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

Should you visit Hoi An or Malang?

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 Malang. 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.

Malang

Malang is a under-rated, authentic, and cultural city. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and shopping. See Malang travel costs.

Hoi An and Malang: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hoi An or Malang?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Hoi An. Although Hoi An and Malang are both popular with visitors, Hoi An has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Hoi An is more popular for its museums and attractions, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Malang is known for its nightlife and hiking. Hoi An is more touristy than Malang and is popular for its peaceful and traditional old town, its unique culinary traditions, and its affordable custom made clothing. It is also home to the Fukian Assembly Hall. Malang is popular for its many nearby natural attractions.

How is Hoi An different from Malang?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Hoi An is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Malang is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

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.

Malang offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a handful of museums around town that provide information on the city's culture and history. There are also mosques, temples, and the famous Rainbow Village.

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

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

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, Malang is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. This is a top foodie destination and you'll find plenty of amazing street food. It's also the credited with being the birthplace of bakso (meatballs). Many of the dishes around town are sweet, spicy, and served with peanut sauce. It's been influenced by many different cuisines such as Chinese, Javanese, Madurese, Arabic, Dutch, and Indian.

Is Hoi An or Malang Better for Nightlife?

Malang 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 Malang. The universities around town mean that there's a youthful vibe to the nightlife scene. You'll also find a mix of cultural activities as well as modern and trendy venues. There are dance clubs, upscale lounges, and everything in between.

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 Malang Better for Beaches?

Hoi An is a popular place for its beaches. However, Malang is not a beach destination.

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.

Malang is not a beach destination.

Is Hoi An or Malang Better for its Old Town?

Hoi An is a must-visit destination for its historic old town. However, Malang 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.

Malang does not have a historic old town.

Is Hoi An or Malang Better for Hiking?

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

Malang offers some nice hiking trails. Many visitors use this city as a base for hiking Mount Bromo. It's popular to hire a jeep tour from town, or you can hire a private driver or motorbike. Near town you'll also find one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Indonesia - Tumpak Sewu Waterfall. It's possible to hike to the base of the waterfall, but it's a very challenging route.

Hoi An is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hoi An or Malang?

Hoi An is a must-visit destination for shopping. Also, Malang is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Hoi An is a famous shopping destination with plenty of 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Malang. You'll find places to pick up many local items. The region is known for its ceramics, wood, and rattan (palms).

Is Hoi An or Malang More Beautiful?

Hoi An is well known for its scenery and beauty. However, Malang is not a destination known for its 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.

Malang is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Hoi An or Malang Better for Families?

Hoi An is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Malang is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Hoi An is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Malang offers lots of family activities. If you're willing to head just outside of town, you'll find theme parks and waterparks. Some of the favorites are Batu Secret Zoo, Jatim Park, Selecta Park, and Batu Night Spectacular.

Is Hoi An or Malang Better for Couples?

Hoi An is well known for romance. Also, Malang is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

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.

Malang makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy culture, museums, temples, and great food will have a good time visiting this city. It is also a bit cooler than much of Indonesia, which can make a nice escape from the heat.

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

Hoi An is a must-visit destination for backpackers. Also, Malang is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Hoi An is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. It's solidly on the backpacker trail, and you'll find many visitors who come for the beautiful culture and fascinating setting.

Malang is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Most backpackers pass through town when they're headed to climb Mount Bromo. There are plenty of hostels and cheap places to stay as well as some sights that are worth checking out.

Is Hoi An or Malang Better for Students?

Malang is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Hoi An is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Malang. The university means that there's a large student population in town.

Hoi An is not popular with students.

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

Hoi An is a popular place for its public transit. However, Malang is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Malang. Angkot or mikrolet are small buses or modified cars that carry passengers around town. Many visitors also hire a motor scooter or driver to get around.

Is Hoi An or Malang a more walkable city?

Hoi An is a must-visit destination for its walkability. Also, Malang is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Malang is a somewhat walkable place. The city center is relatively walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Malang or Hoi An?

How long in Hoi An or Malang?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Hoi An and Malang. In our opinion, Hoi An has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Hoi An than Malang. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Hoi An, and 1-3 days is enough time in Malang.

Families should spend more time in Hoi An than Malang. 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 Malang. 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 Malang 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 Malang?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Hoi An. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

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

A weekend in Hoi An or Malang?

Hoi An 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.

Malang is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. 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 Malang?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hoi An. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Malang. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. 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 Malang?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the peaceful destination of Hoi An. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the authentic destination of Malang. This city 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 Budget Tours to Indonesia, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Indonesia.

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

Which is Bigger, Hoi An or Malang?

Malang has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Hoi An. When comparing the sizes of Hoi An and Malang, 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.