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

Should you visit Hoi An or Bangkok?

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 Bangkok. 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 traditional, quaint, and peaceful town. Hoi An is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for shopping, museums, and food. See Hoi An travel costs.

Bangkok

Bangkok is a high energy, cultural, and alluring capital city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Bangkok is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Bangkok travel costs.

Hoi An and Bangkok: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hoi An or Bangkok?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bangkok. Although Hoi An and Bangkok are both popular with visitors, Bangkok has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Bangkok is more popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, and big city activities, while Hoi An is known for its beaches and historical sights. Hoi An is more touristy than Bangkok and is popular for its peaceful and traditional old town, its unique culinary traditions, and its affordable custom made clothing. Bangkok is popular for its colorful temples, lively markets, wild nightlife, and sprawling shopping malls. It is also home to The Grand Palace and Wat Prakeaw.

How is Hoi An different from Bangkok?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Bangkok 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 Bangkok?

Bangkok is terrific for its museums and history. Also, Hoi An is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Bangkok from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The city is filled with golden temples and beautiful statues of Buddha. Famous landmarks include the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun, and the Temple of the Golden Buddha.

Hoi An offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

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

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Hoi An and Bangkok.

Eat your way through Hoi An, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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).

For foodies, Bangkok is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The city has many colorful markets, street food vendors, and a range of restaurants from casual to high end. The aroma and beautiful flavors of local dishes are a big part of the experience in this city. Dishes that you must try include Pad Thai, Tom Yum Goong (shrimp soup), and Gaeng Daeng (red curry). Many foods are very spicy so make sure you order with "no spice" if that is your preference.

Is Hoi An or Bangkok Better for Nightlife?

Bangkok is terrific for nightlife. However, Hoi An is lacking in options for nightlife and partying.

Bangkok is a must-see party destination. Cheap drinks, late nights, and crazy parties make this city a favorite for backpackers and young party-goers. Head to Khao San Road for the biggest crowds and crazy parties. Nana Plaza is another option with a three story building that is filled with bars and clubs.

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 Bangkok Better for Beaches?

Hoi An is a town with good options for its beaches. However, Bangkok is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Hoi An. 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.

Bangkok is not a beach destination.

Is Hoi An or Bangkok Better for its Old Town?

Hoi An is a world-class destination for its historic old town. However, Bangkok does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Hoi An is revered around 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.

Bangkok does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Hoi An or Bangkok?

Shoppers can find a variety of fantastic stores in both Hoi An and Bangkok.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Hoi An. 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.

The abundance of shops in Bangkok make it a world-class shopping destination. Shopping options range from modern malls to more traditional markets. The malls offer bargain prices for technology and gadgets while the markets offer fabric, food, local goods, and a unique experience. The city also has nearby floating markets as well as night markets, which let you experience a different side to the culture.

Is Hoi An or Bangkok More Beautiful?

Hoi An and Bangkok both are comparable with their very good scenery and beauty.

Hoi An is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The city is beautiful during the day with its traditional architecture, as well as at night when it is lit with lanterns.

The beauty of Bangkok is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The temples and energy are what give this impressive city it's own form of beauty.

Is Hoi An or Bangkok Better for Families?

Both Hoi An and Bangkok are very good family-friendly destinations.

Hoi An is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Bangkok is a very kid-friendly town. This city is full of energy and kids will love the vibrant atmosphere. There are colorful temples, spirited markets, and kid-friendly museums. It's good to choose a hotel with a pool, as temperatures can get hot during the day. Kids will also enjoy having new experiences like riding in a tuk tuk or taking a boat ride. There are also a number of amusement parks and entertainment centers around town.

Is Hoi An or Bangkok Better for Couples?

Bangkok is terrific for romance. Also, Hoi An is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Bangkok is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. This is a great city for couples who enjoy culture, food, partying, and soaking up life. Wandering the grounds of the stunning temples, sampling food at the markets, or taking a boat cruise will all make memorable experiences.

Couples visit Hoi An frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

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

Hoi An and Bangkok are both fantastic destinations for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Hoi An. It's solidly on the backpacker trail, and you'll find many visitors who come for the beautiful culture and fascinating setting.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Bangkok. This part of the world is a mecca for backpackers, and many arrive or depart from this city. It's filled with hostels and budget accommodation, as well as entertainment, bars, tours (and even scams so stay alert). The most famous backpacker area is around Khao San Road, where you'll find parties, bars, street food, and large crowds. If you're looking for a slightly more mellow vibe, you should consider a different area like Phaya Thai.

