A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hoi An vs. Surfers Paradise for Food, Nightlife, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Hoi An or Surfers Paradise?

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 Surfers Paradise. 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.

Surfers Paradise

Surfers Paradise is a thrilling, active, and ritzy city. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Hoi An and Surfers Paradise: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hoi An or Surfers Paradise?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Surfers Paradise than Hoi An, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Surfers Paradise is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking, while Hoi An is more popular for its food, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Hoi An is well known for its peaceful and traditional old town, its unique culinary traditions, and its affordable custom made clothing. Surfers Paradise is well known for its long sandy beaches, glamourous party scene, colorful amusement parks, and active water sports. Also, Surfers Paradise is famous for the SkyPoint Observation Deck.

How is Hoi An different from Surfers Paradise?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Spend time exploring the great sights and museums in either Hoi An or Surfers Paradise.

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.

Surfers Paradise offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. For the best views of the coastline head to the SkyPoint Observation Deck at the Q1 Resort and Spa. It's in Australia's tallest residential tower. You can also visit the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, or the Sea World Marine Park, as well as countless other amusement parks or entertainment centers.

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

Hoi An is terrific for its restaurants. Also, Surfers Paradise 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).

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Surfers Paradise makes for a great culinary experience. There's a trendy food scene with a number of award winning restaurants in the area. There are high end seafood restaurants, modern international eateries, and niche food bars that all cater to the tourist crowd.

Is Hoi An or Surfers Paradise Better for Nightlife?

Surfers Paradise is terrific for nightlife. However, Hoi An is lacking in options for nightlife and partying.

Surfers Paradise is a must-see party destination. This high energy area is filled with glitzy nightclubs and trendy cocktail bars. There are parties that last until the early morning hours and you'll find the most active nightlife scene along the famous Surfers Paradise glitter strip.

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 Surfers Paradise Better for Resorts?

Surfers Paradise is terrific for its luxury resorts. However, Hoi An is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Surfers Paradise for its luxury resorts. The high-rise skyline is filled with luxury resorts and trendy hotels. Fancy pools and rooftop views make this is a glitzy and lively place to stay.

Hoi An is not a resort destination.

Is Hoi An or Surfers Paradise Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Surfers Paradise is an excellent place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Hoi An is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near Surfers Paradise. There's no shortage of scuba diving and snorkeling excursions that leave from the area. You'll see a diversity of marine life and interesting undersea reefs.

Hoi An is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Hoi An or Surfers Paradise Better for Beaches?

Surfers Paradise is terrific for its beaches. Also, Hoi An is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for the beache.

Surfers Paradise offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. It's at the heart of the Gold Coast, and you'll enjoy two kilometers of golden sand and beautiful surf. The beaches are lined with high rise buildings and there's plenty of energy and amenities for visitors. This is a popular tourist destination and there is no shortage of water sports and other activities along the beaches.

Hoi An is a good option for a beach vacation. 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.

Is Hoi An or Surfers Paradise Better for its Old Town?

Hoi An is terrific for its historic old town charm. However, Surfers Paradise does not have a historic old town.

Hoi An has a unique history which comes to life in its historic 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.

Surfers Paradise does not have a historic old town.

Is Hoi An or Surfers Paradise Better for Hiking?

Surfers Paradise is a good destination for its hiking trails. However, Hoi An is not a hiking destination.

Surfers Paradise offers some nice hiking trails. Outside of town you'll find many coastal hikes and inland trails. You can see waterfalls or breathtaking views of the water.

Hoi An is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hoi An or Surfers Paradise?

Shoppers can find a variety of world-class stores in both Hoi An and Surfers Paradise.

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 Surfers Paradise make it a world-class shopping destination. Beachside markets sell local items. There are also large shopping malls that are filled with international fashion brands and boutique shops that sell unique items.

Is Hoi An or Surfers Paradise Better for Families?

Surfers Paradise 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, Surfers Paradise is very family-friendly. It's filled with activities that kids and adults will enjoy. There's everything from sandy beaches to amusement park rides and entertainment centers. Check out Infinity, Ripley's Believe It Or Not, or the view from Q1 SkyPoint. There's also countless minigolf places, kayaking, and other water sports.

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 Surfers Paradise Better for Couples?

