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

Should you visit Ao Nang or Hoi An?

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

Should I visit Ao Nang or Hoi An? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Ao Nang

Ao Nang is a popular, beachfront, and lively town. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Hoi An

Hoi An is a beautiful, traditional, and quaint town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Ao Nang and Hoi An: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ao Nang or Hoi An?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Hoi An than Ao Nang, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Hoi An is better known for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Ao Nang is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, and scuba diving & snorkeling. Hoi An is more touristy than Ao Nang and is known for its peaceful and traditional old town, its unique culinary traditions, and its affordable custom made clothing. Also, Hoi An is famous for the Fukian Assembly Hall. Ao Nang is well known for its easy access to nearby natural beauty.

How is Ao Nang different from Hoi An?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Hoi An and Ao Nang. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Ao Nang or Hoi An?

Hoi An is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Ao Nang is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Ao Nang offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most of the fun of this town is the beach setting and easy access to natural beauty. If you're looking for a temple, you can check out nearby Wat Tham Suea (Tiger Cavee Temple).

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

Hoi An is a must-visit destination for its restaurants. Also, Ao Nang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

For foodies, Hoi An is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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).

Ao Nang offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are plenty of restaurants that are vying for your business. The food is the typical Thai cuisine as well as international options like pizza and burgers.

Is Ao Nang or Hoi An Better for Nightlife?

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

Ao Nang has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. It has some of the best nightlife in the province of Krabi. There are many bars and restaurants where you can grab a drink and enjoy a fun night out.

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 Ao Nang or Hoi An Better for Resorts?

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

There are plenty of resorts in Ao Nang to choose from. It's a resort town with many diverse places to choose from, including budget-friendly and more upscale.

Hoi An is not a resort destination.

Is Ao Nang or Hoi An Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Ao Nang is an excellent place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Hoi An is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near Ao Nang. There are plenty of dive shops that offer both snorkeling and dive excursions to nearby areas.

Hoi An is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Ao Nang or Hoi An Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Ao Nang and Hoi An are notable choices.

Ao Nang is a good option for a beach vacation. Ao Nang Beach is the most popular beach near town. It is lined with longtail boats and there's often a crowd that keeps things busy and chaotic. Noppharat Thara Beach is popular with the locals and sees less tourists than Ao Nang Beach. It has golden sand and a beautiful setting.

Many people head to Hoi An to enjoy the beach. 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 Ao Nang or Hoi An Better for its Old Town?

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

Ao Nang does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Ao Nang or Hoi An?

Hoi An is a must-visit destination for its shopping areas. Also, Ao Nang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many people travel to Hoi An specifically to go shopping. 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.

Ao Nang is a great destination for shopping. You'll find some of the best shopping in the province of Krabi along Catalunya Walking Street in Ao Nang.

Is Ao Nang or Hoi An Better for Families?

Hoi An is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Ao Nang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Hoi An. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Ao Nang. The sandy beaches are great for kids. This is also a nice base if you want to take day trips to Railay Beach and other nearby areas.

Is Ao Nang or Hoi An Better for Couples?

Hoi An is a very popular place for couples. Also, Ao Nang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

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.

Ao Nang is a nice destination for couples. The area is filled with amazing natural beauty and stunning beaches. You can use Ao Nang as a base for exploring the many impressive areas that aren't far away.

Is Ao Nang or Hoi An Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hoi An is a must-visit destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Ao Nang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Hoi An, as it is a very popular town for budget travelers. It's solidly on the backpacker trail, and you'll find many visitors who come for the beautiful culture and fascinating setting.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Ao Nang. There are hostels and budget accommodation in abundance in the area. Ao Nang also has some of the best nightlife in Krabi, which attracts a younger crowd.

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

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Ao Nang and Hoi An.

Ao Nang has some public transit options. Tuk tuks or renting a motorbike are your best bet for reaching places quickly.

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 Ao Nang or Hoi An a more walkable city?

Hoi An is a must-visit destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Ao Nang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Hoi An. 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.

Ao Nang is very walkable. It's a small town, so most places can be reached on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Hoi An or Ao Nang?

How long in Ao Nang or Hoi An?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Ao Nang and Hoi An. In our opinion, Hoi An has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Hoi An than Ao Nang. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Hoi An than Ao Nang 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 Ao Nang or Hoi An?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Ao Nang. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

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.

A weekend in Ao Nang or Hoi An?

Ao Nang 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.

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.

Five days in Ao Nang or Hoi An?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ao Nang. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

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.

A week in Ao Nang or Hoi An?

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the lively destination of Ao Nang. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in Thailand, The Best Budget Tours to Thailand, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Vietnam, and The Best Tours Under $1000 in Vietnam.

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

Which is Bigger, Ao Nang or Hoi An?

Hoi An has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Ao Nang. When comparing the sizes of Ao Nang 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 Ao Nang or Hoi An?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.

Should I visit Ao Nang or Hoi An in the Summer?

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

The rainy season in Ao Nang is August to October. The dry season in Hoi An is February to July. The rainy season in Hoi An is September to January. It's quite rainy in Ao Nang. In July, Ao Nang usually receives more rain than Hoi An. Ao Nang gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Hoi An receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

It's quite sunny in Hoi An. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ao Nang. Ao Nang usually receives less sunshine than Hoi An during summer. Ao Nang gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Hoi An receives 242 hours of full sun in the summer.

In the summer, Ao Nang is around the same temperature as Hoi An. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ao Nang in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Hoi An averages at about 29°C (85°F).

Should I visit Ao Nang or Hoi An in the Autumn?

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

December to March is the dry season in Ao Nang. August to October is the rainy season in Ao Nang. Hoi An gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Ao Nang. Ao Nang usually gets less rain in October than Hoi An. Ao Nang gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Hoi An receives 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the autumn, Ao Nang often gets more sunshine than Hoi An. Ao Nang gets 181 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hoi An receives 158 hours of full sun.

In October, Ao Nang is generally around the same temperature as Hoi An. Daily temperatures in Ao Nang average around 27°C (81°F), and Hoi An fluctuates around 25°C (78°F).

Should I visit Ao Nang or Hoi An in the Winter?

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

December to March in Ao Nang is the dry season. February to July in Hoi An is the dry season. Also, September to January is the rainy season in Hoi An. Hoi An receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Ao Nang usually receives less rain than Hoi An. Ao Nang gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Hoi An receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

In Ao Nang, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ao Nang usually receives more sunshine than Hoi An during winter. Ao Nang gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Hoi An receives 136 hours of full sun in the winter.

Ao Nang is a little warmer than Hoi An in the winter. The daily temperature in Ao Nang averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Hoi An fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

Should I visit Ao Nang or Hoi An in the Spring?

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

Ao Nang receives a lot of rain in the spring. Ao Nang usually gets more rain in April than Hoi An. Ao Nang gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Hoi An receives 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hoi An. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ao Nang this time of the year. In the spring, Ao Nang often gets more sunshine than Hoi An. Ao Nang gets 249 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hoi An receives 210 hours of full sun.

In the spring, Ao Nang is around the same temperature as Hoi An. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ao Nang in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Hoi An averages at about 26°C (80°F).

Typical Weather for Hoi An and Ao Nang