Hoi An offers a unique mix of ancient charm and beachside relaxation. Choosing the right base is essential for a seamless and enriching experience. Vietnam Story specializes in curating stays for Indian travelers, focusing on safety, convenience, and crucial amenities like proximity to Indian cuisine and reliable transfers. We break down the best areas based on your travel style and budget.
Choosing your base: Old Town vs The Beach vs The Countryside
What is the best area to stay in Hoi An for first-time visitors? Is it better to stay in the Old Town or near the beach? This is the most common question I get, and the answer depends entirely on your travel style. Hoi An is easily divided into three primary zones, each offering a completely distinct and wonderful experience. To help you decide, here is a quick comparison of the main areas.
| Area | Vibe vs Proximity | Best for |
| Ancient Town / Cam Pho | Immersive and central. You are within walking distance of all the major historical attractions, the best restaurants, and the bustling markets. | First-time visitors, shoppers, and those who want to be in the heart of the cultural immersion and nightlife. |
| An Bang Beach / Cua Dai | Relaxing and resort-style. You have direct access to beautiful beaches and large swimming pools. It is a 15-20 minute cycle or shuttle ride to the Old Town. | Relaxation, families with children, luxury travelers, and honeymooners who want a peaceful escape. |
| Cam Nam / Tra Que Village | Peaceful and scenic. You are surrounded by beautiful green rice paddies and local village life. It is a short 5-15 minute walk or cycle to the Old Town. | Budget travelers, those on a longer “slow travel” journey, and anyone seeking an authentic local and wellness-focused experience. |
Central and convenient: Staying in the Ancient Town and Cam Pho Riverfront
For first-time visitors, solo travelers, and anyone who wants to be right in the heart of the action, staying in or very near the Ancient Town is the perfect choice. This area puts you within easy walking distance of the highest concentration of attractions, tailor shops, and, very importantly for our Indian guests, the best and most trusted Indian restaurants. This is the most vibrant and atmospheric area, where the magic of Hoi An is right at your doorstep. Here are our top recommendations.
Luxury and Mid-range Hotels (4-5 Star)
Almanity Hoi An Resort & Spa, Anantara Hoi An Resort, and the Hoi An Historic Hotel are all fantastic choices. The Hoi An Historic Hotel and Almanity are particularly well-located, often just a short walk from excellent Indian food spots. These hotels also have wonderful multi-cuisine restaurants with great vegetarian options.
Budget and Boutique Hotels
Calla Hotel, Hoi An Dream City Hotel, and the Harmony Old Town Hostel all offer incredible value for money and often include a swimming pool, which is a wonderful bonus. Our special tip is to look for a hotel in the Cam Pho Ward. This area is right on the riverfront, offering a slightly quieter and more peaceful environment while still being just a few minutes’ walk from all the action of the main Ancient Town.
READ MORE: Budget Travel Guide to Hoi An for Indian Backpackers
Beachfront luxury and family fun: The An Bang and Cua Dai Resorts
What are the best beachfront hotels in Hoi An? Are there good family-friendly resorts? Yes, absolutely! For families, those on a leisure trip, and luxury seekers who prioritize relaxing by the sea and enjoying top-class resort amenities, the beachfront is the ideal choice. This area is predominantly home to beautiful 4 and 5-star resorts and private villas. The most crucial amenity to look for here is the complimentary shuttle service to the Ancient Town, which almost all reputable resorts offer, making it incredibly easy to enjoy both the beach and the culture. Here are the best resorts for your family or luxury escape.
Top Luxury and Family Resorts
Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai, Vinpearl Resort & Golf Nam Hoi An, and the Palm Garden Resort Hoi An are all world-class options. These larger resorts are excellent for big groups, and they often have experience catering to Indian palates, especially for weddings or large family events. The Vinpearl and Palm Garden resorts offer spacious, multi-bedroom villas that are absolutely ideal for accommodating large or multi-generational Indian families.
Mid-Range and Aparthotels
- Aira Boutique Hoi An Hotel & Villa is a beautiful boutique option located very close to the lively An Bang beach area.
- Citadines Pearl Hoi An is a fantastic choice for families. It offers modern, apartment-style rooms that come with kitchenettes. This is incredibly convenient for Indian families who might need to prepare simple meals for young children or for those with specific dietary needs.
Authentic and budget-friendly stays: The peaceful Cam Nam and Tra Que Village Areas
Where can Indian tourists find the best budget-friendly stays? Can I find a quiet, boutique hotel in a local neighborhood? Yes, and these areas are our secret recommendation for the best value and the most authentic experience. This is the perfect choice for budget-conscious travelers, solo explorers, and anyone seeking a peaceful, cultural stay away from the main tourist buzz. The best part about staying in these areas is the incredible value they offer. Here’s what to look for.
The guesthouses and homestays in this area offer the best prices in all of Hoi An. A wonderful and common perk is that they often include free bicycle rentals, which becomes your main and most enjoyable mode of transport.
For those of you who are interested in eco-tourism, wellness, and delicious vegetarian food, staying in or near the Tra Que Vegetable Village is a perfect choice. You will be surrounded by organic farms and can enjoy incredible farm-to-table meals. For the ideal blend of a low price and convenient proximity to the Old Town, look for a homestay in the Cam Chau wards, which are located just outside the main limits of the Ancient Town.
Key amenities and services for a perfect stay for Indian travelers
Are there hotels in Hoi An with Indian-friendly food? What about airport pick-up services? For a completely seamless and comfortable trip, these are the highly recommended amenities you should look for when choosing your accommodation. Paying attention to these details will make your holiday so much more enjoyable.
- Dining: Always check if your hotel offers a multi-cuisine restaurant with guaranteed vegetarian options at breakfast. As mentioned, the highest concentration of dedicated Indian dining is near Tran Hung Dao Street, so choosing a hotel in that vicinity is a smart choice for food lovers.
- Family and group stays: For the utmost comfort and privacy for your family, look for accommodation that offers connecting rooms or, even better, two or three-bedroom private villas.
- Airport transfers (from Da Nang – DAD):
- Luxury Resorts like the Four Seasons often include complimentary private return airport transfers in their room rates.
- Many Mid-Range hotels like the Anio Boutique Hotel Hoian and the Little Riverside Hoi An offer very reliable paid airport shuttle services.
- Our Vietnam Story Service: For complete peace of mind, we can pre-arrange a private, reliable, and fixed-price transfer directly from the Da Nang airport to any accommodation in Hoi An for you.
- Safety and reviews: Always prioritize stays with high security ratings and take a moment to read reviews that have been specifically left by other Indian travelers. They will often comment on the things that matter most to you, such as the food, the service, and the overall safety.
Conclusion
What makes Hoi An such a wonderfully easy and enjoyable destination for Indian families is the incredible variety and quality of its accommodation. The town is perfectly equipped to meet your needs, whether you are looking for a spacious multi-bedroom villa to house your entire family, an apartment with a kitchenette for preparing simple meals, or a resort with a fantastic kids’ club to keep the young ones entertained.
This family-friendly infrastructure, combined with the convenient shuttle services and proximity to great food, makes planning a family holiday here completely stress-free. Let Vietnam Story make your family’s trip even more seamless. We handle all the accommodation booking and logistics, ensuring your chosen stay has all the amenities your family needs for a comfortable and happy holiday. Get in touch with us to plan your trip, and discover just how easy and wonderful a family vacation in Hoi An can be.