A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hoi An vs. Akureyri for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Hoi An or Akureyri?

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 Akureyri. 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.

Where Should I go: Hoi An or Akureyri?

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).

Akureyri

Akureyri is the largest town in the northern region of Iceland, and is often considered the unofficial capital of the north. The town is a popular fishing port and is often used as a basecamp for visiting the more rural surrounding area. Akureyri is known for their great art scene, beautiful architecture, and stunning natural scenery.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Vietnam, The Best Tours Under $1000 in Vietnam, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Iceland, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Iceland.


Which place is cheaper, Akureyri or Hoi An?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Hoi An is $51, while the average daily cost in Akureyri is $189. 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 Hoi An and Akureyri in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hoi An $20
    Akureyri $102
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hoi An $40
    Akureyri $204
Compare Hotels in Hoi An and Akureyri

Looking for a hotel in Hoi An or Akureyri? 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.

Hotels in Hoi An


Hotels in Akureyri


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: Hoi An Hotel Prices and Akureyri Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hoi An $18
    Akureyri $23
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hoi An

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Hoi An are as follows:


  • Taxi From Danang to Hoi An
    $8.36
  • Bus From Hoi An Bus Station to Town
    $0.57

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hoi An

Also for Hoi An, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Hue Private Car with Driver for Customizable Trip & Transfer: $7.09

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Akureyri

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Akureyri:

  • Whale and Puffin Watching in Hauganes from Akureyri with Transfer: $165
  • Whale Watching from Akureyri with Roundtrip Transfer: $94
  • Transfer to Akureyri Airport from your Stay: $32
  • Transfer from Accommodation to Akureyri Airport: $30
  • Seamless Transfer from Akureyri Airport to Your Stay: $32
  • From Godafoss Waterfall Guided Trip with Transfers: $129
  • Whale Watching Tour with Transfer from Port: $141
  • Akureyri Airport (AEY): Transfer to/from Akureyri City: $32

Is it cheaper to fly into Hoi An or Akureyri?

Prices for flights to both Akureyri and Hoi An 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Hoi An $16
    Akureyri $70
Typical Food Prices in Hoi An

For Hoi An, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Dinner at Bamboo Village (for Two)
    $14
  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    $3.80
  • Casual Dinner (for Two)
    $7.60

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hoi An $12
    Akureyri $18
Typical Entertainment Prices in Hoi An

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Hoi An's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Golf (for Two)
    $141
  • Short Boat Ride
    $1.52

Tours and Activities in Hoi An

For Hoi An, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Hue : Shuttle bus from Hue to Hoi An and sightseeing: $16
  • Hue-Da Nang-Hoi An Bus Tour with English Guide & Sightseeing: $22
  • Hue: Half-Day Tour with Optional Dragon Boat Perfume River: $28
  • Phu Quoc: 3 Islands Snorkeling/ Cable Car Adventure: $45
  • Hoi An Experience 3 Hours Wood Carving Class with Local Artist: $47
  • My Son Sanctuary Private Tour - Sunrise Morning or Half Day Tour: $50
  • My Son Holy Land Half Day Tour: $103
  • My Son - Danang from Tien Sa cruise harbor: $150
  • Cruiseship Trip from TIEN SA or CHAN MAY Port to MY SON HOLYLAND & HOI AN City: $154
  • Cruiseship Trip from TIEN SA or CHAN MAY Port to MY SON HOLYLAND & DA NANG City: $154
  • Chan May Port: Private My Son Sanctuary & Marble Mountains Tour: $160
  • Cruiseship Tour to MY SON HOLYLAND - DA NANG CITY From Chan May or Tien Sa Port: $179

Tours and Activities in Akureyri

Here are a few actual costs in Akureyri for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Akureyri Guided E-Bike Tour: $166
  • Akureyri Lake Myvatn Godafoss and Lava Fields Tour: $162
  • Akureyri Port: Dettifoss, Goðafoss and Lake Mývatn Tour: $293
  • Akureyri Port: Goðafoss and Akureyri Botanical Garden Tour: $170
  • Akureyri Port: Goðafoss and the Forest Lagoon Tour: $203
  • Akureyri Port: Godafoss Waterfall Classic Tour & Viewpoint: $81
  • Akureyri Port: Hot Godafoss Waterfall Tour & The Forest Lagoon: $158
  • Akureyri Port: Lake Mývatn & Goðafoss Guided Tour with Lunch: $328
  • Akureyri Port: Lake Mývatn and Godafoss Waterfall Tour: $182
  • Akureyri Port: Myvatn Nature Baths & Godafoss Waterfall Tour: $246
  • Akureyri Port: Small Group Godafoss and Laufas Turf House Tour: $133
  • Akureyri Private Walking Tour: $169

