Hoi An is one of Vietnam’s most enchanting towns. A place where history, culture, and charm converge in a way few destinations can match. Once a thriving 16th-century trading port, its UNESCO-listed Old Town is a beautifully preserved maze of lantern-lit streets, ochre-hued shophouses, and ornate assembly halls shaped by Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese influences. We recently stayed at Anantara Hoi An Resort, a property that mirrors the city’s Asian and French colonial architecture.

While this stay was complimentary, all thoughts and opinions are our own.

Anantara Hoi An Resort review

Anantara Hoi An Resort review Swimming Pool
The pool is a popular hang

Just a short walk from the Old Town and set along the banks of the Thu Bồn River, Anantara Hoi An Resort feels quietly tucked away from the bustle. The resort’s 92 rooms and suites are spread across two- and three-storey soft pastel-painted buildings. Arched doorways, wooden shutters and symmetrical façades echo Indochine-era colonial architecture. Stone paths cut through perfectly manicured lawns, linking the buildings beneath a canopy of mature trees strung with colourful lanterns—a subtle nod to the city’s heritage.

Our arrival is marked by the distinct reverberation of a large ceremonial gong. A staff member in a flowing crimson áo dài—Vietnam’s traditional tunic—welcomes us with a smile and leads us to the open-air lobby. Cold towels and refreshing drinks appear almost immediately. It’s a graceful, unhurried welcome that sets the tone for the stay: attentive and infused with a quiet sense of tradition.

Rooms & suites

Anantara Hoi An Resort review Deluxe Balcony Room Interior
Rooms and suites are exceedingly spacious

Anantara’s rooms and suites offer a spacious split-level layout. A serene bedroom connects to a stylish mosaic-tiled bathroom. The open-plan flow leads to a sunken lounge opening onto a balcony or terrace with cushioned daybeds. Depending on the room, guests enjoy calming garden views or the vibrant life of the Thu Bồn River.

Our Deluxe River View Suite on the second floor felt even more expansive thanks to the natural light flooding the bathroom. The daybeds quickly became my favourite perch—ideal for early-morning coffee from the in-room espresso machine, watching local fisherfolk cast nets in the soft morning light. Late afternoon, the same spot proved as inviting, with a chilled drink watching the lantern-lit boats cruising around the river’s nearby islands.

Hoi An’s artisan heritage runs deep; creativity still pulses through its streets and studios today. Reflecting that spirit, every Anantara room features original images by Rehahn—a Vietnam-based French photographer known for capturing the soul of Vietnamese culture through his evocative portraits and landscapes.

Food and drink

Anantara Hoi An Resort review Beef Pho
Sample local delicacies such as pho

Dining at Anantara Hoi An reflects both the compelling setting and the broader cultural identity of the town. Three venues offer distinctly different vibes while tying into the resort’s commitment to creativity and local connection.

Perched on the upper level with breezy river views, Lanterns is the setting for breakfast. Mornings begin with a generous buffet—fresh tropical fruit, East-meets-West hot dishes, and warm pastries that nod to the town’s French influence. Try the strong, sweet Vietnamese coffee, served just as the locals take it. I especially enjoyed the cao lầu, Hoi An’s signature noodle dish, layered with texture, and local flavour.

Art Space is a restaurant, bar, and contemporary gallery. This laid-back street-side venue is open from late morning into the evening and ideal for a glass of wine or something from the internationally inspired menu. Unable to choose, I opted for a wood-fired pizza—thin, crisp, and satisfying. The rotating gallery exhibition, curated in collaboration with Hoi An’s March Gallery, adds depth to the experience, showcasing works by emerging Vietnamese artists.

At sunset, Hoi An Riverside comes into its own. Tables spill onto the lawn, with the Thu Bồn just beyond. The menu focuses squarely on Vietnamese cuisine, offering a wide-ranging introduction to the country’s culinary traditions. We went all in and weren’t disappointed. With over 100 labels and a Wine Spectator Excellence Award, the wine list adds the right flourish to a well-rounded dining experience.

Things to do

Anantara Hoi An Resort review Anantara Spa Double Treatment Room
Be sure to book a treatment at the spa

True to the brand, Anantara Spa offers a thoughtful blend of beauty, wellness, and therapeutic treatments. Vietnamese herbal therapies, Himalayan salt crystal massages, and energy-balancing Reiki stood out among the signature offerings. I also joined a complimentary morning yoga session—a calming way to ease into the day.

The resort’s generous pool area was consistently popular, with ample shaded sunbeds and a tranquil, leafy setting. The glass-walled gym offers a surprisingly scenic workout, with views over the gardens and the river. Like many guests, we made good use of the complimentary bicycles—riding along the riverside path leading into the Old Town and out to the surrounding countryside.

A daily activities board listed complimentary and chargeable activities. Options ranged from painting and traditional lantern-making to cocktail mixology, coconut oil making, and Vietnamese cooking classes. One of my fruits of a painting session now hangs in our home—a colourful reminder of time well spent and a uniquely meaningful souvenir.

Final thoughts

Anantara Hoi An Resort manages that rare balance: close enough to the Old Town to feel immersed, yet set apart enough to offer serenity. With its tranquil riverside setting, spacious and comfortable rooms, and warm, attentive service, it’s a place that stays with you—not just as a luxury retreat but as part of the Hoi An experience.

Learn more about Anantara Hoi An Resort or Book through Booking.com

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