the Hoi An main streets and old town centre, it is close to shops, restaurants, and cultural and historical attractions.

It’s a taste of luxury in Hoi An, with a beautiful all-year-around outdoor pool, fitness centre and on-site restaurant and bar. It’s got everything you could ever need. With FREE bikes to use and an epic breakfast buffet on top of that – this place can do no wrong!

Fuse Old Town | Best Hostel in Old Town

Fuse Old Town

Of the handful of hostels located so close to Hoi An, Old Town Fuse Old Town is the best hostel around. Just a stone’s throw (literally, 100m) from the city’s top attractions, this hostel is conveniently located near restaurants, bars and shops. They even have a free shuttle to take you right into the action.

If you need one reason to pick Fuse Old Town, it’s FREE BEER! Yes, that’s right, at certain times of the day they give away their liquid gold. Not only that, they also have a sauna and ice bath for you to recover from the free beer in too!

Serviced Studio with 1 bedroom | Best Airbnb in Old Town

Serviced Studio with 1 bedroom

Relax as you enjoy stunning views of the gorgeous gardens and lush landscaping from your private balcony. Surrounded by a beautiful orchid garden, you’ll be in a tranquil heaven.

This one-bedroom apartment features a comfortable large bed and all the amenities you need for a comfy stay. With a pool and a kitchenette, you could definitely get cosy in this Airbnb for a while. You’ll be located in one of the best areas to stay in Hoi An, super close to the ancient city.

Things to See and Do in Old Town

  1. Explore Old Town and see the old Chinese-style shophouses that line the winding lanes and alleys.
  2. See the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, which marks the entrance to Old Town, which was first built in 1593.
  3. Marvel at the stunning architecture and Southeast Asian style décor at the Quang Trieu Assembly Hall.
  4. Browse works of art by local artists at the small Ha Ha – Art In Everything gallery.
  5. See the stunning and intricate animal statues that adorn the Fukian Assembly Hall, which dates back to 1697.
  6. Visit Phung Hung Ancient House, one of the most famous architectural buildings in the city that blends Japanese, Chinese, and Vietnamese architectural styles.
  7. Lose yourself in the peaceful surroundings of the yellow Hoi Quan Hai Nam assembly hall.
  8. Take a stroll through the Old Town at night when it’s illuminated with colourful lanterns that hang above the streets.
  9. Enjoy a delicious and traditional Vietnamese Banh Mi sandwich at Banh Mi Phong, one of the best street food stands in the city.
  10. Join Trung, a Hoi An local on a Hoi An Ancient Town Walking Tour.
Is This the Best Backpack EVER???
audy on top of a mountain in japan with the osprey aether

We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.

Want more deetz on why these packs are so damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!

View on Osprey View on REI

2. Cam Pho – Where to Stay in Hoi An on a Budget

Cam Pho is a central Hoi An neighbourhood that surrounds the Old Town to the west and north. This neighbourhood is located only a short walk from the city’s top tourist attractions and conveniently located to explore both the town and surrounding countryside.

If you’re wondering what area to stay in Hoi An on a budget; Cam Pho is also the best base for travellers exploring Vietnam on a budget. This is where you’ll find a wide range of accommodation styles and options. From value hostels to boutique hotels, this neighbourhood has something for every budget.

Enjoy all the perks of downtown without the hefty price tag by staying in Cam Pho.

beautiful temple in hoi an, vietnam
The details on these temples are incredible
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short

Allegro Hoi An – A Little Luxury Hotel & Spa | Best Luxury Hotel in Cam Pho

Allegro Hoi An

If you want a “little luxury” in Hoi An, the luxury hotel; Allegro is all set to shower you in it. It’s got all the facilities you need for a comfy stay: an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness centre, an onsite spa and an on-site restaurant.

The hotel rooms are STUNNING and the service is second to none. The danger of staying here is that you may never want to leave your bubble of bliss here!

Hoang Trinh Hotel | Best Hotel in Cam Pho

Hoang Trinh Hotel

A great stay at a great price – what more could you want? They also throw in friendly staff, a great location, bikes for rent, a pool, a spa AND a bangin’ breakfast. I’m sold!

Spend your day exploring the ancient city on foot or bike – then come back and relax in the pool. The team are super helpful and can help you book tours and onward travel.