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hoi An $8.62
    Akureyri $15
Typical Alcohol Prices in Hoi An

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Hoi An are as follows:


  • Bottle of Wine
    $9.12


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


Which is Bigger, Hoi An or Akureyri?

Hoi An has a larger population, and is about 98% larger than the population of Akureyri. When comparing the sizes of Hoi An and Akureyri, 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 Hoi An or Akureyri?

Akureyri 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 Akureyri in the Summer?

Both Akureyri and Hoi An during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Hoi An because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Hoi An is much warmer than Akureyri in the summer. The daily temperature in Hoi An averages around 29°C (85°F) in July, and Akureyri fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

It's quite sunny in Hoi An. In the summer, Hoi An often gets more sunshine than Akureyri. Hoi An gets 242 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Akureyri receives 158 hours of full sun.

Hoi An usually gets more rain in July than Akureyri. Hoi An gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Akureyri receives 33 mm (1.3 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.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Hoi An 29°C (85°F) 
    Akureyri 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Hoi An or Akureyri in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Hoi An and Akureyri. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hoi An year-round.

The weather in Akureyri can be very cold. In the autumn, Hoi An is much warmer than Akureyri. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hoi An in October average around 25°C (78°F), and Akureyri averages at about 3°C (38°F).

Hoi An usually receives more sunshine than Akureyri during autumn. Hoi An gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Akureyri receives 52 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Hoi An gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Hoi An usually receives more rain than Akureyri. Hoi An gets 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain, while Akureyri receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Hoi An 25°C (78°F) 
    Akureyri 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Hoi An or Akureyri in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Hoi An as well as Akureyri. Hoi An attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

It's quite cold in Akureyri in the winter. In January, Hoi An is generally much warmer than Akureyri. Daily temperatures in Hoi An average around 22°C (71°F), and Akureyri fluctuates around -2°C (28°F).

In the winter, Hoi An often gets more sunshine than Akureyri. Hoi An gets 136 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Akureyri receives 7 hours of full sun.

Hoi An receives a lot of rain in the winter. Hoi An usually gets more rain in January than Akureyri. Hoi An gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Akureyri receives 55 mm (2.2 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.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Hoi An 22°C (71°F) 
    Akureyri -2°C (28°F)

Should I visit Hoi An or Akureyri in the Spring?

Both Akureyri and Hoi An are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hoi An throughout the year.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Akureyri. Hoi An is much warmer than Akureyri in the spring. The daily temperature in Hoi An averages around 26°C (80°F) in April, and Akureyri fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hoi An. Hoi An usually receives more sunshine than Akureyri during spring. Hoi An gets 210 hours of sunny skies, while Akureyri receives 130 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Hoi An usually receives more rain than Akureyri. Hoi An gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Akureyri receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Hoi An 26°C (80°F) 
    Akureyri 2°C (36°F)

Typical Weather for Akureyri and Hoi An

Hoi An Akureyri
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 22°C (71°F) 112 mm (4.4 in) -2°C (28°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Feb 23°C (73°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) -1°C (30°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Mar 24°C (75°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) -1°C (31°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Apr 26°C (80°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 2°C (36°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
May 29°C (83°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 6°C (43°F) 19 mm (0.8 in)
Jun 30°C (85°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 10°C (50°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Jul 29°C (85°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 11°C (52°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Aug 29°C (85°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 11°C (51°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Sep 28°C (82°F) 331 mm (13 in) 7°C (44°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Oct 25°C (78°F) 613 mm (24.1 in) 3°C (38°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Nov 24°C (76°F) 376 mm (14.8 in) -0°C (32°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Dec 23°C (73°F) 223 mm (8.8 in) -2°C (29°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)