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

Should you visit Hoi An or Torquay?

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 Torquay. 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 quaint, peaceful, and beautiful town. The beauty of Hoi An is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the museums, food, and beaches. See Hoi An travel costs.

Torquay

Torquay is a trendy, casual, and laid back surf town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Torquay is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Torquay travel costs.

Hoi An and Torquay: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hoi An or Torquay?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hoi An. Although Hoi An and Torquay are popular destinations, Hoi An has more sights and attractions for tourists. Hoi An is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Torquay attracts visitors for its nightlife, beaches, hiking, and small town charm. Hoi An is more touristy than Torquay and is known for its peaceful and traditional old town, its unique culinary traditions, and its affordable custom made clothing. It is also well known for the Fukian Assembly Hall. Torquay is famous for its world renowned surfing scene and its relaxed atmosphere.

How is Hoi An different from Torquay?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Hoi An is great for its historical sights. Also, Torquay is not as popular, but is still a nice surf town for its sights and museums.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Torquay. Surfing enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the Australian National Surfing Museum, which goes into the sports history and influence on the region.

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

Hoi An is renowned for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Torquay is not as popular, but is still a nice surf town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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).

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Torquay area. You'll find all of the classic beach town options. There are pizza places, international restaurants, and seafood. All kinds of styles are available ranging from modern, upscale, and trendy to casual and affordable.

Is Hoi An or Torquay Better for Nightlife?

Torquay 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 Torquay. There's a laid back vibe with several great pubs, breweries, and clubs where people hang out.

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 Torquay Better for Beaches?

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

Torquay offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. The town is along the Great Ocean Road, and there are a huge number of beaches that are popular for surfing. There are also nudist beaches as well as family-friendly areas. The most convenient beach is Torquay Surf Beach, which is popular with surfers. For calmer water, check out Torquay Front Beach, and for the most iconic surfing beach in the area, visit Bells Beach.

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 Torquay Better for its Old Town?

Hoi An is renowned for its old town. However, Torquay does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Hoi An is one of the most recognized in 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.

Torquay does not have a historic old town.

Is Hoi An or Torquay Better for Hiking?

Torquay 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 Torquay. There are many coastal walks in the area that range from a few hours to several days. One of the more well known ones is the Surf Coast Walk, which goes on for days and passes by stunning viewpoints and beautiful landscapes.

Hoi An is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hoi An or Torquay?

Hoi An is renowned for its shopping opportunities. Also, Torquay is not as popular, but is still a nice surf town for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Hoi An draws large crowds to its stores. 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.

Many visitors go to Torquay to go shopping. You'll find the standard shopping centers with everything from boutiques to major brands.

Is Hoi An or Torquay More Beautiful?

Hoi An is great for its scenery and beauty. Also, Torquay is not as popular, but is still a nice surf town for its scenery and beauty.

The beauty of Hoi An is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The city is beautiful during the day with its traditional architecture, as well as at night when it is lit with lanterns.

Torquay offers plenty of beauty for visitors. There's a beautiful coastline with sandy beaches and nice coastal walks.

Is Hoi An or Torquay Better for Families?

Hoi An is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Torquay is not as popular, but is still a nice surf town for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Hoi An is very family-friendly. 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.

Torquay is a family-friendly place to visit. Most people think of great surf when they think of this town, but there are some secluded places like Cozy Corner, which is good for kids. There are also many outdoor activities like walks and snorkeling at Point Danger Marine Sanctuary.

Is Hoi An or Torquay Better for Couples?

Hoi An and Torquay 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 Torquay frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. With its amazing beaches, popular surfing, and countless outdoor activities, there's plenty for couples to enjoy around town. You can also head to the vineyards at Bellbrae Estate, check out the local breweries, or take a long walk along the coast.

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

Hoi An is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Torquay is not as popular, but is still a nice surf town for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Hoi An is extremely popular for backpackers. It's solidly on the backpacker trail, and you'll find many visitors who come for the beautiful culture and fascinating setting.

Torquay is a good town to visit for backpackers. Surfing is the big draw for backpackers to the area. There are a handful of hostels and excellent beaches that make this a great stop off for anyone in the area.

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

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Hoi An and Torquay.

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 Torquay, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses that travel to town from the surrounding areas.

Is Hoi An or Torquay a more walkable city?

Hoi An is renowned for its high level of walkability. Also, Torquay is not as popular, but is still a nice surf town for its ease of walking around.

Hoi An is a very easy town to get around 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.

Torquay is a very walkable destination. The Torquay Promenade Walk offers a great place to stroll along the waterfront. You'll pass by view points and many restaurants and cafes.

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

Should I spend more time in Torquay or Hoi An?

How long in Hoi An or Torquay?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Hoi An and Torquay. In our opinion, Hoi An has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Hoi An than Torquay. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

In Hoi An, you'll find museums and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Torquay. 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 Torquay?

In Hoi An, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Hoi An has to offer.

Torquay is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. 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 Torquay?

Hoi An is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Torquay. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Torquay?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hoi An. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Hoi An. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the laid back destination of Torquay. This surf town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 10-Day Tours in Australia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Australia.

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

Which is Bigger, Hoi An or Torquay?

Torquay has a larger population, and is about 45% larger than the population of Hoi An. When comparing the sizes of Hoi An and Torquay, 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 Torquay?

Torquay 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 Torquay in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Hoi An and Torquay. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hoi An year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Torquay for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Hoi An is a little warmer than Torquay. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hoi An in July average around 29°C (85°F), and Torquay averages at about 26°C (78°F)in January.

Torquay receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Hoi An usually receives less rain than Torquayin January. Hoi An gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Torquay receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the summer. 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 Torquay in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Hoi An as well as Torquay. Hoi An attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Torquay because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Hoi An is generally a little warmer than Torquayin April. Daily temperatures in Hoi An average around 25°C (78°F), and Torquay fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

Hoi An receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Hoi An usually gets more rain in October than Torquayin April. Hoi An gets 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain, while Torquay receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hoi An or Torquay in the Winter?

Both Torquay and Hoi An are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hoi An throughout the year. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Torquay this time of year.

Hoi An is a little warmer than Torquay in the winter. The daily temperature in Hoi An averages around 22°C (71°F) in January, and Torquay fluctuates around 15°C (59°F)in July.

It's quite rainy in Hoi An. In January, Hoi An usually receives more rain than Torquayin July. Hoi An gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Torquay receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter. 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 Torquay in the Spring?

Both Torquay and Hoi An during the spring 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 travelers come to Torquay for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Hoi An is a little warmer than Torquay. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hoi An in April average around 26°C (80°F), and Torquay averages at about 21°C (71°F)in October.

Hoi An usually gets less rain in April than Torquayin October. Hoi An gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Torquay receives 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Torquay and Hoi An