A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hoi An vs. Reykjavik for Food, Backpackers, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Hoi An or Reykjavik?

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 Reykjavik. 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. Hoi An is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums. See Hoi An travel costs.

Reykjavik

Reykjavik is a green, safe, and friendly city. Reykjavik is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, hiking, and shopping. See Reykjavik travel costs.

Hoi An and Reykjavik: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hoi An or Reykjavik?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Hoi An. Although Hoi An and Reykjavik 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, beaches, historical sights, and shopping, while Reykjavik is known for its nightlife, hiking, and impressive beauty. Hoi An is more touristy than Reykjavik and is known 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. Reykjavik is popular for its proximity to natural beauty and many thermal pools, as well as its active nightlife scene and many festivals.

How is Hoi An different from Reykjavik?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Hoi An is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Reykjavik does not have museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Hoi An can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Reykjavik does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Hoi An is an amazing town to visit for its restaurants. However, Reykjavik is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Hoi An is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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).

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Reykjavik. Traditional Icelandic food may not have the best reputation, but restaurants these days are pretty good with a variety of dishes to choose from. Popular foods in the area include fish, lamb, and Icelandic skyr (a type of yogurt).

Is Hoi An or Reykjavik Better for Nightlife?

Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik. The city offers the best nightlife in Iceland and you'll be surprised at the number of clubs, bars, and craft breweries that you can choose from. Almost all of the popular nightlife spots are around Laugavegur, a major shopping street in town.

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 Reykjavik Better for Beaches?

Hoi An is a nice place to visit for its beaches. However, Reykjavik 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.

Reykjavik is not a beach destination.

Is Hoi An or Reykjavik Better for its Old Town?

Hoi An is an amazing town to visit for its historic old town. However, Reykjavik does not have a historic old town.

Hoi An offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. 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.

Reykjavik does not have a historic old town.

Is Hoi An or Reykjavik Better for Hiking?

Reykjavik is terrific for its hiking trails. However, Hoi An is not a hiking destination.

Reykjavik is well-known for its hiking and trekking. The city offers easy access to some of the world's most spectacular scenery. There are many hikes that you can easily reach from town. They pass through diverse landscapes that include waterfalls, mountains, glaciers, and beaches.

Hoi An is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hoi An or Reykjavik?

Hoi An is an amazing town to visit for shopping. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

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.

Reykjavik offers some nice shopping areas. The city's main shopping street is Laugavegur, which is where you'll find the most activity around town as well as a bustling atmosphere.

Is Hoi An or Reykjavik More Beautiful?

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

Reykjavik is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The city offers the perfect gateway to world-renowned natural beauty including waterfalls, hot springs, and active volcanoes.

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 Reykjavik Better for Families?

Both Hoi An and Reykjavik 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.

Reykjavik is a very kid-friendly town. With its many outdoor activities and hands on museums, the city is great for kids. The cafes and restaurants are family-friendly and their are plenty of entertainment options for the whole family.

Is Hoi An or Reykjavik Better for Couples?

Hoi An and Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are museums, outdoor activities, and even the northern lights that make this city very romantic. The cafes are laid-back and the atmosphere is friendly.

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

Hoi An is an amazing town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Hoi An. It's solidly on the backpacker trail, and you'll find many visitors who come for the beautiful culture and fascinating setting.

Reykjavik is a good town to visit for backpackers. There are a number of hostels around town, but they can be pretty expensive. Transportation can also be pretty challenging for backpackers.

Is Hoi An or Reykjavik Better for Students?

Reykjavik is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Hoi An is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Reykjavik. Students will enjoy a unique experience in this city. There are good academic programs as well as beautiful outdoor settings that you can explore.

Hoi An is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find good public transit in both Hoi An and Reykjavik.

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 Reykjavik, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a fairly comprehensive bus system around town.

Is Hoi An or Reykjavik a more walkable city?

Hoi An is an amazing town to visit for its walkability. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of 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.

Reykjavik is a very walkable town. The city is small and compact, so it's easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Reykjavik or Hoi An?

How long in Hoi An or Reykjavik?

In either Hoi An or Reykjavik, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Reykjavik than Hoi An because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Hoi An, and 1-5 days is enough time in Reykjavik.

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

You'll find shopping and museums around the town of Hoi An. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

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

A weekend in Hoi An or Reykjavik?

You'll find museums and food around the quaint destination of Hoi An. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

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

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the traditional town of Hoi An. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Reykjavik. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Hoi An or Reykjavik?

Hoi An is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the green destination of Reykjavik. This city 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 Budget Tours to Iceland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Iceland.

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

Which is Bigger, Hoi An or Reykjavik?

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

Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik in the Summer?

Both Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Hoi An is much warmer than Reykjavik in the summer. The daily temperature in Hoi An averages around 29°C (85°F) in July, and Reykjavik fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hoi An. Hoi An usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during summer. Hoi An gets 242 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 171 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Hoi An usually receives more rain than Reykjavik. Hoi An gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 52 mm (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 Reykjavik in the Autumn?

Both Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

The weather in Reykjavik can be very cold. In the autumn, Hoi An is much warmer than Reykjavik. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hoi An in October average around 25°C (78°F), and Reykjavik averages at about 5°C (41°F).

In the autumn, Hoi An often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Hoi An gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 83 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hoi An. Hoi An usually gets more rain in October than Reykjavik. Hoi An gets 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hoi An or Reykjavik in the Winter?

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

It's quite cold in Reykjavik in the winter. In January, Hoi An is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Hoi An average around 22°C (71°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around -0°C (32°F).

Hoi An usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during winter. Hoi An gets 136 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 27 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 Reykjavik. Hoi An gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 76 mm (3 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 Reykjavik in the Spring?

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

Be prepared for some very cold days in Reykjavik. Hoi An is much warmer than Reykjavik in the spring. The daily temperature in Hoi An averages around 26°C (80°F) in April, and Reykjavik fluctuates around 3°C (38°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 Reykjavik. Hoi An gets 210 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 140 hours of full sun.

Hoi An usually gets less rain in April than Reykjavik. Hoi An gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Reykjavik and Hoi An