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

Should you visit Hoi An or Railay Beach?

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 Railay Beach. 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. Hoi An is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, beaches, and shopping. See Hoi An travel costs.

Railay Beach

Railay Beach is a dramatic, spectacular, and fun-filled beach area. Railay Beach is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Railay Beach travel costs.

Hoi An and Railay Beach: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hoi An or Railay Beach?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Hoi An. Although Hoi An and Railay Beach are both popular with visitors, Hoi An has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Hoi An is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, historical sights, and shopping, while Railay Beach is known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Hoi An is more touristy than Railay Beach and is popular for its peaceful and traditional old town, its unique culinary traditions, and its affordable custom made clothing. It is also home to the Fukian Assembly Hall. Railay Beach is popular for its beautiful limestone cliffs and its world famous rock climbing.

How is Hoi An different from Railay Beach?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Hoi An is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Railay Beach is not a good beach area for its museums and history.

Many visitors head to Hoi An specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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 to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Railay Beach. This is an adventure sport destination that is popular for rock climbing and its scenic beauty. Therefore, there are no real museums or temples in the area.

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

Hoi An is an unbeatable place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Railay Beach is not as famous, but is still a good beach area to visit for its restaurants.

Hoi An has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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).

Railay Beach has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. You'll find a number of tourist oriented restaurants. Many are affiliated with hotels and resorts and serve the standard Thai options along with pizza and burgers.

Is Hoi An or Railay Beach Better for Nightlife?

Railay Beach 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 Railay Beach. It's a secluded area with a decent number of laid back bars that are usually associated with hotels or resorts. There's also a young crowd, including backpackers, who come for the beautiful setting and great rock climbing. This population insures that there's always something going on at night.

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 Railay Beach Better for Resorts?

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

There are plenty of resorts in Railay Beach to choose from. You'll find a mix of beachside resorts and budget hotels, as well as a number of hostels in the area.

Hoi An is not a resort destination.

Is Hoi An or Railay Beach Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Railay Beach is an excellent place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Hoi An is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near Railay Beach. There are dive centers that offer both snorkeling and dive trips to nearby areas.

Hoi An is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Hoi An or Railay Beach Better for Beaches?

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

Many people visit Railay Beach for it's beautiful beaches. The beaches are famous for their dramatic limestone cliffs. There are three areas: Railay Beach West is scenic with its surrounding cliffs and popular resorts. This is the place to swim or watch the sunset. Railay Beach East is most popular for its rock climbing. You should also check out Phra Nang Cave Beach, which is the location of Phra Nang Cave.

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 Railay Beach Better for its Old Town?

Hoi An is an unbeatable place for its historic old town. However, Railay Beach does not have a historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Hoi An offers plenty to see. 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.

Railay Beach does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Hoi An or Railay Beach?

Hoi An is an unbeatable place for shopping. However, Railay Beach is not a good beach area for its shopping opportunities.

Hoi An is a famous shopping destination with plenty of 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.

If you're looking to go shopping, Railay Beach has some nice offerings. The Walking Street has shops that sell bathing suits or anything you may have forgotten.

Is Hoi An or Railay Beach More Beautiful?

Railay Beach is terrific for its scenery and beauty. Also, Hoi An is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its scenery and beauty.

Railay Beach is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The dramatic limestone cliffs and beautiful sandy beaches make this a stunning place to visit.

The beauty of Hoi An is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The city is beautiful during the day with its traditional architecture, as well as at night when it is lit with lanterns.

Is Hoi An or Railay Beach Better for Families?

Hoi An is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Railay Beach is not as famous, but is still a good beach area to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Hoi An is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Railay Beach is a family-friendly town. This is a favorite beach area for many visitors to Thailand. It's only accessible by water and it offers adventure sports and calm waters that are nice for kids.

Is Hoi An or Railay Beach Better for Couples?

Hoi An and Railay Beach both high quality 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 Railay Beach frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Rock climbing is a favorite activity here, and couples who have an adventurous spirit will enjoy this dramatic location.

