Anantara Hoi An Resort

About

Between the 15th and 18th centuries, merchants from Japan, China, Portugal and the Netherlands arrived in Hoi An carrying silk, ceramics and spices. They came by way of the Thu Bon River, the same river that still flows quietly past the resort’s terrace today. That relationship with the city is what makes Anantara special. While many luxury resorts in Vietnam ask guests to retreat from their surroundings, this one invites them straight into them. The UNESCO protected old town is only a short walk away. Early in the morning, before the souvenir stalls open and the tour groups appear, Hoi An belongs to market vendors, fishermen and residents collecting coffee on their way to work. The resort itself occupies a graceful colonial style compound along the waterfront. Long verandas overlook the river, ceiling fans turn overhead and the atmosphere feels relaxed rather than performative. The architecture sits comfortably within its surroundings without trying to steal the spotlight. One of the hotel’s quiet pleasures is returning at the end of the day. After hours spent wandering merchant houses, assembly halls and lantern lit streets, there is something deeply satisfying about settling onto the terrace with a drink while wooden boats drift past on the river. Within walking distance are family run noodle shops, lively riverside restaurants and cafés occupying buildings that have stood here for centuries. The hotel provides comfort, calm and a front row seat to one of Southeast Asia’s most captivating historic towns. The memories tend to involve Hoi An as much as the hotel itself, which in this case feels entirely appropriate.