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

Should you visit Hoi An or Sydney?

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 Sydney. 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, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and food.

Sydney

Sydney is a energetic, outdoorsy, and adventurous 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 hiking, shopping, and museums.

Hoi An and Sydney: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hoi An or Sydney?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Sydney than Hoi An, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Sydney is better known for its museums, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and big city activities, while Hoi An is more popular for its food and historical sights. Hoi An is more touristy than Sydney and is popular for its peaceful and traditional old town, its unique culinary traditions, and its affordable custom made clothing. Sydney is well known for its iconic buildings, world-renowned beaches, colorful nightlife, and cosmopolitan restaurants. Also, Sydney is famous for the Sydney Opera House.

How is Hoi An different from Sydney?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Sydney 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 Sydney from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The city is filled with iconic and world famous landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. There's also the famous Royal Botanic Garden and the Sydney Tower Eye.

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 Sydney? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

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).

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Sydney. There are international restaurants offering impressive dishes from around the world. You'll also find some local Australian favorites around town. Seafood is abundant, as are a number of Asian cuisines. Barramundi is a local fish that you'll find on many menus. Oysters, prawns, and John Dory (a local fish) are also popular.

Is Hoi An or Sydney Better for Nightlife?

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

Sydney is a must-see party destination. The city is filled with nightclubs and DJ hosted dance parties. There's a huge young crowd that brings together residents, students, and backpackers in a vibrant nightlife scene. Some of the best areas for nightlife are Kings Cross, Oxford Street, Surry Hills or Darling Harbour.

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 Sydney Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Sydney is a good destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Hoi An is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Sydney. There's some good snorkeling and diving nearby with a diversity of marine life and interesting ecosystems. Some of the best snorkeling spots are at Palm Beach, Shelly Beach, and Clifton Gardens.

Hoi An is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Hoi An or Sydney Better for Beaches?

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

Sydney offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. There are more than 100 beaches near the city with everything from hidden coves to world famous destinations. Bondi Beach is the most famous beach in town and it has all of the tourist sights and activities that you could need. Surfers often head to Bronte Beach, which isn't too far away. Divers and snorkelers love Gordons Bay. Manly is also a nearby suburb with family-friendly beaches that can be reached by ferry.

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 Sydney Better for its Old Town?

Hoi An is an unbeatable place for its historic old town charm. However, Sydney 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.

Sydney does not have a historic old town.

Is Hoi An or Sydney Better for Hiking?

Sydney 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 Sydney. The city offers a number of coastal and inland trails that are easily accessible from town. There are short paths as well as multi-day routes not far and pass by stunning landscapes and viewpoints.

Hoi An is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hoi An or Sydney?

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

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 Sydney make it a world-class shopping destination. There's a wonderful mix of shopping streets, modern malls, and boutique vendors who sell local fashions. For souvenirs or local art, go to The Rocks, which is not far from Sydney Opera House. The Queen Victoria Building and Strand Arcade are also popular shopping areas.

Is Hoi An or Sydney Better for Families?

Sydney 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, Sydney is very family-friendly. The city has great beaches where kids can learn to surf, zoos and aquariums with local wildlife, and outdoor activities that take advantage of the city's waterfront location. There's everything from whale watching to visiting the Olympic Park, all of which will fascinate kids of all ages.

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 Sydney Better for Couples?

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

Sydney is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. It's a romantic city that's filled with iconic landmarks like the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. There are also award winning restaurants and world class beaches. Wander around the botanical gardens or take a sailing cruise on the harbor. There is an endless supply of romantic activities to choose from.

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 Sydney Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hoi An and Sydney 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 Sydney. It's popular for its adventure sports, active beaches, and vibrant nightlife. While it's not a particularly cheap city to visit, there are plenty of hostels around town and no shortage of backpackers to hang out with.

Is Hoi An or Sydney Better for Students?

Sydney is terrific for its student-friendly activities. However, Hoi An is not popular with students.

Sydney is a very popular place to visit for students. Students love the energy and plethora of outdoor activities in this beautiful city. Many international students come not only for the excellent universities but also for the diverse environment and many things to do.

Hoi An is not popular with students.

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

Sydney is terrific 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.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Sydney can take you anywhere. There are a variety of types of public transit in town including buses, trains, ferries and light rail.

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 Sydney a more walkable city?

Hoi An is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. Also, Sydney 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.

Sydney is very walkable. The city center and nearby suburbs are relatively easy to walk around. On the western side of the city, the suburbs are much less walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Sydney or Hoi An?

How long in Hoi An or Sydney?

Both Hoi An and Sydney have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Sydney 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 Sydney.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sydney 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 Sydney.

One day in Hoi An or Sydney?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Hoi An. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Sydney is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. 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 Sydney?

Hoi An 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.

Sydney 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 Sydney?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hoi An. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sydney. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Sydney?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the quaint destination of Hoi An. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Sydney is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Australia, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Australia.

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

Which is Bigger, Hoi An or Sydney?

Sydney has a larger population, and is about 130 times larger than the population of Hoi An. When comparing the sizes of Hoi An and Sydney, 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 Sydney?

Sydney 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 Sydney in the Summer?

Both Sydney and Hoi An during the summer 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, most visitors come to Sydney for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Hoi An is generally a little warmer than Sydneyin January. Daily temperatures in Hoi An average around 29°C (85°F), and Sydney fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In Sydney, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Hoi An. In the summer, Hoi An often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Sydneyin January. Hoi An gets 242 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sydney receives 236 hours of full sun.

Sydney gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Hoi An usually gets less rain in July than Sydneyin January. Hoi An gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Sydney receives 116 mm (4.6 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 Sydney in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Hoi An and Sydney. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hoi An year-round. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Sydney because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Hoi An is a little warmer than Sydney in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hoi An averages around 25°C (78°F) in October, and Sydney fluctuates around 19°C (65°F)in April.

Hoi An usually receives less sunshine than Sydney during autumn. Hoi An gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Sydney receives 195 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Sydney receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Hoi An gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Hoi An usually receives more rain than Sydneyin April. Hoi An gets 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain, while Sydney receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Hoi An or Sydney in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Hoi An as well as Sydney. Hoi An attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Sydney this time of year.

In the winter, Hoi An is much warmer than Sydney. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hoi An in January average around 22°C (71°F), and Sydney averages at about 12°C (53°F)in July.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sydney. In the winter, Hoi An often gets less sunshine than Sydneyin July. Hoi An gets 136 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sydney receives 208 hours of full sun.

Hoi An receives a lot of rain in the winter. Hoi An usually gets more rain in January than Sydneyin July. Hoi An gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Sydney receives 54 mm (2.1 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 Sydney in the Spring?

Both Sydney and Hoi An are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hoi An throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Sydney for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In April, Hoi An is generally a little warmer than Sydneyin October. Daily temperatures in Hoi An average around 26°C (80°F), and Sydney fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Sydney. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hoi An. Hoi An usually receives less sunshine than Sydney during spring. Hoi An gets 210 hours of sunny skies, while Sydney receives 240 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Hoi An usually receives less rain than Sydneyin October. Hoi An gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Sydney receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Sydney and Hoi An