A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hoi An vs. Atami for Food, Backpackers, Attractions, and Families

Should you visit Hoi An or Atami?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Hoi An and Atami. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Hoi An

Hoi An is a beautiful, traditional, and quaint town. The beauty of Hoi An is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the beaches, shopping, and museums. See Hoi An travel costs.

Atami

Atami is a overlooked, nostalgic, and authentic town. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and shopping. See Atami travel costs.

Hoi An and Atami: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hoi An or Atami?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hoi An. Although Hoi An and Atami are popular destinations, Hoi An has more sights and attractions for tourists. Hoi An is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Atami attracts visitors for its nightlife. Hoi An is more touristy than Atami and is known for its peaceful and traditional old town, its unique culinary traditions, and its affordable custom made clothing. It is also well known for the Fukian Assembly Hall. Atami is famous for its onsen (hot springs) and sandy beaches.

How is Hoi An different from Atami?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Atami and Hoi An. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Hoi An or Atami?

Hoi An is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Hoi An. The old town is like a living museum. It's pedestrian-friendly and filled with beautiful yellow buildings. Highlights of the town include the Phung Hung House, Fukian Assembly Hall, and the Hoi An Museum.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Atami. The onsen, or hot springs, have historically been a big draw to this town. Places to experience them include Oedo Onsen Monogatari Atami, Otsuki Hotel Wafukan, and Myoraku-Yu. Other sights around town include Kaminiya Shrine and the MOA Museum of Art.

Is the Food Better in Hoi An or Atami? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hoi An is renowned for its restaurants. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Many restaurants in Hoi An have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The local cuisine is truly unique from the rest of Vietnam. It's considered to be a culinary city with interesting recipes that depend on local ingredients that can't be found outside of the region. Specialty dishes of the city include Cao Lầu (pork and rice noodles), Bánh Bao Bánh Vạc (white rose dumplings), and Cơm Gà Hoi An (Hoi An chicken rice).

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Atami area. You'll find an authentic Japanese dining experience here, with a lot of seafood due to the city's coastal location. Popular dishes include sushi, dried fish, and fish boiled in broth.

Is Hoi An or Atami Better for Nightlife?

Atami is a good destination for nightlife. However, Hoi An is lacking in options for nightlife and partying.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Atami. The town was once a place to escape the city and enjoy a fun night out, but these days it's a bit quieter and has more of a nostalgic vibe. Head to Yushima Yugijo Yushima Amusement Center for some of the best nightlife in town.

Hoi An is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. It's definitely not your typical backpacker party town, and the city is quietly beautiful in the evening. Many of the bars in the old town close before midnight, but there are some places outside of the area if you're looking for something more lively.

Is Hoi An or Atami Better for Beaches?

Hoi An and Atami both offer nice beaches.

Hoi An offers a nice beach destination. There is a long stretch of sandy beach in the area, that can be broken into five different sections. Some areas are privately owned, but there is still plenty of public beach to choose from. An Bang Beach is the most developed and popular beach in the area. Coconut Beach is the most luxurious, and Ha My Beach is similar to An Bang, but smaller.

Atami is a good option for a beach vacation. The most popular beach in the city is Atami Sun Beach, which is right in town. It's a place to relax in the sun, and there are sometimes fireworks throughout the year.

Is Hoi An or Atami Better for its Old Town?

Hoi An is renowned for its old town. However, Atami does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Hoi An is one of the most recognized in the world. The charming old town is recognizable for its striking yellow color and its many tailor shops. It feels like a living museum, and the evening hours are particularly special with the town's lanterns lighting the way.

Atami does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Hoi An or Atami?

Hoi An is renowned for its shopping opportunities. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Hoi An draws large crowds to its stores. It is considered to be one of the best and most affordable cities in the world for tailor made clothing. Pop in a shop and have your measurements made. You can pick out a design and in a day or two return for your custom made outfit. It's a truly unique shopping experience.

Many visitors go to Atami to go shopping. You'll find a couple of retro shopping streets in town such as Atami Ekimae Shopping Street, Nakamise Shopping Street, and Heiwadori Shopping Street. There are arcades and food stalls where you can sample local dishes.

Is Hoi An or Atami More Beautiful?

Hoi An is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Atami is not a destination known for its beauty.

The beauty of Hoi An is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The city is beautiful during the day with its traditional architecture, as well as at night when it is lit with lanterns.

Atami is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Hoi An or Atami Better for Families?

Hoi An is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Hoi An is very family-friendly. Kids will appreciate the thrill of a visit to Ba Na Hills, which is a theme park with roller coasters, zip lines, and more. Near the city you'll also find ancient ruins, outdoor activities, hands-on classes, and, of course, the impressive old town.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Atami. The city is a hot springs area, but you can also head to the nearby beaches and other family-friendly activities.

Is Hoi An or Atami Better for Couples?

