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

Should you visit Hoi An or Auckland?

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 Auckland. 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. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Auckland

Auckland is a adrenaline-filled, thrill-seeking, and cosmopolitan city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Hoi An and Auckland: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hoi An or Auckland?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Auckland. Although Hoi An and Auckland are popular destinations, Auckland has more sights and attractions for tourists. Auckland is very popular for its nightlife, beaches, hiking, and big city activities, while Hoi An attracts visitors for its food, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Hoi An is more touristy than Auckland and is known for its peaceful and traditional old town, its unique culinary traditions, and its affordable custom made clothing. Auckland is famous for its waterfront setting, diverse beaches, and active and adrenaline-filled environment. It is also well known for the Sky Tower.

How is Hoi An different from Auckland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Spend time exploring the high quality sights and museums in either Hoi An or Auckland.

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.

Auckland offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The waterfront is filled with sights for tourists, and many of the city's attractions are geared towards thrill seekers. The Sky Tower is a popular landmark with its Sky Walk and Sky Jump. There are also many thrilling experiences that you can have along the Harbour Bridge. For museums, head to the New Zealand Maritime Museum, the Auckland Art Gallery, or the Auckland War Memorial Museum.

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

Hoi An is a must-visit destination for its restaurants. Also, Auckland 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).

Dining out in Auckland is an experience not to be missed. The city has a diverse selection of restaurants, but you'll also find many places that highlight local ingredients such as seafood and lamb. You'll often find the standard dishes such as fish and chips, oysters, and green-lipped mussels on the menus.

Is Hoi An or Auckland Better for Nightlife?

Auckland is an excellent place to visit for nightlife. However, Hoi An is lacking in options for nightlife and partying.

Auckland has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The city has a cosmopolitan atmosphere and there are many bars and clubs that you can explore in the evening. Some of the best nightlife options are found in the vibrant Britomart precinct and around the trendy Ponsonby Road. Other popular areas include Viaduct Harbour and Wynyard Quarter.

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 Auckland Better for Beaches?

Auckland is an excellent place to visit for its beaches. Also, Hoi An is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for the beache.

Many people visit Auckland for it's beautiful beaches. You don't have to head too far from the city to find some impressive beaches that are diverse and beautiful. There are beaches that are secluded and private as well as more lively beaches with all of the amenities and activities that you might want.

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 Auckland Better for its Old Town?

Hoi An is a must-visit destination for its old town. However, Auckland does not have a historic old town.

The rich history of Hoi An can be explored in its historical center. 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.

Auckland does not have a historic old town.

Is Hoi An or Auckland Better for Hiking?

Auckland is a good destination for its hiking trails. However, Hoi An is not a hiking destination.

Auckland offers some nice hiking trails. Locals love to get outdoors, and you'll find many local hikes in the area. There are easy paths that are family-friendly and perfect for a stroll, as well as longer stretches that present more of a challenge.

Hoi An is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hoi An or Auckland?

Hoi An is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Auckland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Hoi An draws large crowds to its 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.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Auckland. The city centre is cosmopolitan and full of diverse shopping venues that sell international brands as well as local designers. Some of the most popular shopping areas are Britomart, High Street, and Queen Street.

Is Hoi An or Auckland Better for Families?

Both Hoi An and Auckland 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.

Auckland is a very kid-friendly town. There's a big focus on getting kids outside in the city, so you'll find many outdoor parks and play spaces. Popular activities for families include visiting the Huia Lodge Discovery Centre, going to the Museum of Transport and Technology, and wandering through the botanical garden.

Is Hoi An or Auckland Better for Couples?

Hoi An and Auckland 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 Auckland frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are many romantic restaurants in the city, as well as spas, cocktail bars, and evening venues. Couples will also enjoy one of the many thrill-seeking activities that New Zealand is famous for.

