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

Should you visit Hoi An or Rotorua?

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 Rotorua. 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, Hoi An attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the beaches, shopping, and museums. See Hoi An travel costs.

Rotorua

Rotorua is a cultural, natural, and world-renowned town. Rotorua is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and shopping. See Rotorua travel costs.

Hoi An and Rotorua: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hoi An or Rotorua?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Hoi An than Rotorua, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Hoi An is better known for its food, beaches, historical sights, and shopping, while Rotorua is more popular for its nightlife and hiking. Hoi An is more touristy than Rotorua 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. Rotorua is well known for its geothermal activity, Maori cultural influence, and its role in the famous Lord of the Rings movies.

How is Hoi An different from Rotorua?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Spend time exploring the very good sights and museums in either Hoi An or Rotorua.

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.

Rotorua offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The area is filled with opportunities to learn about the Maori culture. The Maori village of Whakarewarewa is a highlight and you should also visit Te Wairoa. Fans of Lord of the Rings won't want to miss Hobbiton either. Finally, Rotorua Museum well worth a visit.

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

Hoi An is an amazing town to visit for its restaurants. Also, Rotorua is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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).

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Rotorua makes for a great culinary experience. There's a wide selection of culinary options in the area that include steambox (food prepared with the geothermal heat), and hāngī, which is a traditional Maori cooking technique. Many restaurants also make use of the local fruit, vegetables, and meats.

Is Hoi An or Rotorua Better for Nightlife?

Rotorua 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 Rotorua. You'll find the best concentration of bars and restaurants around Tutankei Street, which is often referred to as "Eat Street".

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 Rotorua Better for Beaches?

Hoi An is a town with good options for the beach. However, Rotorua is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Hoi An. 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.

Rotorua is not a beach destination.

Is Hoi An or Rotorua Better for its Old Town?

Hoi An is an amazing town to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Rotorua 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.

Rotorua does not have a historic old town.

Is Hoi An or Rotorua Better for Hiking?

Rotorua 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 Rotorua. The area is filled with beautiful walking trails that take you by lakes, volcanoes, and geothermal hot springs. A favorite route in the area is Tarawera Trail, which is 15 kilometers long and ends at a natural hot water beach.

Hoi An is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hoi An or Rotorua?

Hoi An is an amazing town to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Rotorua 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.

Rotorua is a great destination for shopping. You'll find stores and galleries selling art and crafts around the main town center.

Is Hoi An or Rotorua More Beautiful?

Hoi An and Rotorua both are comparable with their very good scenery and beauty.

Hoi An is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The city is beautiful during the day with its traditional architecture, as well as at night when it is lit with lanterns.

The beauty of Rotorua is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. It's surrounded by striking volcanoes, beautiful lakes, and surreal geothermal springs, giving it an exotic and beautiful atmosphere.

Is Hoi An or Rotorua Better for Families?

Rotorua is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Hoi An is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Rotorua is very family-friendly. The geothermal activity is fascinating for kids and adults alike. There are also many activities that will teach kids about the Maori culture and for animal lovers, there are farms and wildlife tours. Lord of the Rings fans won't want to miss Hobbiton, and there are many thrilling activities in the area such as white water rafting.

Hoi An is a very kid-friendly town. 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.

Is Hoi An or Rotorua Better for Couples?

Rotorua is terrific for romance. Also, Hoi An is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Rotorua is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The unique environment and beautiful natural setting make this a wonderful honeymoon destination. Couples will appreciate the geothermal activity, beautiful walking trails, and diverse outdoor activities. There's also horseback riding, hot springs, and helicopter rides.

Couples visit Hoi An frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

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

Hoi An and Rotorua are both fantastic destinations 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Rotorua. Well established on the backpacker trail, there are plenty of hostels in the area and tons of activities that backpackers will enjoy.

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

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

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 Rotorua, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses and shuttles that travel around town and through the area.

Is Hoi An or Rotorua a more walkable city?

Hoi An is an amazing town to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Rotorua 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.

Rotorua is somewhat walkable. The town itself is fairly walkable but if you want to get into the surrounding areas, having a vehicle provides the most flexibility.

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

Should I spend more time in Rotorua or Hoi An?

How long in Hoi An or Rotorua?

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

Couples should spend more time in Rotorua than Hoi An. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Rotorua that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Hoi An than Rotorua 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 Rotorua?

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 museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Rotorua. 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 Rotorua?

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.

Rotorua 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 Rotorua?

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 Rotorua. 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 Rotorua?

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 shopping and museums when visiting the world-renowned destination of Rotorua. 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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in Vietnam, The Best Historical Tours in Vietnam, The Best 2-Week Tours in New Zealand, and The Best Bicycle Tours in New Zealand.

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

Which is Bigger, Hoi An or Rotorua?

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

Rotorua 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 Rotorua in the Summer?

Both Rotorua 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, the summer months attract visitors to Rotorua because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Hoi An is generally much warmer than Rotoruain January. Daily temperatures in Hoi An average around 29°C (85°F), and Rotorua fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In July, Hoi An usually receives more rain than Rotoruain January. Hoi An gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 46 mm (1.8 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 Rotorua in the Autumn?

Both Rotorua 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 hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Rotorua this time of year.

Hoi An is much warmer than Rotorua in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hoi An averages around 25°C (78°F) in October, and Rotorua fluctuates around 16°C (61°F)in April.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hoi An. Hoi An usually gets more rain in October than Rotoruain April. Hoi An gets 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hoi An or Rotorua in the Winter?

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

In the winter, Hoi An is cooler than Rotorua. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hoi An in January average around 22°C (71°F), and Rotorua averages at about 26°C (79°F)in July.

Hoi An gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Hoi An usually receives more rain than Rotoruain July. Hoi An gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 3 mm (0.1 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 Rotorua in the Spring?

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

In April, Hoi An is generally a little warmer than Rotoruain October. Daily temperatures in Hoi An average around 26°C (80°F), and Rotorua fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

Hoi An usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Rotoruain October. Hoi An gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Rotorua and Hoi An