Best area to stay in Hoi An, Vietnam: A complete guide for 2026 travelers
Hoi An is a UNESCO-listed town in Quang Nam province, central Vietnam. The town is famous for its preserved 15th-century Ancient Town, its tailor shops, its long coastline along the East Sea, and its proximity to several beaches. This guide explains every major area where travelers can stay in Hoi An, make comparisons, and shows you why Binh Minh Beach in southern Hoi An has become the top choice for travelers who want a quiet beach, easy access to the Old Town, and a true wellness experience.
Why choosing the right area in Hoi An matters
Many travelers assume that any hotel in Hoi An will give them the same experience, but this is not true. The town is geographically compact, yet each neighborhood has its own atmosphere, noise level, access to the beach, and distance to the main attractions. Choosing the wrong area often leads to disappointment, especially for travelers who only have three to five nights.
Before you book a hotel, you should consider four factors:
- The type of experience you want: Culture, beach, wellness, and family activities are concentrated in different areas of Hoi An.
- The distance to Hoi An Ancient Town: Some areas are walkable, while others require a 20–25 minute drive.
- The level of privacy you prefer: The Old Town is busy day and night, while the southern beaches are quiet.
- The season of your visit: The dry season runs from February to August, and the rainy season runs from September to January. Some areas, such as the Old Town riverside, flood during the rainy months.
The main areas to stay in Hoi An at a glance
Hoi An has five main areas where travelers usually stay. The table below summarizes the atmosphere, target traveler, and distance to the Ancient Town for each area. Detailed descriptions follow.
| Area | Atmosphere | Best for | Distance to Old Town |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hoi An Ancient Town | Lively, historic | Culture lovers, first-timers | Walking distance |
| An Bang Beach | Bohemian, social | Backpackers, café-hoppers | ~5 km |
| Cua Dai Beach | Faded, recovering | Budget travelers | ~4 km |
| Cam Thanh countryside | Rural, peaceful | Eco-tourists | ~5 km |
| Binh Minh Beach (southern Hoi An) | Pristine, exclusive, wellness-focused | Couples, families, wellness seekers | ~17 km (free shuttle) |
Hoi An Ancient Town
Hoi An Ancient Town is the historic core of the city and the only UNESCO World Heritage zone in the area. The streets are narrow, the buildings are between 200 and 400 years old, and most attractions are within walking distance of each other.
The Ancient Town is convenient for travelers who want to visit tailor shops, Chinese assembly halls, the Japanese Covered Bridge, and the lantern-lit night market. However, the area has three main drawbacks: it is crowded from morning until midnight, it has no beach access, and the streets along the Thu Bon River flood frequently during the rainy season from October to November.
This area suits travelers who plan to stay only one or two nights and prioritize sightseeing over relaxation.
An Bang Beach
An Bang Beach is located about 5 kilometers northeast of the Ancient Town. The area used to be a quiet fishing village, but in the past ten years, it has become a popular beach hub filled with Western-style cafés, surf bars, and beach clubs.
An Bang has the advantage of being close to the Old Town, but the beach has suffered partial erosion, and the area becomes crowded during the high season from June to August. The atmosphere appeals mostly to younger travelers and digital nomads.
This area suits solo travelers and backpackers who want a social beach scene close to the city center.
Cua Dai Beach
Cua Dai Beach is located about 4 kilometers east of the Ancient Town. The beach was once considered the best in Hoi An, but severe coastal erosion has reduced its width significantly over the past decade. Many sections are now protected by sandbags and concrete breakwaters.
Some hotels in this area still operate at lower prices because of the smaller beachfront. Travelers who choose Cua Dai usually do so for the proximity to the Ancient Town rather than for the beach itself.
This area suits budget travelers who want easy access to the Old Town and do not mind a limited beach experience.
Cam Thanh and the countryside
Cam Thanh is a rural area located about 5 kilometers southeast of the Ancient Town. The neighborhood is best known for the Bay Mau Coconut Forest, where visitors can ride traditional bamboo basket boats. The landscape consists of rice paddies, water coconut palms, and small village homestays.
