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

Should you visit Hoi An or Ise?

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 Ise. 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 traditional, quaint, and peaceful town. The beauty of Hoi An is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food. See Hoi An travel costs.

Ise

Ise is a off-the-beaten-path, overlooked, and authentic city. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums. See Ise travel costs.

Hoi An and Ise: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hoi An or Ise?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hoi An. Although Hoi An and Ise are popular destinations, Hoi An has more sights and attractions for tourists. Hoi An is more touristy than Ise and is popular 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. Ise is famous for its important Shinto shrines and its coastal setting.

How is Hoi An different from Ise?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Hoi An is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Ise is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Ise. While this is an often overlooked part of Japan for tourists, those who venture here will enjoy strolling through the forest and visiting the shrine complex of Ise Jingu.

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

Hoi An is a must-visit destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Ise is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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).

Ise has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find some of Japan's best seafood around town and there are many local delicacies. Head to the downtown area around Iseshi Station to find a high concentration of places. One local specialty is the Japanese spiny lobster (also known as the Ise lobster).

Is Hoi An or Ise Better for Nightlife?

Both Hoi An and Ise have reasonable vibes after the sun sets.

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.

Ise is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. Most visitors don't stay long enough to take in the nightlife, which is limited.

Is Hoi An or Ise Better for Beaches?

Hoi An and Ise both offer nice beaches.

Hoi An offers a nice beach destination. 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.

Ise is a good option for a beach vacation. There are several nice and sandy beaches in the area that make for a nice break from the sightseeing.

Is Hoi An or Ise Better for its Old Town?

Hoi An is a must-visit destination for its old town. However, Ise 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.

Ise does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Hoi An or Ise?

Hoi An is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Ise is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Hoi An make it a world-class shopping destination. 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.

Ise has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There's a shopping street in town with many of the shops housed in traditional buildings, giving the area a nice character.

Is Hoi An or Ise More Beautiful?

Hoi An is well known for its scenery and beauty. However, Ise is not a destination known for its beauty.

The beauty of Hoi An is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The city is beautiful during the day with its traditional architecture, as well as at night when it is lit with lanterns.

Ise is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Hoi An or Ise Better for Families?

Hoi An is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Ise is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Ise offers lots of family activities. The Ise Jingu Shrine complex is large and sprawling, and has the feel of a park. The kids will likely find visiting all of the temples tedious, but the forest is peaceful and the setting is beautiful.

Is Hoi An or Ise Better for Couples?

Hoi An is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Ise is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

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.

Ise is a good town for couples to visit. This is an off-the-beaten path destination that is far more than a shrine - it's a complex of shrines. It's spread out over a large space and filled with forest and peaceful walks that couples will enjoy.

Is Hoi An or Ise Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hoi An is a must-visit destination for backpackers. Also, Ise is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Hoi An. It's solidly on the backpacker trail, and you'll find many visitors who come for the beautiful culture and fascinating setting.

Plenty of backpackers visit Ise. It's off the radar for many backpackers, but those that make it here will find a couple of hostels and affordable accommodation options.

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

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Hoi An and Ise.

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 Ise, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The CAN Bus is a tourist bus that connects the train stations to the main attractions and runs every half hour.

Is Hoi An or Ise a more walkable city?

Hoi An is a must-visit destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Ise is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Getting around Hoi An on foot is easy. 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.

Ise is a somewhat walkable town. There are walking paths through the complex that connect the shrines, but some of the distances can be significant.

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

Should I spend more time in Ise or Hoi An?

How long in Hoi An or Ise?

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

Families should spend more time in Hoi An than Ise. 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 Ise. 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 Ise 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 Ise?

With shopping and museums around the quaint destination of Hoi An, there's plenty to do. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

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

A weekend in Hoi An or Ise?

Many people visit Hoi An for a weekend. With museums and food around the peaceful town of Hoi An, there's plenty to do. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Ise 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.

Five days in Hoi An or Ise?

The destination of Hoi An offers food and shopping. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. 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 Ise. 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 Ise?

Hoi An, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the off-the-beaten-path destination of Ise. 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 Sightseeing Tours in Japan, and The Best Cultural Tours in Japan.

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

Which is Bigger, Hoi An or Ise?

Ise has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Hoi An. When comparing the sizes of Hoi An and Ise, 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 Ise?

Ise 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 Ise in the Summer?

Both Ise and Hoi An during the summer 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 summer months attract visitors to Ise because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Hoi An is a little warmer than Ise. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hoi An in July average around 29°C (85°F), and Ise averages at about 26°C (79°F).

It's quite sunny in Hoi An. In the summer, Hoi An often gets more sunshine than Ise. Hoi An gets 242 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ise receives 169 hours of full sun.

Ise gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Hoi An usually gets less rain in July than Ise. Hoi An gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Ise receives 219 mm (8.6 in) of rain this time of the year. February to July is the dry season in Hoi An. September to January is the rainy season in Hoi An.

Should I visit Hoi An or Ise in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Hoi An and Ise. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hoi An year-round. Furthermore, the shopping scene are the main draw to Ise this time of year.

In October, Hoi An is generally a little warmer than Ise. Daily temperatures in Hoi An average around 25°C (78°F), and Ise fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Hoi An usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Ise during autumn. Hoi An gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Ise receives 160 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Ise receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Hoi An gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Hoi An usually receives more rain than Ise. Hoi An gets 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain, while Ise receives 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Hoi An or Ise in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Hoi An as well as Ise. Hoi An attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Ise for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Ise. Hoi An is much warmer than Ise in the winter. The daily temperature in Hoi An averages around 22°C (71°F) in January, and Ise fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

In the winter, Hoi An often gets less sunshine than Ise. Hoi An gets 136 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ise receives 165 hours of full sun.

Hoi An receives a lot of rain in the winter. Hoi An usually gets more rain in January than Ise. Hoi An gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Ise receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, February to July in Hoi An is the dry season. September to January in Hoi An is the rainy season.

Should I visit Hoi An or Ise in the Spring?

Both Ise and Hoi An are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hoi An throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Ise in the spring for the beaches.

In the spring, Hoi An is much warmer than Ise. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hoi An in April average around 26°C (80°F), and Ise averages at about 13°C (56°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hoi An. Hoi An usually receives more sunshine than Ise during spring. Hoi An gets 210 hours of sunny skies, while Ise receives 169 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ise. In April, Hoi An usually receives less rain than Ise. Hoi An gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Ise receives 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Ise and Hoi An