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

Bangkok is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Hoi An is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Public transit in Bangkok is fairly effecient and thorough. The Skytrain and Metro are the most efficient way to get around. The city's crazy traffic can make buses and taxis a bit frustrating, but tuk tuks are also a fun option.

You'll find some public transit in Hoi An, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Biking, taxis, and motorbikes are the most popular ways to explore the area.

Is Hoi An or Bangkok a more walkable city?

Hoi An is a world-class destination for its walkability. However, Bangkok is a capital city with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

Getting around Hoi An on foot is easy. 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.

Bangkok is generally not a very walkable town. The crowds and size make walking a bit challenging, so it's best to plan your day in advance.

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

Should I spend more time in Bangkok or Hoi An?

How long in Hoi An or Bangkok?

Both Hoi An and Bangkok have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Bangkok than in Hoi An. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Hoi An, and 2-7 days is enough time in Bangkok.

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

One day in Hoi An or Bangkok?

In Hoi An, you'll find museums and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Bangkok is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Hoi An or Bangkok?

In Hoi An, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Hoi An has to offer.

Bangkok 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 Bangkok?

Hoi An is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bangkok. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Hoi An or Bangkok?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hoi An. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Hoi An. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Bangkok is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This capital city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Vietnam, The Best Historical Tours in Vietnam, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Thailand, and The Best Wildlife Tours to Thailand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hoi An and Bangkok, we can see that Bangkok 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 Bangkok would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bangkok 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 Bangkok Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Hoi An or Bangkok?

Bangkok has a larger population, and is about 160 times larger than the population of Hoi An. When comparing the sizes of Hoi An and Bangkok, 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 Bangkok?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.

Should I visit Hoi An or Bangkok in the Summer?

Both Bangkok and Hoi An during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Hoi An because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bangkok year-round.

February to July is the dry season in Hoi An. September to January is the rainy season in Hoi An. Bangkok gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Hoi An usually gets less rain in July than Bangkok. Hoi An gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Bangkok receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

It's quite sunny in Hoi An. In the summer, Hoi An often gets more sunshine than Bangkok. Hoi An gets 242 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bangkok receives 176 hours of full sun.

Hoi An is around the same temperature as Bangkok in the summer. The daily temperature in Hoi An averages around 29°C (85°F) in July, and Bangkok fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

Should I visit Hoi An or Bangkok in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Hoi An and Bangkok. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hoi An year-round. Bangkok attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

November to February in Bangkok is the dry season. Also, May to October is the rainy season in Bangkok. Bangkok receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Hoi An gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Hoi An usually receives more rain than Bangkok. Hoi An gets 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain, while Bangkok receives 242 mm (9.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bangkok this time of the year. Hoi An usually receives less sunshine than Bangkok during autumn. Hoi An gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Bangkok receives 206 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In the autumn, Hoi An is cooler than Bangkok. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hoi An in October average around 25°C (78°F), and Bangkok averages at about 28°C (83°F).

Should I visit Hoi An or Bangkok in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Hoi An as well as Bangkok. Hoi An attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bangkok throughout the year.

Also, February to July in Hoi An is the dry season. September to January in Hoi An is the rainy season. Also, November to February in Bangkok is the dry season. Hoi An receives a lot of rain in the winter. Hoi An usually gets more rain in January than Bangkok. Hoi An gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Bangkok receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bangkok. In the winter, Hoi An often gets less sunshine than Bangkok. Hoi An gets 136 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bangkok receives 276 hours of full sun.

In January, Hoi An is generally cooler than Bangkok. Daily temperatures in Hoi An average around 22°C (71°F), and Bangkok fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

Should I visit Hoi An or Bangkok in the Spring?

Both Bangkok and Hoi An are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hoi An throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Bangkok because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

The rainy season in Bangkok is May to October. In April, Hoi An usually receives less rain than Bangkok. Hoi An gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Bangkok receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

It's quite sunny in Bangkok. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hoi An. Hoi An usually receives less sunshine than Bangkok during spring. Hoi An gets 210 hours of sunny skies, while Bangkok receives 262 hours of full sun in the spring.

Hoi An is cooler than Bangkok in the spring. The daily temperature in Hoi An averages around 26°C (80°F) in April, and Bangkok fluctuates around 31°C (87°F).

Typical Weather for Bangkok and Hoi An