Backhome Hostel & Bar | Best Hostel in Cam Pho

Backhome Hostel & Bar

This hostel is located at the heart of Hoi An’s Cam Pho district. It is situated within walking distance of the city’s major tourist attractions as well as restaurants, bars and shops.

The team at the hostel are really helpful and speaks excellent English to help you get clued up on everything you should know about Hoi An. Breakfast is included at this hostel which makes it bloody great bang for your buck!

Things to See and Do in Cam Pho

  1. Visit one of Hoi An’s famous tailors and have a completely new wardrobe custom-made.
  2. See the sky light up in hues of orange, red and pink as you watch the sunset over the river.
  3. Rent bikes and cruise along the river and through the country, where you’ll see a number of indigenous animals including water buffalos.
  4. Sample cao lau, a local delicacy at Thanh Cao Lau, one of the best kitchens in the city.
  5. Com Ga Huong street food specializes in one thing and one thing only: com ga, rice cooked in chicken stock and turmeric, mixed with shredded chicken, crushed onion, and Vietnamese spices.
  6. Take a free walking tour of Hoi An and immerse yourself in the culture and history of this charming Vietnamese city.
  7. Join a Vietnamese foldable lantern-making class and learn the art for yourself.

3. An Hoi – Where to Stay in Hoi An for Nightlife

If you’re wondering what area to stay in Hoi An for nightlife then An Hoi is perfect for you. Across the river from the historic centre of Hoi An is the vivacious and lively neighbourhood of An Hoi. An island in the Thu Bon River, An Hoi where you’ll find a variety of charming buildings, colourful houses, and stunning cultural attractions.

lanterns  in the streets of hoi an, vietnam
I just love the lanterns in Hoi An
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short

An Hoi is also where you’ll find the best Hoi An nightlife. A quaint district by day, An Hoi comes alive at night thanks to the vibrant lanterns that light the streets.

The Hoi An Night Market attracts visitors and locals to shop for food, drinks, treats and more. Bars line the riverfront inviting guests to come to drink, dance, laugh and play. It’s the best area in Hoi An to stay for nightlife.

Lantana Hoi An Boutique Hotel & Spa | Best Luxury Hotel in An Hoi

Lantana Hoi An Boutique Hotel & Spa

This chic four-star hotel is located in An Hoi in the centre of the city. Conveniently situated near Old Town and the city’s major attractions, this hotel is close to restaurants, bars, museums, and art galleries.

Each room has air conditioning, free wifi cable/satellite channels as well as a comfortable sitting area. It’s easily one of the best luxury hotels around.

Little Boss Homestay | Best Homestay in An Hoi

Little Boss Homestay

Little Boss Homestay is brand new, they opened their doors in January of 2019. They offer accommodation with free wifi and access to a garden with a terrace. All units include a private bathroom and have air conditioning, a flat-screen TV and a fridge. They speak English, French, and Vietnamese.

Located in the centre, all popular tourist points are nearby, like the Japanese Bridge. Hoi An Ancient Town is only 5 minutes away on foot.

Volar de Faifo Suite Balcony & Breakfast | Best Airbnb in An Hoi

Volar de Faifo Suite Balcony & Breakfast

Just across the bridge from the Old Town, you’ll find this beautiful Airbnb all ready to welcome you in. Volar de Faifo is a unique blend of modern style and the classic architecture of old Hoi An. With a swimming pool at the ready to relax in after a day of exploring, you can’t go wrong with this spot.

In the perfect spot to explore from here too; just a three-minute walk from the centre of town and the Hoai River. Grab a bike and get out exploring!

Things to See and Do in An Hoi

  1. Browse the stalls and shops of sweets, treats, clothes and food at the Hoi An Night Market.
  2. Enjoy delicious Vietnamese food in the heart of An Hoi at Mango Mango.
  3. Grab a few drinks and enjoy the river views at the Backpackers Bar, where beers are cheap, cold and delicious.
  4. Browse the An Hoi Sculpture Garden, a 300-meter stretch of riverfront covered in stone sculptures. Visit at night when the garden is illuminated by lanterns.
  5. For the cheapest beer in the city visit 93 Hz Pub, where the vibes are good and the prices are low.
  6. Enjoy a few beers as you grill your own meat, seafood and vegetables at Anh Boa BBQ & Hotpot.
Small Pack Problems? 😉

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

Get Yours Here Read Our Review

4. Cam Chau – Coolest Area to Stay in Hoi An

Cam Chau is a beautiful and quiet neighbourhood located to the east of the Hoi An city centre. Lying between the Old Town and the beach, this neighbourhood is well-positioned for exploring all the very best of Hoi An.

