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

Should you visit Hoi An or Kanazawa?

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 Kanazawa. 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. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include museums, food, and beaches.

Kanazawa

Kanazawa is a historic, cultural, and well-preserved city. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Hoi An and Kanazawa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hoi An or Kanazawa?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Hoi An. Although Hoi An and Kanazawa are both popular with visitors, Hoi An has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Hoi An is more popular for its food, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Kanazawa is known for its nightlife. Hoi An is more touristy than Kanazawa and is known for its peaceful and traditional old town, its unique culinary traditions, and its affordable custom made clothing. It is also home to the Fukian Assembly Hall. Kanazawa is popular for its history, preserved architecture, and classically landscaped gardens.

How is Hoi An different from Kanazawa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Spend time exploring the high quality sights and museums in either Hoi An or Kanazawa.

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.

Kanazawa offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city is filled with history and you can visit the Kanazawa Castle, the Higashi Chaya Area with preserved Geisha houses, and the Nagamachi Samurai House Area. There are also museums such as the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art and the D.T. Suzuki Museum.

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

Hoi An is very popular for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Kanazawa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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).

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Kanazawa. There's a long history to the city's cuisine and you'll find many diverse dishes that combine traditional ingredients with international fusion. The cuisine uses a lot of seafood, but you'll also find the one pot meal of Hanton Rice, Oden (hot pot), and Jibu-ni (made with duck and vegetables).

Is Hoi An or Kanazawa Better for Nightlife?

Kanazawa 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 Kanazawa. The town has everything from international style bars to local theaters that let you experience the traditional Japanese culture.

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 Kanazawa Better for Beaches?

Hoi An is very good for its beaches. However, Kanazawa 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.

Kanazawa is not a beach destination.

Is Hoi An or Kanazawa Better for its Old Town?

Hoi An is very popular for its historic old town. Also, Kanazawa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its old town.

Hoi An has a world-famous historical area. 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.

Many people head to Kanazawa to see the old town. It's fascinating to visit both the Higashi Chaya Area with preserved Geisha houses and the Nagamachi Samurai House Area which has preserved samurai houses that line two canals. You can enter a few of the houses to see the traditional way of life.

Is the Shopping Better in Hoi An or Kanazawa?

Hoi An is very popular for shopping. Also, Kanazawa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Hoi An. 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.

Kanazawa is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has many shopping districts that include department stores, traditional stores, and large markets. This is a great place to do some souvenir shopping.

Is Hoi An or Kanazawa Better for Families?

Hoi An is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Kanazawa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Kanazawa is a family-friendly place to visit. Myouryuji Temple is a fun temple for kids where they can play ninja and discover the hidden spaces. When the kids are burned out of history, head to Tedori Fish Land which is a theme park in the area or check out the slides at Kenmin Seaside Park. There's also the Dolls Museum and the beautiful coastline.

Is Hoi An or Kanazawa Better for Couples?

Hoi An is great for romance. Also, Kanazawa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

Hoi An is a great town if you're traveling as 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.

Kanazawa makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city has markets, museums, and gardens that are fun to explore as a couple. You can visit the Kanazawa Castle or sample one of the many restaurants around town.

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

Hoi An is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Kanazawa is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Kanazawa. There are a handful of hostels and affordable accommodation options that backpackers can choose from.

Is Hoi An or Kanazawa Better for Students?

Kanazawa is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Hoi An is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Kanazawa. It has a good educational environment with high quality educational institutions that appeal to international students.

Hoi An is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find good public transit in both Hoi An and Kanazawa.

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 Kanazawa, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are two main buses that tourists use in town. The Kenrokuen Shuttle goes between the Kanazawa Station and Kenrokuen Gardens and the Kanazawa Loop Bus runs from Kanazawa Station via the Teramachi area, the Higashi Chaya District, and Omicho Market.

Is Hoi An or Kanazawa a more walkable city?

Hoi An is very popular for its walkability. Also, Kanazawa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its high level of 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.

Kanazawa is a very walkable town. The city is relatively walkable with some rolling hills. It's possible to walk to Kanazawa Castle from Kanazawa Station in about 35 minutes.

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

Should I spend more time in Kanazawa or Hoi An?

How long in Hoi An or Kanazawa?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Hoi An or Kanazawa to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Hoi An than Kanazawa because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Hoi An, and 1-2 days is enough time in Kanazawa.

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

The beautiful town of Hoi An offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

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

A weekend in Hoi An or Kanazawa?

Hoi An is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Hoi An, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Kanazawa 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 Kanazawa?

Hoi An is a popular choice for travelers. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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

Hoi An is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural destination of Kanazawa. 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 Food and Culinary Tours in Vietnam, The Best Tours Under $1000 in Vietnam, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Japan, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Japan.

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

Which is Bigger, Hoi An or Kanazawa?

Kanazawa has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Hoi An. When comparing the sizes of Hoi An and Kanazawa, 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 Kanazawa?

Kanazawa 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 Kanazawa in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Hoi An and Kanazawa. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hoi An year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Kanazawa in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

Hoi An is a little warmer than Kanazawa in the summer. The daily temperature in Hoi An averages around 29°C (85°F) in July, and Kanazawa fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

In Hoi An, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hoi An usually receives more sunshine than Kanazawa during summer. Hoi An gets 242 hours of sunny skies, while Kanazawa receives 180 hours of full sun in the summer.

Kanazawa receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Hoi An usually receives less rain than Kanazawa. Hoi An gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 251 mm (9.9 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 Kanazawa in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Hoi An as well as Kanazawa. Hoi An attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Kanazawa for the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Hoi An is much warmer than Kanazawa. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hoi An in October average around 25°C (78°F), and Kanazawa averages at about 17°C (62°F).

In the autumn, Hoi An often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kanazawa. Hoi An gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kanazawa receives 155 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kanazawa. Hoi An receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Hoi An usually gets more rain in October than Kanazawa. Hoi An gets 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 203 mm (8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hoi An or Kanazawa in the Winter?

Both Kanazawa 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, the winter months attract visitors to Kanazawa because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Kanazawa can be very cold. In January, Hoi An is generally much warmer than Kanazawa. Daily temperatures in Hoi An average around 22°C (71°F), and Kanazawa fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Hoi An usually receives more sunshine than Kanazawa during winter. Hoi An gets 136 hours of sunny skies, while Kanazawa receives 67 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kanazawa. It's quite rainy in Hoi An. In January, Hoi An usually receives less rain than Kanazawa. Hoi An gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 294 mm (11.6 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 Kanazawa in the Spring?

Both Kanazawa 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.

Hoi An is much warmer than Kanazawa in the spring. The daily temperature in Hoi An averages around 26°C (80°F) in April, and Kanazawa fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

It's quite sunny in Hoi An. In the spring, Hoi An often gets more sunshine than Kanazawa. Hoi An gets 210 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kanazawa receives 183 hours of full sun.

Kanazawa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Hoi An usually gets less rain in April than Kanazawa. Hoi An gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Kanazawa and Hoi An