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

Should you visit Hoi An or Canberra?

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 Canberra. 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.

Canberra

Canberra is a under-rated, cultural, and diverse city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and shopping.

Hoi An and Canberra: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hoi An or Canberra?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hoi An. Although Hoi An and Canberra are popular destinations, Hoi An has more sights and attractions for tourists. Hoi An is very popular for its food, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Canberra attracts visitors for its nightlife, hiking, and big city activities. Hoi An is more touristy than Canberra and is known for its peaceful and traditional old town, its unique culinary traditions, and its affordable custom made clothing. It is also well known for the Fukian Assembly Hall. Canberra is famous for its educational museums and the nearby nature reserves.

How is Hoi An different from Canberra?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Spend time exploring the superb sights and museums in either Hoi An or Canberra.

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.

Canberra offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. As Australia's capital, there are a large number of museums around town that focus on everything from history and culture to science and nature. Some of the most interesting are the Australian War Memorial, the New Parliament House, the Museum of Australian Democracy, the National Gallery of Australia, and the National Science and Technology Centre, but there are many more.

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

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

For foodies, Hoi An is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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 Canberra is an experience not to be missed. There's a trendy culinary scene as well as nearby vineyards that provide great wine. You'll find everything from family-friendly and casual to upscale and fine dining.

Is Hoi An or Canberra Better for Nightlife?

Canberra 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 Canberra. There are local pubs and music venues that offer fun entertainment in the evening. You can sip wine or practice your dance moves at one of the city's clubs.

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 Canberra Better for Beaches?

Hoi An is a popular place for the beache. However, Canberra is not a beach destination.

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.

Canberra is not a beach destination.

Is Hoi An or Canberra Better for its Old Town?

Hoi An is terrific for its old town. However, Canberra does not have a historic 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.

Canberra does not have a historic old town.

Is Hoi An or Canberra Better for Hiking?

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

Canberra offers some nice hiking trails. There's one national park - Namadgi, as well as green space, rolling hills, and hiking trails just outside of town.

Hoi An is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hoi An or Canberra?

Hoi An is terrific for its shopping opportunities. Also, Canberra 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.

Many visitors go to Canberra to go shopping. Caberra Centre is the city's largest shopping centre and it has all of the usual international brands.

Is Hoi An or Canberra Better for Families?

Both Hoi An and Canberra are superb 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.

Canberra is a very kid-friendly town. There are interactive museums and science centers such as Questacon, the National Dinosaur Museum, and the National Zoo and Aquarium. There are also cultural and historical museums such as the Australian War Memorial, the Museum of Australian Democracy, and the National Museum of Australia. The city also has plenty of outdoor space and hands on crafts that kids will enjoy.

Is Hoi An or Canberra Better for Couples?

Hoi An is an excellent place to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Canberra is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

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.

Canberra is a good town for couples to visit. As the city has plenty of date night activities like nice restaurants, interesting shows, and trendy wineries. During the day you can explore the outdoor setting, have a picnic, or visit a vineyard.

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

Hoi An is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Canberra is lacking in options 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.

Canberra is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Despite being the capital city, few backpackers actually spend much time in town. There are some budget-friendly motels if you're stopping by.

Is Hoi An or Canberra Better for Students?

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

Many students visit Canberra. It's a welcoming city that is a fairly popular study abroad destination. Many students appreciate the friendly atmosphere, safe environment, and great economic setting.

Hoi An is not popular with students.

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

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

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 Canberra, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are public buses as well as a light rail system. The Red Explorer Loop bus goes by many of the city's sights.

Is Hoi An or Canberra a more walkable city?

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

Canberra is a somewhat walkable town. There are parts of the city that are walkable and possible to explore on foot, but in general this is a very car-centered city.

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

Should I spend more time in Canberra or Hoi An?

How long in Hoi An or Canberra?

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

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

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 museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Canberra. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Hoi An or Canberra?

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.

Canberra 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 Canberra?

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 Canberra. 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 Canberra?

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 under-rated destination of Canberra. 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 Walking Tours in Australia, and The Best Eco Tours in Australia.

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

Which is Bigger, Hoi An or Canberra?

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

Canberra 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 Canberra in the Summer?

Both Canberra 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 travelers come to Canberra for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

In July, Hoi An usually receives less rain than Canberrain January. Hoi An gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 87 mm (3.4 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 Canberra in the Autumn?

Both Canberra 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, many visitors come to Canberra in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.

In October, Hoi An is generally a little warmer than Canberrain April. Daily temperatures in Hoi An average around 25°C (78°F), and Canberra fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Canberra gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Hoi An. Hoi An usually gets more rain in October than Canberrain April. Hoi An gets 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hoi An or Canberra in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hoi An and Canberra. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hoi An year-round. Also, most visitors come to Canberra for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

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

Hoi An gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Hoi An usually receives more rain than Canberrain July. Hoi An gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 43 mm (1.7 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 Canberra in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Hoi An as well as Canberra. Hoi An attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Canberra because of the activities around the city.

In the spring, Hoi An is much warmer than Canberra. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hoi An in April average around 26°C (80°F), and Canberra averages at about 15°C (60°F)in October.

Hoi An usually gets less rain in April than Canberrain October. Hoi An gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Canberra and Hoi An