A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Petra vs. Hoi An for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Petra or Hoi An?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Petra and Hoi An can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Petra or Hoi An?

Petra

Whether you're checking off the Seven Wonders of the World, or you're just a huge Indiana Jones fan, the city of Petra must be on your bucket list. The "rose red city, half as old as time," was the capital of the Nabataean kingdom in the 6th century BC. It was the center for trade and commerce until an earthquake took out buildings and destroyed their water management system. After this destruction, the city of Petra seemed to be lost to western civilization.

Hoi An

Located just south of the city of Da Nang, Hoi An is famous for it's beautiful old town. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Unfortunately, since its designation as a World Heritage Site in 1999, mass tourism has grown and the city has felt the growing pains. Most of the homes and shops in the old town are now used for commercial purposes. The city is still quaint, but the old town is lined with tailor shops, souvenir stores, and restaurants. Foreigners are required to purchase a ticket to enter the old town of Hoi An (120,000 VND, about $5).

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in Jordan, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Jordan, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Vietnam, and The Best Historical Tours in Vietnam.


Which place is cheaper, Hoi An or Petra?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Petra is $153, while the average daily cost in Hoi An is $51. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Petra and Hoi An in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Petra $59
    Hoi An $20
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Petra $118
    Hoi An $40
Compare Hotels in Petra and Hoi An

Looking for a hotel in Petra or Hoi An? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Petra


Hotels in Hoi An


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Petra Hotel Prices and Hoi An Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Petra $23
    Hoi An $18

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Petra

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Petra:

  • Private transfer Petra to/from Wadi Rum: $140
  • Private Transfer from Ma'in Hotel to Aqaba Airport: $120
  • Private Transfer From Petra to Amman or Airport With Optional : $99
  • Private Transfer Amman Airport to Petra or vice versa via the King's Highway: $120
  • Private Departure Transfer: Petra Hotels to Amman Airport: $93
  • Petra Private Transfer To Multiple Destinations: $115
  • From Eilat: Petra Full-Day Guided Tour with Transfers: $219
  • Comfortable and Reliable Private Transfer: Petra to Wadi Rum: $100
  • Airport Transfer to and from Petra: $92

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hoi An

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Hoi An are as follows:


  • Taxi From Danang to Hoi An
    $8.34
  • Bus From Hoi An Bus Station to Town
    $0.57

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hoi An

Also for Hoi An, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Hue Private Car with Driver for Customizable Trip & Transfer: $7.09

Is it cheaper to fly into Petra or Hoi An?

Prices for flights to both Hoi An and Petra change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Petra $66
    Hoi An $16
Typical Food Prices in Petra

Some typical examples of dining costs in Petra are as follows:


  • Dinner for Two
    $12
  • Juice
    $1.76

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Petra

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Petra.

  • Cooking outside in little Petra between the Mountains. : $50
  • Private Outdoor bedouin Dinner in Petra: $150

Typical Food Prices in Hoi An

For Hoi An, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Dinner at Bamboo Village (for Two)
    $13
  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    $3.79
  • Casual Dinner (for Two)
    $7.58

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Petra $47
    Hoi An $12
Typical Entertainment Prices in Petra

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Petra are as follows:


  • Entry to Petra for One
    $71

Tours and Activities in Petra

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Petra are as follows:

  • 2-Day Amman to Petra, Wadi Rum & Dead Sea Adventure Tour: $220
  • 3 Hour Horse Riding Adventure around the Petra Area: $145
  • 3-Hour Private Petra Tour: Exclusive Classical Guided Experience: $55
  • 3-hour Private Guided Tour In Petra with hotel pick up.: $75
  • 6 Hours Private Tour in Petra: $125
  • Amman: Petra by Night Tour with Optional Day Visit: $99
  • From Petra Wadi Rum Private 8 hours roundtrip tour : $140
  • Hike Tour of Petra: $10
  • Petra Back Entrance Private Walking Tour | Guide Sami Nawafleh: $225
  • Petra Highlight Tour with Private Guide Sami Nawafleh | 2.5 Hours: $120
  • Petra Secret Backdoor Tour: Hidden Gems & Exclusive Experience: $240
  • Private Full Day Tour to Aqaba Red Sea from Petra Hotels: $200

Typical Entertainment Prices in Hoi An

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Hoi An's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Golf (for Two)
    $140
  • Short Boat Ride
    $1.52