It is also an ideal base for travellers looking to explore the natural side of Hoi An, including the rice paddies, countryside, and river shores. It’s a chance to leave the city behind and stay in a more authentic location in Vietnam. For a more local and natural area, this is the best area of Hoi An to stay.

vietnamese boats, hoi an
This guy was wild!
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short

Cam Chau is one of the coolest neighbourhoods in Hoi An. Home to a good number of restaurants, shops and cafes, this neighbourhood is where you’ll find a great balance of city conveniences and country qualities. Enjoy an authentic Vietnamese experience by staying in Cam Chau.

Goda Boutique Hotel | Best Hotel in Cam Chau

Goda Boutique Hotel

This two-and-a-half-star hotel is located in the Cam Chau neighbourhood. A short walk to Old Town and Hoi An’s top attractions, this hotel is well situated for exploring the city and its surroundings.

Boasting a sun deck and indoor pool, this hotel also has an in-house restaurant that offers guests a unique dining experience. The hotel rooms are equipped with modern amenities to ensure a pleasant stay in Hoi An.

Lazy Bear Hostel | Best Hostel in Cam Chau

Lazy Bear Hostel

Lazy Bear Hostel is conveniently located between Old Town Hoi An and some of the most beautiful beaches in Vietnam. At the centre of the Cam Chau neighbourhood, this hostel is surrounded by restaurants and shops as well as cultural and historic attractions.

It features dorms and private rooms and has bikes that guests can use for free throughout their stay. Enjoy comfortable beds and free daily breakfast at this fantastic Vietnam backpacker hostel.

Centrally located Villa for 2 | Best Airbnb in Cam Chau

Centrally located Villa for 2

Rustic Villa is located between the beach and the Hoi An city centre. Their beautifully decorated rooms have cosy lighting, big comfortable beds, and a high ceiling that makes them extra spacious. You have the option of choosing between one king-size bed or twin single beds.

Daily breakfast is a treat and bicycles are available for you to explore the city. Laundry can be done for a very reasonable price.

Things to See and Do in Cam Chau

  1. Rent motorbikes and explore the rice paddies, lush countryside, and villages that surround Hoi An.
  2. Hop aboard and learn to paddle a bamboo basket boat as you explore the water coconut woods, a unique ecosystem.
  3. Visit the nearby Precious Heritage Art Gallery Museum to view interesting and unique works of art.
  4. Indulge in a beautiful and delicious meal at Aubergine 49 Restaurant, which offers French, European and Asian fares.
  5. For vegetarian and vegan food, look no further than Quan Chay Am where you’ll find fresh and delicious food options.
  6. Take a day trip outside of the city to the charming village of Tra Que, famous for its perfectly aligned rows of plants and vegetables.
  7. Rent kayaks and explore the canals and waterways surrounding Hoi An.
  8. Join a morning countryside tour by bike and explore the local side of Hoi An on your own two wheels.

5. Cam Thanh – Where to Stay in Hoi An with Family

Cam Thanh is a delightful village located east of Hoi An along the river. Situated between the beach and the city, this neighbourhood is well connected to the rest of Hoi An, yet home to several rice paddies, streams, rivers and other picturesque landscapes.

Beach near Hoi An, Vietnam
The beach near Hoi An is great too
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short

If you’re wondering where is best to stay in Hoi An with family; Cam Thanh is a safe neighbourhood and is the best part of Hoi An to stay in with the family.

Featuring lush water coconut and palm forests, this neighbourhood is home to many natural delights, interesting animals, and unique sights that will thrill even the youngest of travellers.

Immerse yourself into Vietnamese culture by staying in Cam Thanh Hoi An.

Zest Resort & Spa Hoi An | Best Hotel in Cam Thanh

Zest Resort & Spa Hoi An

Zest Resort and Spa is a gorgeous place to stay in the heart of Cam Thanh. If tranquillity and peace are what you’re craving, Zest has you covered. With a spa that will leave you feeling like a zen master and free bikes to explore the local area.

The team at this Hoi An resort are really friendly and helpful. They also serve an incredible breakfast, they have a pool and fitness room. It’s so great that you could easily forget to leave the resort!

