Which place is cheaper, Dewa Sanzan or Hoi An?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Hoi An and Dewa Sanzan. 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 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.
Dewa Sanzan is a sacred, remote, and traditional religious site. Other reasons to visit include hiking and museums.
Travelers will usually find more to do in Hoi An. Although Hoi An and Dewa Sanzan are popular destinations, Hoi An has more sights and attractions for tourists. Hoi An is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Dewa Sanzan attracts visitors for its hiking. Hoi An is more touristy than Dewa Sanzan 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. Dewa Sanzan is famous for its traditional religion, three sacred mountains, and the Shukubo Pilgrim Lodges.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Dewa Sanzan and Hoi An. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Hoi An is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. Also, Dewa Sanzan is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.
Many visitors head to Hoi An specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.
If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Dewa Sanzan. This is a sacred religious site that is at the heart of the Shugendo folk religion. The religion combines Buddhist and Shinto traditions and there are several temples in the area including the most sacred sights at Yudono-san, Haguro-san, and Gas-san, as well as the Churenji and Dainichibo Temples.
Hoi An is an unbeatable place for its restaurants. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.
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).
Dewa Sanzan may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. In your guesthouse you'll be given "Shojin cuisine", which is the traditional cuisine that has been handed down through the generations. It is strictly vegetarian and is heavily influenced by whatever vegetable is currently in season in the area. Traditionally, the cuisine focused on sustenance and not taste, but for the purposes of hospitality, the dishes are more flavorful than is typical in the traditional cuisine.
Hoi An is a decent place to visit for nightlife and partying. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in options for its evening party scene.
Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Hoi An. 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.
Things get quiet in the evenings in Dewa Sanzan. This is a religious site that is remote and focused on mountain worship and devotion. Nightlife is non-existent in the area.
Hoi An is very good for the beache. However, Dewa Sanzan 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.
Dewa Sanzan is not a beach destination.
Hoi An is an unbeatable place for its old town. However, Dewa Sanzan does not have a historic old town.
With a famous historical old-town, Hoi An offers plenty to see. 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.
Dewa Sanzan does not have a historic old town.
Dewa Sanzan 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 Dewa Sanzan. Experienced hikers can climb Mt. Gassan and Mt. Yudono in one day and do Mt. Haguro separately. For Mt. Gassan, you'll want to take the bus to the 8th station and climb from there.
Hoi An is not a hiking destination.
Hoi An is an unbeatable place for its shopping opportunities. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in options 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.
Dewa Sanzan has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. This is a sacred sight that is devoted to worship and a simple life. As such, shopping in not available in the area with the exception of a couple of convenience stores.
Hoi An is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in options for its family-friendly activities.
Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Hoi An is very family-friendly. 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.
Dewa Sanzan is not such a family-friendly town. The remote location make this a challenging place to access. It's a religious destination and its sacred and historic past is often lost to children. Out of respect for the strict religion, this site is best visited as an adult.
Hoi An is an excellent place to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Dewa Sanzan 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.
Dewa Sanzan is a good town for couples to visit. Couples who want to do something that's a bit different from mainstream Japan will appreciate a visit to this religious site.
Hoi An is an unbeatable place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Dewa Sanzan is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.
It's common for backpackers to visit Dewa Sanzan. This is an off-the-beaten-path destination for backpackers, and it can be difficult to reach by public transit. Once you're there, if you want a traditional experience, you can stay at a Shukubo Pilgrim Lodge.
Hoi An is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Dewa Sanzan 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 Dewa Sanzan. There is public transit from Tsuruoka Station to Mt. Haguro and the accommodation in the area. There are also buses to the top of Mt. Haguro, Mt. Yudono, and Mt. Gassan 8th Station.
Hoi An is an unbeatable place for its high level of walkability. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in options 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.
Dewa Sanzan is generally not very walkable. Everything is very spread out so walking can be challenging. Experienced hikers will enjoy hiking to each of the three shrines.
For even more information, also check out Is Hoi An Worth Visiting? and Is Dewa Sanzan Worth Visiting?.
Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Hoi An and Dewa Sanzan. In our opinion, Hoi An has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Hoi An than Dewa Sanzan. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.
Families should spend more time in Hoi An than Dewa Sanzan. 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 Dewa Sanzan. 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 Dewa Sanzan 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.
Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the traditional town of Hoi An. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.
Many travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the destination of Dewa Sanzan. 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.
Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the beautiful destination of Hoi An. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This town offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.
Dewa Sanzan 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.
The peaceful town of Hoi An offers museums and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dewa Sanzan. 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.
Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Hoi An. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.
Travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the traditional destination of Dewa Sanzan. This religious site 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 Food and Culinary Tours in Vietnam, The Best Tours Under $1000 in Vietnam, The Best Contiki Tours to Japan, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Japan.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Hoi An is $46, while the average daily cost in Dewa Sanzan is $65. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Hoi An and Dewa Sanzan in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Hoi An or Dewa Sanzan? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Hoi An are as follows:
Also for Hoi An, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Prices for flights to both Dewa Sanzan and Hoi An change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
For Hoi An, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
For Hoi An, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Hoi An's activities, tours, and tickets:
For Hoi An, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
For Dewa Sanzan, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Hoi An are as follows:
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Hoi An:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hoi An and Dewa Sanzan, we can see that Dewa Sanzan 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 Dewa Sanzan would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dewa Sanzan 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 Dewa Sanzan Expensive?.
Dewa Sanzan has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Hoi An experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Both Dewa Sanzan 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 visitors come to Dewa Sanzan in the summer for the hiking.
In the summer, Hoi An is a little warmer than Dewa Sanzan. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hoi An in July average around 29°C (85°F), and Dewa Sanzan averages at about 23°C (74°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hoi An. Hoi An usually receives more sunshine than Dewa Sanzan during summer. Hoi An gets 242 hours of sunny skies, while Dewa Sanzan receives 124 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Dewa Sanzan. In July, Hoi An usually receives less rain than Dewa Sanzan. Hoi An gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 191 mm (7.5 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.
Both Dewa Sanzan 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, most visitors come to Dewa Sanzan for the hiking trails during these months.
In October, Hoi An is generally much warmer than Dewa Sanzan. Daily temperatures in Hoi An average around 25°C (78°F), and Dewa Sanzan fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).
In the autumn, Hoi An often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Dewa Sanzan. Hoi An gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dewa Sanzan receives 149 hours of full sun.
Dewa Sanzan 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 Dewa Sanzan. Hoi An gets 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hoi An and Dewa Sanzan. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hoi An year-round. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Dewa Sanzan because of the museums and the cuisine.
The weather in Dewa Sanzan can be very cold. Hoi An is much warmer than Dewa Sanzan in the winter. The daily temperature in Hoi An averages around 22°C (71°F) in January, and Dewa Sanzan fluctuates around -1°C (30°F).
Hoi An usually receives less sunshine than Dewa Sanzan during winter. Hoi An gets 136 hours of sunny skies, while Dewa Sanzan receives 149 hours of full sun in the winter.
Dewa Sanzan receives a lot of rain in the winter. Hoi An gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Hoi An usually receives less rain than Dewa Sanzan. Hoi An gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 206 mm (8.1 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.
The spring brings many poeple to Hoi An as well as Dewa Sanzan. Hoi An attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the spring, Hoi An is much warmer than Dewa Sanzan. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hoi An in April average around 26°C (80°F), and Dewa Sanzan averages at about 9°C (47°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hoi An this time of the year. In the spring, Hoi An often gets more sunshine than Dewa Sanzan. Hoi An gets 210 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dewa Sanzan receives 188 hours of full sun.
Hoi An usually gets less rain in April than Dewa Sanzan. Hoi An gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
Hoi An | Dewa Sanzan | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
Jan | 22°C (71°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) | -1°C (30°F) | 206 mm (8.1 in) |
Feb | 23°C (73°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | -1°C (30°F) | 151 mm (6 in) |
Mar | 24°C (75°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
Apr | 26°C (80°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 9°C (47°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
May | 29°C (83°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) |
Jun | 30°C (85°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
Jul | 29°C (85°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 191 mm (7.5 in) |
Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 174 mm (6.8 in) |
Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 331 mm (13 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 154 mm (6.1 in) |
Oct | 25°C (78°F) | 613 mm (24.1 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
Nov | 24°C (76°F) | 376 mm (14.8 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 207 mm (8.1 in) |
Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 223 mm (8.8 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 231 mm (9.1 in) |