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

Should you visit Hoi An or Noosa Heads?

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 Noosa Heads. 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. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the museums, food, and beaches.

Noosa Heads

Noosa Heads is a scenic, natural, and charming coastal town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and hiking.

Hoi An and Noosa Heads: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hoi An or Noosa Heads?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hoi An. Although Hoi An and Noosa Heads are popular destinations, Hoi An has more sights and attractions for tourists. Hoi An is very popular for its museums, food, historical sights, and shopping, while Noosa Heads attracts visitors for its nightlife, beaches, hiking, and small town charm. Hoi An is more touristy than Noosa Heads and is known 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. Noosa Heads is famous for its stunning beaches, natural beauty, and surfing culture.

How is Hoi An different from Noosa Heads?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Hoi An is a great town for its historical sights. However, Noosa Heads is not known for its sights and museums.

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.

Noosa Heads offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. As a holiday destination, it is all about the beaches and laid back natural beauty. You'll find little in the form of museums, but do make your way to Laguna Lookout to take in the view.

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

Hoi An is a must-visit destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Noosa Heads is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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).

Dining out in Noosa Heads is an experience not to be missed. The scenic setting means that there are peaceful restaurants that look out on the sea or river. Many restaurants use local ingredients from nearby farms. Farm-to-table is a popular concept here, and there are many sustainable seafood dishes that use locally caught fish.

Is Hoi An or Noosa Heads Better for Nightlife?

Noosa Heads 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 Noosa Heads. There are a number of pubs and bars that have opened around town. You'll find cocktail lounges, beer gardens, an plenty of outdoor activities to choose from.

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 Noosa Heads Better for Beaches?

Noosa Heads is terrific for its beaches. Also, Hoi An is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for the beache.

Noosa Heads offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. Visitors come for the laid back vibe and the spectacular beaches. For swimming, head to Noosa Main Beach. There's also surfing at the Noosa World Surfing Reserve and a peaceful and natural setting at Noosa National park.

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.

Is Hoi An or Noosa Heads Better for its Old Town?

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

Noosa Heads does not have a historic old town.

Is Hoi An or Noosa Heads Better for Hiking?

Noosa Heads 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 Noosa Heads. There are hiking trails that take in the coastal views or you can head inland and wander through wooded landscapes. Some of the best hiking trails are found at Noosa National Park.

Hoi An is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hoi An or Noosa Heads?

Hoi An is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Noosa Heads is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Hoi An draws large crowds to its stores. 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.

Many visitors go to Noosa Heads to go shopping. The main shopping street through town is Hastings Street. It's where you'll find beachside boutiques, impressive art galleries, as well as international brands.

Is Hoi An or Noosa Heads Better for Families?

Both Hoi An and Noosa Heads are very good 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.

Noosa Heads is a very kid-friendly town. There are playgrounds and green space where you can picnic at the Noosa Villages. Kids will also enjoy taking ferry rides and exploring Noosa National Park. Also nearby is the impressive K'Gari (Fraser Island).

Is Hoi An or Noosa Heads Better for Couples?

Hoi An and Noosa Heads both very good 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 Noosa Heads frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's filled with romantic beaches and fun outdoor activities like kayaking and hiking. There are plenty of places to hike and explore, as well as sunset cruises and dolphin spotting tours. You can also unwind with a spa day or sip wine by the sea.

Is Hoi An or Noosa Heads Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hoi An is a must-visit destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Noosa Heads is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Hoi An is extremely popular for backpackers. It's solidly on the backpacker trail, and you'll find many visitors who come for the beautiful culture and fascinating setting.

Noosa Heads is a very popular town for backpackers and budget travelers. The laid back atmosphere makes this a long running stop for backpackers to Australia. There are a number of hostels to choose from and many ways to explore nature.

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

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

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 Noosa Heads, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a ferry that travels along the river. There are also buses that travel to local destinations.

Is Hoi An or Noosa Heads a more walkable city?

Hoi An is a must-visit destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Noosa Heads is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for its ease of walking around.

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.

Noosa Heads is a very walkable destination. It's fun to explore the town and surrounding areas on foot. There are walking and bike paths throughout.

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

Should I spend more time in Noosa Heads or Hoi An?

How long in Hoi An or Noosa Heads?

It's fun to spend time in either Hoi An or Noosa Heads. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Noosa Heads due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Hoi An, and 2-4 days is enough time in Noosa Heads.

Families should spend more time in Hoi An than Noosa Heads. 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 Noosa Heads. 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 Noosa Heads 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 Noosa Heads?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the quaint 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.

Noosa Heads might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Hoi An or Noosa Heads?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the beautiful 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.

Noosa Heads is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. 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 Noosa Heads?

The beautiful 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 Noosa Heads. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. 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 Noosa Heads?

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.

Noosa Heads is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This coastal 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 Food and Culinary Tours in Vietnam, The Best Tours Under $1000 in Vietnam, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Australia, and The Best Contiki Tours to Australia.

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

Which is Bigger, Hoi An or Noosa Heads?

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

Noosa Heads 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 Noosa Heads in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Hoi An and Noosa Heads. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hoi An year-round. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Noosa Heads because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Hoi An is a little warmer than Noosa Heads. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hoi An in July average around 29°C (85°F), and Noosa Heads averages at about 20°C (67°F)in January.

Noosa Heads receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Hoi An usually receives less rain than Noosa Headsin January. Hoi An gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Noosa Heads receives 109 mm (4.3 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 Noosa Heads in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Hoi An as well as Noosa Heads. Hoi An attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Noosa Heads this time of year.

In October, Hoi An is generally much warmer than Noosa Headsin April. Daily temperatures in Hoi An average around 25°C (78°F), and Noosa Heads fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

Hoi An receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Hoi An usually gets more rain in October than Noosa Headsin April. Hoi An gets 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain, while Noosa Heads receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hoi An or Noosa Heads in the Winter?

Both Noosa Heads 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, many travelers come to Noosa Heads for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Hoi An is much warmer than Noosa Heads in the winter. The daily temperature in Hoi An averages around 22°C (71°F) in January, and Noosa Heads fluctuates around 7°C (44°F)in July.

It's quite rainy in Hoi An. In January, Hoi An usually receives more rain than Noosa Headsin July. Hoi An gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Noosa Heads receives 57 mm (2.3 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 Noosa Heads in the Spring?

Both Noosa Heads 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 visitors come to Noosa Heads in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Hoi An is much warmer than Noosa Heads. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hoi An in April average around 26°C (80°F), and Noosa Heads averages at about 14°C (57°F)in October.

Hoi An usually gets less rain in April than Noosa Headsin October. Hoi An gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Noosa Heads receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Noosa Heads and Hoi An