Which place is cheaper, Hoi An or Abu Dhabi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Abu Dhabi 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 Abu Dhabi and Hoi An can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Abu Dhabi or Hoi An?
Abu Dhabi
It doesn't get more "lifestyles of the rich and famous" than a vacation to Abu Dhabi. The federal capital and center of government for the United Arab Emirates is arguably the most modern city in the world.
Abu Dhabi has a population of 1.5 million and provides a home to several oil companies and embassies, but this place is definitely a playground for the world's fanciest tourists. This city has several large projects underway including Yas Island's Formula 1 track and Ferrari theme park.
Note: homosexuality is still outlawed in the UAE with harsh punishments including deportation, fines, jail time or even a death sentence.
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 Budget Tours to United Arab Emirates, The Best Tours for Seniors to United Arab Emirates, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Vietnam, and The Best Tours Under $1000 in Vietnam.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAbu Dhabi $164Hoi An $46
The average daily cost (per person) in Abu Dhabi is $164, while the average daily cost in Hoi An is $46. 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 Abu Dhabi and Hoi An in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAbu Dhabi $98Hoi An $21
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAbu Dhabi $196Hoi An $42
Compare Hotels in Abu Dhabi and Hoi An
Looking for a hotel in Abu Dhabi 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.
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: Abu Dhabi Hotel Prices and Hoi An Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Abu Dhabi $20Hoi An $19
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Abu Dhabi
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Abu Dhabi are as follows:
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Car Rental$31
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Taxi to Airport$14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Abu Dhabi
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Abu Dhabi:
- Warner Bros World Ticket's -Abu Dhabi Without Transfer: $220
- Warner Bros General Admission with Transfers: $150
- Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in Abu Dhabi HTL-APT(AUH): $52
- Transfer in private minivan from Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH)- Abu Dhabi City: $67
- Skydive in Abu Dhabi | Tandem Skydive with transfer: $817
- Roundtrip Transfer Private Minivan Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) - Abu Dhabi City: $133
- Private transfer: Abu Dhabi to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): $41
- Private transfer: Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi: $40
- Private direct transfer from Abu Dhabi to Dubai: $124
- Private Transfer: Abu Dhabi to Dubai Airport DXB in Luxury Van: $212
- Private Transfer: Abu Dhabi Airport AUH to Dubai in Luxury Van: $202
- Private Transfer: Abu Dhabi Airport AUH to Dubai in Business Car: $190
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hoi An
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Hoi An are as follows:
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Taxi From Danang to Hoi An$8.79
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Bus From Hoi An Bus Station to Town$0.60
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hoi An
Also for Hoi An, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private transfer to Da Nang Hotels or to Hoi An City: $4.10
- Hoi An and Da Nang Airport/City Shuttle Transfer Service: $6.00
- Da Nang Airport : transfer to Da Nang center / to Hoi An: $7.06
- Da Nang Airport : transfer to Da Nang center / to Hoi An: $7.06
- From One-Way Shared Bus Transfer to Da Nang: $8.82
- From Hoi An/Da Nang: Shuttle Bus Transfer to My Son: $9.00
- Hue: Transfer to/from Airport, Hoi An, Danang by Private Car: $10
- Basket Boat Ticket & Transfer in Cam Thanh Village: $14
- Hoi An : Cam Thanh Basket Boat Riding W Two-way Transfers: $14
- Hoi An Bamboo Basket Boat Tour with Two-way Transfers: $14
- Hoi An : Cam Thanh Basket Boat Riding W Two-way Transfers: $14
- Hoi An Basket Boat Ride Includes Two-way Transfers: $14
Is it cheaper to fly into Abu Dhabi or Hoi An?
Prices for flights to both Hoi An and Abu Dhabi 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
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Food Meals for one dayAbu Dhabi $45Hoi An $9.95
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Abu Dhabi
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Abu Dhabi.
