A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hoi An vs. Gold Coast for Food, Nightlife, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Hoi An or Gold Coast?

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 Gold Coast. 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.

Gold Coast

Gold Coast is a vibrant, colorful, and high energy coastline. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Hoi An and Gold Coast: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hoi An or Gold Coast?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Gold Coast than Hoi An, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Gold Coast is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and big city activities, while Hoi An is more popular for its food, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Hoi An is well known for its peaceful and traditional old town, its unique culinary traditions, and its affordable custom made clothing. Gold Coast is well known for its colorful theme parks, thrilling water sports, and nearby rainforests. Also, Gold Coast is famous for the long sandy beaches.

How is Hoi An different from Gold Coast?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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.

Gold Coast offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The views from the observation deck at the Q1 Resort and Spa are a not-to-be-missed experience. You'll also find many amusement parks and wildlife sanctuaries in the area.

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

Hoi An is a world-class destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Gold Coast is not as popular, but is still a nice coastline 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).

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Gold Coast makes for a great culinary experience. The coastline is filled with modern Australian restaurants that serve locally caught seafood and modern twists on traditional dishes. There are wine bars, fine dining restaurants, and more casual options. You'll also find plenty of international eateries as well.

Is Hoi An or Gold Coast Better for Nightlife?

Gold Coast is terrific for nightlife. However, Hoi An is lacking in options for nightlife and partying.

Gold Coast is a must-see party destination. The nightlife scene is filled with ritz and glam, but you'll also find wild beach parties and lively nightclubs. There are backpackers and students that keep the parties going until the morning hours.

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 Gold Coast Better for Resorts?

Gold Coast is terrific for its luxury resorts. However, Hoi An is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Gold Coast for its luxury resorts. Resorts range from family-friendly to backpacker-focused with everything in between. There are many high rise resorts that have luxury pools and beachfront views.

Hoi An is not a resort destination.

Is Hoi An or Gold Coast Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Gold Coast 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 Gold Coast. There are many dive shops and snorkeling excursions. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced diver, there are excursions that will not disappoint. There are also many places that offer certification courses.

Hoi An is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Hoi An or Gold Coast Better for Beaches?

Gold Coast is terrific for its beaches. Also, Hoi An is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for the beache.

Gold Coast offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. This stretch of beachline is perfect for surfing, swimming, and sunbathing. There are miles of coastline that are sandy and beautiful and some of the most popular beaches include the Main Beach, Surfers Paradise, and Broadbeach.

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 Gold Coast Better for its Old Town?

Hoi An is a world-class destination for its historic old town charm. However, Gold Coast does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Hoi An is revered around the world. 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.

Gold Coast does not have a historic old town.

Is Hoi An or Gold Coast Better for Hiking?

Gold Coast 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 Gold Coast. The Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk connects the area's diverse and lush rainforests through the Numinbah Valley. It's a World Heritage Area with subtropical rainforest as well as warm temperate rainforest, and Antarctic beech cool temperate rainforest.

Hoi An is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hoi An or Gold Coast?

Hoi An is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. Also, Gold Coast is not as popular, but is still a nice coastline for shopping.

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.

Gold Coast is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There are large outlet malls, outdoor markets, and designer shopping centers. You'll find trendy fashion designers as well as the typical souvenir shops.

Is Hoi An or Gold Coast Better for Families?

Gold Coast 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, Gold Coast is very family-friendly. It's filled with popular theme parks and other adrenaline-filled activities. There are surfing lessons, wildlife sanctuaries, ropes courses, and water sports. Kids of all ages will appreciate this fun-filled setting with its many family-friendly resorts and restaurants.

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 Gold Coast Better for Couples?

Gold Coast is terrific for romance. Also, Hoi An is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Gold Coast is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Couples that energy high energy activities, water sports, theme parks, and parties that last into the morning, will love a stay at this vibrant coast. There's no shortage of great restaurants, entertaining shows, and fun activities that you can experience.