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

Hoi An is a must-visit destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Auckland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Hoi An is extremely popular for backpackers. It's solidly on the backpacker trail, and you'll find many visitors who come for the beautiful culture and fascinating setting.

Auckland is a very popular town for backpackers and budget travelers. Auckland is high on many backpackers' wish list, and usually they pass through the city at some point during their trip. You'll find a number of hostels in the city that are perfect for socializing and saving money.

Is Hoi An or Auckland Better for Students?

Auckland is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Hoi An is not popular with students.

Many students visit Auckland. Some of the country's best universities are found in the city, many of which are popular with international students.

Hoi An is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Hoi An and Auckland.

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 Auckland, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a mishmash of different public transit options, and trips often include a variety of modes of transport. In the city you'll find ferries, trains, and buses to help you get around.

Is Hoi An or Auckland a more walkable city?

Hoi An is a must-visit destination for its high level of walkability. However, Auckland is lacking in options for its ease of walking around.

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.

Auckland is generally not very walkable. It is a very car-centric city and it can be challenging to explore on foot alone.

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

Should I spend more time in Auckland or Hoi An?

How long in Hoi An or Auckland?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Hoi An and Auckland. In our opinion, Hoi An has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Hoi An than Auckland. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

The beautiful town of Hoi An offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Auckland is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Hoi An or Auckland?

Hoi An is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Hoi An, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Auckland is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. 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 Auckland?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Auckland. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Auckland?

Hoi An is a great place to explore. 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. This town offers something for everyone.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cosmopolitan big city of Auckland. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting 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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in New Zealand, and The Best 10-Day Tours in New Zealand.

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

Which is Bigger, Hoi An or Auckland?

Auckland has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Hoi An. When comparing the sizes of Hoi An and Auckland, 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 Auckland?

Auckland 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 Auckland in the Summer?

Both Auckland and Hoi An are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hoi An throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Auckland in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Hoi An is a little warmer than Auckland. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hoi An in July average around 29°C (85°F), and Auckland averages at about 20°C (68°F)in January.

It's quite sunny in Auckland. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hoi An. Hoi An usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Auckland during summer. Hoi An gets 242 hours of sunny skies, while Auckland receives 240 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Hoi An usually receives around the same amount of rain as Aucklandin January. Hoi An gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer. The dry season in Hoi An is February to July. The rainy season in Hoi An is September to January.

Should I visit Hoi An or Auckland in the Autumn?

Both Auckland and Hoi An during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Hoi An because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Auckland for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Hoi An is generally much warmer than Aucklandin April. Daily temperatures in Hoi An average around 25°C (78°F), and Auckland fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Hoi An often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Aucklandin April. Hoi An gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Auckland receives 162 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hoi An. Hoi An usually gets more rain in October than Aucklandin April. Hoi An gets 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hoi An or Auckland in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hoi An and Auckland. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hoi An year-round. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Auckland because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Hoi An is much warmer than Auckland in the winter. The daily temperature in Hoi An averages around 22°C (71°F) in January, and Auckland fluctuates around 11°C (52°F)in July.

Hoi An usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Auckland during winter. Hoi An gets 136 hours of sunny skies, while Auckland receives 141 hours of full sun in the winter.

Auckland receives a lot of rain in the winter. Hoi An gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Hoi An usually receives less rain than Aucklandin July. Hoi An gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain each month for the winter. February to July in Hoi An is the dry season. Also, September to January is the rainy season in Hoi An.

Should I visit Hoi An or Auckland in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Hoi An as well as Auckland. Hoi An attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Auckland this time of year.

In the spring, Hoi An is much warmer than Auckland. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hoi An in April average around 26°C (80°F), and Auckland averages at about 14°C (58°F)in October.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hoi An this time of the year. In the spring, Hoi An often gets more sunshine than Aucklandin October. Hoi An gets 210 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Auckland receives 192 hours of full sun.

Hoi An usually gets less rain in April than Aucklandin October. Hoi An gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Auckland and Hoi An