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

Should you visit Hoi An or Byron Bay?

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 Byron Bay. 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 peaceful, beautiful, and traditional town. The beauty of Hoi An is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and shopping. See Hoi An travel costs.

Byron Bay

Byron Bay is a relaxed, mellow, and vegan-friendly town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Byron Bay is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and hiking. See Byron Bay travel costs.

Hoi An and Byron Bay: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hoi An or Byron Bay?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hoi An. Although Hoi An and Byron Bay 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, and shopping, while Byron Bay attracts visitors for its nightlife, resorts, beaches, hiking, and small town charm. Hoi An is more touristy than Byron Bay and is popular 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. Byron Bay is famous for its community spirit, undeveloped beaches, and world renowned festivals.

How is Hoi An different from Byron Bay?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Hoi An is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Byron Bay is not a good town for its museums and history.

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.

While most people don't head to Byron Bay specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. It's a small town that's all about the laid back beach scene so you won't find many museums or iconic buildings in town. Do check out the Cape Byron Lighthouse if you get the chance.

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

Hoi An is a must-visit destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Byron Bay is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

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).

Byron Bay has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The restaurant scene is just starting to gain momentum. There are a growing number of trendy bistros and international flavors around town. You'll find plenty of vegetarian and vegan options, as well as smoothies and brunch cafes.

Is Hoi An or Byron Bay Better for Nightlife?

Byron Bay is an excellent place to visit for nightlife. However, Hoi An is lacking in options for nightlife and partying.

Byron Bay has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The nightlife scene is all about relaxed luxury. There are high end cocktail bars, piano bars, live music venues, and DJ led parties. You can head to a bistro on the beach or dance the night away at one of the nightclubs.

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 Byron Bay Better for Resorts?

Byron Bay is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Hoi An is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Byron Bay to choose from. There are luxury resorts, family-friendly villas, and contemporary apartments that offer great accommodation in a good environment.

Hoi An is not a resort destination.

Is Hoi An or Byron Bay Better for Beaches?

Byron Bay is terrific for its beaches. Also, Hoi An is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for the beach.

Byron Bay offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. The pristine beaches are at the heart of the appeal in this town. Main Beach is, as the name implies, right in the heart of town. Many beaches are lined with forest and there are waves that are great for surfing. At its heart, this town will always be a surfer's town.

Hoi An is a good option for a beach vacation. 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.

Is Hoi An or Byron Bay Better for its Old Town?

Hoi An is a must-visit destination for its old town. However, Byron Bay does not have a historic old town.

The rich history of Hoi An can be explored in its historical center. 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.

Byron Bay does not have a historic old town.

Is Hoi An or Byron Bay Better for Hiking?

Byron Bay is a good destination for its hiking trails. However, Hoi An is not a hiking destination.

Byron Bay offers some nice hiking trails. There are many walking trails that make nature accessible. Whether you want to walk along the coastline or into the hills, there are many places to enjoy a peaceful stroll.

Hoi An is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hoi An or Byron Bay?

Hoi An is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Byron Bay is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Hoi An make it a world-class shopping destination. 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 explore the shopping areas in Byron Bay. In the past, this was never a shopping town, but in recent years it has attracted fashion icons and free spirits. There are many boutique shops on the main streets in town and there are still quirky stores that offer the unexpected.

Is Hoi An or Byron Bay More Beautiful?

Hoi An and Byron Bay 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 Byron Bay is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. It's pristine beaches and laid back style make it a beautiful and relaxing place to visit.

Is Hoi An or Byron Bay Better for Families?

Hoi An is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Byron Bay is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Hoi An is a very kid-friendly town. 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.

Byron Bay is a family-friendly town. It's laid back vibe and beautiful beaches offer a great place for families to vacation. There are plenty of family-friendly accommodation options and, while there aren't the theme parks and kid-centered activities of some places, there is still plenty to enjoy in the area.

Is Hoi An or Byron Bay Better for Couples?

Hoi An and Byron Bay both very good destinations for a couple.

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.