Couples visit Hoi An frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Is Hoi An or Gold Coast Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hoi An and Gold Coast are both amazing destinations 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Gold Coast. Backpackers flock to this vibrant coastline. There are hostels and budget-friendly places to stay, and there's a huge nightlife scene. The many activities and long sandy beaches make this a well established stop on Australia's backpacker circuit.

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

Gold Coast is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Hoi An is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Public transit in Gold Coast is fairly effecient and thorough. There's a bus, train, and tram network that's operated by TransLink and runs along the coast.

You'll find some public transit in Hoi An, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Biking, taxis, and motorbikes are the most popular ways to explore the area.

Is Hoi An or Gold Coast a more walkable city?

Hoi An is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Gold Coast is not as popular, but is still a nice coastline 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.

Gold Coast is somewhat walkable. There are parts of the area that can be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Gold Coast or Hoi An?

How long in Hoi An or Gold Coast?

Both Hoi An and Gold Coast have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Gold Coast 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 Gold Coast.

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

Couples should spend more time in Gold Coast than Hoi An. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Gold Coast that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Gold Coast than Hoi An 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 Gold Coast.

One day in Hoi An or Gold Coast?

With museums and food around the quaint town of Hoi An, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Gold Coast. 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 Gold Coast?

With food and shopping around the destination of Hoi An, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Gold Coast is a great place to explore. 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 Gold Coast?

Hoi An, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

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

Hoi An is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the colorful destination of Gold Coast. This coastline 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 Food and Culinary Tours in Vietnam, The Best Tours Under $1000 in Vietnam, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Australia, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Australia.

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

Which is Bigger, Hoi An or Gold Coast?

Gold Coast has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Hoi An. When comparing the sizes of Hoi An and Gold Coast, 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 Gold Coast?

Gold Coast 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 Gold Coast in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Hoi An and Gold Coast. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hoi An year-round. Also, many travelers come to Gold Coast for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Hoi An is generally a little warmer than Gold Coastin January. Daily temperatures in Hoi An average around 29°C (85°F), and Gold Coast fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gold Coast this time of the year. In Hoi An, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hoi An usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Gold Coast during summer. Hoi An gets 242 hours of sunny skies, while Gold Coast receives 256 hours of full sun in the summer.

Gold Coast receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Hoi An usually receives less rain than Gold Coastin January. Hoi An gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 167 mm (6.6 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 Gold Coast in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Hoi An as well as Gold Coast. Hoi An attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Gold Coast in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.

Hoi An is a little warmer than Gold Coast in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hoi An averages around 25°C (78°F) in October, and Gold Coast fluctuates around 22°C (71°F)in April.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gold Coast. In the autumn, Hoi An often gets less sunshine than Gold Coastin April. Hoi An gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gold Coast receives 214 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Gold Coast. Hoi An receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Hoi An usually gets more rain in October than Gold Coastin April. Hoi An gets 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hoi An or Gold Coast in the Winter?

Both Gold Coast 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 Gold Coast for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Hoi An is a little warmer than Gold Coast. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hoi An in January average around 22°C (71°F), and Gold Coast averages at about 15°C (59°F)in July.

It's quite sunny in Gold Coast. Hoi An usually receives less sunshine than Gold Coast during winter. Hoi An gets 136 hours of sunny skies, while Gold Coast receives 226 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Hoi An. In January, Hoi An usually receives more rain than Gold Coastin July. Hoi An gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 70 mm (2.8 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 Gold Coast in the Spring?

Both Gold Coast 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 Gold Coast because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

In April, Hoi An is generally a little warmer than Gold Coastin October. Daily temperatures in Hoi An average around 26°C (80°F), and Gold Coast fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

In Gold Coast, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Hoi An. In the spring, Hoi An often gets less sunshine than Gold Coastin October. Hoi An gets 210 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gold Coast receives 259 hours of full sun.

Gold Coast gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Hoi An usually gets less rain in April than Gold Coastin October. Hoi An gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Gold Coast and Hoi An