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

Should you visit Hoi An or Brisbane?

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 Brisbane. 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.

Brisbane

Brisbane is a active, relaxed, and diverse coastal city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Hoi An and Brisbane: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hoi An or Brisbane?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Brisbane than Hoi An, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Brisbane is better known for its nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and big city activities, while Hoi An is more popular for its food, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Hoi An is more touristy than Brisbane and is known for its peaceful and traditional old town, its unique culinary traditions, and its affordable custom made clothing. Brisbane is well known for its sports culture, beautiful weather, and outdoor areas. Also, Brisbane is famous for the Cultural Centre.

How is Hoi An different from Brisbane?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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.

Brisbane offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The Cultural Centre is where you'll find many of the city's museums. It sits on the banks of the Brisbane River and is home to the State Library of Queensland, the Queensland Museum and Sciencentre, and Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art. This is also where you'll find the Queensland Performing Arts Centre. Also popular is the Brisbane Botanic Gardens and the Wheel of Brisbane.

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

Hoi An is an amazing town to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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).

Brisbane offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find all of the standard eateries around town, with casual cafes, family-friendly restaurants, and some fine dining experiences to choose from.

Is Hoi An or Brisbane Better for Nightlife?

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

Brisbane has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. Fortitude Valley is the entertainment district in the city, and it really comes to life at night. There are also many venues that take advantage of the beautiful weather with outdoor and rooftop 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 Brisbane Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Brisbane is a good destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Hoi An is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Brisbane. There are some good snorkeling and diving spots near the city. One of the best is the Tangalooma Wrecks off Moreton Island.

Hoi An is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Hoi An or Brisbane Better for Beaches?

Brisbane 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 Brisbane for it's beautiful beaches. For the best beaches, you'll want to take a day trip out of town, but there are also some nice beaches right by the city. About 30 minutes from town is family-friend Suttons Beach, or you can stay in the city center and check out the man-made Streets Beach. Shorncliffe Beach is another option that's less than a half hour from town.

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 Brisbane Better for its Old Town?

Hoi An is an amazing town to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Brisbane does not have a historic old town.

Hoi An offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. 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.

Brisbane does not have a historic old town.

Is Hoi An or Brisbane Better for Hiking?

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

Brisbane offers some nice hiking trails. There are a number of hikes outside of town that you can enjoy as a day trip. Check out the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, Keperra Bushland Reserve, or D'Aguilar National Park to the north of town. To the south is Toohey Forest Park, Springwood Conservation Park , and Venmans Bushland National Park.

Hoi An is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hoi An or Brisbane?

Hoi An is an amazing town to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city 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.

Brisbane is an extremely popular place for shoppers. It's one of the most popular cities for retail therapy in Queensland. Queen Street Mall is an open air shopping mall and James Street is a favorite shopping street in town.

Is Hoi An or Brisbane Better for Families?

Both Hoi An and Brisbane 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.

Brisbane is a very kid-friendly town. Kids will love a visit to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary or White Ridge Farm. And, of course, you should take a ride on the iconic Wheel of Brisbane. If you're willing to head out of town you can visit the fun Tangalooma Island Resort. Streets Beach is also fun to visit.

Is Hoi An or Brisbane Better for Couples?

Hoi An is great for couples. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for romance.

Hoi An is a great town if you're traveling as 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.

Brisbane is a nice destination for couples. The waterfront setting and romantic restaurants offer a nice getaway for couples. There are many outdoor spaces that are fun to explore as well.

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

Hoi An is an amazing town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city 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 Brisbane. Many backpackers breeze through Brisbane in favor of other nearby destinations, but there are actually a number of hostels in town and some interesting things to do.

Is Hoi An or Brisbane Better for Students?

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

Many students visit Brisbane. Many students appreciate the local vibe, warm weather, and excellent education opportunities that the city offers.

Hoi An is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Hoi An and Brisbane.

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 Brisbane, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses, trains, and ferries around town, but many people prefer to have their own vehicle. Ferries are the most fun and scenic way to get around.

Is Hoi An or Brisbane a more walkable city?

Hoi An is an amazing town to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city 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.

Brisbane is very walkable. There's a good network of paths that make parts of the city walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Brisbane or Hoi An?

How long in Hoi An or Brisbane?

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

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

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.

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Brisbane. 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 Brisbane?

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.

Brisbane 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 Brisbane?

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 Brisbane. 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 Brisbane?

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 nightlife and food when visiting the cultural destination of Brisbane. This coastal 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 Luxury Tours to Australia, and The Best Adventure Tours to Australia.

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

Which is Bigger, Hoi An or Brisbane?

Brisbane has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Hoi An. When comparing the sizes of Hoi An and Brisbane, 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 Brisbane?

Brisbane 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 Brisbane in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Hoi An and Brisbane. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hoi An year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Brisbane in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Hoi An is generally a little warmer than Brisbanein January. Daily temperatures in Hoi An average around 29°C (85°F), and Brisbane fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Brisbane this time of the year. In Hoi An, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hoi An usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Brisbane during summer. Hoi An gets 242 hours of sunny skies, while Brisbane receives 256 hours of full sun in the summer.

Brisbane receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Hoi An usually receives less rain than Brisbanein January. Hoi An gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 169 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the summer. 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 Brisbane in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Hoi An as well as Brisbane. Hoi An attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Brisbane for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene during these months.

Hoi An is a little warmer than Brisbane in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hoi An averages around 25°C (78°F) in October, and Brisbane fluctuates around 22°C (71°F)in April.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Brisbane. In the autumn, Hoi An often gets less sunshine than Brisbanein April. Hoi An gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brisbane receives 214 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Brisbane. Hoi An receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Hoi An usually gets more rain in October than Brisbanein April. Hoi An gets 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hoi An or Brisbane in the Winter?

Both Brisbane and Hoi An are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hoi An throughout the year. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Brisbane because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Hoi An is a little warmer than Brisbane. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hoi An in January average around 22°C (71°F), and Brisbane averages at about 15°C (59°F)in July.

It's quite sunny in Brisbane. Hoi An usually receives less sunshine than Brisbane during winter. Hoi An gets 136 hours of sunny skies, while Brisbane receives 226 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Hoi An. In January, Hoi An usually receives more rain than Brisbanein July. Hoi An gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter. 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 Brisbane in the Spring?

Both Brisbane and Hoi An during the spring 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, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Brisbane this time of year.

In April, Hoi An is generally a little warmer than Brisbanein October. Daily temperatures in Hoi An average around 26°C (80°F), and Brisbane fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

In Brisbane, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Hoi An. In the spring, Hoi An often gets less sunshine than Brisbanein October. Hoi An gets 210 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brisbane receives 259 hours of full sun.

Hoi An usually gets less rain in April than Brisbanein October. Hoi An gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Brisbane and Hoi An