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

Should you visit Hoi An or Rockhampton?

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 Rockhampton. 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.

Rockhampton

Rockhampton is a traditional, charming, and cultural town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Hoi An and Rockhampton: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hoi An or Rockhampton?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Hoi An than Rockhampton, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Hoi An is better known for its food, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Rockhampton is more popular for its nightlife, hiking, and small town charm. Hoi An is more touristy than Rockhampton and is known 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. Rockhampton is well known for its cultural centers and surrounding national parks.

How is Hoi An different from Rockhampton?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Spend time exploring the superb sights and museums in either Hoi An or Rockhampton.

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.

Rockhampton offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. While many people come for the area's natural beauty, there are also educational centers where you can learn about the indigenous culture. Make sure you visit the Dreamtime Cultural Centre as well as the Rockhampton Museum of Art. Also of interest are the Rockhampton Heritage Village and the Mount Morgan Historical Railway Museum.

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

Hoi An is a world-class destination for its restaurants. Also, Rockhampton is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

For foodies, Hoi An is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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).

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Rockhampton makes for a great culinary experience. Despite its small size, the food scene is surprisingly diverse. There are local cafes that offer local produce, waterfront restaurants that have great views, and casual international eateries, as well as low key pubs.

Is Hoi An or Rockhampton Better for Nightlife?

Rockhampton 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 Rockhampton. It's a small place, but there are still a number of pubs and bars around town. Many visitors enjoy going to a coastal beach bar for the evening.

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 Rockhampton Better for Beaches?

Hoi An and Rockhampton both offer notable beaches.

Hoi An offers a nice beach destination. 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.

Rockhampton is a good option for a beach vacation. The town is about 40 kilometers inland from the Capricorn Coast beaches.

Is Hoi An or Rockhampton Better for its Old Town?

Hoi An is a world-class destination for its historic old town charm. However, Rockhampton does not have a 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.

Rockhampton does not have a historic old town.

Is Hoi An or Rockhampton Better for Hiking?

Rockhampton 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 Rockhampton. The area has several national parks that are perfect for an avid bush walker or anyone looking for an afternoon in nature. Whether you're interested in a day trip or overnight camping trip, there are many natural scenic areas nearby.

Hoi An is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hoi An or Rockhampton?

Hoi An is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. Also, Rockhampton is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many people travel to Hoi An specifically to go shopping. 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.

Rockhampton is a great destination for shopping. There are several shopping centers in town where you can pick up anything you might need.

Is Hoi An or Rockhampton Better for Families?

Both Hoi An and Rockhampton are superb 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.

Rockhampton is a very kid-friendly town. Kids will enjoy a visit to the Rockhampton Heritage Village. You can also picnic and walk around the nearby Mount Etna Caves National Park or explore the Capricorn Caves which is about half an hour outside of town. Other kid-friendly places include Kershaw Gardens and Rockhampton Botanic Gardens.

Is Hoi An or Rockhampton Better for Couples?

Hoi An and Rockhampton both superb 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 Rockhampton frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Near several great national parks and interesting outdoor settings, this is a wonderful couple's destination. There are sunset cruises and beautiful gardens as well as wellness spas and great food and wine.

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

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

Rockhampton is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a couple of hostels in the area as well as a low key backpacker scene.

Is Hoi An or Rockhampton Better for Students?

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

Plenty of students visit Rockhampton. The city has universities that attract an international crowd. It's a friendly setting that welcomes cultural diversity.

Hoi An is not popular with students.

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

Hoi An is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Rockhampton is lacking in options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Rockhampton. There are regional buses operated by Sunbus.

Is Hoi An or Rockhampton a more walkable city?

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

Rockhampton is somewhat walkable. It's fun to explore the Riverside Precinct on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Rockhampton or Hoi An?

How long in Hoi An or Rockhampton?

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

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

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the peaceful town of Hoi An. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Rockhampton. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Hoi An or Rockhampton?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the beautiful destination of Hoi An. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This town offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Rockhampton 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 Rockhampton?

The quaint town of Hoi An offers museums and food. 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. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

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

Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Hoi An. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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 traditional destination of Rockhampton. 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 Food and Culinary Tours in Australia, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Australia.

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

Which is Bigger, Hoi An or Rockhampton?

Rockhampton has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Hoi An. When comparing the sizes of Hoi An and Rockhampton, 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 Rockhampton?

Rockhampton 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 Rockhampton in the Summer?

Both Rockhampton 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, many travelers come to Rockhampton for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Hoi An is generally around the same temperature as Rockhamptonin January. Daily temperatures in Hoi An average around 29°C (85°F), and Rockhampton fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Rockhampton. In July, Hoi An usually receives less rain than Rockhamptonin January. Hoi An gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Rockhampton receives 124 mm (4.9 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 Rockhampton in the Autumn?

Both Rockhampton 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, many visitors come to Rockhampton in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere.

Hoi An is around the same temperature as Rockhampton in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hoi An averages around 25°C (78°F) in October, and Rockhampton fluctuates around 23°C (74°F)in April.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hoi An. Hoi An usually gets more rain in October than Rockhamptonin April. Hoi An gets 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain, while Rockhampton receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hoi An or Rockhampton in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hoi An and Rockhampton. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hoi An year-round. Also, most visitors come to Rockhampton for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Hoi An is a little warmer than Rockhampton. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hoi An in January average around 22°C (71°F), and Rockhampton averages at about 16°C (61°F)in July.

Hoi An gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Hoi An usually receives more rain than Rockhamptonin July. Hoi An gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Rockhampton receives 29 mm (1.1 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 Rockhampton in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Hoi An as well as Rockhampton. Hoi An attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Rockhampton because of the beaches and the small town charm.

In April, Hoi An is generally a little warmer than Rockhamptonin October. Daily temperatures in Hoi An average around 26°C (80°F), and Rockhampton fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

Hoi An usually gets less rain in April than Rockhamptonin October. Hoi An gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Rockhampton receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Rockhampton and Hoi An