Hoi An and Surfers Paradise both great 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 Surfers Paradise frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Walk along the beach or take in the view from Q1 SkyPoint. There are also many fun-filled adventure activities as well as restaurants and a lively party scene.

Is Hoi An or Surfers Paradise Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hoi An and Surfers Paradise are both world-class 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 Surfers Paradise. Backpackers who want fun entertainment, a lively beach scene, and water sports will find their place here. There are also hostels with reasonable rates and plenty of backpackers to hang out with.

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

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

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 Surfers Paradise, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Without a car, you can use the shuttle buses, public buses, and light rail to get around.

Is Hoi An or Surfers Paradise a more walkable city?

Hoi An is terrific for its ease of walking around. Also, Surfers Paradise 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.

Surfers Paradise is somewhat walkable. There are walking and bike paths around town.

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

Should I spend more time in Surfers Paradise or Hoi An?

How long in Hoi An or Surfers Paradise?

Both Hoi An and Surfers Paradise have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Surfers Paradise than in Hoi An. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Hoi An, and 3-7 days is enough time in Surfers Paradise.

Families should spend more time in Surfers Paradise than Hoi An. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Surfers Paradise, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Surfers Paradise than Hoi An 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 Surfers Paradise.

One day in Hoi An or Surfers Paradise?

You'll find museums and food around the traditional destination of Hoi An. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Surfers Paradise. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Hoi An or Surfers Paradise?

You'll find food and shopping around the quaint town of Hoi An. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Surfers Paradise is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Hoi An or Surfers Paradise?

Hoi An is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Surfers Paradise. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Surfers Paradise?

Hoi An is a great place to explore. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the active destination of Surfers Paradise. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Vietnam, The Best Tours Under $1000 in Vietnam, The Best Contiki Tours to Australia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Australia.

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

Which is Bigger, Hoi An or Surfers Paradise?

Hoi An has a larger population, and is about 77% larger than the population of Surfers Paradise. When comparing the sizes of Hoi An and Surfers Paradise, 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 Surfers Paradise?

Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise in the Summer?

Both Surfers Paradise 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, most visitors come to Surfers Paradise for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Hoi An is generally a little warmer than Surfers Paradisein January. Daily temperatures in Hoi An average around 29°C (85°F), and Surfers Paradise fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

It's quite sunny in Surfers Paradise. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hoi An. Hoi An usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Surfers Paradise during summer. Hoi An gets 242 hours of sunny skies, while Surfers Paradise receives 256 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Surfers Paradise. In July, Hoi An usually receives less rain than Surfers Paradisein January. Hoi An gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 167 mm (6.6 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 Surfers Paradise in the Autumn?

Both Surfers Paradise 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. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Surfers Paradise because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

Hoi An is a little warmer than Surfers Paradise in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hoi An averages around 25°C (78°F) in October, and Surfers Paradise fluctuates around 22°C (71°F)in April.

In Surfers Paradise, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Hoi An often gets less sunshine than Surfers Paradisein April. Hoi An gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Surfers Paradise receives 214 hours of full sun.

Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradisein April. Hoi An gets 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hoi An or Surfers Paradise in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hoi An and Surfers Paradise. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hoi An year-round. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Surfers Paradise this time of year.

In the winter, Hoi An is a little warmer than Surfers Paradise. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hoi An in January average around 22°C (71°F), and Surfers Paradise averages at about 15°C (59°F)in July.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Surfers Paradise this time of the year. Hoi An usually receives less sunshine than Surfers Paradise during winter. Hoi An gets 136 hours of sunny skies, while Surfers Paradise receives 226 hours of full sun in the winter.

Hoi An gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Hoi An usually receives more rain than Surfers Paradisein July. Hoi An gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 70 mm (2.8 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 Surfers Paradise in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Hoi An as well as Surfers Paradise. Hoi An attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Surfers Paradise for the beaches.

In April, Hoi An is generally a little warmer than Surfers Paradisein October. Daily temperatures in Hoi An average around 26°C (80°F), and Surfers Paradise fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Surfers Paradise. 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 Surfers Paradisein October. Hoi An gets 210 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Surfers Paradise receives 259 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Surfers Paradise. Hoi An usually gets less rain in April than Surfers Paradisein October. Hoi An gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Surfers Paradise and Hoi An