A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hoi An vs. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park for Food, Backpackers, Attractions, and Families

Should you visit Hoi An or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. 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. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and beaches.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a world renowned, majestic, and dramatic national park. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include hiking and museums.

Hoi An and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hoi An or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Hoi An than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Hoi An is better known for its food, nightlife, beaches, historical sights, and shopping, while Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Hoi An is more touristy than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and is known for its peaceful and traditional old town, its unique culinary traditions, and its affordable custom made clothing. Also, Hoi An is famous for the Fukian Assembly Hall. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is well known for its iconic peak, pristine lakes, rugged coastline, and timeless forests.

How is Hoi An different from Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park 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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

Spend time exploring the superb sights and museums in either Hoi An or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park.

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.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Due to its spiritual nature, there have been many shrines built at the base of Mount Fuji. You can visit the Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha, which is one of the most significant. Hakone also has many art museums as well as the fascinating Hakone Open-Air Museum.

Is the Food Better in Hoi An or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hoi An is an amazing town to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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).

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. If you're planning to climb Mount Fuji, you'll want to make reservations for meals at the mountain huts. Dinner is typically a curry rice and a take away breakfast is usually available that has simple ingredients.

Is Hoi An or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Better for Nightlife?

Hoi An is adequate for its evening party scene. However, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Hoi An doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. 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.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Hoi An or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Better for Beaches?

Hoi An is a popular place for the beach. However, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park 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.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Hoi An or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Better for its Old Town?

Hoi An is an amazing town to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park does not have a historic old town.

Hoi An offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. 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.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park does not have a historic old town.

Is Hoi An or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Better for Hiking?

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is terrific for its hiking trails. However, Hoi An is not a hiking destination.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is well-known for its hiking and trekking. There are hikes within each of the sections of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, but the most famous section is the area around the iconic Mount Fuji. The climbing season is between July and mid September and there are four main trails that lead to the summit. You can take a bus to the Fifth Station and pick up any of the trails at that point. There are also mountain huts where you may take a rest or spend the night. In the Hakone area, you'll find hot springs and several popular trails such as the Hakone Ropeway and the Mount Kamiyama and Mount Komagatake Trail. The Izu Peninsula is known for its dramatic coastline, rugged cliffs, and beautiful waterfalls. Finally, the Izu Islands are a string of islands that can be reached by ferry.

Hoi An is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hoi An or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

Hoi An is an amazing town to visit for its shopping areas. However, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many people travel to Hoi An specifically to go shopping. 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.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Hoi An or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Better for Families?

Both Hoi An and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park 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.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a very kid-friendly town. As Japan's most visited national park, you'll find many trails and activities for families. There are a number of kid-friendly hiking trails, as well as nature courses and educational programs.

Is Hoi An or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Better for Couples?

Hoi An and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park 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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The park is an iconic setting, and couples who enjoy nature will appreciate the forested setting with its waterfalls, lava caves, and stunning natural beauty. The park has beautiful sweeping views that will take your breath away.

Is Hoi An or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hoi An is an amazing town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice national park for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Hoi An, as it is a very popular town for budget travelers. It's solidly on the backpacker trail, and you'll find many visitors who come for the beautiful culture and fascinating setting.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Because it's a popular tourist destination, transportation to and from the park is relatively easy. There are also a number of amenities and resources available that will help backpackers enjoy their trip.

Is Hoi An or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Hoi An and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park.

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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are train and bus systems within the park that connect the different sections. In the Mount Fuji area, buses leave from the Kawaguchiko and Fujisan Stations. Transportation may take longer than you expect, so it's best to plan accordingly.

Is Hoi An or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park a more walkable city?

Hoi An is an amazing town to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice national park for its walkability.

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.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is somewhat walkable. There are countless hiking trails throughout the park that give you access to the region's natural beauty.

For even more information, also check out Is Hoi An Worth Visiting? and Is Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Hoi An?

How long in Hoi An or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either Hoi An or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park 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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park.

Families should spend more time in Hoi An than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. 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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. 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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park 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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

The quaint destination of Hoi An offers food and shopping. Visiting the old town is also a must. This town offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Many travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the destination of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. 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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hoi An. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Hoi An has to offer.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the hiking, 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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

Hoi An is a fun place to experience. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. 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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

You'll find food and shopping around the peaceful town of Hoi An. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It offers something for everyone. One week 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.

Travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the dramatic destination of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. This national park 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 2-Week Tours from Tokyo, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Japan.

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

When is the best time to visit Hoi An or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park 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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Hoi An and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hoi An year-round. Also, many travelers come to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Hoi An is generally a little warmer than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Daily temperatures in Hoi An average around 29°C (85°F), and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Hoi An usually receives less rain than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Hoi An gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park receives 202 mm (8 in) of rain each month for the summer. 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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Hoi An as well as Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Hoi An attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

Hoi An is a little warmer than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hoi An averages around 25°C (78°F) in October, and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It's quite rainy in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Hoi An receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Hoi An usually gets more rain in October than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Hoi An gets 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain, while Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park receives 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hoi An or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in the Winter?

Both Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park 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. Also, most visitors come to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park for the museums and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Hoi An is much warmer than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hoi An in January average around 22°C (71°F), and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park averages at about 5°C (42°F).

It's quite rainy in Hoi An. In January, Hoi An usually receives more rain than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Hoi An gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the winter. 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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in the Spring?

Both Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park 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. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park because of the natural beauty.

In April, Hoi An is generally much warmer than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Daily temperatures in Hoi An average around 26°C (80°F), and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Hoi An usually gets less rain in April than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Hoi An gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Hoi An