A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hoi An vs. Lake Tekapo for Food, Backpackers, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Hoi An or Lake Tekapo?

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 Lake Tekapo. 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. With stunning beauty, Hoi An attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and food. See Hoi An travel costs.

Lake Tekapo

Lake Tekapo is a basic, small, and remote town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Lake Tekapo is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include hiking. See Lake Tekapo travel costs.

Hoi An and Lake Tekapo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hoi An or Lake Tekapo?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Hoi An than Lake Tekapo, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Hoi An is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, beaches, historical sights, and shopping, while Lake Tekapo is more popular for its hiking and small town charm. Hoi An is more touristy than Lake Tekapo 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. Lake Tekapo is well known for its hot springs, remote location, and beautiful night sky.

How is Hoi An different from Lake Tekapo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Hoi An is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Lake Tekapo does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Lake Tekapo does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Hoi An is terrific for its restaurant scene. However, Lake Tekapo is a town with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

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).

Lake Tekapo offers some easy restaurants to choose from. The town is very small with just a couple of restaurants and fast food joints.

Is Hoi An or Lake Tekapo Better for Nightlife?

Hoi An is a town with a few options for its evening party scene. However, Lake Tekapo is a town with minimal options for nightlife.

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.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Lake Tekapo This is a very small town and there isn't a real nightlife scene. The night sky is incredible though, and you should absolutely do some stargazing.

Is Hoi An or Lake Tekapo Better for Beaches?

Hoi An is a good destination for the beach. However, Lake Tekapo is not a beach destination.

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.

Lake Tekapo is not a beach destination.

Is Hoi An or Lake Tekapo Better for its Old Town?

Hoi An is terrific for its historic old town charm. However, Lake Tekapo does not have a historic old town.

Hoi An has a unique history which comes to life in its historic 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.

Lake Tekapo does not have a historic old town.

Is Hoi An or Lake Tekapo Better for Hiking?

Lake Tekapo 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 Lake Tekapo. There are many beautiful hikes in the area with some of the most popular being the Mount John Summit Track, the Richmond Trail, and Cowan's Hill Walkway.

Hoi An is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hoi An or Lake Tekapo?

Hoi An is terrific for its shopping areas. However, Lake Tekapo is a town with minimal options 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 in Lake Tekapo can be found for those interested. There are a couple of shops where you can pick up basic necessities.

Is Hoi An or Lake Tekapo More Beautiful?

Hoi An and Lake Tekapo both are comparable with their excellent scenery and beauty.

Hoi An is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The city is beautiful during the day with its traditional architecture, as well as at night when it is lit with lanterns.

The beauty of Lake Tekapo is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. You really want to get out of town and explore the area's stunning natural beauty.

Is Hoi An or Lake Tekapo Better for Families?

Both Hoi An and Lake Tekapo are excellent 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.

Lake Tekapo is a very kid-friendly town. Kids will enjoy a visit to Tekapo Springs, which is particularly fun in the winter months. There's snow tubing, ice skating, and, of course, the hot pools. There are also short hikes in the area like the Mount John Summit Walk. Biking, paddleboarding, and kayaking are also popular in the area.

Is Hoi An or Lake Tekapo Better for Couples?

Hoi An is a great destination for couples. Also, Lake Tekapo is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

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.

Lake Tekapo is a nice destination for couples. Couples will enjoy the stunning scenery, beautiful hikes, and the romantic hot springs. Stargazing is another popular activity in the area.

Is Hoi An or Lake Tekapo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hoi An is terrific for backpackers. Also, Lake Tekapo is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Lake Tekapo. It's a small town with a couple of cheap places to stay that backpackers will appreciate.

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

Hoi An is a good destination for its public transit. However, Lake Tekapo is a town with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is quite limited in Lake Tekapo. Public transportation in the area is very limited. If you don't have a car, you'll want to arrange tours to get out and about.

Is Hoi An or Lake Tekapo a more walkable city?

Hoi An is terrific for its ease of walking around. Also, Lake Tekapo is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

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.

Lake Tekapo is somewhat walkable. The town is small enough to get around on foot, and you can hire a tour to get out into the region.

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

Should I spend more time in Lake Tekapo or Hoi An?

How long in Hoi An or Lake Tekapo?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Hoi An or Lake Tekapo to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Hoi An than Lake Tekapo 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 Lake Tekapo.

Families should spend more time in Hoi An than Lake Tekapo. 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 Lake Tekapo. 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 Lake Tekapo 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 Lake Tekapo?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the traditional town of Hoi An. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the destination of Lake Tekapo. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Hoi An or Lake Tekapo?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the peaceful destination of Hoi An. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This town offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Lake Tekapo 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 Lake Tekapo?

The quaint town of Hoi An offers museums and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

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

Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Hoi An. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the remote destination of Lake Tekapo. This town 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 Tours for Seniors to New Zealand, and The Best Contiki Tours to New Zealand.

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

Which is Bigger, Hoi An or Lake Tekapo?

Hoi An has a larger population, and is about 100 times larger than the population of Lake Tekapo. When comparing the sizes of Hoi An and Lake Tekapo, 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.