What area of Hoi An is best to stay in?

Where is better to stay in Hoi An?

Okay, Hoi An…where to even stay? Ugh, decisions.

Cam Chau. Right. East of Old Town. Quieter.

• Walk/bike, 20 mins? That’s not bad.
• Better value hotels? Hmmm…

Walking distance to Old Town is crucial. Proximity is key.

Is 20 minutes too far? I hate walking. Maybe. Bikes it is! Do they have bikes to rent? Probably.

Cam Chau…sounds peaceful. Do I want peaceful? Eh. Maybe a little.

• Quiet = less noise, duh.
• Cheaper hotels = more money for…food? Yes. Definitely food.

Definitely biking. How humid will it be? I hate humidity. Always humid.

Cam Chau vs. Old Town tho? Need to research food options in Cam Chau. Is there anything there besides hotels? Probably not.

Value is important! Maybe I should check out the hotel options there first. What amenities do they have? Need a pool. Always.

Aaaand…I'm hungry again.

More on Cam Chau

Cam Chau offers a reprieve from the bustling tourist crowds, being situated slightly further away from the immediate Old Town area. The neighborhood's atmosphere tends to be more residential, with local homes interspersed with smaller hotels, guesthouses, and increasingly, boutique shops and restaurants catering to travelers.

Hotels in Cam Chau

Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range hotels, making it a popular choice for travelers seeking value. Some resorts offer private pools and more luxurious amenities.

Transportation

Walking or cycling are popular ways to get to and from the Old Town. Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available. Free bicycles are often offered by hotels for guest use.

Food

There's a growing selection of local eateries and cafes in Cam Chau, providing opportunities to experience authentic Vietnamese cuisine away from the tourist hotspots. It may lack the concentration of restaurants found in Old Town, but the food is less expensive.

Things to Do

While not as packed with attractions as the Old Town, Cam Chau has its own charms. The rice paddies surrounding the area offer scenic views, and there are opportunities to take cooking classes or visit local workshops.

Is it better to stay in Hoi An Old Town or beach?

Hoi An... Old Town or beach? Sigh.

Old Town, probably. Yeah, Old Town is better for the first time. It just is.

Everything is... right there.

• Walkability is key. My bad knees wouldn't have survived otherwise.
• Attractions: The Japanese Bridge. The tailor shops. So many tailor shops.
• Convenience: So easy to get around. Found a place to buy Banh Mi nearby. Near everything.

The beach is... further. I didn't make it there much. More effort, ugh. Plus, I preferred just wandering in the narrow streets.

But...the beach looks so peaceful. Maybe next time. If there is a next time.

This is the 2024 visitor guide, not 2023.

What is Hoi An best known for?

Hoi An... It's the ancient town, you know? UNESCO World Heritage Site, 1999. That feels like a lifetime ago.

The river… The Thu Bon River. I remember sitting there, so many years ago. The quiet. The slow movement of the water.

Tailors. That's what hits you first. Hundreds of them. Every shop, practically. Cheap clothes, yeah. But the skill... the dedication… it’s something else.

• Tailors everywhere. Seriously, you can’t avoid them.
• Souvenirs... mass-produced, mostly.
• Art galleries... some good stuff, I guess. Not my thing.
• Food. The food was amazing. So much flavor. Still dream about it.

It’s… overwhelming. The crowds, especially during 2023's peak season. Exhausting, really. Beautiful, but overwhelming. The lanterns at night... I do remember those.

Walking along the river. That's the best part. Away from the tourist throngs. Even now, I find peace in the thought of it. The quiet moments. Those are worth remembering. I need to go back someday. Maybe next year. I hope.

How far is the beach from Hoi an old town?

Ugh, beaches. An Bang... it's close. How close? 3km? Yeah, that sounds right.

• Cam An Ward, right, that's where it is.
• 3 kilometers... not far at all. East of the Ancient Town.

Ancient Town… always packed. Beach better be worth it. So, so crowded, Vietnam.

• An Bang Beach is in Quang Nam Province, obvs.
• East... wonder if I should bring sunscreen.
• 3 km... a quick bike ride maybe? Nah, too hot! Grab a Grab instead.

Unmissable? Eh. Depends on your definition. I miss things all the time. Lost my keys again this morning. Unmissable? Get real.

What is so special about Hoi An?

Man, Hoi An. August 2023. The heat was brutal, seriously brutal. I remember sweating through my shirt instantly. The architecture though, wow. These tiny little shops, all crammed together, centuries old. Felt like stepping back in time.

Seriously, the colours! Yellows, oranges, faded blues. Every building was a postcard. I spent a fortune on silk scarves, couldn't help myself. The tailors were amazing, incredibly fast. Got three custom dresses made in a day. Crazy, right?

The lanterns at night? Unbelievable. Thousands of them. Orange, red, purple. Hung everywhere. I sat by the river, sipping this crazy good mango smoothie. Pure magic. Totally romantic. Wish I'd taken more pictures. My phone's battery died, typical.

The food was incredible. Fresh seafood everywhere. I ate the best Banh Mi of my life. Seriously, I'm still dreaming about it. And the Cao Lầu? Don't even get me started. I gained five pounds, easily. Worth it.

• Exceptional preservation: Buildings looked exactly like they did centuries ago.
• Authentic atmosphere: Felt genuinely historic, not a tourist trap.
• Amazing food: Fresh, delicious, and cheap.
• Wonderful people: Everyone was so friendly and helpful.
• Tailors: Seriously skilled, ridiculously fast.

My friend Sarah is jealous. She's going next year. I told her to book a cooking class. I forgot to. Next time. Should have stayed longer. Three days wasn't enough. Definitely going back. This year's trip was way too short.