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

Should you visit Hoi An or San Jose?

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 San Jose. 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.

San Jose

San Jose is a bustling, authentic, and traditional city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See San Jose travel costs.

Hoi An and San Jose: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hoi An or San Jose?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Hoi An. Although Hoi An and San Jose 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, shopping, and impressive beauty, while San Jose is known for its nightlife and big city activities. Hoi An is more touristy than San Jose 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. San Jose is popular for its colorful markets and vibrant nightlife, as well as its easy access to the rest of the country.

How is Hoi An different from San Jose?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Hoi An is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, San Jose is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its 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.

San Jose offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Despite most people rushing through town, there are a number of museums, plazas, and interesting buildings that are worth checking out.

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

Hoi An is very popular for its restaurants. Also, San Jose is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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).

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in San Jose. Most people miss out on local cuisine during their time in Costa Rica, but the capital city offers the best opportunities to eat like a local. You can sample favorite local dishes such as chifrijo, gallo pinto, rondón, and casado. You should also wander through the Central Market and dine at one of the many local restaurants.

Is Hoi An or San Jose Better for Nightlife?

San Jose is an excellent place to visit for nightlife. However, Hoi An is lacking in options for nightlife and partying.

San Jose has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. This city has the best nightlife in all of Costa Rica. You'll find a diversity of clubs and bars that are fun to explore. Check out the reggae bars, dance clubs, and sports bars (where you can enjoy a soccer game) while you're 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 San Jose Better for Beaches?

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

San Jose is not a beach destination.

Is Hoi An or San Jose Better for its Old Town?

Hoi An is very popular for its historic old town. However, San Jose 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.

San Jose does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Hoi An or San Jose?

Hoi An is very popular for shopping. Also, San Jose 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.

San Jose is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are a number of unique things you can buy in the city including jewelry, handbags, and wood workings. Make sure you check out the Central Market.

Is Hoi An or San Jose More Beautiful?

Hoi An is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, San Jose is not a destination known for its 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.

San Jose is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Hoi An or San Jose Better for Families?

Hoi An is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. However, San Jose is lacking in good options for its family-friendly activities.

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.

San Jose doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. Most people pass through the city quickly, but if you have a day or two to explore, you can visit the Children's Museum (Museo de los Niños), Spirogyra Butterfly Gardens, or explore the Central Market.

Is Hoi An or San Jose Better for Couples?

Hoi An is a very popular place for romance. However, San Jose is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

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.

Most people don't think of San Jose as a couple's destination. While Costa Rica is a popular honeymoon destination, the capital city is often overlooked for the beaches and rainforests around the country.

Is Hoi An or San Jose Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hoi An is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, San Jose 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.

San Jose is a great town to visit for backpackers. Backpackers appreciate the affordability of the city and the wide range of hostels that you can choose from. The city also offers an authentic glimpse of life in Costa Rica.

Is Hoi An or San Jose Better for Students?

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

Plenty of students visit San Jose. Many students come to Costa Rica to study the country's amazing environment and unique ecological systems. San Jose makes a good base as its easy to travel to other parts of this small country.

Hoi An is not popular with students.

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

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

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 San Jose, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are local buses that travel through the city during the daytime hours.

Is Hoi An or San Jose a more walkable city?

Hoi An is very popular for its walkability. Also, San Jose 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.

San Jose is a somewhat walkable place. It can feel a bit chaotic, but it's relatively easy to get around on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in San Jose or Hoi An?

How long in Hoi An or San Jose?

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

Families should spend more time in Hoi An than San Jose. 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 San Jose. 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 San Jose 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 San Jose?

The beautiful town of Hoi An offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of San Jose. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Hoi An or San Jose?

Hoi An is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Hoi An, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

San Jose 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 San Jose?

Hoi An is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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

Hoi An is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the colorful destination of San Jose. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 Costa Rica, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Costa Rica.

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

Which is Bigger, Hoi An or San Jose?

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

Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.

Should I visit Hoi An or San Jose in the Summer?

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

The dry season in Hoi An is February to July. The rainy season in Hoi An is September to January. It rains a lot this time of the year in San Jose. In July, Hoi An usually receives less rain than San Jose. Hoi An gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hoi An. Hoi An usually receives more sunshine than San Jose during summer. Hoi An gets 242 hours of sunny skies, while San Jose receives 164 hours of full sun in the summer.

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

Should I visit Hoi An or San Jose in the Autumn?

Both San Jose 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Jose year-round.

December to April is the dry season in San Jose. Also, the hurricane season in San Jose is May to November. San Jose 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 more rain in October than San Jose. Hoi An gets 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the autumn, Hoi An often gets around the same amount of sunshine as San Jose. Hoi An gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Jose receives 169 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit Hoi An or San Jose in the Winter?

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

February to July in Hoi An is the dry season. Also, September to January is the rainy season in Hoi An. Hoi An gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Hoi An usually receives more rain than San Jose. Hoi An gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Jose this time of the year. Hoi An usually receives less sunshine than San Jose during winter. Hoi An gets 136 hours of sunny skies, while San Jose receives 264 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Hoi An is generally cooler than San Jose. Daily temperatures in Hoi An average around 22°C (71°F), and San Jose fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

Should I visit Hoi An or San Jose in the Spring?

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

Also, December to April in San Jose is the dry season. Keep in mind that May to November is the hurricane season in San Jose. Hoi An usually gets more rain in April than San Jose. Hoi An gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Jose. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hoi An this time of the year. In the spring, Hoi An often gets less sunshine than San Jose. Hoi An gets 210 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Jose receives 255 hours of full sun.

Hoi An is cooler than San Jose in the spring. The daily temperature in Hoi An averages around 26°C (80°F) in April, and San Jose fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).

Typical Weather for San Jose and Hoi An