- Dubai: Dhow Cruise Marina Multi Cusine Dinner & Tanura Show: $35
- Dubai Marina luxury Dhow Cruise Dinner (catamaran): $42
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari BBQ Dinner Live Shows Pick & Drop More: $45
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With BBQ Dinner & Live Shows: $49
- Desert Safari, Quad Bike, Camel Ride & BBQ Dinner: $50
- Desert Tour with BBQ Dinner and Hotel Transfer: $51
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With Live Shows And BBQ Buffet Dinner: $60
- Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner and all Camp Activities : $72
- Desert Safari Abu Dhabi w/ Sand Boarding, Camel Ride & BBQ Dinner: $75
- Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari & Dinner Under the Stars: $77
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari (Dune Bashing, BBQ Dinner, Camel Ride & Sand Skii): $80
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari 4x4, BBQ Dinner, Camel Ride: $81
Typical Food Prices in Hoi An
For Hoi An, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Dinner at Bamboo Village (for Two)$14
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$3.99
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Casual Dinner (for Two)$7.99
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hoi An
For Hoi An, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Bamboo Basket Boat Tour with Optional Lunch/Dinner: $14
- Hoi An:Traditional Cooking Class with Cam Thanh Local Family: $21
- Traditional Cooking Class & meal w Cam Thanh Family: $21
- Hoi An/Da Nang: Vietnamese Cooking Class with Transportation: $22
- From Cooking Class at Organic Farm: $22
- Mad Monkey Hoi An Cooking Class & Bamboo Boats: $23
- Traditional Vietnamese Cooking Class in Leina Cookery: $23
- Evening Tra Que Cooking Class with Locals in Herb Village: $24
- Hoi An : Basket Boat Ride & Cooking Class with Market Tour: $24
- Vietnamese Cooking Class with Local Family in Hoi An: $24
- Cooking Class with Traditional Vietnamese Meals: $24
- Hoi An : Cooking Class W Optional Basket Boat & Market Tour: $25
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Abu Dhabi $39Hoi An $13
Tours and Activities in Abu Dhabi
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Abu Dhabi are as follows:
- Abu Dhabi Full Day City Tour : $100
- Abu Dhabi Louvre Museum Entrance Ticket: $41
- Abu Dhabi Tour-Sheik Zayed Mosque, Emirates Palace With Louvre Musuem: $115
- Falcon Hospital Tour with Transportation : $101
- Private Full-Day Tour in Abu Dhabi: $234
- Ticket to Louvre Museum, Abu Dhabi: $19
- 4 Hour Cultural Tour of Abu Dhabi - Private Tour: $160
- 8 Hour Ticket/Pass For Yas Water World In Dubai.: $103
- Abu Dhabi 'Hidden Gems' by City Break - walking tours made fun!: $32
- Abu Dhabi 4G & 5G Data Roaming for Tourist: $11
- Abu Dhabi : Private Custom Walking Tour with A Guide: $43
- Abu Dhabi City Tour: $186
Typical Entertainment Prices in Hoi An
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Hoi An's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Golf (for Two)$148
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Short Boat Ride$1.60
Tours and Activities in Hoi An
For Hoi An, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Hoi An Ancient Town - Free Walking Tour: $2.05
- Hoi An Ancient Town- Free Walking Tour with Local Guide: $2.05
- Experience Kim Bong Carpentry with Local Artisans: $6.57
- Experience Bamboo Basket Boat on Coconut village w Locals: $6.89
- Da Nang/Hoi An:Experience Basket Boat ride in Coconut Forest: $7.18
- Hoi An Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.65
- Bus to My Son Sanctuary with Entrance ticket: $8.00
- Experience the Art of Vietnamese Coffee Making: $11
- Mad Monkey Hoi An Bicycle Tour: $12
- Cam Thanh Tour with Bamboo Basket Boat: $12
- Hoi An : Bamboo Basket Boat Tour: $12
- Basket Boat Experience: $13
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAbu Dhabi $13Hoi An $9.06
Typical Alcohol Prices in Hoi An
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Hoi An are as follows:
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Bottle of Wine$9.59
Sample the Local Flavors in Hoi An
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Hoi An:
- Pub Crawl by Bus with Shots at Each Bar: $8.21
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Abu Dhabi and Hoi An, we can see that Abu Dhabi is more expensive. And not only is Hoi An much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Abu Dhabi 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 Abu Dhabi would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Abu Dhabi 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 Abu Dhabi Expensive? and Is Hoi An Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Abu Dhabi or Hoi An?
Abu Dhabi has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Hoi An. When comparing the sizes of Abu Dhabi 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 Abu Dhabi 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 Abu Dhabi or Hoi An in the Summer?
Both Hoi An and Abu Dhabi during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Abu Dhabi 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. Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in July than Hoi An. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 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 Abu Dhabi. In the summer, Abu Dhabi often gets more sunshine than Hoi An. Abu Dhabi gets 331 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hoi An receives 242 hours of full sun.
It's very hot in Abu Dhabi this time of the year. Abu Dhabi is a little warmer than Hoi An in the summer. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 35°C (95°F) in July, and Hoi An fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAbu Dhabi 35°C (95°F)Hoi An 29°C (85°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Hoi An in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Abu Dhabi and Hoi An. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Abu Dhabi 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, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Hoi An. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Hoi An receives 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
In Abu Dhabi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Hoi An during autumn. Abu Dhabi gets 314 hours of sunny skies, while Hoi An receives 158 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In the autumn, Abu Dhabi is a little warmer than Hoi An. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Abu Dhabi in October average around 29°C (84°F), and Hoi An averages at about 25°C (78°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAbu Dhabi 29°C (84°F)Hoi An 25°C (78°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Hoi An in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Abu Dhabi as well as Hoi An. Abu Dhabi 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. Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in January than Hoi An. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 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 Abu Dhabi this time of the year. In the winter, Abu Dhabi often gets more sunshine than Hoi An. Abu Dhabi gets 269 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hoi An receives 136 hours of full sun.
In January, Abu Dhabi is generally cooler than Hoi An. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 18°C (64°F), and Hoi An fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAbu Dhabi 18°C (64°F)Hoi An 22°C (71°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Hoi An in the Spring?
Both Hoi An and Abu Dhabi are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Abu Dhabi throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Hoi An because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In April, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Hoi An. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 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 Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Hoi An during spring. Abu Dhabi gets 297 hours of sunny skies, while Hoi An receives 210 hours of full sun in the spring.
Abu Dhabi is around the same temperature as Hoi An in the spring. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Hoi An fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAbu Dhabi 27°C (81°F)Hoi An 26°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Hoi An and Abu Dhabi
| Abu Dhabi | Hoi An | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 18°C (64°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| Mar | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
| May | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jun | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 30°C (85°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Jul | 35°C (95°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Aug | 36°C (97°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Sep | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 331 mm (13 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 613 mm (24.1 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 376 mm (14.8 in) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 223 mm (8.8 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.