A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hoi An vs. Airlie Beach for Food, Beaches, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Hoi An or Airlie Beach?

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 Hoi An and Airlie Beach. 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.

Hoi An

Hoi An is a peaceful, beautiful, and traditional town. Hoi An is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, beaches, and shopping. See Hoi An travel costs.

Airlie Beach

Airlie Beach is a paradise, laid back, and slow-paced town. Airlie Beach is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Airlie Beach travel costs.

Hoi An and Airlie Beach: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hoi An or Airlie Beach?

Both Airlie Beach and Hoi An have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Hoi An is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, historical sights, and shopping, while Airlie Beach is known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Hoi An is more touristy than Airlie Beach and is popular for its peaceful and traditional old town, its unique culinary traditions, and its affordable custom made clothing. Airlie Beach is popular for its tours and transportation that visit the Great Barrier Reef and the Whitsunday Islands.

How is Hoi An different from Airlie Beach?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Hoi An is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Airlie Beach is not a good town for its museums and history.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Hoi An. 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.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Airlie Beach. Oceanfront beauty is what this town is all about, so you won't find much is the form of museums and manmade landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Hoi An or Airlie Beach? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hoi An is very popular for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Airlie Beach is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Eat your way through Hoi An, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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).

Airlie Beach has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There's a good selection of restaurants in town that offer everything from freshly caught local seafood to fine dining or casual. Try to pick a place with a view.

Is Hoi An or Airlie Beach Better for Nightlife?

Airlie Beach is a good destination for nightlife. However, Hoi An is lacking in options for nightlife and partying.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Airlie Beach. The town has a number of nightlife venues that include DJ hosted parties, beachfront cocktail lounges, and mellow local bars.

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 Hoi An or Airlie Beach Better for Resorts?

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

Vacationers flock to Airlie Beach for its luxury resorts. There's everything from posh resorts and luxury hotels to family-friendly campgrounds. There are also hostels that cater to the budget crowd.

Hoi An is not a resort destination.

Is Hoi An or Airlie Beach Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Airlie Beach is terrific for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Hoi An is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel from around the world to go scuba diving and snorkeling in Airlie Beach. You can't snorkel right off the shore because the water is murky and mucky, but there are excursions that will take you to the Great Barrier Reef. There are many day cruises that will take you out on the reef to several sights where you may see beautiful coral, sea turtles, or even reef sharks.

Hoi An is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Hoi An or Airlie Beach Better for Beaches?

Airlie Beach is terrific for its beaches. Also, Hoi An is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for the beach.

Airlie Beach offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. Near town there are world class beaches that range from secluded and idyllic to those lined with luxury resorts. For an escape, head to Hideaway Bay or Dingo Beach. If you don't want to leave town, there's also Airlie Beach, which is right off the Main Street. You likely won't want to swim here, but you can enjoy a picnic. Whatever beach you chose, do confirm that there's a stinger net.

Hoi An is a good option for a beach vacation. 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 Hoi An or Airlie Beach Better for its Old Town?

Hoi An is very popular for its historic old town. However, Airlie Beach does not have a historic old town.

Hoi An has a world-famous historical area. 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.

Airlie Beach does not have a historic old town.

Is Hoi An or Airlie Beach Better for Hiking?

Airlie Beach is terrific for its hiking trails. However, Hoi An is not a hiking destination.

Airlie Beach is well-known for its hiking and trekking. You'll find many incredible hiking trails in the area. Conway National Park is a great place to hike through the rainforest and Conway State Forest is another nice spot.

Hoi An is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hoi An or Airlie Beach?

Hoi An is very popular for shopping. Also, Airlie Beach is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its shopping opportunities.

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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Airlie Beach. Head to the town's main street for your typical souvenir shops and holiday stores.

Is Hoi An or Airlie Beach More Beautiful?

Airlie Beach is terrific for its scenery and beauty. Also, Hoi An is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its scenery and beauty.

Airlie Beach is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Serving as a gateway to the Whitsunday Islands, this town is surrounded by some of the world's most idyllic landscapes.

The beauty of Hoi An is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The city is beautiful during the day with its traditional architecture, as well as at night when it is lit with lanterns.

Is Hoi An or Airlie Beach Better for Families?

Both Hoi An and Airlie Beach are excellent family-friendly destinations.

Hoi An is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Airlie Beach is a very kid-friendly town. Kids will enjoy playing in the Airlie Beach Lagoon, visiting the markets, or hanging out at the local beaches or playgrounds. If you're hoping to swim in the ocean, be very aware of the season and the conditions.

Is Hoi An or Airlie Beach Better for Couples?

Airlie Beach is terrific for romance. Also, Hoi An is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Airlie Beach is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Couples often use this as a gateway to the stunning Whitsunday Islands. The dining scene is good and there are countless outdoor activities that you can enjoy together. There are also many different resorts in the area.

