Wanderlust: The Most Characterful Places To Stays In Hoi An, Vietnam

Hoi An Town is an exceptionally well-preserved example of a Southeast Asian trading port dating from the 15th to the 19th century. Its buildings and its street plan reflect the influences, both indigenous and foreign, that have combined to produce this unique heritage site. Get an authentic understanding of the culture and cuisine of this Vietnamese heritage favourite with these eco-friendly stays.

1. Anantara, Hoi An Resort

Photo: Anantara

Located along the scenic Thu Bon River, Anantara Hoi An Resort is a short stroll from the colorful and bustling Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Touches of French, Dutch, Chinese and Japanese cultures make up the distinct ambience and atmosphere in the resort. The resort comprises of 94 rooms & suites set in lush green tranquil grounds, a number of restaurants and bars. The resort is located 35km from Da Nang International Airport which is an approximate 40 minute comfortable road transfer.

The resort features a compact layout, with the rooms and suites spread across two L-shaped buildings that are set among lush tropical gardens besides the river. From the arrival pavilion – where the luggage is collected and tagged before being delivered to the room at check-in – it’s a short walk through a pleasantly green courtyard to the open-sided, colonial-style lobby, which has a small boutique shop on the side. Across the courtyard from the lobby, you find two restaurants and the spa (more on that below). The swimming pool is located in its own river-side courtyard (although the pool area was under renovation during my stay and closed off from the rest of the resort). A public promenade runs between the resort grounds and the river, according to Luxury Travel Expert.

The resort has two restaurants, which are located opposite the lobby in one of the colonial-style wings. Hoi An Riverside Restaurant is open for lunch (light snacks) and dinner (delicious Western and Asian cuisine), and features a gorgeous art deco inspired interior reminiscent of a Parisian brasserie; the dining venue also has a lovely terrace overlooking the river, where outdoor tables are shaded by leafy trees and cooled by a gentle breeze. Lanterns Restaurant is located on the first floor above Hoi An Riverside Restaurant and is only open for breakfast, which is served as a grandiose buffet with live cooking stations.

Located in the vibrant street side courtyard of Anantara Hoi An Resort, O’malleys is the only Irish style pub in Hoi An town, serving a range of cold beer selections including Guinness, with pool tables, foosball, dart boards and big screens televising international sports.

2. An Villa

Photo: An Villa

Nestled on the banks of the Co Co river, An Villa is a peaceful tropical oasis in beautiful Hoi An. If you are looking to de-stress in serene, natural surroundings, then An Villa is your perfect choice.

The villas appeal to cultured travelers who appreciate open spaces, serene nature and artistic detail and who share the interest in creating ecologically sustainable travel experiences.

Shaded by palm trees and lush gardens, backed by natural ponds and centred around a cooling swimming pool, An Villa is the perfect place for a holiday with family or friends and for the solo traveller.

Located mid-way between Cua Dai beach and the World Heritage listed ancient town of Hoi An, An Villa provides easy access to beaches that provide safe swimming for most of the year and many other local attractions.

Each uniquely designed studio or villa comes with a private garden or terrace and a well-equipped kitchen, inclusive of coffee/tea maker and private sitting area. While we choose not to have televisions at An villa, we have strong WiFi and plenty of books or board games for you to enjoy.

The a-la-carte menu of the villa’s on-site restaurant offers tasty authentic Vietnamese dishes and all meals are prepared from fresh ingredients, many of which are grown in the resort’s own gardens.

An Villa is an ideal venue for your next yoga holiday. This the first resort in Hoi An to offer a purpose-built over-water yoga deck and the large garden has been lovingly cultivated over the past two years to provide a tranquil, nourishing environment that is ideal for retreats that focus on wellbeing of body, mind and soul.

Whether you are a yoga teacher wishing to bring your own group or seeking

to organize a private retreat with personalized yoga sessions, the staff are experienced in hosting different types of yoga retreats of any level, schedule and food requirements.

3. Victoria Hoi An Beach Resort & Spa

Photo: KAPphotostudio

Victoria Hoi An Beach Resort & Spa draws inspiration from the UNESCO World Heritage Ancient Town of Hoi An, beautifully incorporating Japanese, French, and Vietnamese elements.