Cam Thanh has no beach access, and it has very few restaurants or shops outside the homestays themselves. Travelers who stay here usually rent bicycles or scooters to reach the beach or the Ancient Town.
This area suits eco-conscious travelers and those who want to experience rural Vietnamese life.
Binh Minh Beach – the hidden gem of southern Hoi An
Binh Minh Beach is located about 17 kilometers south of Hoi An Ancient Town and about 30 kilometers south of Da Nang International Airport. The beach stretches for 3 kilometers along the East Sea and reaches up to 100 meters in width, making it one of the longest and widest beaches in central Vietnam.
The name Binh Minh means “sunrise” in Vietnamese, because the beach faces directly east and offers clear sunrise views over the sea. The area has very little tourist development, which keeps the sand clean, the water calm, and the atmosphere quiet throughout the year.
Binh Minh is far enough from the Old Town to feel like a true coastal escape, but a free resort shuttle makes day trips into the Ancient Town simple. This combination is rare in Hoi An, and it explains why Binh Minh has become the preferred choice for couples, families, and wellness travelers.
Read more: Discover Hoi An where to stay: Best area to stay in Hoi An for every traveler
Why Binh Minh Beach is the best area to stay in Hoi An
Binh Minh Beach offers several advantages that other areas of Hoi An no longer provide. The following six points explain why this stretch of coast has become the top recommendation for travelers who stay more than two nights.
Pristine, uncrowded beachfront
The beach at Binh Minh has not experienced the erosion that affected Cua Dai, and it has not been developed to the same extent as An Bang. Visitors can walk for hundreds of meters without crossing paths with another guest, and the sand remains clean throughout the year.
Safe, family-friendly waters
The waves at Binh Minh are small, and the seabed slopes gradually away from the shore. These conditions make the beach one of the safest swimming areas in Hoi An, especially for children and inexperienced swimmers.
Sunrise views over the East Sea
The beach faces directly east, which means guests can watch the sunrise over the open sea from their rooms or from the beach itself. Few other accommodation areas in Hoi An offer this view.
Authentic local life
A small fishing village is located within walking distance of the resorts at Binh Minh. Local fishermen return to shore at dawn each day with their catch, and the surrounding lanes have no souvenir shops or tour buses.
A balanced location
Binh Minh is far enough from the Old Town to remain quiet at night, but the 25-minute drive (or free shuttle) makes day trips easy. Travelers can therefore enjoy a real beach holiday and still spend evenings exploring Hoi An’s heritage zone.
A growing wellness destination
The clean air, the low noise level, and the absence of nightlife have made Binh Minh popular with wellness travelers. Several yoga retreats and multi-day spa programs now operate in the area, and the conditions are well suited for slow-paced, restorative travel.
Bliss Hoi An Beach Resort & Wellness – where to stay in Binh Minh Beach
Binh Minh Beach has a small number of accommodation options, and Bliss Hoi An Beach Resort & Wellness is the leading five-star property in the area. The resort has been operating since 2022, and it received recognition from TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice as one of the Top 10 “Best of the Best” Hotels in the World in 2023. The sections below describe the location, accommodation, facilities, and services in detail.
A resort set on five hectares of beachfront land
Bliss Hoi An occupies a five-hectare site directly on the sand at Binh Minh Beach. The grounds include tropical gardens, lotus ponds, and palm-lined walkways. The architecture combines two styles: the traditional wooden craftsmanship of Hoi An shophouses and the colonial-era Indochine style. Most buildings are low-rise, which gives the property an open, spacious feel.
Accommodation for every type of traveler
The resort has 137 rooms and villas, divided into seven categories. Each category targets a different type of traveler:
- Deluxe Room – a garden-view room suitable for solo travelers and short stays.
- Ocean Deluxe Room – a room with a private balcony and direct sea view.
- Sky Ocean Deluxe – an upper-floor room with elevated views over the pool and the East Sea.
- Indochine – a room with colonial-era interior design and vintage furniture.
- Family Suites – a two-bedroom suite designed for families with children.
- Beachside Bungalow – a standalone villa located closest to the sand, often booked by honeymooners.