Is Hoi An or Railay Beach Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hoi An is an unbeatable place for backpackers. Also, Railay Beach is not as famous, but is still a good beach area to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Hoi An is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. It's solidly on the backpacker trail, and you'll find many visitors who come for the beautiful culture and fascinating setting.

Many backpackers visit Railay Beach. There's no shortage of affordable accommodation that attracts budget travelers and backpackers. The area's world class rock climbing also appeals to the young and adventurous crowd.

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

Hoi An is very good for its public transit. However, Railay Beach is not a good beach area for times when you don't have a car.

Hoi An has a few public transit options. Biking, taxis, and motorbikes are the most popular ways to explore the area.

Public transit is mostly limited in Railay Beach. The area is only accessible by boat and there is no road transportation.

Is Hoi An or Railay Beach a more walkable city?

Hoi An and Railay Beach are first-rate when it comes to 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.

Getting around Railay Beach on foot is easy. The area has no cars or road transportation so everything, including the beaches are easy to walk to.

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

Should I spend more time in Railay Beach or Hoi An?

How long in Hoi An or Railay Beach?

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

Families should spend more time in Hoi An than Railay Beach. 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 Railay Beach. 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 Railay Beach 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 Railay Beach?

In Hoi An, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this quaint town offers. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Railay Beach. 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 Railay Beach?

Hoi An is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Railay Beach 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 Railay Beach?

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. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

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

Hoi An is a popular place to visit. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the adventurous destination of Railay Beach. This beach area 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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in Vietnam, The Best Historical Tours in Vietnam, The Best Budget Tours to Thailand, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Thailand.

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

When is the best time to visit Hoi An or Railay Beach?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.

Should I visit Hoi An or Railay Beach in the Summer?

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

Also, February to July in Hoi An is the dry season. September to January in Hoi An is the rainy season. August to October in Railay Beach is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Railay Beach. Hoi An usually gets less rain in July than Railay Beach. Hoi An gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Railay Beach receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Railay Beach. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hoi An this time of the year. In the summer, Hoi An often gets more sunshine than Railay Beach. Hoi An gets 242 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Railay Beach receives 206 hours of full sun.

Hoi An is around the same temperature as Railay Beach in the summer. The daily temperature in Hoi An averages around 29°C (85°F) in July, and Railay Beach fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Should I visit Hoi An or Railay Beach in the Autumn?

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

The dry season in Railay Beach is December to March. The rainy season in Railay Beach is August to October. It rains a lot this time of the year in Railay Beach. It's quite rainy in Hoi An. In October, Hoi An usually receives more rain than Railay Beach. Hoi An gets 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain, while Railay Beach receives 304 mm (12 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Hoi An usually receives less sunshine than Railay Beach during autumn. Hoi An gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Railay Beach receives 181 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In the autumn, Hoi An is around the same temperature as Railay Beach. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hoi An in October average around 25°C (78°F), and Railay Beach averages at about 27°C (81°F).

Should I visit Hoi An or Railay Beach in the Winter?

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

February to July is the dry season in Hoi An. September to January is the rainy season in Hoi An. December to March is the dry season in Railay Beach. It rains a lot this time of the year in Hoi An. Hoi An usually gets more rain in January than Railay Beach. Hoi An gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Railay Beach receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

In Railay Beach, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Hoi An often gets less sunshine than Railay Beach. Hoi An gets 136 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Railay Beach receives 287 hours of full sun.

In January, Hoi An is generally cooler than Railay Beach. Daily temperatures in Hoi An average around 22°C (71°F), and Railay Beach fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Should I visit Hoi An or Railay Beach in the Spring?

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

Railay Beach receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Hoi An usually receives less rain than Railay Beach. Hoi An gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Railay Beach receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Railay Beach this time of the year. In Hoi An, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hoi An usually receives less sunshine than Railay Beach during spring. Hoi An gets 210 hours of sunny skies, while Railay Beach receives 249 hours of full sun in the spring.

Hoi An is around the same temperature as Railay Beach in the spring. The daily temperature in Hoi An averages around 26°C (80°F) in April, and Railay Beach fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

Typical Weather for Railay Beach and Hoi An