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

Should you visit Hoi An or Christchurch?

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 Christchurch. 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 traditional, quaint, and peaceful town. The beauty of Hoi An is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food. See Hoi An travel costs.

Christchurch

Christchurch is a cultural, outdoorsy, and adventure-filled city. Christchurch is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Christchurch travel costs.

Hoi An and Christchurch: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hoi An or Christchurch?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hoi An. Although Hoi An and Christchurch are popular destinations, Hoi An has more sights and attractions for tourists. Hoi An is very popular for its food, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Christchurch attracts visitors for its nightlife, beaches, and hiking. Hoi An is more touristy than Christchurch and is popular 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. Christchurch is famous for its outdoor beauty and relaxing, scenic atmosphere.

How is Hoi An different from Christchurch?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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.

Christchurch offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city is filled with street art and local galleries. There's also Canterbury Museum, the International Antarctic Centre, the Arts Centre, and the Riccarton House & Bush.

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

Hoi An is terrific for its restaurant scene. Also, Christchurch is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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).

Christchurch has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There's a mix of cozy cafes and casual eateries around town. You'll also find some fine dining restaurants as well as international flavors.

Is Hoi An or Christchurch Better for Nightlife?

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

Christchurch has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The city has its share of dance clubs, live music venues, and laid back bars. You'll find a number of popular hangout spots around Oxford Terrace or on the historic New Regent Street.

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 Christchurch Better for Beaches?

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

Many people visit Christchurch for it's beautiful beaches. There are sandy beaches in the area with water sports and various amenities. The summer months are the most popular time for hanging out at the beach, and you'll find local families playing in the sun or enjoying a picnic.

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 Christchurch Better for its Old Town?

Hoi An is terrific for its old town. However, Christchurch 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.

Christchurch does not have a historic old town.

Is Hoi An or Christchurch Better for Hiking?

Christchurch is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Hoi An is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Christchurch. There are many beautiful hikes in the area that take you along the coastline or past local historic sights. The landscape is diverse and you'll find many amazing parks in the area. Hooker Valley Track is one of the best hiking routes nearby.

Hoi An is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hoi An or Christchurch?

Hoi An is terrific for its shopping opportunities. Also, Christchurch is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Hoi An make it a world-class shopping destination. 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 explore the shopping areas in Christchurch. There's a mix of boutique shops, outlet malls, and open air markets. Some of the best shopping places include the Tannery and the Colombo.

Is Hoi An or Christchurch More Beautiful?

Hoi An is well known for its scenery and beauty. Also, Christchurch is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

The beauty of Hoi An is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The city is beautiful during the day with its traditional architecture, as well as at night when it is lit with lanterns.

Christchurch offers plenty of beauty for visitors. With its many beautiful parks, gardens, and outdoor spaces, this is a very scenic city.

Is Hoi An or Christchurch Better for Families?

Christchurch is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Hoi An is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Christchurch is very family-friendly. The International Antarctic Centre is a thrilling and fun experience. There's also the Orana Wildlife Park or Willowbank Wildlife Reserve. For adrenaline junkies there are the ropes courses at the Adrenalin Forest. There are also many indoor playgrounds and rock climbing facilities.

Hoi An is a very kid-friendly town. 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.

Is Hoi An or Christchurch Better for Couples?

Hoi An and Christchurch both superb 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 Christchurch frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Punting on the Avon River is one of the most romantic activities in the city. There are also botanical gardens, parks, and natural areas that are fun to explore. Nearby, you can do a wine tour, or there are cocktail bars and charming restaurants in town. The city also has a nice theater and many other date night activities.

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

Hoi An is terrific for backpackers. Also, Christchurch is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Hoi An. It's solidly on the backpacker trail, and you'll find many visitors who come for the beautiful culture and fascinating setting.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Christchurch. There's no shortage of hostels around town, and many backpackers pass through Christchurch on their epic New Zealand adventure.

Is Hoi An or Christchurch Better for Students?

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

Many students visit Christchurch. It's the largest city on the South Island and there are plenty of activities and nearby trips that you can enjoy.

Hoi An is not popular with students.

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

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

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 Christchurch, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. While it's not a diverse transit system, the buses are well connected and offer the cheapest way to get around town.

Is Hoi An or Christchurch a more walkable city?

Hoi An is terrific for its high level of walkability. Also, Christchurch is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Getting around Hoi An on foot is easy. 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.

Christchurch is a very walkable destination. The city center is relatively flat and easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Christchurch or Hoi An?

How long in Hoi An or Christchurch?

It's fun to spend time in either Hoi An or Christchurch. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Christchurch due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Hoi An, and 2-4 days is enough time in Christchurch.

Families should spend more time in Christchurch than Hoi An. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Christchurch, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Hoi An than Christchurch. 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 Christchurch 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 Christchurch?

In Hoi An, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this beautiful town offers. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Christchurch. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Hoi An or Christchurch?

Hoi An is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Christchurch 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 Christchurch?

You'll find food and shopping around the traditional destination of Hoi An. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

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

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

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural destination of Christchurch. This city 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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in Vietnam, The Best Historical Tours in Vietnam, The Best G Adventures Tours to New Zealand, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Auckland.

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

Which is Bigger, Hoi An or Christchurch?

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

Christchurch 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 Christchurch in the Summer?

Both Christchurch and Hoi An during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Hoi An because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Christchurch for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Hoi An is much warmer than Christchurch. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hoi An in July average around 29°C (85°F), and Christchurch averages at about 18°C (64°F)in January.

In Christchurch, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Hoi An. In the summer, Hoi An often gets more sunshine than Christchurchin January. Hoi An gets 242 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Christchurch receives 224 hours of full sun.

Hoi An usually gets more rain in July than Christchurchin January. Hoi An gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year. February to July is the dry season in Hoi An. September to January is the rainy season in Hoi An.

Should I visit Hoi An or Christchurch in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Hoi An and Christchurch. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hoi An year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Christchurch in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Hoi An is generally much warmer than Christchurchin April. Daily temperatures in Hoi An average around 25°C (78°F), and Christchurch fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Hoi An usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Christchurch during autumn. Hoi An gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Christchurch receives 161 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Hoi An gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Hoi An usually receives more rain than Christchurchin April. Hoi An gets 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Hoi An or Christchurch in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Hoi An as well as Christchurch. Hoi An attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Christchurch for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Hoi An is much warmer than Christchurch in the winter. The daily temperature in Hoi An averages around 22°C (71°F) in January, and Christchurch fluctuates around 6°C (43°F)in July.

In the winter, Hoi An often gets more sunshine than Christchurchin July. Hoi An gets 136 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Christchurch receives 122 hours of full sun.

Hoi An receives a lot of rain in the winter. Hoi An usually gets more rain in January than Christchurchin July. Hoi An gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, February to July in Hoi An is the dry season. September to January in Hoi An is the rainy season.

Should I visit Hoi An or Christchurch in the Spring?

Both Christchurch and Hoi An are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hoi An throughout the year. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Christchurch because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Hoi An is much warmer than Christchurch. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hoi An in April average around 26°C (80°F), and Christchurch averages at about 12°C (54°F)in October.

It's quite sunny in Christchurch. 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 Christchurch during spring. Hoi An gets 210 hours of sunny skies, while Christchurch receives 204 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Hoi An usually receives less rain than Christchurchin October. Hoi An gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Christchurch and Hoi An