- Two-Bedroom Pool Villa – a private villa with a plunge pool, ideal for families or small groups.
Every room includes air-conditioning, soundproofed walls, free Wi-Fi, a mini-bar, and a marble bathroom. The interiors use neutral tones, locally crafted woodwork, and natural materials.
This summer, swap the noise of the city for the rhythm of the waves at Bliss Hoi An Beach Resort & Wellness. From only 1,900,000++ VND/person/night, you can wake up to coconut groves, breathe in the sea breeze of Binh Minh Beach, and let your days unfold at their own gentle pace.
Each stay includes:
- A night in a spacious Ocean Deluxe Room overlooking the coconut groves
- A daily buffet breakfast at Binh Minh Restaurant
- A complimentary Afternoon Tea for two
- A free shuttle to Hoi An Ancient Town
- A welcome fruit basket on arrival
- A complimentary room upgrade for stays of 3 nights or more (Deluxe bookings, subject to availability)
Valid for stays from 01 April to 30 September 2026.
A minimum 2-night stay applies in July and August. Offer is not available on public holidays, and is reserved for domestic guests and expatriates residing in Vietnam.
The 55-meter beachfront infinity pool
The resort’s main pool measures 55 meters in length and runs parallel to the beach. The pool follows a curved shape designed to mirror ocean waves, and the far edge overlooks the East Sea. The pool area also includes a separate shallow section for children, a sunken jacuzzi, and a swim-up bar. The pool is open daily from 6:30 AM to 8:00 PM.
Ngoc Linh Spa and the wellness program
The on-site spa is named Ngoc Linh Spa, after a rare ginseng grown in the mountains of central Vietnam. The spa offers traditional Vietnamese treatments that use local ingredients such as lemongrass, ginger, turmeric, and herbal compresses.
Treat yourself to more at Ngoc Linh Spa
Book any 90-minute full-body treatment at menu price and receive two complimentary services on us:
- A 15-minute basic facial with an anti-aging mask
- A 25-minute full-body exfoliation treatment
Offer valid until 30 June 2026
Step into Ngoc Linh Spa and rediscover a sense of freshness that begins from within.
In addition to spa treatments, the resort runs a daily wellness program that includes yoga, Tai Chi, meditation, and fitness classes. Most classes are held outdoors with views of the ocean, and they are included in the room rate. A modern gym is also available on-site.
Dining options
The resort serves a daily breakfast buffet that includes Vietnamese specialties such as pho and mi Quang, freshly baked bread, tropical fruits, and international dishes. Lunch and dinner are served in the main restaurant and at the pool bar, with menus that cover central Vietnamese cuisine, pan-Asian dishes, and Western options. Guests can also arrange private dinners on the beach for special occasions.
Activities and experiences
Bliss Hoi An offers several complimentary services that help guests explore the area:
- Cooking classes taught by the resort’s chefs, focused on Hoi An specialties such as white rose dumplings and cao lau.
- Free bicycle rental for rides through nearby fishing villages and rice fields.
- A free shuttle bus to Hoi An Ancient Town, with multiple departures each day.
- Optional paid sightseeing tours to Cu Lao Cham Island, Tra Que Vegetable Village, My Son Sanctuary and other attractions.
The free shuttle service is particularly important, because it removes the main concern travelers have about staying in Binh Minh, the distance from the Old Town.
Awards and guest ratings
Bliss Hoi An has maintained strong ratings across all major platforms. The resort received the TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice “Best of the Best” award in 2023, holds a 9.3/10 score on Booking.com, and consistently ranks in the top tier on Tripadvisor. The staff team is 95% locally recruited, and guest reviews frequently mention the warmth and attentiveness of the service.
Who should stay at Bliss Hoi An Beach Resort & Wellness
The resort suits a wide range of travelers, but five groups in particular are well matched to the property:
- Honeymooners and couples benefit from the private Beachside Bungalows, couples’ spa packages, and beachfront dinners.
- Families with children can use the Family Suites, the children’s pool, and the safe swimming conditions at Binh Minh Beach.
