A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hoi An vs. Coffs Harbour for Food, Beaches, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Hoi An or Coffs Harbour?

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 Coffs Harbour. 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. Hoi An is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums. See Hoi An travel costs.

Coffs Harbour

Coffs Harbour is a nature-filled, lively, and relaxing vacation town. Coffs Harbour is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Coffs Harbour travel costs.

Hoi An and Coffs Harbour: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hoi An or Coffs Harbour?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Coffs Harbour. Although Hoi An and Coffs Harbour are both popular with visitors, Coffs Harbour has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Coffs Harbour is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking, while Hoi An is known for its museums and attractions, food, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Hoi An is more touristy than Coffs Harbour and is known for its peaceful and traditional old town, its unique culinary traditions, and its affordable custom made clothing. Coffs Harbour is popular for its popularity as a holiday destination, diverse marine environment, and the iconic "Big Banana". It is also home to the Solitary Islands Marine Park.

How is Hoi An different from Coffs Harbour?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Hoi An is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. Also, Coffs Harbour is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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.

Coffs Harbour offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The town is home to the infamous Big Banana Fun Park. It's a large amusement park that's become recognized for the "Big Banana" at the entrance - which is the first of the "Big Things" found in Australia. The town also has several other landmarks to check out such as the Forest Sky Pier, the North Coast Regional Botanic Garden, and the Butterfly House.

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

Hoi An is very popular for its restaurants. Also, Coffs Harbour is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Many restaurants in Hoi An have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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).

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Coffs Harbour. It's a popular tourist destination, and there are plenty of cafes and restaurants that cater to families, couples, and all types of vacations. There are quaint cafes as well as fine dining restaurants and the cuisine ranges from local seafood to modern Australian favorites, or international treats.

Is Hoi An or Coffs Harbour Better for Nightlife?

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

Coffs Harbour has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. It's a vacation spot that attracts visitors who want to enjoy the evening activities. The Jetty Strip is popular for its nightlife scene, but you'll find no shortage of bars and pubs in other areas as well.

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 Coffs Harbour Better for Resorts?

Coffs Harbour is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Hoi An is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Coffs Harbour to choose from. There's a huge range of accommodation types in the area with everything from camping to luxury resorts. There are also budget-friendly hostels and family-friendly hotels.

Hoi An is not a resort destination.

Is Hoi An or Coffs Harbour Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Coffs Harbour is an excellent place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Hoi An is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near Coffs Harbour. Scuba diving and snorkeling is popular in the area, as this is where the Solitary Islands Marine Park begins. The area sees a mix of the warm water from the Great Barrier Reef and the cooler waters from around Sydney, so the marine life is diverse. There are sheltered areas that offer snorkeling for all ages and you'll see a great mix of tropical and sub-tropical marine life, as well as both soft and hard corals.

Hoi An is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Hoi An or Coffs Harbour Better for Beaches?

Coffs Harbour is terrific for its beaches. Also, Hoi An is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for the beach.

Coffs Harbour offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. People come for the beaches, and they won't disappoint. You can enjoy everything from surfing, swimming, fishing, or simply walking and taking in the beauty. Popular beaches in the area include Emerald Beach, Woolgoolga, and the family-friendly Jetty Beach.

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 Coffs Harbour Better for its Old Town?

Hoi An is very popular for its historic old town. However, Coffs Harbour does not have a historic old town.

Hoi An has a world-famous historical 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.

Coffs Harbour does not have a historic old town.

Is Hoi An or Coffs Harbour Better for Hiking?

Coffs Harbour 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 Coffs Harbour. There are many national parks and natural areas nearby with excellent hiking and bush walks. The Coffs Creek Walk is a walking and biking path that's in town and connects the city center to many of the top sights that are nearby. Out of town, there's the Solitary Islands Coastal Walk, the Gumgali Track, Sherwood Nature Reserve and Ulidarra National Park.

Hoi An is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hoi An or Coffs Harbour?

Hoi An is very popular for shopping. Also, Coffs Harbour is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

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.

Coffs Harbour is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has many shopping centers and markets where you can enjoy leisurely shopping or pick up any essentials that you may have forgotten.

Is Hoi An or Coffs Harbour More Beautiful?

Hoi An is an excellent place to visit for its scenery and beauty. Also, Coffs Harbour is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its scenery and beauty.

Hoi An is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The city is beautiful during the day with its traditional architecture, as well as at night when it is lit with lanterns.

Coffs Harbour is a beautiful place to visit, too. With its beautiful coastline and nice mountain landscapes, there is plenty of beauty to explore. There are also nature reserves and wildlife sanctuaries where you can immerse yourself in the natural environment.

Is Hoi An or Coffs Harbour Better for Families?

Coffs Harbour 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, Coffs Harbour is very family-friendly. There are great beaches where kids can swim or learn to surf. There are also water parks, including the famous Big Banana Fun Park, as well as amusement parks, nature reserves, and wildlife sanctuaries. Kids and adults alike will enjoy going dolphin or whale watching, or putting on a mask and going snorkeling.

