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

Should you visit Hoi An or Surabaya?

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 Surabaya. 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 traditional, quaint, and peaceful town. With stunning beauty, Hoi An attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and food. See Hoi An travel costs.

Surabaya

Surabaya is a authentic, local, and undiscovered city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and shopping. See Surabaya travel costs.

Hoi An and Surabaya: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hoi An or Surabaya?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Hoi An than Surabaya, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Hoi An is better known for its museums and attractions, food, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Surabaya is more popular for its nightlife and big city activities. Hoi An is more touristy than Surabaya and is popular 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. Surabaya is well known for its role in Indonesia's independence revolution.

How is Hoi An different from Surabaya?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Hoi An is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Surabaya is a city with minimal options for its historical sights.

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.

While most people don't head to Surabaya specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. You'll likely pass through town on your way somewhere else, but if you have some time to kill, check out Suramadu Bridge, the House of Sampoerna, Cheng Hoo Mosque, Sanggar Agung Temple, and Ampel Mosque. It's also worth a visit to the Submarine Museum and the Heroes Monument.

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

Hoi An is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. Also, Surabaya is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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).

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Surabaya. It's a port city, and the cuisine reflexs this. You'll find a mix of different flavors that combine Javanese, Chinese, Arabic, Dutch, and Indian cuisines. Dishes include a lot of vegetables as well as tofu and tempeh. Many dishes are also sweet in flavor or incredibly spicy.

Is Hoi An or Surabaya Better for Nightlife?

Surabaya 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 Surabaya. Like the rest of the city, the nightlife scene has a local vibe. There are night markets, fascinating neighborhoods, and some lively clubs and bars.

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 Surabaya Better for Beaches?

Hoi An and Surabaya 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.

Surabaya is a good option for a beach vacation. You'll find a few beaches within a short drive of the city center. Some of the popular ones include Ria Kenjeran Beach, Bentar Beach, and Delegan Beach.

Is Hoi An or Surabaya Better for its Old Town?

Hoi An is an unbeatable place for its historic old town charm. However, Surabaya does not have a historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Hoi An offers plenty to see. 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.

Surabaya does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Hoi An or Surabaya?

Hoi An is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. Also, Surabaya is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Hoi An is a world class destination for shoppers. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Surabaya. The city has a great mix of air-conditioned mega-malls and colorful street markets. Bratang Market has become a favorite but it's also worth checking out Tugu Pahlawan Market and Ampel Market.

Is Hoi An or Surabaya More Beautiful?

Hoi An is a great destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Surabaya is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Hoi An attracts visitors from all around. The city is beautiful during the day with its traditional architecture, as well as at night when it is lit with lanterns.

Surabaya is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Hoi An or Surabaya Better for Families?

Hoi An is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Surabaya is a city with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.

Hoi An is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

For families, Surabaya is not always the best place to visit. You'll like be passing through this city enroute to somewhere else, but if you have some time to kill, check out the Submarine Museum. You can also wander through the market area of Qubah or explore Chinatown.

Is Hoi An or Surabaya Better for Couples?

Hoi An is a great destination for couples. However, Surabaya is a city with minimal options for romance.

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.

Surabaya is not the best destination for a couple to visit. There are some sights an museums that you can visit while you're in town.

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

Hoi An is an unbeatable place for backpackers. However, Surabaya is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Hoi An is a very popular town to visit for backpackers. It's solidly on the backpacker trail, and you'll find many visitors who come for the beautiful culture and fascinating setting.

Surabaya is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels around town but most backpackers don't spend more than a night in town.

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

Hoi An is a popular place for its public transit. However, Surabaya is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Surabaya. There's a bus system, but it's mostly used by locals. There are two types of buses - normal buses and patas buses, which are express.

Is Hoi An or Surabaya a more walkable city?

Hoi An is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. Also, Surabaya is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

Getting around Hoi An on foot is easy. 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.

Surabaya is very walkable. It's one of the more walkable cities in Indonesia and it has the feel of a bunch of neighborhoods combined together.

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

Should I spend more time in Surabaya or Hoi An?

How long in Hoi An or Surabaya?

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

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

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.

Surabaya is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Hoi An or Surabaya?

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.

Surabaya 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 Surabaya?

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 Surabaya. 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 Surabaya?

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 food and shopping when visiting the local big city of Surabaya. 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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in Indonesia, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Indonesia.

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

Which is Bigger, Hoi An or Surabaya?

Surabaya has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Hoi An. When comparing the sizes of Hoi An and Surabaya, 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.