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

Should you visit Hoi An or Osaka?

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 Osaka. 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.

Osaka

Osaka is a colorful, vibrant, and cultural city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Hoi An and Osaka: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hoi An or Osaka?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Osaka than Hoi An, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Osaka is better known for its museums & sights, nightlife, and big city activities, while Hoi An is more popular for its beaches, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Hoi An is more touristy than Osaka and is known for its peaceful and traditional old town, its unique culinary traditions, and its affordable custom made clothing. Osaka is well known for its diverse street food, eclectic shopping and its economic roots as a port city. Also, Osaka is famous for Osaka Castle.

How is Hoi An different from Osaka?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Osaka is terrific for its museums and history. Also, Hoi An is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Osaka from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The city is filled with impressive sights that are both old and new. A highlight is a visit to Osaka Castle, which dates back to the 1500s. The city's most well known temple is Shitennō-ji Temple and the Kobe Port Tower is another recognizable sight. Other highlights include the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, the Tempozan Ferris Wheel, and the National Museum of Art.

Hoi An offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

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

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Hoi An and Osaka.

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).

For foodies, Osaka is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. It's one of the top culinary cities in Japan, and you'll find both local and regional dishes throughout. Street food is famous here, but there are also award winning restaurants and small traditional venues. Sushi and sashimi is a favorite, and it's focused simple and high quality ingredients. You'll find some great sushi restaurants around Kuromon Ichiba Market. Another unique experience is to visit a conveyor belt sushi restaurant. Land lovers should try the Yakiniku and Horumon, which is Japanese barbecue. And, of course, there's the ramen. Don't miss the ramen!

Is Hoi An or Osaka Better for Nightlife?

Osaka is terrific for nightlife. However, Hoi An is lacking in options for nightlife and partying.

Osaka is a must-see party destination. The city really comes to life after the sun sets. The buildings light up and the energy is palpable. In addition to the many world class restaurants, there are countless bars, pubs and izakaya, which are Japanese-style bars. Beer is popular, with many internationally recognized brands available. The most popular nightlife area is Dotonbori, which is along the Dotonbori River.

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 Osaka Better for Beaches?

Hoi An is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Osaka 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.

Osaka is not a beach destination.

Is Hoi An or Osaka Better for its Old Town?

Hoi An is a world-class destination for its historic old town charm. Also, Osaka is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its 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.

Osaka is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. If you want to step back in time, head to Shinsekai, which holds tight to its traditional street life scene. There are old-school arcades, traditional shops, and local street food to sample.

Is the Shopping Better in Hoi An or Osaka?

Shoppers can find a variety of world-class stores in both Hoi An and Osaka.

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.

The abundance of shops in Osaka make it a world-class shopping destination. There is everything from grand shopping malls to specialty boutique shops that sell antiques or local trinkets. Umeda Shopping Arcade is a large mall that has everything. For international brands, head to America Mura, which is where many of the younger Japanese hang out. Shinsaibashi-Suji Street is a favorite shopping street in the city and also not-to-be-missed.

Is Hoi An or Osaka Better for Families?

Both Hoi An and Osaka 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.

Osaka is a very kid-friendly town. Kids will enjoy the view from the observatory of the Umeda Sky Building or taking a ride on the HEP Five Ferris Wheel. There is also the Kids Plaza Osaka as well as arcades along Tenjinbashi suji Shopping Street. A highlight of a trip to the city is a visit to the Osaka Castle and museum lovers will also appreciate visiting the Osaka Science Museum or the Osaka Museum of Housing and Living.

Is Hoi An or Osaka Better for Couples?

Hoi An and Osaka 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 Osaka frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The city's atmosphere is filled with an energy that couples will enjoy. You can take a walk along the Tombori Riverwalk. For a touch of nature, head to Minoh Park and check out Minoh Falls, or for a relaxing experience, visit the hot springs at Solaniwa Onsen. Other fun activities include taking a ride on the Hep Five Ferris wheel or sampling the city's famous street food.

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

Hoi An is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Osaka 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.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Osaka. There are plenty of hostels around town and street food is an affordable and fun way to enjoy the city's culinary scene.

Is Hoi An or Osaka Better for Students?

Osaka is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Hoi An is not popular with students.

Many students visit Osaka. There's a colorful energy and a lively atmosphere that appeals to students. The city is also the second largest economic center in the country.

Hoi An is not popular with students.

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

Osaka is terrific 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.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Osaka can take you anywhere. The best way to get around town is by subway or train. The main tourist areas are located along the Midosuji subway line, which runs north to south.

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 Osaka a more walkable city?

Hoi An is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Osaka 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.

Osaka is somewhat walkable. There are parts of the city that are fun to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Osaka or Hoi An?

How long in Hoi An or Osaka?

It's fun to spend time in either Hoi An or Osaka. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Osaka 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 Osaka.

Families should spend more time in Hoi An than Osaka. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Hoi An than Osaka 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 Osaka?

In Hoi An, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this peaceful destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Osaka is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Hoi An or Osaka?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hoi An. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Osaka 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 Osaka?

Hoi An is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Hoi An. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Osaka. 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. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Hoi An or Osaka?

You'll find food and shopping around the peaceful destination of Hoi An. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural big city of Osaka. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Vietnam, The Best Historical Tours in Vietnam, The Best 10-Day Tours in Japan, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Japan.

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

Which is Bigger, Hoi An or Osaka?

Osaka has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Hoi An. When comparing the sizes of Hoi An and Osaka, 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 Osaka?

Osaka 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 Osaka in the Summer?

Both Osaka 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, most visitors come to Osaka for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Hoi An is generally around the same temperature as Osaka. Daily temperatures in Hoi An average around 29°C (85°F), and Osaka fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hoi An. Hoi An usually receives more sunshine than Osaka during summer. Hoi An gets 242 hours of sunny skies, while Osaka receives 183 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Osaka. In July, Hoi An usually receives less rain than Osaka. Hoi An gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 157 mm (6.2 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 Osaka in the Autumn?

Both Osaka 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. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Osaka because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Hoi An is a little warmer than Osaka in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hoi An averages around 25°C (78°F) in October, and Osaka fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

In the autumn, Hoi An often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Osaka. Hoi An gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Osaka receives 159 hours of full sun.

Osaka 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 Osaka. Hoi An gets 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hoi An or Osaka in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hoi An and Osaka. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hoi An year-round. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Osaka this time of year.

In the winter, Hoi An is much warmer than Osaka. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hoi An in January average around 22°C (71°F), and Osaka averages at about 6°C (42°F).

Hoi An usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Osaka during winter. Hoi An gets 136 hours of sunny skies, while Osaka receives 140 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 Osaka. Hoi An gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 46 mm (1.8 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 Osaka in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Hoi An as well as Osaka. Hoi An attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Osaka for the activities around the city.

In April, Hoi An is generally much warmer than Osaka. Daily temperatures in Hoi An average around 26°C (80°F), and Osaka fluctuates around 15°C (59°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 Osaka. Hoi An gets 210 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Osaka receives 176 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Osaka. Hoi An usually gets less rain in April than Osaka. Hoi An gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Osaka and Hoi An