A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Chiang Mai vs. Hoi An for Attractions, Food, Old Town, and Backpackers

Should you visit Chiang Mai or Hoi An?

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 Chiang Mai and Hoi An. 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.

Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is a welcoming, natural, and temple-filled city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and shopping.

Hoi An

Hoi An is a quaint, peaceful, and beautiful town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include museums, food, and beaches.

Chiang Mai and Hoi An: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chiang Mai or Hoi An?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Chiang Mai. Although Chiang Mai and Hoi An are both popular with visitors, Chiang Mai has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Chiang Mai is more popular for its museums, nightlife, hiking, and big city activities, while Hoi An is known for its beaches and historical sights. Chiang Mai is popular for its lively night market, historical temples, local cuisine, and cultural rainforest treks. It is also home to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Hoi An is popular for its peaceful and traditional old town, its unique culinary traditions, and its affordable custom made clothing.

How is Chiang Mai different from Hoi An?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Chiang Mai or Hoi An?

Chiang Mai is terrific for its museums and history. Also, Hoi An is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Chiang Mai from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The city is filled with culture and you'll find many beautiful temples in the area. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is a mountain-top temple that is an iconic landmark in the city. Other famous sights include Doi Inthanon and Wat Chedi Luang.

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.

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

Foodies will find both Chiang Mai and Hoi An both to be terrific destinations.

Eat your way through Chiang Mai, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. For many, this city offers some of the best food in all of Thailand. The cuisine is influenced by nearby Burma and China, with ginger and turmeric often used. Curries tend to be a bit milder and dishes are often served with sticky rice. Famous dishes around town include Khao Soi, Larb Kua, and Sai Oua. Cooking classes are also very popular around town and the courses often include a trip to a market.

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).

Is Chiang Mai or Hoi An Better for Nightlife?

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

Chiang Mai has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. It is the largest city in Northern Thailand, so it has the most active nightlife scene in the area. Whatever your style, you can find something to do at night here. Many people head to the riverside to drink and listen to music. You'll also find clubs concentrated around Nimmanhaemin Road and Loy Kroh Road. There's also the famous Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, which is packed with stalls and people sampling food and drinks.

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 Chiang Mai or Hoi An Better for Beaches?

Hoi An is a good destination for its beaches. However, Chiang Mai is not a beach destination.

Hoi An offers a nice beach destination. 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.

Chiang Mai is not a beach destination.

Is Chiang Mai or Hoi An Better for its Old Town?

Hoi An is a world-class destination for its historic old town. Also, Chiang Mai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its old town.

The historic old town of Hoi An is revered around the world. 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.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Chiang Mai. The old city is about 1.5 square kilometers in size and it has four gates, one on each side. The most famous area is Sunday Walking Street, which comes to life at 4pm every day when it is lined with stalls and filled with people.

Is Chiang Mai or Hoi An Better for Hiking?

Chiang Mai is terrific for its hiking trails. However, Hoi An is not a hiking destination.

Chiang Mai is well-known for its hiking and trekking. Many people use this city as a base for a trekking excursion into the surrounding countryside. The land is lush and beautiful and many treks also expose you to the welcoming Hilltribe people of Northern Thailand. Treks can be organized at almost any hotel or hostel as well the many tour agencies around town.

Hoi An is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Chiang Mai or Hoi An?

If you're looking to go shopping, Chiang Mai and Hoi An both offer plenty of terrific spots.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Chiang Mai. The city is famous for its night markets, which run every night of the year until around midnight. You'll find the streets packed with people and vendors, rain or shine. This is a great place to search for local handicrafts and try some of the city's famous street food. Popular items to buy include rice boxes, silk, and Thai sky lanterns.

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.

Is Chiang Mai or Hoi An Better for Families?

Both Chiang Mai and Hoi An are excellent family-friendly destinations.

Chiang Mai is a very family-friendly destination. This city is very friendly and welcoming to kids. There are many cultural and adventurous activities that the whole family can enjoy. One of the most popular kid-friendly places to visit is the Elephant Sanctuary, where kids can get up close and personal with these beautiful animals. Kids will also enjoy heading into the countryside to trek or visit one of Thailand’s Hilltribes. The cultural experience and opportunity to meet a diversity of kids will be an experience your children will never forget. In town, a cooking class is a popular option for budding foodies.

Hoi An is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

Is Chiang Mai or Hoi An Better for Couples?

Chiang Mai and Hoi An both excellent destinations for a couple.

Chiang Mai is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Trekking, rafting, temples, and some of the best food in Thailand all make this city a popular destination for a couple's getaway. The region is perfect for adventurous couples who want to experience more of the authentic side of Thailand.

