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

Should you visit Hoi An or Alice Springs?

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 Alice Springs. 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 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.

Alice Springs

Alice Springs is a friendly, laid back, and outdoorsy town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and shopping.

Hoi An and Alice Springs: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hoi An or Alice Springs?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Hoi An than Alice Springs, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Hoi An is better known for its museums, food, beaches, historical sights, and shopping, while Alice Springs is more popular for its nightlife, hiking, and small town charm. Hoi An is more touristy than Alice Springs 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. Alice Springs is well known for its desert landscapes, Outback setting, and location between the East and West MacDonnell Ranges.

How is Hoi An different from Alice Springs?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Alice Springs 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 Alice Springs?

Hoi An is a great town for its historical sights. Also, Alice Springs is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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.

Alice Springs is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several wildlife centers in town that let you experience the desert animals first hand. Make sure you check out the Alice Springs Reptile Center, the Alice Springs Desert Park, and the Kangaroo Sanctuary. Another highlight of the town is a visit to the Alice Springs School of the Air.

Is the Food Better in Hoi An or Alice Springs? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Many restaurants in Hoi An have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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).

Alice Springs offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are casual eateries with local food and decent prices. While it's a small town, there are plenty of tourists passing through so you'll find enough places to eat with a decent selection.

Is Hoi An or Alice Springs Better for Nightlife?

Alice Springs 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 Alice Springs. It's a laid back small town, but there are still places to hang out in evening. Pubs and taverns are popular with locals and tourists alike. You'll also find a couple of casinos and clubs in town.

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 Alice Springs Better for Beaches?

Hoi An is a town with good options for the beach. However, Alice Springs is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Hoi An. 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.

Alice Springs is not a beach destination.

Is Hoi An or Alice Springs Better for its Old Town?

Hoi An is a world-class destination for its historic old town charm. However, Alice Springs 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.

Alice Springs does not have a historic old town.

Is Hoi An or Alice Springs Better for Hiking?

Alice Springs is terrific for its hiking trails. However, Hoi An is not a hiking destination.

Alice Springs is well-known for its hiking and trekking. Just outside of town there are wonderful walking routes and hiking trails. You can visit gorges, waterholes, and wander through the stunning red desert landscapes. One of the most famous trails in the area is the Larapinta Trail.

Hoi An is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hoi An or Alice Springs?

Hoi An is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. Also, Alice Springs is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

Alice Springs is a great destination for shopping. There are many shopping areas around town, particularly at the Yeperenye Shopping Centre, Alice Plaza, and Todd Mall. Prices can be a bit high, so keep that in mind as you're browsing.

Is Hoi An or Alice Springs Better for Families?

Both Hoi An and Alice Springs are very good 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.

Alice Springs is a very kid-friendly town. Kids will enjoy the beautiful setting as much as adults. There are desert animals that you can see at Alice Springs Desert Park or the Kangaroo Sanctuary. The Earth Sanctuary has telescopes and unbeatable views of the night sky. In the area you'll also be able to take a camel ride or visit the National Road Transport Hall of Fame.

Is Hoi An or Alice Springs Better for Couples?

Hoi An and Alice Springs both very good destinations for a couple.

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.

Couples visit Alice Springs frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The red desert and stunning landscapes make for a truly one-of-a-kind romantic getaway. In addition to the area's natural beauty, there are hot air balloon rides and camel treks. Hiking and exploring is also at the top of many visitor's lists.

Is Hoi An or Alice Springs Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hoi An is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Alice Springs is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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 Alice Springs. Many backpackers stop off here during their Australian adventure. There a few hostels in town as well as a laid back and friendly environment that is perfect for backpacking.

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

Hoi An is a town with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Alice Springs is not known for its public transit.

While Hoi An offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Biking, taxis, and motorbikes are the most popular ways to explore the area.

Public transit is generally limited in Alice Springs. Public transit options are limited but you will find buses that leave from the Yeperenye Shopping Center on Hartley Street. There are also taxis in town.

Is Hoi An or Alice Springs a more walkable city?

Hoi An is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Alice Springs is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

Alice Springs is somewhat walkable. The downtown area can be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Alice Springs or Hoi An?

How long in Hoi An or Alice Springs?

It's fun to spend time in either Hoi An or Alice Springs. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Alice Springs due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Hoi An, and 2-4 days is enough time in Alice Springs.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Hoi An than Alice Springs 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 Alice Springs?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the peaceful destination of Hoi An. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Alice Springs might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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 Alice Springs?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hoi An. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Alice Springs is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Hoi An or Alice Springs?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the traditional destination of Hoi An. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Alice Springs. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

A week in Hoi An or Alice Springs?

You'll find museums and food around the beautiful town of Hoi An. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Alice Springs is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Vietnam, The Best Tours Under $1000 in Vietnam, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Australia, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Australia.

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

Which is Bigger, Hoi An or Alice Springs?

Hoi An has a larger population, and is about 25% larger than the population of Alice Springs. When comparing the sizes of Hoi An and Alice Springs, 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.