A Travel Price Comparison for Vietnam Hoi An vs. Can Tho for Food, Backpackers, Attractions, and Families

Should you visit Hoi An or Can Tho?

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

Can Tho

Can Tho is a unique, fascinating, and vibrant city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Hoi An and Can Tho: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hoi An or Can Tho?

Both Can Tho and Hoi An have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Hoi An is very popular for its food, beaches, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Can Tho attracts visitors for its nightlife and big city activities. Hoi An is more touristy than Can Tho and is known for its peaceful and traditional old town, its unique culinary traditions, and its affordable custom made clothing. Can Tho is famous for its colorful floating markets, fresh produce, friendly people, and intricate waterways.

How is Hoi An different from Can Tho?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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.

Can Tho offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The main attraction nearby is Cai Rang Floating Market, but visitors also enjoy seeing Binh Thuy Ancient House, the Can Tho Rice Noodle Factory, Ong pagoda, and Nam Nha Pagoda.

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

Hoi An is a must-visit destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Can Tho is not as popular, but is still a nice 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).

Dining out in Can Tho is an experience not to be missed. It's the largest city in the Mekong Delta, and there are many restaurants with rooftop views and lively atmospheres. The food is local and fresh. Grilled meats, noodle soup, and local produce are all popular. Many visitors come to Cantho specifically to experience the nearby floating markets. You really must sample the many dishes available at the markets, which are unique to the area and offer a whole new approach to street food.

Is Hoi An or Can Tho Better for Nightlife?

Can Tho 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 Can Tho. The city is very beautiful at night with many colorful lights. There are a number of bars and places for tourists to hang out and socialize.

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 Can Tho Better for Beaches?

Hoi An is very good for the beache. However, Can Tho 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.

Can Tho is not a beach destination.

Is Hoi An or Can Tho Better for its Old Town?

Hoi An is a must-visit destination for its old town. However, Can Tho 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.

Can Tho does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Hoi An or Can Tho?

Shoppers can find a variety of first-rate stores in both Hoi An and Can Tho.

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.

The abundance of shops in Can Tho make it a world-class shopping destination. The city is large with malls and a central market, but most visitors come specifically for the nearby floating markets. These unique markets are best visited by boat. Goods and food are sold out of vendor boats and popular food dishes include noodle soup and local fruits. Each boat has a tall bamboo stick displaying the items that it sells.

Is Hoi An or Can Tho Better for Families?

Both Hoi An and Can Tho 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.

Can Tho is a very kid-friendly town. Kids and adults alike will be fascinated by the floating markets and the beautiful Mekong Delta. Most visitors use this growing city as a base for exploring the area, which has a fascinating culture and interesting sights.

Is Hoi An or Can Tho Better for Couples?

Hoi An and Can Tho 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 Can Tho frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples can take a romantic evening boat ride on the Mekong Delta. During the morning hours, the floating markets are one of Vietnam's most interesting destinations. You can sample local dishes and experience a completely different way of life.

Is Hoi An or Can Tho Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hoi An is a must-visit destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Can Tho is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Can Tho is a very popular town for backpackers and budget travelers. This is a large city with a number of hostels and many backpackers who pass through during their trip to the floating markets and through the Mekong Delta.

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

Hoi An is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Can Tho is not a good destination 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 Can Tho. There are local buses, but many visitors come to this area as part of an organized tour because transportation can be a bit a tricky.

Is Hoi An or Can Tho a more walkable city?

Hoi An is a must-visit destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Can Tho is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its ease of walking around.

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.

Can Tho is a somewhat walkable town. The city center is relatively walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Can Tho or Hoi An?

How long in Hoi An or Can Tho?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Hoi An or Can Tho to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Hoi An than Can Tho 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 Can Tho.

Families should spend more time in Hoi An than Can Tho. 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 Can Tho. 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 Can Tho 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 Can Tho?

In Hoi An, you'll find museums and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Can Tho. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Hoi An or Can Tho?

In Hoi An, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Hoi An has to offer.

Can Tho is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the shopping, 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 Can Tho?

Hoi An is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Can Tho. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. 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 Can Tho?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hoi An. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Hoi An. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the fascinating destination of Can Tho. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 Vietnam, and The Best Budget Tours to Vietnam.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hoi An and Can Tho, we can see that Can Tho is more expensive. And not only is Hoi An much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Can Tho would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Can Tho 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 Can Tho Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Hoi An or Can Tho?

Can Tho has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Hoi An. When comparing the sizes of Hoi An and Can Tho, 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 Can Tho?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.

Should I visit Hoi An or Can Tho in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Hoi An and Can Tho. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hoi An year-round. Can Tho attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

February to July in Hoi An is the dry season. Also, September to January is the rainy season in Hoi An. Can Tho receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Hoi An usually receives less rain than Can Tho. Hoi An gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Can Tho receives 313 mm (12.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

In Hoi An, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hoi An usually receives more sunshine than Can Tho during summer. Hoi An gets 242 hours of sunny skies, while Can Tho receives 168 hours of full sun in the summer.

In the summer, Hoi An is around the same temperature as Can Tho. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hoi An in July average around 29°C (85°F), and Can Tho averages at about 28°C (82°F).

Should I visit Hoi An or Can Tho in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Hoi An as well as Can Tho. Hoi An attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Can Tho throughout the year.

Also, December to April in Can Tho is the dry season. May to November in Can Tho is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Can Tho. Hoi An receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Hoi An usually gets more rain in October than Can Tho. Hoi An gets 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain, while Can Tho receives 343 mm (13.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

In October, Hoi An is generally around the same temperature as Can Tho. Daily temperatures in Hoi An average around 25°C (78°F), and Can Tho fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Should I visit Hoi An or Can Tho in the Winter?

Both Can Tho 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. Plenty of visitors come to Can Tho because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

The dry season in Hoi An is February to July. The rainy season in Hoi An is September to January. It's quite rainy in Hoi An. In January, Hoi An usually receives more rain than Can Tho. Hoi An gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Can Tho receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

It's quite sunny in Can Tho. Hoi An usually receives less sunshine than Can Tho during winter. Hoi An gets 136 hours of sunny skies, while Can Tho receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.

Hoi An is cooler than Can Tho in the winter. The daily temperature in Hoi An averages around 22°C (71°F) in January, and Can Tho fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

Should I visit Hoi An or Can Tho in the Spring?

Both Can Tho 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Can Tho year-round.

December to April is the dry season in Can Tho. May to November is the rainy season in Can Tho. Can Tho gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Hoi An usually gets less rain in April than Can Tho. Hoi An gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Can Tho receives 103 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

In Can Tho, 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 Can Tho. Hoi An gets 210 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Can Tho receives 235 hours of full sun.

In the spring, Hoi An is around the same temperature as Can Tho. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hoi An in April average around 26°C (80°F), and Can Tho averages at about 29°C (84°F).

Typical Weather for Can Tho and Hoi An