Victoria Hoi An features indoor or outdoor dining at L’Annam Restaurant, a scenic beach bar, a casual lounge and live music. L’Annam Restaurant offers all-day dining serving up international, Vietnamese and Asian cuisine in a sophisticated indoor and outdoor setting embodying Indochina-chic with antique wooden chests, colourful tiles and vintage ceiling fans. In addition to hosting a weekly Sunday brunch and the occasional buffet theme nights, vegetarian and Vietnamese set menu options are also available along with an extensive wine list.

The spacious Victoria Spa offers massage treatments using a variety of techniques including Vietnamese, Balinese, Thai and therapeutic treatments. Recover from a long day of shopping, sightseeing or swimming with a rejuvenating massage or hand and foot therapies as well as scrubs, wraps and facials. The spa also has a well-equipped gym, separate his and hers dry saunas, a steam room and Jacuzzi, all complimentary for resort guests.

The resort is fully equipped to help you enjoy a hassle-free holiday with services ranging from transportation and tours to babysitting and a supervised Kids’ Club.

A wide range of sightseeing possibilities paired with a well-appointed, multi-functional space makes Victoria Hoi An Beach Resort & Spa the ideal choice for meetings and events with a touch of relaxation.

Blessed with spacious, scenic grounds, a large swimming pool, private beach, and and a long stretch of white sand, Victoria Hoi An makes the perfect backdrop for the lucky couple on their most special of days.

4. Four Seasons: The Nam Hai

Photo: Four Seasons

With an idyllic location on Vietnam’s culturally rich central coast, The Nam Hai offers a portal to three extraordinary UNESCO World Heritage sites and a breezy respite on the country’s most celebrated beach. You’ll have a chance to reconnect with your loved ones – whether you take to the East Sea by kayak, explore the glory of imperial Hue or simply savour quiet moments in your own tranquil villa.

The villas at the Nam Hai are rooted in feng shui, their design a nod to the splendour of the temples and mausoleum gardens of Emperor Tu Duc who ascended to the dragon throne of Vietnam’s 19th-century imperial dynasty. Facing the East Sea from the shimmering sands north of Hoi An, the stand-alone villas – tiled, pitched-roofed pavilions – echo traditional Vietnamese homes with a central sleeping platform, swapping the straw mat for soft linens and drapes, while the sunken bath tubs are fit for a king. At the heart of the resort is the restored Ha My Temple, where fishermen once prayed for safe passage; local monks now come to pay respect. The Nam Hai supports children who live at nearby Quang Chau pagoda orphanage with donations and regular visits, and supports families in the community, especially those impacted by Covid-19.

5. Maison Vy

Photo: Taste Vietnam Group

Maison Vy Hotel Hoi An, located off Countryside Charm, boasts 36 air-conditioned rooms. It is 1 km from Precious Heritage Art Gallery Museum and 1.1 km from Hoi An Lune Center Performing Arts Theater.

The venue is situated 1 km from Hoi An city centre and 30 km from Da Nang International airport. The accommodation is located in Cam Chau district. Hoi An Impression Theme Park is also located near the hotel.

Guestrooms at this property are equipped with coffee/tea making machines, smoke detectors and multi-channel TV. These units offer views of the city. Coffee and tea making facilities, and an electric kettle are also available.

Vietnamese food can be enjoyed at Lily Restaurant. There is a pizzeria serving European and Deli food within 50 metres away. TM Camel from Nha Trang to Hue bus stop is approximately a 10-minute walk away. The accommodation has a spa centre, massage treatments and a wellness centre to relax after a busy day.

Food is at the heart of Maison Vy’s Hoi An experience. Trailblazing owner Trinh Diem Vy is a leading chef, author of the Taste Vietnam cookbook and proprietor of restaurant stalwarts Morning Glory Original and Cargo. You’ll want one of the Superior rooms – all monochrome chic with pops of colour. After breakfast at in-house Le Picnic Café, sign up to Ms Vy’s Street Food Tour to make Hoi An crispy pancakes and local speciality noodle dish Cao Lau. Time for tea? It’s complimentary at Maison Vy. The hotel keeps an eye on its green impact too, discouraging single-use plastic and training locals with new skills, according to Wanderlust.

6. Hoi An Chic

Photo: Hoi An Chic

Featuring views of green rice fields, Hoi An Chic – Green Retreat welcomes guests with welcome drink and contemporary rooms. A complimentary scheduled jeep or 16-seater van shuttle is available to Hoi An Ancient Town, which is 2.5 km away. Free WiFi access throughout the property and free use of bicycles are offered.

