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

Should you visit Dubai 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 Dubai and Hoi An can help you decide which place is right for you.

Dubai

Dubai is a modern, glamorous, and opulent city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Hoi An

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

Dubai and Hoi An: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dubai or Hoi An?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Dubai than Hoi An, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Dubai is better known for its skiing, nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and big city activities, while Hoi An is more popular for its food and historical sights. Hoi An is more touristy than Dubai and is known for its peaceful and traditional old town, its unique culinary traditions, and its affordable custom made clothing. Dubai is well known for its luxury shopping, glamorous resorts, city beaches, and ultramodern development style. Also, Dubai is famous for Burj Khalifa.

Burj Khalifa

How is Dubai different from Hoi An?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Dubai or Hoi An Better for Skiing?

Dubai is a decent place to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, Hoi An is not a skiing destination.

Locals like to visit Dubai to take advantage of their winter sports. Despite being a desert city, Dubai became famous for its massive indoor ski complex that covers 22,500 square meters. It is located in the Mall of the Emirates.

Hoi An is not a skiing destination.

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

You'll find a number of high quality museums and attractions in both Hoi An and Dubai.

Many visitors head to Dubai specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city's most famous landmark is the Burj Khalifa, which is the tallest building in the world. Head to the observation deck for stunning views.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Hoi An can be an interesting and educational experience. 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 Dubai or Hoi An? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hoi An is a world-class destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Dubai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Hoi An has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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).

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Dubai makes for a great culinary experience. The national dish in the area is khuzi, or ghuzi, which is a meal of roasted lamb or mutton, prepared with rice vegetables and nuts.

Is Dubai or Hoi An Better for Nightlife?

Dubai is terrific for nightlife. However, Hoi An is lacking in options for nightlife and partying.

Dubai is a must-see party destination. Frequented by the wealthy and opulent, the city has world class night clubs and DJs that travel from around to world to perform.

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 Dubai or Hoi An Better for Music?

Dubai is terrific for live music. However, Hoi An is not a live music destination.

Dubai is known as a music capital around the world. The city attracts world famous international DJs and musicians giving it one of the world's best music scenes.

Hoi An is not a live music destination.

Is Dubai or Hoi An Better for Resorts?

Dubai is terrific for its luxury resorts. However, Hoi An is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Dubai for its luxury resorts. Some of the most famous include Atlantis - The Palm, The Four Seasons, and Burj Al Arab Jumeirah.

Hoi An is not a resort destination.

Is Dubai or Hoi An Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Dubai is a good destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Hoi An is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Dubai. One of the best scuba diving spots is Jumeirah Beach.

Hoi An is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Dubai or Hoi An Better for Beaches?

Dubai and Hoi An are notable choices for a beach vacation.

Many people head to Dubai to enjoy the beach. There are a number of both private and public beaches in the city. They are almost all man-made, so they are large, flat, and have soft sand. It's also generally safe to swim at most beaches.

Hoi An has a beach worth visiting. 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 Dubai or Hoi An Better for its Old Town?

Hoi An is a world-class destination for its historic old town charm. However, Dubai does not have a historic 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.

Dubai does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Dubai or Hoi An?

If you're looking to go shopping, Dubai and Hoi An both offer plenty of first-rate spots.

Many people travel to Dubai specifically to go shopping. With its many malls, souks, and shopping areas, this is the place to go for luxury shopping. Popular items to purchase include gold and diamond jewelry, shawls, and Persian rugs.

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.

Is Dubai or Hoi An Better for Families?

You'll find high quality kid-friendly activities in either Dubai or Hoi An.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Dubai. This city has family-friendly resorts, skyscrapers with spectacular views, and amusement parks that are fun for the whole family. There are also plenty of fountains that the kids can splash around in.

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.

Is Dubai or Hoi An Better for Couples?

Hoi An is a great town for couples. Also, Dubai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Hoi An is a great town if you're traveling as 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.

Dubai is a nice destination for couples. From the spectacular views to the high end resorts, couples can enjoy a romantic retreat to the city.

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

Hoi An is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Dubai is not known 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.

Dubai is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It is known to be an expensive and not so backpacker friendly city, but there are some hostels around that you can stay at.

Is Dubai or Hoi An Better for Students?

Dubai is terrific for its student-friendly activities. However, Hoi An is not popular with students.

Dubai is a very popular place to visit for students. Many major universities from around the world have campuses in this city, making this a top destination for international students.

Hoi An is not popular with students.

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

Dubai and Hoi An both offer notable public transit to get you around.

While Dubai offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The city's public transportation system includes buses, water buses, a monorail system, and a metro.

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

Is Dubai or Hoi An a more walkable city?

Hoi An is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. However, Dubai is not known for its 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.

Dubai is generally not very walkable. It is one of the less pedestrian-friendly cities around the world. There is lots of road work, even in the more walkable areas, so getting around on foot can be challenging.

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

Should I spend more time in Hoi An or Dubai?

How long in Dubai or Hoi An?

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

Couples should spend more time in Hoi An than Dubai. 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 Dubai 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 Dubai or Hoi An?

Dubai is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. 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, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this quaint destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Dubai or Hoi An?

Dubai is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hoi An. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Dubai or Hoi An?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dubai. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Hoi An. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Dubai or Hoi An?

Dubai is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the peaceful destination of Hoi An. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Day Tours from Dubai, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Arab Emirates, 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 Dubai and Hoi An, we can see that Dubai is more expensive. And not only is Hoi An much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dubai 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 Dubai would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dubai 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 Dubai Expensive? and Is Hoi An Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Dubai or Hoi An?

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

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

June to August in Dubai 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. In July, Dubai usually receives less rain than Hoi An. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Hoi An receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

The heat can be very extreme in Dubai. In the summer, Dubai is a little warmer than Hoi An. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dubai in July average around 35°C (95°F), and Hoi An averages at about 29°C (85°F).

Should I visit Dubai or Hoi An in the Autumn?

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

It's quite rainy in Hoi An. Dubai usually gets less rain in October than Hoi An. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Hoi An receives 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

In October, Dubai is generally a little warmer than Hoi An. Daily temperatures in Dubai average around 29°C (84°F), and Hoi An fluctuates around 25°C (78°F).

Should I visit Dubai or Hoi An in the Winter?

Both Hoi An and Dubai are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Dubai 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 Dubai is January to March. 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, Dubai usually receives less rain than Hoi An. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Hoi An receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Dubai is cooler than Hoi An in the winter. The daily temperature in Dubai averages around 19°C (66°F) in January, and Hoi An fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

Should I visit Dubai or Hoi An in the Spring?

Both Hoi An and Dubai during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Dubai 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 August is the dry season in Dubai. Dubai usually gets less rain in April than Hoi An. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Hoi An receives 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the spring, Dubai is around the same temperature as Hoi An. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dubai in April average around 26°C (79°F), and Hoi An averages at about 26°C (80°F).

Typical Weather for Hoi An and Dubai