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

Should you visit Hoi An or Hat Yai?

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 Hat Yai. 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 peaceful, beautiful, and traditional town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food, beaches, and shopping.

Hat Yai

Hat Yai is a cultural, lively, and festive city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Hoi An and Hat Yai: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hoi An or Hat Yai?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Hoi An than Hat Yai, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Hoi An is better known for its museums & sights, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Hat Yai is more popular for its nightlife and big city activities. Hoi An is more touristy than Hat Yai and is popular 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. Hat Yai is well known for its local markets, its traditional restaurants, and its colorful temples.

How is Hoi An different from Hat Yai?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Hoi An is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Hat Yai is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

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.

Hat Yai is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The city has many temples to explore such as Phra Maha Chedi Tripob Trimongkol and Wat Hat Yai Nai.

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

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Hoi An and Hat Yai.

Eat your way through Hoi An, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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).

For foodies, Hat Yai is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Eating is really what you do in this city. There is amazing street food, impressive floating restaurants, and authentic cuisine that locals and visitors alike enjoy. The dishes include lots of seafood and some Chinese influences.

Is Hoi An or Hat Yai Better for Nightlife?

Hat Yai is a good destination for nightlife. However, Hoi An is lacking in options for nightlife and partying.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Hat Yai. It's a big city, so there are plenty of clubs and bars where you can party late into the night.

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 Hat Yai Better for Beaches?

Hoi An is a town with good options for the beach. However, Hat Yai is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Hoi An. 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.

Hat Yai is not a beach destination.

Is Hoi An or Hat Yai Better for its Old Town?

Hoi An is a must-visit destination for its historic old town charm. However, Hat Yai does not have a historic old town.

The rich history of Hoi An can be explored in its historical center. 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.

Hat Yai does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Hoi An or Hat Yai?

Hoi An is a must-visit destination for its shopping areas. Also, Hat Yai is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for shopping.

Hoi An is a world class destination for shoppers. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Hat Yai. It's a large commercial hub in southern Thailand and many visitors come specifically for the shopping. There are many markets in town and places to buy everything from local products to trendy clothes.

Is Hoi An or Hat Yai Better for Families?

Hoi An is notable for its family-friendly activities. However, Hat Yai is a mediocre city for its kid-friendly activities.

Hoi An is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Hat Yai is not always a place people visit with their families. There are some play places for the kids and kid-friendly meals are available in many places. There are also some animal farms and parks near town where kids and adults can enjoy a natural setting.

Is Hoi An or Hat Yai Better for Couples?

Hoi An is notable for couples. However, Hat Yai is a mediocre city for romance.

Hoi An is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Hat Yai is not the best destination for a couple to visit. Most people pass through the city on their way to other places, but if you chose to linger you'll enjoy amazing food and some interesting activities around town.

Is Hoi An or Hat Yai Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hoi An is a must-visit destination for backpackers. However, Hat Yai is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Hoi An is a very popular town to visit for backpackers. It's solidly on the backpacker trail, and you'll find many visitors who come for the beautiful culture and fascinating setting.

Hat Yai is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are hostels in the city, as well as cheap hotels, but the backpacker vibe isn't the same as what you get in other Thai cities. If you want more authenticity, then this is your place.

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

Hoi An is a town with good options for its public transit. However, Hat Yai is a mediocre city for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Hat Yai. The easiest and cheapest way to get around is by tuk tuk or motorbike taxi.

Is Hoi An or Hat Yai a more walkable city?

Hoi An is a must-visit destination for its ease of walking around. However, Hat Yai is a mediocre city for its walkability.

It is easy to get around Hoi An 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.

Hat Yai is generally not a very walkable town. Some parts of the city are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Hat Yai or Hoi An?

How long in Hoi An or Hat Yai?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Hoi An and Hat Yai. In our opinion, Hoi An has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Hoi An than Hat Yai. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Hoi An, and 1-3 days is enough time in Hat Yai.

Families should spend more time in Hoi An than Hat Yai. 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 Hat Yai. 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 Hat Yai 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 Hat Yai?

In Hoi An, you'll find museums and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Hat Yai. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Hoi An or Hat Yai?

In Hoi An, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Hoi An has to offer.

Hat Yai is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, 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 Hat Yai?

Hoi An is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hat Yai. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. 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 Hat Yai?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hoi An. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Hoi An. 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the lively destination of Hat Yai. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Phuket, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Chiang Mai.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hoi An and Hat Yai, we can see that Hoi An is more expensive. And not only is Hat Yai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hat Yai would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hat Yai 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 Hoi An would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hoi An than you might in Hat Yai.

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 Hat Yai Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Hoi An or Hat Yai?

Hat Yai has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Hoi An. When comparing the sizes of Hoi An and Hat Yai, 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 Hat Yai?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.

Should I visit Hoi An or Hat Yai in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Hoi An as well as Hat Yai. Hoi An attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hat Yai throughout the year.

Also, February to July in Hoi An is the dry season. September to January in Hoi An is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Hat Yai. Hoi An usually gets less rain in July than Hat Yai. Hoi An gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Hat Yai receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hat Yai. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hoi An this time of the year. In the summer, Hoi An often gets more sunshine than Hat Yai. Hoi An gets 242 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hat Yai receives 206 hours of full sun.

In July, Hoi An is generally around the same temperature as Hat Yai. Daily temperatures in Hoi An average around 29°C (85°F), and Hat Yai fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).

Should I visit Hoi An or Hat Yai in the Autumn?

Both Hat Yai and Hoi An are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hoi An throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Hat Yai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

The rainy season in Hat Yai is May to December. It rains a lot this time of the year in Hat Yai. It's quite rainy in Hoi An. In October, Hoi An usually receives more rain than Hat Yai. Hoi An gets 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain, while Hat Yai receives 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Hoi An usually receives less sunshine than Hat Yai during autumn. Hoi An gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Hat Yai receives 182 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Hoi An is around the same temperature as Hat Yai in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hoi An averages around 25°C (78°F) in October, and Hat Yai fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Should I visit Hoi An or Hat Yai in the Winter?

Both Hat Yai and Hoi An during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Hoi An because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hat Yai year-round.

February to July is the dry season in Hoi An. September to January is the rainy season in Hoi An. January to April is the dry season in Hat Yai. Hat Yai 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 January than Hat Yai. Hoi An gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Hat Yai receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

In Hat Yai, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Hoi An often gets less sunshine than Hat Yai. Hoi An gets 136 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hat Yai receives 221 hours of full sun.

In the winter, Hoi An is cooler than Hat Yai. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hoi An in January average around 22°C (71°F), and Hat Yai averages at about 28°C (82°F).

Should I visit Hoi An or Hat Yai in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Hoi An and Hat Yai. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hoi An year-round. Hat Yai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

January to April in Hat Yai is the dry season. Also, May to December is the rainy season in Hat Yai. In April, Hoi An usually receives less rain than Hat Yai. Hoi An gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Hat Yai receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hat Yai this time of the year. In Hoi An, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hoi An usually receives less sunshine than Hat Yai during spring. Hoi An gets 210 hours of sunny skies, while Hat Yai receives 265 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Hoi An is generally cooler than Hat Yai. Daily temperatures in Hoi An average around 26°C (80°F), and Hat Yai fluctuates around 30°C (85°F).

Typical Weather for Hat Yai and Hoi An