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

Should you visit Hoi An or Mashiko?

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 Mashiko. 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.

Mashiko

Mashiko is a charming, traditional, and rural town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Hoi An and Mashiko: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hoi An or Mashiko?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Hoi An than Mashiko, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Hoi An is better known for its museums, food, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Mashiko is more popular for its hiking, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere. Hoi An is more touristy than Mashiko and is known 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. Mashiko is well known for its local sake, rural farms, and longstanding tradition in pottery making.

How is Hoi An different from Mashiko?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Hoi An is a great town for its historical sights. Also, Mashiko is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Hoi An can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Mashiko is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a couple of museums around town that are focused on the local activities such as pottery. You can check out the Shoji Hamada Memorial Mashiko Sankokan Museum, the Mashiko Museum of Ceramic Art, and the Entsuji Temple.

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

Hoi An is a world-class destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Mashiko is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Hoi An is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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).

Mashiko offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants around town that serve udon, soba, and other Japanese favorites that use local ingredients.

Is Hoi An or Mashiko Better for Nightlife?

Both Hoi An and Mashiko have respectable 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.

Mashiko is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. There are a couple of bars and pubs around town, but not a huge nightlife scene.

Is Hoi An or Mashiko Better for Beaches?

Hoi An is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Mashiko is not a beach destination.

Hoi An has a beach worth visiting. 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.

Mashiko is not a beach destination.

Is Hoi An or Mashiko Better for its Old Town?

Hoi An is a world-class destination for its historic old town charm. However, Mashiko 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.

Mashiko does not have a historic old town.

Is Hoi An or Mashiko Better for Hiking?

Mashiko is a good destination for its hiking trails. However, Hoi An is not a hiking destination.

Mashiko offers some nice hiking trails. There are three mountains in the area with hiking trails that let you experience the Japanese countryside and natural beauty. These mountains are Mt. Amamakisan, Mt.Mitsudoyasan, and Mt. Takadateyama.

Hoi An is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hoi An or Mashiko?

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

Mashiko is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Local pottery is the main purchase in town, and there are many shops and local vendors who sell locally made pottery.

Is Hoi An or Mashiko Better for Families?

Both Hoi An and Mashiko are great 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.

Mashiko is a very kid-friendly town. Pottery is the claim to fame in this small town, and kids will thoroughly enjoy taking a children's pottery class. Its the perfect way to immerse them in the local culture in a fun and hands-on way. Farm life, and fruit picking are also popular here.

Is Hoi An or Mashiko Better for Couples?

Hoi An and Mashiko both great destinations for a couple.

Hoi An makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Couples visit Mashiko frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's a charming town with local farms, pottery, and sake. Many couples enjoy spending a few days soaking up the local atmosphere and enjoying the simple pleasures.

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

Hoi An is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Mashiko is not known for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Hoi An, as it is a very popular town for budget travelers. It's solidly on the backpacker trail, and you'll find many visitors who come for the beautiful culture and fascinating setting.

Mashiko is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most backpackers don't venture to this community, but its seeped in quaint culture and small town atmosphere.

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

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Hoi An and Mashiko.

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 Mashiko, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are local trains that stop by the strawberry picking farms. There are also local buses in the area.

Is Hoi An or Mashiko a more walkable city?

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

Mashiko is very walkable. Many people choose to walk around town and the pottery area is about a 20 minute walk from Mashiko Station.

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

Should I spend more time in Mashiko or Hoi An?

How long in Hoi An or Mashiko?

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

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

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.

Mashiko might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Hoi An or Mashiko?

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.

Mashiko 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 Mashiko?

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 Mashiko. 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 Mashiko?

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.

Mashiko is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This town 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 Coach Bus Tours in Japan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Japan.

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

Which is Bigger, Hoi An or Mashiko?

Hoi An has a larger population, and is about 26% larger than the population of Mashiko. When comparing the sizes of Hoi An and Mashiko, 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 Mashiko?

Mashiko 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 Mashiko in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Hoi An and Mashiko. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hoi An year-round. Also, most visitors come to Mashiko for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Hoi An is generally a little warmer than Mashiko. Daily temperatures in Hoi An average around 29°C (85°F), and Mashiko fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

In Hoi An, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hoi An usually receives more sunshine than Mashiko during summer. Hoi An gets 242 hours of sunny skies, while Mashiko receives 130 hours of full sun in the summer.

Mashiko receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Hoi An usually receives less rain than Mashiko. Hoi An gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 117 mm (4.6 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 Mashiko in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Hoi An as well as Mashiko. Hoi An attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Mashiko because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere.

Hoi An is much warmer than Mashiko in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hoi An averages around 25°C (78°F) in October, and Mashiko fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Hoi An often gets more sunshine than Mashiko. Hoi An gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mashiko receives 133 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Mashiko. Hoi An receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Hoi An usually gets more rain in October than Mashiko. Hoi An gets 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hoi An or Mashiko in the Winter?

Both Mashiko 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 museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Mashiko this time of year.

It's quite cold in Mashiko in the winter. In the winter, Hoi An is much warmer than Mashiko. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hoi An in January average around 22°C (71°F), and Mashiko averages at about 3°C (38°F).

Hoi An usually receives less sunshine than Mashiko during winter. Hoi An gets 136 hours of sunny skies, while Mashiko receives 181 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Hoi An. In January, Hoi An usually receives more rain than Mashiko. Hoi An gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 44 mm (1.7 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 Mashiko in the Spring?

Both Mashiko 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, many travelers come to Mashiko for the small town charm.

In April, Hoi An is generally much warmer than Mashiko. Daily temperatures in Hoi An average around 26°C (80°F), and Mashiko fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

It's quite sunny in Hoi An. In the spring, Hoi An often gets more sunshine than Mashiko. Hoi An gets 210 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mashiko receives 160 hours of full sun.

Mashiko gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Hoi An usually gets less rain in April than Mashiko. Hoi An gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Mashiko and Hoi An