The hype
Travelers adore the pool and the peaceful rice field setting, calling it a 'home away from home' with lovely staff.
Én Retreat Hoi An
$15-35/ night
Book this if You want a budget-friendly, rice-paddy sanctuary away from the Old Town tourist crush and are comfortable riding a scooter or bicycle.
Why People Love It
- Serene views of lush rice paddies right from the balcony
- A sparkling, self-cleaning pool that feels like a private oasis
- Genuine local village vibe in Cam Thanh, far from the tailor-shop touts
Quick Take: A charmingly rustic budget retreat that delivers silence and scenery, provided you don't mind a 10-minute Grab ride to civilization and the occasional ant invasion.
Reviewed by @GodovNerds: I arrived here in total survival mode, but this room completely reset me. The stone tub overlooking the garden was the main event—I spent hours soaking there. It felt earthy, calm, and exactly like the tropical sanctuary I needed after a chaotic travel day.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
Housekeeping can be inconsistent—complaints range from 'clumps of hair' left behind to ignored 'do not disturb' signs.
- You crave silence and nature over proximity to bars
- You are comfortable riding a bicycle or motorbike
- You are a digital nomad looking for a cheap, quiet base for a week
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.5
- Housekeeping: Generally good daily service, though some reports of 'missed spots' and ignored privacy signs.
- Bathroom hygiene: Mostly clean, but watch out for ants and the occasional worn-out grout.
- Maintenance: Newer property feel, but signs of wear (peeling paint) are starting to show.
- Linens & towels: Fresh and decent quality for the price point.
- Odors & scents: Fresh country air, occasionally punctuated by burning rice straw in harvest season.
Sleepability™
8.5SILENT
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Roosters/nature sounds early morning
- occasional construction in the developing neighborhood
Before you book
Good to know
- Grab taxis to Old Town cost roughly 50k-70k VND ($2-3)
- Free bicycles are usually available but check their condition (brakes/tires) before heading out
- Breakfast is pre-order style the night before; the pancakes get better reviews than the eggs
What to pack
- Mosquito repellent (rice paddies = bugs)
- Earplugs (if roosters bother you)
- International driving permit (if you plan to rent a scooter legally)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Deluxe Double with Balcony (Upper Floor) for the best rice paddy breezes and privacy
- Pool View rooms on the 2nd floor to avoid ground-level noise
Rooms to avoid
- Ground floor rooms near the pool (lack of privacy, noise from swimmers)
- Rooms with 'outdoor bathtubs' if you are shy (sightlines from neighbors are possible)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I would love to request an upper-floor room with a balcony facing the rice fields or pool. Please avoid the ground floor if possible for privacy.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is it walkable to the Old Town?
No. It is a 3km distance, which is a sweaty 45-minute walk. You need wheels.
Is there a pool?
Yes, a clean, well-maintained outdoor pool that is the highlight of the property.
Is breakfast included?
Yes, usually included. It's a simple à la carte menu (eggs, pancakes, pho) chosen the night before.
Are there restaurants nearby?
A few local gems are within walking distance, but the main dining hub is in town.
Can I rent a scooter at the hotel?
Yes, but proceed with caution. Reviews cite strict late fees and rudeness. We recommend renting from a reputable shop in town.
Is it quiet?
Very. It is set back from the main roads, surrounded by fields.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Walk 10 minutes to 'The Field Restaurant' for a stunning eco-dining experience on a bamboo raft.
- ✨
Don't pay the hotel for 'instant noodles' in the room; buy them at the local mini-mart for 1/3 the price.
- ✨
Ask for a room *away* from the neighbor's house to avoid awkward bathroom eye contact.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'outdoor bathtub' sounds romantic but might offer a show to the neighbors.
💡You will likely be woken up by roosters, not traffic.
💡The 'free' bikes are often rickety—test the brakes immediately.
💡Housekeeping might ignore your 'Do Not Disturb' sign to make the bed anyway.
💡The reception closes early; don't expect 24/7 concierge service.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Én Retreat Hoi An is located and what's nearby.