- Wellness travelers can join multi-day spa and yoga retreats designed by the resort’s wellness team.
- Solo travelers often choose the resort because of the safe environment and the attentive service from a 95% local staff team.
- Wedding and event organizers can book the resort’s ancient-house-style meeting hall, which accommodates up to 200 guests, as well as the beachfront lawns for ceremonies.
How to get to Bliss Hoi An Beach Resort & Wellness
The resort is accessible by road from both Da Nang and Hoi An. The most common arrival routes are listed below:
- From Da Nang International Airport (DAD): the distance is approximately 30 kilometers, and the drive takes around 45 minutes by car.
- From Hoi An Ancient Town: the distance is approximately 17 kilometers, and the drive takes around 25 minutes.
- Transport options: guests can book a private airport transfer through the resort, use Grab or a metered taxi, or for visits to the Old Town, take the resort’s free daily shuttle bus.
Best time to visit Binh Minh Beach and Hoi An
Hoi An has two main seasons, and each one offers a different travel experience.
- The dry season runs from February to August, with stable weather, clear skies, and calm seas. This period is the best time for beach activities, swimming, and outdoor sightseeing. July and August are the hottest months, with temperatures often above 35°C.
- The rainy season runs from September to January, with cooler temperatures and occasional tropical storms. While outdoor activities are limited, this period is well suited for wellness retreats, spa stays, and indoor cultural experiences. Room rates are also lower during this season, and the resort is less crowded.
Read more: Top Hoi An beach accommodation for families, couples & Travelers
Frequently asked questions
Below are the most common questions travelers ask before booking a stay in Hoi An. The answers cover location, transport, swimming conditions, and trip planning.
Q: What is the best area to stay in Hoi An for first-time visitors?
For most first-time visitors who plan to stay three or more nights, Binh Minh Beach in southern Hoi An is the best area. It combines a clean beach, quiet surroundings, and a free shuttle service to Hoi An Ancient Town, which gives travelers access to both the coast and the cultural sites.
Q: Is it better to stay near the beach or in the Old Town in Hoi An?
Most travelers who stay three nights or more prefer the beach. The Ancient Town can be visited in a half-day or evening, while the beach is where most travelers spend their time relaxing. A beachfront resort with a free shuttle service offers the best of both options.
Q: How far is Binh Minh Beach from Hoi An Ancient Town?
Binh Minh Beach is located approximately 17 kilometers south of Hoi An Ancient Town. The drive takes about 25 minutes by car, and Bliss Hoi An provides a free daily shuttle bus for guests.
Q: Does Bliss Hoi An Beach Resort offer a shuttle to the Old Town?
Yes, Bliss Hoi An operates a free daily shuttle bus between the resort and Hoi An Ancient Town. The shuttle runs multiple times each day, and guests can use it without booking a private taxi.
Q: Is Binh Minh Beach safe for swimming and families?
Yes. Binh Minh Beach has small waves, a gradually sloping seabed, and a wide stretch of open sand. These conditions make it one of the safest swimming beaches in the Hoi An area, especially for families with children.
Q: What makes Bliss Hoi An Beach Resort & Wellness unique?
The resort stands out because of its five-hectare beachfront location, its 55-meter infinity pool, its dedicated wellness program based on traditional Vietnamese practices, and its TripAdvisor Top 10 “Best of the Best” Hotels worldwide recognition in 2023.
Q: How many nights should I stay in Hoi An?
Three to five nights is the ideal stay length for most travelers. This duration allows time to visit the Ancient Town, take a cooking class or boat tour, make a day trip to My Son Sanctuary or Cu Lao Cham, and still enjoy several full days at the beach.
Plan your stay at the heart of Binh Minh Beach
Hoi An offers many areas where travelers can stay, but only Binh Minh Beach combines a pristine coastline, authentic local surroundings, a full wellness program, and convenient access to a UNESCO World Heritage site. The leading property in this area is Bliss Hoi An Beach Resort & Wellness, which suits couples, families, wellness travelers, and solo guests alike.
Book directly on blisshoian.com to receive up to 15% off and exclusive direct-booking benefits.
Your bliss, our wish.
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