Couples visit Byron Bay frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's known for its instagram-worthy settings and its popularity with influencers. Couples will appreciate the laid back vibe and chill beach scene. There are great restaurants and plenty of nice hotels and resorts to choose from.

Is Hoi An or Byron Bay Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hoi An is a must-visit destination for backpackers. Also, Byron Bay is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Hoi An. It's solidly on the backpacker trail, and you'll find many visitors who come for the beautiful culture and fascinating setting.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Byron Bay. It's lost some of its original hippie surf town vibe, but there is still a great backpacker scene. Now it's more popular with the influencer crowd, but the party scene and beautiful beaches attract backpackers as well.

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

Hoi An is a town with good options for its public transit. However, Byron Bay is not a good town for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Byron Bay. There is a bus service that is provided by Blanch's Bus Company.

Is Hoi An or Byron Bay a more walkable city?

Hoi An is a must-visit destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Byron Bay is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its ease of walking around.

It is easy to get around Hoi An on foot. 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.

Byron Bay is a somewhat walkable town. The town itself is compact and it's possible to explore on foot, but if you want to go further you'll need to have access to a vehicle.

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

Should I spend more time in Byron Bay or Hoi An?

How long in Hoi An or Byron Bay?

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

Families should spend more time in Hoi An than Byron Bay. 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 Byron Bay. 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 Byron Bay 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 Byron Bay?

You'll find shopping and museums around the town of Hoi An. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Byron Bay. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Hoi An or Byron Bay?

You'll find museums and food around the quaint destination of Hoi An. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Byron Bay is a great place to explore. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Hoi An or Byron Bay?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the peaceful town of Hoi An. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Byron Bay. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Byron Bay?

Hoi An is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the relaxed destination of Byron Bay. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 Walking Tours in Australia, and The Best Eco Tours in Australia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hoi An and Byron Bay, we can see that Byron Bay is more expensive. And not only is Hoi An much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Hoi An is in Asia and Byron Bay is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Byron Bay would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Byron Bay 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 Byron Bay Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Hoi An or Byron Bay?

Hoi An has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Byron Bay. When comparing the sizes of Hoi An and Byron Bay, 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 Byron Bay?

Byron Bay 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 Byron Bay in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Hoi An as well as Byron Bay. Hoi An attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Byron Bay because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Hoi An is a little warmer than Byron Bay. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hoi An in July average around 29°C (85°F), and Byron Bay averages at about 23°C (74°F)in January.

It's quite rainy in Byron Bay. Hoi An usually gets less rain in July than Byron Bayin January. Hoi An gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Byron Bay receives 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, February to July in Hoi An is the dry season. September to January in Hoi An is the rainy season.

Should I visit Hoi An or Byron Bay in the Autumn?

Both Byron Bay and Hoi An are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hoi An throughout the year. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Byron Bay this time of year.

In October, Hoi An is generally a little warmer than Byron Bayin April. Daily temperatures in Hoi An average around 25°C (78°F), and Byron Bay fluctuates around 20°C (69°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Byron Bay. It's quite rainy in Hoi An. In October, Hoi An usually receives more rain than Byron Bayin April. Hoi An gets 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain, while Byron Bay receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Hoi An or Byron Bay in the Winter?

Both Byron Bay and Hoi An during the winter 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, many travelers come to Byron Bay for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Hoi An is much warmer than Byron Bay in the winter. The daily temperature in Hoi An averages around 22°C (71°F) in January, and Byron Bay fluctuates around 14°C (58°F)in July.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hoi An. Hoi An usually gets more rain in January than Byron Bayin July. Hoi An gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Byron Bay receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year. February to July is the dry season in Hoi An. September to January is the rainy season in Hoi An.

Should I visit Hoi An or Byron Bay in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Hoi An and Byron Bay. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hoi An year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Byron Bay in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Hoi An is a little warmer than Byron Bay. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hoi An in April average around 26°C (80°F), and Byron Bay averages at about 19°C (67°F)in October.

In April, Hoi An usually receives less rain than Byron Bayin October. Hoi An gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Byron Bay receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Byron Bay and Hoi An