Hoi An is a very popular place for its romantic activities. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Hoi An makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. This charming city has a lot of character and some of Vietnam's best restaurants. The city is also known for its tailor made clothes, so make sure you do some shopping while you're in town.

Atami is a good town for couples to visit. This is a beach and hot springs resort area, and in historic times it was a honeymoon destination. Today you'll find beaches, hot springs, shopping, and museums to explore, but most visitors use it as a base to explore the nearby areas, as the town itself doesn't have a lot to offer.

Is Hoi An or Atami Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hoi An is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Hoi An is extremely popular for backpackers. It's solidly on the backpacker trail, and you'll find many visitors who come for the beautiful culture and fascinating setting.

Plenty of backpackers visit Atami. While there aren't a huge number of hostels in the area, and backpackers often skip over this town, prices aren't particularly high so you should be able to find something affordable.

Is Hoi An or Atami Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Hoi An and Atami.

Hoi An has some public transit options. Biking, taxis, and motorbikes are the most popular ways to explore the area.

You'll find some public transit in Atami, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are public buses, such as the YuYu Bus, which has two routes and passes by many of the town's attractions.

Is Hoi An or Atami a more walkable city?

Hoi An is renowned for its high level of walkability. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Hoi An. There are "walking hours" when motorized vehicles aren't allowed in the old town, and this is a particularly good time to explore on foot.

Atami is a somewhat walkable town. Some parts of the city are more walkable than others.

For even more information, also check out Is Hoi An Worth Visiting? and Is Atami Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Atami or Hoi An?

How long in Hoi An or Atami?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Hoi An or Atami to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Hoi An than Atami because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Hoi An, and 1-2 days is enough time in Atami.

Families should spend more time in Hoi An than Atami. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Hoi An, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Hoi An than Atami. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Hoi An that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Hoi An than Atami if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Hoi An.

One day in Hoi An or Atami?

In Hoi An, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this peaceful destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Atami. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Hoi An or Atami?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hoi An. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Atami is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Hoi An or Atami?

Hoi An is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Hoi An. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Atami. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Hoi An or Atami?

You'll find food and shopping around the peaceful destination of Hoi An. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the overlooked destination of Atami. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Vietnam, The Best Historical Tours in Vietnam, The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hoi An and Atami, we can see that Atami is more expensive. And not only is Hoi An much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hoi An would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hoi An and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Atami would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Atami than you might in Hoi An.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Hoi An Expensive? and Is Atami Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Hoi An or Atami?

Atami has a larger population, and is about 24% larger than the population of Hoi An. When comparing the sizes of Hoi An and Atami, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Hoi An or Atami?

Atami has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Hoi An experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Hoi An or Atami in the Summer?

Both Atami and Hoi An are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hoi An throughout the year. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Atami because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Hoi An is a little warmer than Atami. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hoi An in July average around 29°C (85°F), and Atami averages at about 26°C (78°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hoi An. Hoi An usually receives more sunshine than Atami during summer. Hoi An gets 242 hours of sunny skies, while Atami receives 140 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Atami. In July, Hoi An usually receives less rain than Atami. Hoi An gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Atami receives 202 mm (8 in) of rain each month for the summer. The dry season in Hoi An is February to July. The rainy season in Hoi An is September to January.

Should I visit Hoi An or Atami in the Autumn?

Both Atami and Hoi An during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Hoi An because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the shopping scene are the main draw to Atami this time of year.

In October, Hoi An is generally a little warmer than Atami. Daily temperatures in Hoi An average around 25°C (78°F), and Atami fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In the autumn, Hoi An often gets more sunshine than Atami. Hoi An gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Atami receives 130 hours of full sun.

Atami gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Hoi An. Hoi An usually gets more rain in October than Atami. Hoi An gets 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain, while Atami receives 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hoi An or Atami in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hoi An and Atami. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hoi An year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Atami for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Hoi An is much warmer than Atami in the winter. The daily temperature in Hoi An averages around 22°C (71°F) in January, and Atami fluctuates around 5°C (42°F).

Hoi An usually receives less sunshine than Atami during winter. Hoi An gets 136 hours of sunny skies, while Atami receives 162 hours of full sun in the winter.

Hoi An gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Hoi An usually receives more rain than Atami. Hoi An gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Atami receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the winter. February to July in Hoi An is the dry season. Also, September to January is the rainy season in Hoi An.

Should I visit Hoi An or Atami in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Hoi An as well as Atami. Hoi An attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Atami in the spring for the beaches.

In the spring, Hoi An is much warmer than Atami. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hoi An in April average around 26°C (80°F), and Atami averages at about 14°C (57°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hoi An this time of the year. In the spring, Hoi An often gets more sunshine than Atami. Hoi An gets 210 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Atami receives 161 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Atami. Hoi An usually gets less rain in April than Atami. Hoi An gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Atami receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Atami and Hoi An