Modern rooms are equipped with a flat-screen cable TV, minibar and electric kettle. The en suite bathroom features a bath or shower, a hairdryer, free toiletries and slippers. Some rooms have a balcony overlooking the rice fields.

Day trips, excursions and ticketing can be arranged at Hoi An Chic – Green Retreat’s tour desk. The property operates a 24-hour front desk where staff can assist you with luggage storage, laundry service and car rental. Other facilities include a Chic Art gallery, gift shop, library and internet corner.

Tra Que Vegetable Village is a 15-minute bicycle ride away, while Thanh Ha Pottery Village is a 30-minute bicycle ride away. Cua Dai Beach is a 5-minute drive from Hoi An Chic, while Da Nang International Airport and Da Nang Train Station are within a 35-minute car drive.

The on-site restaurant serves a daily buffet breakfast, while other meals can be prepared upon request, according to Booking.com.

The three-and-a-half-pearl Hoi An Chic Hotel is a charming boutique located amid rice paddies between the city center and Cua Dai Beach. Its 17 rooms are spacious, airy, and stylish, with lots of natural wood and bamboo accents, local touches such as wood carvings, and great indoor/outdoor bathrooms with soaking tubs and rainfall showers. Each room has a private patio or balcony — overlooking the paddies or garden — and free Wi-Fi is generally fast. A small but tasty free breakfast buffet is served in the restaurant, while other meals offer an array of Vietnamese and international options. The rooftop pool is pretty, but some lounger cushions need replacing. Free shuttle service is available to the city center, but the location may be too secluded for some, according to Wanderlust.

7. The Mulberry Collection: Silk Eco

Photo: Mulberry Collection

Featuring an outdoor pool and spa centre, Mulberry Collection Silk Eco offers a tranquil accommodation in the Cam Pho district of Hoi An. Guests at the hotel can lounge at the sun terrace and soak in the Hoi An sun, have a barbeque, or choose from the variety of dishes at the on-site restaurant.

All rooms have a flat-screen satellite TV with international channels. Certain units include a seating area where you can relax. You will find a kettle in the room. Each room has an open-concept bathroom with a walk-in rainfall shower, bathrobes, slippers and hairdryers.

The hotel also offers free use of bicycles. Assembly Hall of the Cantonese Chinese Congregation is 500 m from Mulberry Collection Silk Eco, while Hoi An Ancient Town is 800 m away. The nearest airport is Da Nang International Airport, 23 km from the property.

Botanic Restaurant offers all-day dining experience for diners to tuck into local delights or enjoy Western dishes. Guests can also have a hearty buffet breakfast here, according to Booking.com.

8. Hoi An Ancient House Resort

Photo: Trile_Media

Situated in Cam Chau district, Hoi An Ancient House Resort is only 1.5 km from Hoi An Ancient Town. The hotel houses barbecue facilities, a sun deck and year-round out door pool. Guests can enjoy all-day dining at the Ancient House restaurant or have a drink at the bar.

The resort offers traditional style units with fresh and light decors. All units have air conditioning, minibar and balcony. Certain units feature a patio with views of the garden. An en suite bathroom comes equipped with a bath, hairdryer and free toiletries. For your comfort, slippers and bathrobes are included. Room service is available.

Guests to relax with a professional massage at the on-site spa centre. A well-equipped gym and business centre are also available at the property. Cooking classes are offered by the resort. Guests can approach staff at the 24-hour front desk for luggage storage, tour arrangements, ticket service and currency exchange. Free WiFi access is featured throughout the property.

Hoi An Ancient House Resort offers car hire and free use of bicycles. Assembly Hall of Chaozhou Chinese Congregation and Quan Cong Temple are within 1.3 km from the resort, while Cua Dai Beach is 3.2 km away. The nearest airport is Danang International Airport, 35 km away, according to Booking.com.

The ponds and small brick-laid lanes that weave around this small resort of clay-tile roofed houses cascade down towards a small tributary of the Thu Bon River. The doors of these light, balconied rooms with open onto gardens of frangipani, palm and bamboo. At the foot of the resort is a protected 200-year-old house, made of ebony and ironwood, that’s been home to five generations of the same family. Each morning they make fresh rice noodles that are sold to local restaurants; guests can visit them at work and see rice sheets drying in the sun. Sourcing its organic veg from two local farms, Ancient House is also reducing plastic usage, and donating furniture and amenities to charity.