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

Should you visit Hoi An or Shanghai?

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 Shanghai. 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. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and shopping.

Shanghai

Shanghai is a bustling, trendy, and modern port city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Hoi An and Shanghai: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hoi An or Shanghai?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Shanghai. Although Hoi An and Shanghai are popular destinations, Shanghai has more sights and attractions for tourists. Shanghai is very popular for its museums, nightlife, and big city activities, while Hoi An attracts visitors for its beaches and historical sights. Hoi An is more touristy than Shanghai and is popular for its peaceful and traditional old town, its unique culinary traditions, and its affordable custom made clothing. Shanghai is famous for its historical landmarks, local street food, vibrant markets, and waterfront promenade. It is also well known for The Bund.

How is Hoi An different from Shanghai?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Shanghai is terrific for its museums and history. Also, Hoi An is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Shanghai from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The city's sights mix culture with modern innovation. From the futuristic skyline and the iconic waterfront area known as the Bund, to the classic Yu Garden, there are a diversity of sights around the city. There are also museums like the Shanghai Museum, which educate visitors on Chinese culture.

Hoi An offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

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

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Hoi An and Shanghai.

Eat your way through Hoi An, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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).

For foodies, Shanghai is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The city's cuisine has a long history with many distinct traditional dishes. The foods incorporate a lot of soy sauce and sugar and you'll find most dishes are rice based as opposed to using wheat products. Popular local dishes include the famous Shanghai soup dumplings, steamed crab, and braised pork. The city is also famous for its snacks, which can be purchased at one of the many snack houses or street stalls.

Is Hoi An or Shanghai Better for Nightlife?

Shanghai 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 Shanghai. A night out can quickly become very expensive. Many of the venues are spread out so you'll likely spend at least some of the time in a taxi. The Bund is one of the most popular areas for nightlife, but this area also has the most expensive bars and clubs. They often offer impressive views of Pudong and the Huangpu River though.

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 Shanghai Better for Beaches?

Hoi An is a good destination for the beache. However, Shanghai is not a beach destination.

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.

Shanghai is not a beach destination.

Is Hoi An or Shanghai Better for its Old Town?

Hoi An is a world-class destination for its old town. However, Shanghai 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.

Shanghai does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Hoi An or Shanghai?

Shoppers can find a variety of terrific stores in both Hoi An and Shanghai.

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.

The abundance of shops in Shanghai make it a world-class shopping destination. The city has many large shopping malls with department stores, name brand fashion, and trendy shops. It is also known for its cheap electronics and tailor-made clothes.

Is Hoi An or Shanghai Better for Families?

Both Hoi An and Shanghai are excellent 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.

Shanghai is a very kid-friendly town. Of course there's Disneyland, but kids will also enjoy soaking up the city's culture, trying fun new snacks, and exploring the many science and kid-friendly museums. There are also parks and outdoor spaces as well as skyscrapers and towers that offer incredible views of the city.

Is Hoi An or Shanghai Better for Couples?

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

Shanghai is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. With its east meets west personality, couples will be able to enjoy an amazing culinary experience, beautiful gardens, and luxury hotels and spas. There are many romantic areas around this bustling city, making it the perfect place for a romantic city getaway.

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 Shanghai Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hoi An is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, Shanghai is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Hoi An. It's solidly on the backpacker trail, and you'll find many visitors who come for the beautiful culture and fascinating setting.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Shanghai. The city is expensive, but there are hostels and cheap eateries that make it accessible even for the budget conscious. Business travelers and local workers give the city a more professional vibe during the day, but if you find the right place to stay you'll quickly be able to meet likeminded travelers.

Is Hoi An or Shanghai Better for Students?

Shanghai is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Hoi An is not popular with students.

Many students visit Shanghai. The city attracts international and study abroad students who enjoy its long history and fascinating culture. It's a world financial capital with many businesses headquartered here, so employment opportunities are abundant.

Hoi An is not popular with students.

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

Shanghai is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Hoi An is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Public transit in Shanghai is fairly effecient and thorough. There is a metro system as well as buses and taxis which are relatively affordable.

You'll find some public transit in Hoi An, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Biking, taxis, and motorbikes are the most popular ways to explore the area.

Is Hoi An or Shanghai a more walkable city?

Hoi An is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Shanghai is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its ease of walking around.

It is easy to get around Hoi An on foot. 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.

Shanghai is a very walkable destination. It's possible to explore the major tourist areas on foot but it can be very hot and humid during the summer months.

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

Should I spend more time in Shanghai or Hoi An?

How long in Hoi An or Shanghai?

In either Hoi An or Shanghai, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Shanghai 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 2-5 days is enough time in Shanghai.

Families should spend more time in Hoi An than Shanghai. 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 Shanghai than Hoi An. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Shanghai 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 Shanghai 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 Shanghai?

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.

Shanghai is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Hoi An or Shanghai?

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.

Shanghai 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 Shanghai?

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 Shanghai. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. 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 Shanghai?

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 trendy big city of Shanghai. This port 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 Food and Culinary Tours in Vietnam, The Best Tours Under $1000 in Vietnam, The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China.

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

Which is Bigger, Hoi An or Shanghai?

Shanghai has a larger population, and is about 450 times larger than the population of Hoi An. When comparing the sizes of Hoi An and Shanghai, 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 Shanghai?

Shanghai 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 Shanghai in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Hoi An as well as Shanghai. Hoi An attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Shanghai this time of year.

In the summer, Hoi An is around the same temperature as Shanghai. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hoi An in July average around 29°C (85°F), and Shanghai averages at about 28°C (83°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Shanghai. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hoi An this time of the year. In the summer, Hoi An often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Shanghai. Hoi An gets 242 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shanghai receives 232 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Shanghai. Hoi An usually gets less rain in July than Shanghai. Hoi An gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 128 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, February to July in Hoi An is the dry season. September to January in Hoi An is the rainy season.

Should I visit Hoi An or Shanghai in the Autumn?

Both Shanghai 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. Also, many travelers come to Shanghai for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Hoi An is generally a little warmer than Shanghai. Daily temperatures in Hoi An average around 25°C (78°F), and Shanghai fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).

Hoi An usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Shanghai during autumn. Hoi An gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Shanghai receives 162 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Hoi An. In October, Hoi An usually receives more rain than Shanghai. Hoi An gets 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Hoi An or Shanghai in the Winter?

Both Shanghai 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. Also, many visitors come to Shanghai in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Shanghai can get quite cold in the winter. Hoi An is much warmer than Shanghai in the winter. The daily temperature in Hoi An averages around 22°C (71°F) in January, and Shanghai fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, Hoi An often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Shanghai. Hoi An gets 136 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shanghai receives 135 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hoi An. Hoi An usually gets more rain in January than Shanghai. Hoi An gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year. February to July is the dry season in Hoi An. September to January is the rainy season in Hoi An.

Should I visit Hoi An or Shanghai in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Hoi An and Shanghai. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hoi An year-round. Also, most visitors come to Shanghai for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Hoi An is much warmer than Shanghai. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hoi An in April average around 26°C (80°F), and Shanghai averages at about 15°C (58°F).

In Hoi An, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hoi An usually receives more sunshine than Shanghai during spring. Hoi An gets 210 hours of sunny skies, while Shanghai receives 153 hours of full sun in the spring.

Shanghai receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Hoi An usually receives less rain than Shanghai. Hoi An gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Shanghai and Hoi An