Hoi An will pop up in your research of Vietnam for its colorful pictures of UNESCO Old Town, and proximity to the beach. In fact, after staring at these pictures for too long, you might be dreaming of moving there but are unsure if it's realistic or what the accommodation prospects include.
Hoi An is a quaint town in Vietnam's coastal region and attracts people from around the world who seek a slower pace of life or a luxurious vacation. Imagine walking through lantern-adorned streets, sitting in a quiet corner cafe, browsing antique shops, all while living only a fifteen-minute drive from the beach.
The city center is surrounded by canals and bridges, and most tourists love the ease of walking to the beach. Over the year, the weather fluctuates between rainy or dry heat, and the cost of living and fine dining is significantly cheaper than in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.
Features of Hoi An
In 2022, Hoi An welcomed 4.3 million tourists, and the numbers are steadily increasing.
However, life in Hoi An is not for everybody. This is a major tourist attraction, and the crowds are concentrated in the main strip. While a few foreigners have compared Hoi An to Chiang Mai, Thailand, due to their slower pace of life - that is where the similarities end.
The real estate market in Hoi An
Hoi An offers many types of accommodation, catering to most needs. There are hostels and hotels in the city center which are better for short-term stays. There are also guesthouses and homestays in the surrounding areas.
For a quiet and affordable option, opt for a homestay if you are only in Hoi An for a short while. You will be supporting a local family and will have exposure to the inner workings of a Vietnamese home, all whilst being surrounded by nature and located a stone's throw from many activities. You'll likely be located near a fresh market, should you choose to purchase groceries, or you might get invited to join the homestay family for a local feast.
For longer-term stays in Hoi An, there are villas, apartments, and houses available for rent or purchase. Rental is still affordable in and around the town, and you won't struggle to find a suitable spot.
Monthly leases for Hoi An rental apartments range from 9 million VND (USD 370) to 18 million VND (USD 741). If you are thinking of buying property in Hoi An, property prices begin around 2.3 billion VND (USD 94,000) and can go as high as 10 billion VND(USD 411,950). If you choose to live further out of town, in the rice paddy areas, for example, it is recommended that you are comfortable driving a scooter and secure your international driver's license before your arrival.
Neighborhoods in Hoi An
Hoi An is a medium-sized town with several different neighborhoods for long-term stays. Find the right place for you to settle down in Hoi An:
- Old Town: The tourist hot spot - expect things to be higher in price as local businesses capitalize on visitors;
- Cam Pho: North West of Old Town and slightly quieter from the hustle of Ancient Town;
- Tan An and Cam Ha: Popular areas for foreigners to rent villas and apartments.
How to find accommodation in Hoi An
To find accommodation in Hoi An, it can help to chat with people around you and see if they know of anything if you're already in the city. You can also browse websites like Booking.com and hoianhouse.com. Don't forget that Facebook is massively popular in Vietnam and an excellent tool for housing. Facebook groups like Da Nang & Hoi An Expats or Apartments, Houses, Villas Rental in Da Nang - Hoi An Expats will connect you with eager agents and lease takeovers.
Useful links:
Da Nang & Hoi An Expats | Facebook
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