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 Coffs Harbour Better for Couples?

Hoi An and Coffs Harbour both very good 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 Coffs Harbour frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's a beautiful city and a popular honeymoon destination. Couples will enjoy the impressive beaches and fun activities. There are places to explore nature as well as restaurants and fun evening activities. There's also great scuba diving and snorkeling at the Solitary Islands Marine Park.

Is Hoi An or Coffs Harbour Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hoi An is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Coffs Harbour is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Hoi An. It's solidly on the backpacker trail, and you'll find many visitors who come for the beautiful culture and fascinating setting.

Coffs Harbour is a great town to visit for backpackers. There are a number of hostels around town as well as great water activities and a lively atmosphere, making this a nice stop off for backpackers.

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

Hoi An is a town with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Coffs Harbour is lacking in options for its public transit.

Hoi An has some public transit options. Biking, taxis, and motorbikes are the most popular ways to explore the area.

Public transit is generally limited in Coffs Harbour. This is a very car dependent area and public transit is very limit. While there are buses, the area is spread out and you need the freedom of having your own vehicle to explore.

Is Hoi An or Coffs Harbour a more walkable city?

Hoi An is very popular for its walkability. However, Coffs Harbour is lacking in options for its high level of walkability.

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.

Coffs Harbour is not a walkable town. Most visitors arrive with a car and you'll struggle to fully experience the area if you don't have your own form of transportation.

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

Should I spend more time in Coffs Harbour or Hoi An?

How long in Hoi An or Coffs Harbour?

Both Hoi An and Coffs Harbour have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Coffs Harbour than in Hoi An. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Hoi An, and 3-7 days is enough time in Coffs Harbour.

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

Couples should spend more time in Hoi An than Coffs Harbour. 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 Coffs Harbour 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 Coffs Harbour?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the beautiful destination of Hoi An. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hoi An. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Coffs Harbour is a great place to explore. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Hoi An or Coffs Harbour?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the peaceful destination of Hoi An. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Coffs Harbour. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Hoi An or Coffs Harbour?

You'll find museums and food around the beautiful town of Hoi An. 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. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the lively destination of Coffs Harbour. This vacation town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Vietnam, The Best Historical Tours in Vietnam, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Australia, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Australia.

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

Which is Bigger, Hoi An or Coffs Harbour?

Coffs Harbour has a larger population, and is about 92% larger than the population of Hoi An. When comparing the sizes of Hoi An and Coffs Harbour, 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 Coffs Harbour?

Coffs Harbour 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 Coffs Harbour in the Summer?

Both Coffs Harbour 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, the summer months attract visitors to Coffs Harbour because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Hoi An is a little warmer than Coffs Harbour in the summer. The daily temperature in Hoi An averages around 29°C (85°F) in July, and Coffs Harbour fluctuates around 23°C (74°F)in January.

It's quite sunny in Coffs Harbour. 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 Coffs Harbour during summer. Hoi An gets 242 hours of sunny skies, while Coffs Harbour receives 237 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Coffs Harbour. In July, Hoi An usually receives less rain than Coffs Harbourin January. Hoi An gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Coffs Harbour receives 187 mm (7.4 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 Coffs Harbour in the Autumn?

Both Coffs Harbour 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, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Coffs Harbour this time of year.

In the autumn, Hoi An is a little warmer than Coffs Harbour. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hoi An in October average around 25°C (78°F), and Coffs Harbour averages at about 20°C (67°F)in April.

In Coffs Harbour, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Hoi An often gets less sunshine than Coffs Harbourin April. Hoi An gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Coffs Harbour receives 203 hours of full sun.

Coffs Harbour 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 Coffs Harbourin April. Hoi An gets 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain, while Coffs Harbour receives 215 mm (8.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hoi An or Coffs Harbour in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hoi An and Coffs Harbour. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hoi An year-round. Also, many travelers come to Coffs Harbour for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Hoi An is generally much warmer than Coffs Harbourin July. Daily temperatures in Hoi An average around 22°C (71°F), and Coffs Harbour fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Coffs Harbour this time of the year. Hoi An usually receives less sunshine than Coffs Harbour during winter. Hoi An gets 136 hours of sunny skies, while Coffs Harbour receives 219 hours of full sun in the winter.

Hoi An gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Hoi An usually receives more rain than Coffs Harbourin July. Hoi An gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Coffs Harbour receives 63 mm (2.5 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 Coffs Harbour in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Hoi An as well as Coffs Harbour. Hoi An attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Coffs Harbour in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Hoi An is a little warmer than Coffs Harbour in the spring. The daily temperature in Hoi An averages around 26°C (80°F) in April, and Coffs Harbour fluctuates around 19°C (66°F)in October.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Coffs Harbour. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hoi An this time of the year. In the spring, Hoi An often gets less sunshine than Coffs Harbourin October. Hoi An gets 210 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Coffs Harbour receives 257 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Coffs Harbour. Hoi An usually gets less rain in April than Coffs Harbourin October. Hoi An gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Coffs Harbour receives 103 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Coffs Harbour and Hoi An