Tours and Activities in Hoi An

For Hoi An, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Hue : Shuttle bus from Hue to Hoi An and sightseeing: $16
  • Hue-Da Nang-Hoi An Bus Tour with English Guide & Sightseeing: $22
  • Hue: Half-Day Tour with Optional Dragon Boat Perfume River: $28
  • Phu Quoc: 3 Islands Snorkeling/ Cable Car Adventure: $45
  • Hoi An Experience 3 Hours Wood Carving Class with Local Artist: $47
  • My Son Sanctuary Private Tour - Early Morning or Half Day Tour: $50
  • My Son - Hoi An Full Day Private Tour With Meals: $75
  • My Son - Danang from Tien Sa cruise harbor: $150
  • Cruiseship Trip from TIEN SA or CHAN MAY Port to MY SON HOLYLAND & HOI AN City: $154
  • Cruiseship Trip from TIEN SA or CHAN MAY Port to MY SON HOLYLAND & DA NANG City: $154
  • Cruiseship Tour to MY SON HOLYLAND - DA NANG CITY From Chan May or Tien Sa Port: $179
  • My Son - Danang from Tien Sa cruise harbor: $180

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Petra $15
    Hoi An $8.59

Typical Alcohol Prices in Hoi An

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Hoi An are as follows:


  • Bottle of Wine
    $9.10


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Petra and Hoi An, we can see that Petra is more expensive. And not only is Hoi An much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Petra is in Middle East and Hoi An is in Asia, 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 Petra would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Petra 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 Petra Expensive? and Is Hoi An Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Petra or Hoi An?

Hoi An has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Petra. When comparing the sizes of Petra and Hoi An, 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 Petra or Hoi An?

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 Petra or Hoi An in the Summer?

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

February to July is the dry season in Hoi An. September to January is the rainy season in Hoi An. Petra usually gets less rain in July than Hoi An. Petra gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Hoi An receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

In Hoi An, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Petra. In the summer, Petra often gets more sunshine than Hoi An. Petra gets 384 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hoi An receives 242 hours of full sun.

The heat can be very extreme in Petra. In the summer, Petra is a little warmer than Hoi An. Typically, the summer temperatures in Petra in July average around 33°C (91°F), and Hoi An averages at about 29°C (85°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Petra 33°C (91°F) 
    Hoi An 29°C (85°F)

Should I visit Petra or Hoi An in the Autumn?

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

Hoi An receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Petra usually receives less rain than Hoi An. Petra gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Hoi An receives 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

In Petra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Petra usually receives more sunshine than Hoi An during autumn. Petra gets 295 hours of sunny skies, while Hoi An receives 158 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Petra is generally around the same temperature as Hoi An. Daily temperatures in Petra average around 27°C (80°F), and Hoi An fluctuates around 25°C (78°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Petra 27°C (80°F) 
    Hoi An 25°C (78°F)

Should I visit Petra or Hoi An in the Winter?

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

Also, February to July in Hoi An is the dry season. September to January in Hoi An is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Hoi An. Petra usually gets less rain in January than Hoi An. Petra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Hoi An receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Petra this time of the year. In the winter, Petra often gets more sunshine than Hoi An. Petra gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hoi An receives 136 hours of full sun.

Petra is cooler than Hoi An in the winter. The daily temperature in Petra averages around 15°C (59°F) in January, and Hoi An fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Petra 15°C (59°F) 
    Hoi An 22°C (71°F)

Should I visit Petra or Hoi An in the Spring?

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

In April, Petra usually receives less rain than Hoi An. Petra gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Hoi An receives 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

It's quite sunny in Hoi An. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Petra. Petra usually receives more sunshine than Hoi An during spring. Petra gets 282 hours of sunny skies, while Hoi An receives 210 hours of full sun in the spring.

In the spring, Petra is around the same temperature as Hoi An. Typically, the spring temperatures in Petra in April average around 25°C (76°F), and Hoi An averages at about 26°C (80°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Petra 25°C (76°F) 
    Hoi An 26°C (80°F)

Typical Weather for Hoi An and Petra

Petra Hoi An
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 15°C (59°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 22°C (71°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)
Feb 17°C (62°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 23°C (73°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Mar 20°C (68°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 24°C (75°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Apr 25°C (76°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 26°C (80°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
May 28°C (83°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 29°C (83°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Jun 31°C (88°F) 0 mm (0 in) 30°C (85°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Jul 33°C (91°F) 0 mm (0 in) 29°C (85°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Aug 32°C (90°F) 0 mm (0 in) 29°C (85°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Sep 30°C (87°F) 0 mm (0 in) 28°C (82°F) 331 mm (13 in)
Oct 27°C (80°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 25°C (78°F) 613 mm (24.1 in)
Nov 21°C (70°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 24°C (76°F) 376 mm (14.8 in)
Dec 16°C (62°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 23°C (73°F) 223 mm (8.8 in)