Coral Riverside: Where the river meets the sea | Best Hostel in Cam Thanh

Coral Riverside: Where the river meets the sea

Located just behind Cam Thanh (by Cua Dai Beach), this epic little hostel is the perfect place to stay when the sun is shining. Coral Riverside has a 24-hour reception, bikes and motorbikes for rent, they take tour bookings and they can help you to make all of your onward travel arrangements.

Plus, they do a FREE breakfast… I’m a sucker for a free breakfast. These guys have private rooms and dorms available, so you can book whatever tickles your fancy!

Deluxe Double Room With Breakfast & Pool | Best Airbnb in Cam Thanh

Deluxe Double Room With Breakfast & Pool

This Airbnb is Cam Thanh is bloody gorgeous. Home to four beautiful villas in a peaceful, secluded garden. You’ll be ideally located between the ancient town and Cua Dai Beach; you can rent FREE bikes and explore the nearby areas. Exploring the town, the beach, as well as, the nearby traditional herb gardens and the coconut village on your two wheels.

Did I mention breakfast is also included in this stay too? I could get used to all the free breakfasts in Hoi An.

Things to See and Do in Cam Thanh

  1. Bring good luck and fortune to you and your loved ones by lighting and releasing paper lanterns over the river.
  2. Rent bikes and explore the riverfront.
  3. Spend a relaxing day sitting in the sun and playing in the surf at nearby An Bang Beach.
  4. Learn to make traditional Vietnamese dishes by taking a cooking class as a family. Your little ones will love getting their hands dirty and eating their creations.
  5. Explore the Thanh Man Fishing Village where you can learn to fish using traditional Vietnamese methods.
  6. Take a self-guided bike tour through the rice paddy fields where you’ll see working farms and water buffalo.
  7. Float down the canals and waterways as you ride in a traditional bamboo basket boat.
  8. Visit a Cam Thanh farm and experience a traditional day in the life of a rural Vietnamese farmer.
Travel with peace of mind. Travel WITH a security belt.
Active Roots Security Belt

Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

It looks exactly like a normal belt except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

Hide Yo’ Money!

FAQs About Finding a Place to Stay in Hoi An

Here’s what people usually ask us what areas to stay in Hoi An.

What To Pack For Hoi An

Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.

Product
Description
Don’t Let Snorers Keep You Awake!
Don’t Let Snorers Keep You Awake!

Ear Plugs

Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.

Keep your laundry organized and stink free
Keep your laundry organized and stink free

Hanging Laundry Bag

Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.

Stay Dry With a Micro Towel
Stay Dry With a Micro Towel

Sea To Summit Micro Towel

Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.

Make Some New Buddies…
Make Some New Buddies…

Monopoly Deal

Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.

Reduce Plastic – Bring a Water Bottle!
Reduce Plastic – Bring a Water Bottle!

Grayl Geopress Water Bottle

Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!

Check out my definitive Hotel Packing list for even more top packing tips!

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Hoi An

Unfortunately, things can go wrong when you least expect it. This is why good travel insurance is essential before you head on your trip to Hoi An.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Hoi An

This beautiful city oozes with charm. Think; French colonial buildings and ancient Chinese and Japanese sites. With a couple of days in Hoi An, you can get a good feel for this city’s culture and atmosphere.

To make the most of your stay, it’s best to base yourself in the right neighbourhood for you. That said, if you still can’t decide on what part of Hoi An to stay in, I’ll recap my top two picks for Hoi An.

For my fellow budgetpackers out there, Fuse Old Town hostel is located in Hoi An’s Cam Pho district, walking distance from shops and restaurants. With free beers, shuttles, a sauna and an ice bath… you can’t go wrong.

For those with a bit more cash to splash, Lantana Hoi An Boutique Hotel & Spa is one of the best hotels in Hoi An, flaunting 4-star luxury that is conveniently located near Old Town.

Wherever you decide, I know you’ll be in for an epic time. The town is not too big so you’ll be able to explore a lot – especially if you rent your own two wheels to cycle around on!

Looking for more info on travelling to Hoi An and Vietnam?
a cyclist and lanterns on the streets of hoi an, vietnam
Hoi An has to be the prettiest place in Vietnam
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short

Buy Us a Coffee!

A couple of you lovely readers suggested we set up a tip jar for direct support as an alternative to booking through our links. So we created one!

You can now buy The Broke Backpacker a coffee. If you like and use our content to plan your trips, it’s a much appreciated way to show appreciation 🙂

the broke backpacker team at the water temple in bali
Thank you <3