Hoi An is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Is Chiang Mai or Hoi An Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Chiang Mai and Hoi An are terrific places to visit.

Many backpackers frequent Chiang Mai. This is one of the biggest backpacker mecca's in Southeast Asia, and you'll find the city flooded with budget travelers out to experience it all. There are countless hostels and budget hotels available and most will organize treks and activities for guests. It's easy to meet other backpackers and many visitors end up staying longer than they planned. Prices in Northern Thailand are also much more affordable than many other areas.

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.

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

Chiang Mai and Hoi An both offer good public transit to get you around.

While Chiang Mai offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Transportation options include red songthaew (converted pick-up trucks), buses, and tuk-tuks.

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

Is Chiang Mai or Hoi An a more walkable city?

Hoi An is a world-class destination for its walkability. Also, Chiang Mai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its high level of walkability.

Hoi An is a very easy town to get around 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.

Chiang Mai is a somewhat walkable place. Although there are a few walking streets, the city can get very crowded and many places are easier to access with a tuk tuk or taxi.

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

Should I spend more time in Hoi An or Chiang Mai?

How long in Chiang Mai or Hoi An?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Chiang Mai and Hoi An. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Chiang Mai than in Hoi An. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Chiang Mai, and 2-3 days is enough time in Hoi An.

Families should spend more time in Hoi An than Chiang Mai. 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.

One day in Chiang Mai or Hoi An?

Chiang Mai is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

With museums and food around the traditional town of Hoi An, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Chiang Mai or Hoi An?

Chiang Mai 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.

With food and shopping around the destination of Hoi An, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Five days in Chiang Mai or Hoi An?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Chiang Mai. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Hoi An, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Chiang Mai or Hoi An?

Chiang Mai is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in 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.

Hoi An is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Thailand, The Best 3-Day Tours from Phuket, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Vietnam, and The Best Tours Under $1000 in Vietnam.

When comparing the travel costs between Chiang Mai and Hoi An, we can see that Hoi An is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Chiang Mai Expensive? and Is Hoi An Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Chiang Mai or Hoi An?

Chiang Mai has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Hoi An. When comparing the sizes of Chiang Mai 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 Chiang Mai 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 Chiang Mai or Hoi An in the Summer?

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

Also, June to September is the rainy season in Chiang Mai. February to July in Hoi An is the dry season. Also, September to January is the rainy season in Hoi An. Chiang Mai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Chiang Mai usually receives more rain than Hoi An. Chiang Mai gets 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain, while Hoi An receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hoi An this time of the year. Chiang Mai usually receives less sunshine than Hoi An during summer. Chiang Mai gets 146 hours of sunny skies, while Hoi An receives 242 hours of full sun in the summer.

Chiang Mai is around the same temperature as Hoi An in the summer. The daily temperature in Chiang Mai averages around 30°C (86°F) in July, and Hoi An fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Hoi An in the Autumn?

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

Also, November to February in Chiang Mai is the dry season. It's quite rainy in Hoi An. Chiang Mai receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Chiang Mai usually gets less rain in October than Hoi An. Chiang Mai gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Hoi An receives 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chiang Mai this time of the year. In the autumn, Chiang Mai often gets more sunshine than Hoi An. Chiang Mai gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hoi An receives 158 hours of full sun.

In the autumn, Chiang Mai is a little warmer than Hoi An. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Chiang Mai in October average around 29°C (83°F), and Hoi An averages at about 25°C (78°F).

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Hoi An in the Winter?

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

The dry season in Chiang Mai is November to February. The dry season in Hoi An is February to July. The rainy season in Hoi An is September to January. It rains a lot this time of the year in Hoi An. In January, Chiang Mai usually receives less rain than Hoi An. Chiang Mai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Hoi An receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai usually receives more sunshine than Hoi An during winter. Chiang Mai gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Hoi An receives 136 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Chiang Mai is generally around the same temperature as Hoi An. Daily temperatures in Chiang Mai average around 23°C (74°F), and Hoi An fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Hoi An in the Spring?

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

June to September is the rainy season in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai usually gets more rain in April than Hoi An. Chiang Mai gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Hoi An receives 33 mm (1.3 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 Chiang Mai. In the spring, Chiang Mai often gets more sunshine than Hoi An. Chiang Mai gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hoi An receives 210 hours of full sun.

It's very hot in Chiang Mai this time of the year. Chiang Mai is a little warmer than Hoi An in the spring. The daily temperature in Chiang Mai averages around 31°C (88°F) in April, and Hoi An fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

Typical Weather for Hoi An and Chiang Mai