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

Should you visit Hoi An or Nagasaki?

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 Nagasaki. 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 beautiful, traditional, and quaint town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Nagasaki

Nagasaki is a welcoming, interesting, and authentic 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 Nagasaki: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hoi An or Nagasaki?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Hoi An than Nagasaki, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Hoi An is better known for its food, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Nagasaki is more popular for its nightlife and big city activities. Hoi An is more touristy than Nagasaki 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. Nagasaki is well known for its history, hot spring spas, and local cuisine.

How is Hoi An different from Nagasaki?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Spend time exploring the superb sights and museums in either Hoi An or Nagasaki.

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.

Nagasaki offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Nagasaki Peace Park is a moving tribute to those lost during the atomic bomb attack. Other sights around town include the Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown, Kofukuji Temple, and Huis Ten Bosch.

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

Hoi An is a world-class destination for its restaurants. Also, Nagasaki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

For foodies, Hoi An is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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).

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Nagasaki makes for a great culinary experience. The city has a cosmopolitan cuisine which has been influenced by China and several Western cuisines. Popular local dishes include Chanpon (a noodle dish), Sara Udon (meat, vegetables, and noodles), and Kakuni Manju (pork belly on a dough bun).

Is Hoi An or Nagasaki Better for Nightlife?

Nagasaki is an excellent place to visit for nightlife. However, Hoi An is lacking in options for nightlife and partying.

Nagasaki has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The best areas for nightlife are the Doza-machi and Shianbashi districts. Shinanbashi is filled with narrow alleys and its easy to get lost.

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 Nagasaki Better for Beaches?

Hoi An is a popular place for the beach. However, Nagasaki is not a beach destination.

Hoi An is a good option for a beach vacation. 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.

Nagasaki is not a beach destination.

Is Hoi An or Nagasaki Better for its Old Town?

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

Nagasaki does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Hoi An or Nagasaki?

Hoi An is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. Also, Nagasaki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Nagasaki is a great destination for shopping. Head to the waterfront for the best shopping opportunities. You'll find everything from malls to souvenir shops around town. You'll also find traditional market streets which are known as shōtengai.

Is Hoi An or Nagasaki Better for Families?

Hoi An is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Nagasaki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Hoi An. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Nagasaki. Check out Agiruno Oka Park, which has a small farm and other recreational activities. There are also several kid-friendly museums like the Nagasaki City Science Museum and the Nagasaki Penguin Aquarium. There are also many parks and playgrounds as well as the Nagasaki Seaside Park.

Is Hoi An or Nagasaki Better for Couples?

Hoi An is a very popular place for couples. Also, Nagasaki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

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.

Nagasaki is a nice destination for couples. There's a unique cuisine with good restaurants. There are also many parks where couples can take a stroll, as well as relaxing hot springs nearby.

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

Hoi An is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Nagasaki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Nagasaki is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a number of hostels in the city, but you really should make reservations in advance as they tend to fill up.

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

Nagasaki is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Hoi An is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Public transit in Nagasaki is fairly effecient and thorough. The city has four tram lines as well as city buses.

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.

Is Hoi An or Nagasaki a more walkable city?

Hoi An is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Nagasaki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Hoi An. 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.

Nagasaki is somewhat walkable. Many parts of the city can be explored by foot. The downtown is about a kilometer from Nagasaki Station and the Peace Park is several kilometers in the other direction from the station.

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

Should I spend more time in Nagasaki or Hoi An?

How long in Hoi An or Nagasaki?

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

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

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 Nagasaki. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Hoi An or Nagasaki?

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.

Nagasaki 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 Nagasaki?

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 Nagasaki. 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 Nagasaki?

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 authentic destination of Nagasaki. 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 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 Nagasaki, we can see that Nagasaki 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 Nagasaki would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nagasaki 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 Nagasaki Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Hoi An or Nagasaki?

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

Nagasaki 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 Nagasaki in the Summer?

Both Nagasaki and Hoi An are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hoi An throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Nagasaki for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Hoi An is generally around the same temperature as Nagasaki. Daily temperatures in Hoi An average around 29°C (85°F), and Nagasaki fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hoi An. Hoi An usually receives more sunshine than Nagasaki during summer. Hoi An gets 242 hours of sunny skies, while Nagasaki receives 197 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nagasaki. In July, Hoi An usually receives less rain than Nagasaki. Hoi An gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Nagasaki receives 334 mm (13.1 in) of rain each month for the summer. 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 Nagasaki in the Autumn?

Both Nagasaki and Hoi An during the autumn 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 visitors come to Nagasaki in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Hoi An is a little warmer than Nagasaki in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hoi An averages around 25°C (78°F) in October, and Nagasaki fluctuates around 20°C (67°F).

In the autumn, Hoi An often gets less sunshine than Nagasaki. Hoi An gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nagasaki receives 189 hours of full sun.

Nagasaki 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 October than Nagasaki. Hoi An gets 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain, while Nagasaki receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hoi An or Nagasaki in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hoi An and Nagasaki. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hoi An year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Nagasaki for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Hoi An is much warmer than Nagasaki. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hoi An in January average around 22°C (71°F), and Nagasaki averages at about 7°C (44°F).

Hoi An usually receives more sunshine than Nagasaki during winter. Hoi An gets 136 hours of sunny skies, while Nagasaki receives 112 hours of full sun in the winter.

Hoi An gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Hoi An usually receives more rain than Nagasaki. Hoi An gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Nagasaki receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the winter. 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 Nagasaki in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Hoi An as well as Nagasaki. Hoi An attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Nagasaki because of the activities around the city.

In April, Hoi An is generally much warmer than Nagasaki. Daily temperatures in Hoi An average around 26°C (80°F), and Nagasaki fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hoi An this time of the year. In the spring, Hoi An often gets more sunshine than Nagasaki. Hoi An gets 210 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nagasaki receives 174 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Nagasaki. Hoi An usually gets less rain in April than Nagasaki. Hoi An gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Nagasaki receives 175 mm (6.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Nagasaki and Hoi An