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

Should you visit Hoi An or Picton?

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 Picton. 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 peaceful, beautiful, and traditional town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food, beaches, and shopping.

Picton

Picton is a quaint, relaxing, and picturesque town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Hoi An and Picton: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hoi An or Picton?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Hoi An than Picton, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Hoi An is better known for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Picton is more popular for its beaches, hiking, and small town charm. Hoi An is more touristy than Picton and is popular 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. Picton is well known for its picturesque scenery, laid back setting, and beautiful walking trails.

How is Hoi An different from Picton?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Hoi An is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Picton is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

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.

Picton is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a few local museums around town that are fun to visit with the weather isn't cooperating. Edwin Fox Ship is the world's oldest merchant ship. You can also learn about the town's whaling past at the Picton Heritage and Whaling Museum.

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

Hoi An is very popular for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Picton is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

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).

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Picton. The town is filled with restaurants that stay true to New Zealand's culinary traditions. Mussels and salmon are common on menus, and there are many bakeries and waterfront cafes to try.

Is Hoi An or Picton Better for Nightlife?

Both Hoi An and Picton 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.

Picton is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. It's a small town with a quiet and calm atmosphere.

Is Hoi An or Picton Better for Beaches?

Picton 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 Picton for it's beautiful beaches. There are four beaches in the area. Picton Beach is by the town center and near many restaurants and cafes. About a ten minute walk from town is Shelley Beach and if you're up for more walking, Bob's Bay is secluded and nice. If you have a car you can make it to Governer's Bay.

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 Picton Better for its Old Town?

Hoi An is very popular for its historic old town charm. However, Picton does not have a historic old town.

Hoi An has a world-famous historical 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.

Picton does not have a historic old town.

Is Hoi An or Picton Better for Hiking?

Picton 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 Picton. There are many nice walking paths in the area and this is a great way to explore, reach beaches, and see the surrounding landscapes. If you're up for a longer trip, Queen Charlotte Track is a popular trail.

Hoi An is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hoi An or Picton?

Hoi An is very popular for its shopping areas. Also, Picton is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for shopping.

Hoi An is a world class destination for shoppers. 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Picton. There are a few galleries and local shops around town.

Is Hoi An or Picton Better for Families?

Both Hoi An and Picton are excellent 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.

Picton is a very kid-friendly town. Kids will enjoy taking a boat cruise to Motuara Island. You can see dolphins, birds, and other wildlife. There are also wildlife centers in the area, family-friendly walking trails, museums, aquariums, and kayaking opportunities.

Is Hoi An or Picton Better for Couples?

Hoi An and Picton both excellent 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 Picton frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are romantic and quaint bed and breakfasts, beautiful walking paths, wildlife encounters, and many more fun activities for couples. Kayak trips, vineyard tours, and local spas make this a great couple's getaway destination.

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

Hoi An is very popular for backpackers. Also, Picton is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Hoi An is a very popular town to visit for backpackers. It's solidly on the backpacker trail, and you'll find many visitors who come for the beautiful culture and fascinating setting.

Picton is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are plenty of hostels in the area as well as great transportation links, making this a great spot for backpackers.

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

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

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 Picton, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are water taxis but no buses around town.

Is Hoi An or Picton a more walkable city?

Hoi An is very popular for its ease of walking around. Also, Picton is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its walkability.

It is easy to get around Hoi An 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.

Picton is very walkable. It's a quaint and compact town that's easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Picton or Hoi An?

How long in Hoi An or Picton?

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

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

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Hoi An. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Picton. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Hoi An or Picton?

Hoi An 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.

Picton 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 Picton?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hoi An. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Picton. 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 Picton?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the peaceful destination of Hoi An. This town 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the scenic destination of Picton. This 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Auckland, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to New Zealand.

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

Which is Bigger, Hoi An or Picton?

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

Picton 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 Picton in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Hoi An as well as Picton. Hoi An attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Picton this time of year.

In July, Hoi An is generally much warmer than Pictonin January. Daily temperatures in Hoi An average around 29°C (85°F), and Picton fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

Hoi An usually gets more rain in July than Pictonin January. Hoi An gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Picton receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, February to July in Hoi An is the dry season. September to January in Hoi An is the rainy season.

Should I visit Hoi An or Picton in the Autumn?

Both Picton and Hoi An are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hoi An throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Picton for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere.

Hoi An is much warmer than Picton in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hoi An averages around 25°C (78°F) in October, and Picton fluctuates around 15°C (58°F)in April.

It's quite rainy in Hoi An. In October, Hoi An usually receives more rain than Pictonin April. Hoi An gets 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain, while Picton receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Hoi An or Picton in the Winter?

Both Picton and Hoi An during the winter 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 Picton in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Hoi An is much warmer than Picton. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hoi An in January average around 22°C (71°F), and Picton averages at about 10°C (49°F)in July.

Picton 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 around the same amount of rain in January as Pictonin July. Hoi An gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Picton receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year. February to July is the dry season in Hoi An. September to January is the rainy season in Hoi An.

Should I visit Hoi An or Picton in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Hoi An and Picton. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hoi An year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Picton for the beaches and the small town charm during these months.

In April, Hoi An is generally much warmer than Pictonin October. Daily temperatures in Hoi An average around 26°C (80°F), and Picton fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In April, Hoi An usually receives less rain than Pictonin October. Hoi An gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Picton receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Picton and Hoi An