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

Should you visit Hoi An or Arrowtown?

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 Arrowtown. 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 beautiful, traditional, and quaint town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Arrowtown

Arrowtown is a charming, quaint, and quirky town. Since it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors, too. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Hoi An and Arrowtown: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hoi An or Arrowtown?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Arrowtown. Although Hoi An and Arrowtown are both popular with visitors, Arrowtown has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Arrowtown is more popular for its skiing, nightlife, hiking, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere, while Hoi An is known for its museums, food, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Hoi An is more touristy than Arrowtown and is known for its peaceful and traditional old town, its unique culinary traditions, and its affordable custom made clothing. Arrowtown is popular for its gold rush history, impressive ski slopes, and famous hikes. It is also home to the Chinese Settlement.

How is Hoi An different from Arrowtown?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Hoi An or Arrowtown Better for Skiing?

Arrowtown is an excellent place to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, Hoi An is not a skiing destination.

Arrowtown offers world-class skiing that is fun for everyone. In the area you'll find amazing skiing that ranges from professional level to family-friendly.

Hoi An is not a skiing destination.

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

Hoi An is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. Also, Arrowtown is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Hoi An specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Arrowtown offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The town feels likes a living museum with its historic sights. There's also the Lakes District Museum in town that you can visit.

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

Hoi An is terrific for its restaurants. Also, Arrowtown is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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).

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Arrowtown. For such a small town, there's a surprising number of great restaurants with award winning chefs. You'll find quaint cafes, traditional eateries, and casual restaurants where you can sample the local dishes.

Is Hoi An or Arrowtown Better for Nightlife?

Arrowtown 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 Arrowtown. For such a small town, there's a surprisingly bustling nightlife scene with casual pubs and waterfront 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 Arrowtown Better for Beaches?

Hoi An is very good for its beaches. However, Arrowtown is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Hoi An to enjoy the beach. 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.

Arrowtown is not a beach destination.

Is Hoi An or Arrowtown Better for its Old Town?

Hoi An is terrific for its historic old town. Also, Arrowtown is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its old town.

Hoi An has a unique history which comes to life in its historic 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.

Many visitors go to Arrowtown to see the historical old town. This is a quirky and charming historic mining town that has many cottages and historic buildings. Many places have been restored to maintain their original character.

Is Hoi An or Arrowtown Better for Hiking?

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

Arrowtown is well-known for its hiking and trekking. Many people use this town as a jumping off point for some of the world's most iconic hikes. You can explore Lord of the Rings country or do one of fifteen different listed walks in the area.

Hoi An is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hoi An or Arrowtown?

Hoi An is terrific for shopping. Also, Arrowtown is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Hoi An. 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.

Arrowtown is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Shopping is an experience in town. Head to Buckingham Street, which is the main street in town. You can wander through a wild west setting with local vendors and quirky galleries.

Is Hoi An or Arrowtown Better for Families?

Both Hoi An and Arrowtown are high quality 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.

Arrowtown is a very kid-friendly town. Kids will enjoy the old world charm as much as adults. There's gold panning, bike trails, and even a historic Chinese village. During the winter there are snow sports and during the summer there are outdoor activities that take advantage of the nice weather.

Is Hoi An or Arrowtown Better for Couples?

Hoi An and Arrowtown both high quality 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 Arrowtown frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The charming atmosphere and beautiful walks make this a great weekend destination for couples. You can take a stroll on the Arrow River Walkway or grab a meal at a quaint cafe followed by ice cream at a classic ice cream parlor.

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

Hoi An is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Arrowtown is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Hoi An. It's solidly on the backpacker trail, and you'll find many visitors who come for the beautiful culture and fascinating setting.

Arrowtown is a great town to visit for backpackers. There are a couple of hostels in town and backpackers love the frequent festivals and activities that the town hosts.

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

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

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 Arrowtown, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are public buses throughout the region.

Is Hoi An or Arrowtown a more walkable city?

Hoi An is terrific for its walkability. Also, Arrowtown is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Hoi An. 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.

Arrowtown is a somewhat walkable place. Parts of the town are fun to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Arrowtown or Hoi An?

How long in Hoi An or Arrowtown?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Hoi An or Arrowtown to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Hoi An than Arrowtown because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Hoi An, and 1-2 days is enough time in Arrowtown.

Families should spend more time in Hoi An than Arrowtown. 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 Arrowtown. 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 Arrowtown 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 Arrowtown?

You'll find shopping and museums around the town of Hoi An. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Arrowtown might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Hoi An or Arrowtown?

You'll find museums and food around the traditional destination of Hoi An. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Arrowtown 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 Arrowtown?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the beautiful town of Hoi An. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Arrowtown. 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 Arrowtown?

Hoi An is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week 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 will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Arrowtown 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 Luxury Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Budget Tours to New Zealand.

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

Which is Bigger, Hoi An or Arrowtown?

Hoi An has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Arrowtown. When comparing the sizes of Hoi An and Arrowtown, 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.