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

Should you visit Hoi An or Pattaya?

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 Pattaya. 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.

Pattaya

Pattaya is a active, vibrant, and high energy resort city. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Hoi An and Pattaya: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hoi An or Pattaya?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hoi An. Although Hoi An and Pattaya are popular destinations, Hoi An has more sights and attractions for tourists. Hoi An is very popular for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Pattaya attracts visitors for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Hoi An is famous 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. Pattaya is famous for its beautiful beaches, plethora of amusement parks, and its party town reputation.

How is Hoi An different from Pattaya?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Hoi An is a great town for its historical sights. Also, Pattaya is not as popular, but is still a nice resort city 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Pattaya. There are several cultural attractions near town such as the Sanctuary of Truth, Wat Yansangwararam, and Wat Phra Yai (the Big Buddha).

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

Hoi An is terrific for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Pattaya is not as popular, but is still a nice resort city 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 Pattaya is an experience not to be missed. Street food is what this city is all about. You'll find streets lined with restaurants, but you'll also find snacks and other culinary treats at every corner. Khao Gaeng (curried rice with meat or vegetables), Kai Jeow (omelet over rice), and Moo Ping (grilled pork) are among the favorites.

Is Hoi An or Pattaya Better for Nightlife?

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

Pattaya is a must-see party destination. Despite a promotional campaign to promote family vacations, this city still holds tight to its party hard reputation. You'll find live bands, international DJs, and rooftop parties any night of the week.

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 Pattaya Better for Resorts?

Pattaya is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Hoi An is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Pattaya to choose from. If you're looking for built-up, all-the-frills, beach resorts, then this is your place. It's a touristy beach city with hotels are resorts that line the waterfront.

Hoi An is not a resort destination.

Is Hoi An or Pattaya Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Pattaya is a good destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Hoi An is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Pattaya. There are snorkeling and dive excursions that leave from town, or you could throw on a mask and snorkel and look for marine life right off the beach.

Hoi An is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Hoi An or Pattaya Better for Beaches?

Pattaya is an excellent place to visit for its beaches. Also, Hoi An is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for the beache.

Many people visit Pattaya for it's beautiful beaches. There are countless white sand beaches in the area that range from party-focused, to romantic, to family-friendly. The blue waters and silky sand have long made this one of the most popular beach areas in Thailand.

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 Pattaya Better for its Old Town?

Hoi An is terrific for its old town. However, Pattaya 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.

Pattaya does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Hoi An or Pattaya?

Hoi An is terrific for its shopping opportunities. Also, Pattaya is not as popular, but is still a nice resort city 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.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Pattaya. The city is filled with markets, malls, bazaars, and street vendors that sells everything from clothes and bathing suits, to Thai crafts or local foods.

Is Hoi An or Pattaya Better for Families?

Both Hoi An and Pattaya 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.

Pattaya is a very kid-friendly town. Kids will love the amusement parks, water parks, and cultural parks. Highlights for families include Columbia Pictures Aquaverse, Ramayana Water Park, and Mini Siam. For something totally unique, check out the ice sculptures at Frost Magical Ice of Siam and for something cultural and fun you can head to Legend Siam Pattaya. Despite local efforts to promote family-friendly activities, it's important to remember that the city does still has a party town reputation. There are areas that you should avoid with kids.

Is Hoi An or Pattaya Better for Couples?

Hoi An is a great town for its romantic activities. Also, Pattaya is not as popular, but is still a nice resort city for couples.

Hoi An is a great town if you're traveling as 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.

Pattaya is a good town for couples to visit. There are many beach-oriented activities around town like boat rides and water sports. You could also enjoy a spa day or simply lounge on the beach and soak up the sun for the day.

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

Hoi An is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Pattaya is not as popular, but is still a nice resort city 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Pattaya. While it used to be a party town, these days Pattaya is more of a family destination that's filled with amusement parks and family-friendly resorts. Backpackers will still find hostels and budget accommodation, but that backpacker atmosphere isn't what it used to be.

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

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

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 Pattaya, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The baht bus (songthaew) is the cheapest way to get around town. These are colorful pickup trucks with seats in the back. There are also motorbike taxis as well as regular taxis.

Is Hoi An or Pattaya a more walkable city?

Hoi An is terrific for its high level of walkability. However, Pattaya is not known 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.

Pattaya is generally not very walkable. There's a walking street, as well as several walkable areas, but the city is relatively large and you'll likely want to catch a ride most places.

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

Should I spend more time in Pattaya or Hoi An?

How long in Hoi An or Pattaya?

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

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

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.

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Pattaya. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Hoi An or Pattaya?

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.

Pattaya is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the nightlife, 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 Pattaya?

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 Pattaya. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Pattaya?

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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the colorful destination of Pattaya. This resort city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bangkok, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Phuket.

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

Which is Bigger, Hoi An or Pattaya?

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

Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.

Should I visit Hoi An or Pattaya in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Hoi An and Pattaya. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hoi An year-round. Pattaya attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

February to July in Hoi An is the dry season. Also, September to January is the rainy season in Hoi An. In July, Hoi An usually receives less rain than Pattaya. Hoi An gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Pattaya receives 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

In Hoi An, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hoi An usually receives more sunshine than Pattaya during summer. Hoi An gets 242 hours of sunny skies, while Pattaya receives 176 hours of full sun in the summer.

In the summer, Hoi An is around the same temperature as Pattaya. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hoi An in July average around 29°C (85°F), and Pattaya averages at about 29°C (84°F).

Should I visit Hoi An or Pattaya in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Hoi An as well as Pattaya. Hoi An attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Pattaya throughout the year.

Also, December to April in Pattaya is the dry season. June to October in Pattaya is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Pattaya. Hoi An receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Hoi An usually gets more rain in October than Pattaya. Hoi An gets 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain, while Pattaya receives 258 mm (10.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Pattaya. In the autumn, Hoi An often gets less sunshine than Pattaya. Hoi An gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pattaya receives 206 hours of full sun.

In October, Hoi An is generally around the same temperature as Pattaya. Daily temperatures in Hoi An average around 25°C (78°F), and Pattaya fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Should I visit Hoi An or Pattaya in the Winter?

Both Pattaya 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. Plenty of visitors come to Pattaya because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

The dry season in Hoi An is February to July. The rainy season in Hoi An is September to January. It's quite rainy in Hoi An. In January, Hoi An usually receives more rain than Pattaya. Hoi An gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Pattaya receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

It's quite sunny in Pattaya. Hoi An usually receives less sunshine than Pattaya during winter. Hoi An gets 136 hours of sunny skies, while Pattaya receives 276 hours of full sun in the winter.

Hoi An is cooler than Pattaya in the winter. The daily temperature in Hoi An averages around 22°C (71°F) in January, and Pattaya fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

Should I visit Hoi An or Pattaya in the Spring?

Both Pattaya 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Pattaya year-round.

December to April is the dry season in Pattaya. June to October is the rainy season in Pattaya. Hoi An usually gets less rain in April than Pattaya. Hoi An gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Pattaya receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

In Pattaya, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Hoi An. In the spring, Hoi An often gets less sunshine than Pattaya. Hoi An gets 210 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pattaya receives 262 hours of full sun.

In the spring, Hoi An is cooler than Pattaya. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hoi An in April average around 26°C (80°F), and Pattaya averages at about 30°C (86°F).

Typical Weather for Pattaya and Hoi An