Couples visit Hoi An frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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 Hoi An or Airlie Beach Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hoi An is very popular for backpackers. Also, Airlie Beach is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Hoi An is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. It's solidly on the backpacker trail, and you'll find many visitors who come for the beautiful culture and fascinating setting.

Many backpackers visit Airlie Beach. If you're hoping to visit the Whitsunday Islands, then is a good place to base yourself as a backpacker. It has a decent selection of hostels and there are a number of restaurants and other dining options.

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

Visitors will find good public transit in both Hoi An and Airlie Beach.

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

You'll find some public transit in Airlie Beach, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a public bus that runs from Proserpine to Shute Harbour. The main bus station is near the city center and the main beach.

Is Hoi An or Airlie Beach a more walkable city?

Hoi An is very popular for its walkability. Also, Airlie Beach is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its high level of walkability.

It is easy to get around Hoi An 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.

Airlie Beach is a very walkable town. The town itself is walkable, but the surrounding area is hilly and requires a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Airlie Beach or Hoi An?

How long in Hoi An or Airlie Beach?

Both Hoi An and Airlie Beach have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Airlie Beach than in Hoi An. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Hoi An, and 4-7 days is enough time in Airlie Beach.

Families should spend more time in Hoi An than Airlie Beach. 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 Airlie Beach than Hoi An. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Airlie Beach 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 Airlie Beach 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 Hoi An or Airlie Beach?

In Hoi An, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this traditional town offers. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Airlie Beach. 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.

A weekend in Hoi An or Airlie Beach?

Hoi An is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Airlie Beach 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.

Five days in Hoi An or Airlie Beach?

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. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Airlie Beach. 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.

A week in Hoi An or Airlie Beach?

Hoi An is a popular place to visit. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the laid back destination of Airlie Beach. This town 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Vietnam, The Best Historical Tours in Vietnam, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Australia, and The Best Honeymoon Tours in Australia.

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

When is the best time to visit Hoi An or Airlie Beach?

Airlie Beach has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Hoi An experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Hoi An or Airlie Beach in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Hoi An as well as Airlie Beach. Hoi An attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Airlie Beach this time of year.

Hoi An is a little warmer than Airlie Beach in the summer. The daily temperature in Hoi An averages around 29°C (85°F) in July, and Airlie Beach fluctuates around 26°C (79°F)in January.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Airlie Beach. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hoi An this time of the year. In the summer, Hoi An often gets less sunshine than Airlie Beachin January. Hoi An gets 242 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Airlie Beach receives 285 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Airlie Beach. Hoi An usually gets less rain in July than Airlie Beachin January. Hoi An gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Airlie Beach receives 331 mm (13 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, February to July in Hoi An is the dry season. September to January in Hoi An is the rainy season.

Should I visit Hoi An or Airlie Beach in the Autumn?

Both Airlie Beach and Hoi An are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hoi An throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Airlie Beach for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Hoi An is a little warmer than Airlie Beach. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hoi An in October average around 25°C (78°F), and Airlie Beach averages at about 23°C (73°F)in April.

It's quite sunny in Airlie Beach. Hoi An usually receives less sunshine than Airlie Beach during autumn. Hoi An gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Airlie Beach receives 207 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Airlie Beach. It's quite rainy in Hoi An. In October, Hoi An usually receives more rain than Airlie Beachin April. Hoi An gets 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain, while Airlie Beach receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Hoi An or Airlie Beach in the Winter?

Both Airlie Beach and Hoi An during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Hoi An because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, many visitors come to Airlie Beach in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In January, Hoi An is generally a little warmer than Airlie Beachin July. Daily temperatures in Hoi An average around 22°C (71°F), and Airlie Beach fluctuates around 16°C (62°F).

In Airlie Beach, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Hoi An often gets less sunshine than Airlie Beachin July. Hoi An gets 136 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Airlie Beach receives 226 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hoi An. Hoi An usually gets more rain in January than Airlie Beachin July. Hoi An gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Airlie Beach receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year. February to July is the dry season in Hoi An. September to January is the rainy season in Hoi An.

Should I visit Hoi An or Airlie Beach in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Hoi An and Airlie Beach. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hoi An year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Airlie Beach for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

Hoi An is a little warmer than Airlie Beach in the spring. The daily temperature in Hoi An averages around 26°C (80°F) in April, and Airlie Beach fluctuates around 23°C (73°F)in October.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Airlie Beach this time of the year. In Hoi An, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hoi An usually receives less sunshine than Airlie Beach during spring. Hoi An gets 210 hours of sunny skies, while Airlie Beach receives 298 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Hoi An usually receives less rain than Airlie Beachin October. Hoi An gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Airlie Beach receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Airlie Beach and Hoi An