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

Should you visit Hoi An or Wellington?

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 Wellington. 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. The beauty of Hoi An is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the beaches, shopping, and museums. See Hoi An travel costs.

Wellington

Wellington is a funky, compact, and laid-back city. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Wellington travel costs.

Hoi An and Wellington: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hoi An or Wellington?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hoi An. Although Hoi An and Wellington 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 Wellington attracts visitors for its nightlife, beaches, and hiking. Hoi An is more touristy than Wellington 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. Wellington is famous for its waterfront promenade, quirky cafe culture, and relaxing beaches.

How is Hoi An different from Wellington?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Hoi An is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Wellington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Wellington. As the capital city, you'll find a number of museums and sights around town. Check out the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, the Beehive, the Wellington Museum, and the City Gallery.

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

Hoi An is a must-visit destination for its restaurants. Also, Wellington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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).

Dining out in Wellington is an experience not to be missed. There are waterfront restaurants and a vibrant cafe scene around town. You'll also find local markets and many diverse eateries that you can explore.

Is Hoi An or Wellington Better for Nightlife?

Wellington is an excellent place to visit for nightlife. However, Hoi An is lacking in options for nightlife and partying.

Wellington has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The best nightlife scene is found along Courtenay Place. There you'll find nightclubs, pubs, and cocktail bars. Cuba Street is another fun area with a bit more of a local vibe, and the waterfront is another great nightlife district in the city.

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 Wellington Better for Beaches?

Wellington is an excellent place to visit for its beaches. Also, Hoi An is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for the beach.

Many people visit Wellington for it's beautiful beaches. There are nice beaches within walking distance of the city center. There are also beaches that are well worth the drive if you're looking to get a bit out of town. In the summer months, there are swimming beaches, and year around they have nice views and a good atmosphere.

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 Wellington Better for its Old Town?

Hoi An is a must-visit destination for its old town. However, Wellington does not have a historic old town.

The rich history of Hoi An can be explored in its historical center. 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.

Wellington does not have a historic old town.

Is Hoi An or Wellington Better for Hiking?

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

Wellington offers some nice hiking trails. The area has rolling hills and beautiful coastlines that are filled with walking trails and scenic views. Some of the more popular trails in the area are the Red Rocks walk and the City-to-Sea walk.

Hoi An is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hoi An or Wellington?

Hoi An is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Wellington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Wellington. For the city's best shopping, head to the "Golden Mile". This is the area defined by Lambton Quay, Willis Street, Manners Street and Courtenay Place. There are boutique designers and high end fashion outlets throughout the area. The city also has many great markets and local shopping areas.

Is Hoi An or Wellington More Beautiful?

Hoi An is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Wellington is not a destination known for its 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.

Wellington is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Hoi An or Wellington Better for Families?

Both Hoi An and Wellington are superb 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.

Wellington is a very kid-friendly town. There's the Wellington Zoo as well as Island Bay Marine Education Centre, both of which are great for animal-lovers. Waitangi Park is a nice park where kids can run around and play, and if you're looking for something indoors, head to the Space Place at Carter Observatory. If everyone needs some down time, there's always the beach with is fun to hang out at.

Is Hoi An or Wellington Better for Couples?

Hoi An is a very popular place for its romantic activities. Also, Wellington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

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.

Wellington is a good town for couples to visit. The botanical gardens are beautiful to explore, and there is also a bird sanctuary in the area as well. Couple's will also enjoy the many nice restaurants and beautiful outdoor space around town.

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

Hoi An is a must-visit destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Wellington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Wellington is a very popular town for backpackers and budget travelers. Located on the south side of the North Island, many backpackers use this city as a gateway to the South Island. There are many hostels around town and other fellow backpackers to hang out with.

Is Hoi An or Wellington Better for Students?

Wellington is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Hoi An is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Wellington. The locals are friendly and welcoming, and the atmosphere is a nice setting for students.

Hoi An is not popular with students.

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

Wellington 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 Wellington is fairly effecient and thorough. There are city buses, trains, and ferries that are popular with tourists and locals alike.

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 Wellington a more walkable city?

Hoi An is a must-visit destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Wellington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

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.

Wellington is a very walkable destination. This is one of New Zealand's most walkable cities and it has a compact city center.

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

Should I spend more time in Wellington or Hoi An?

How long in Hoi An or Wellington?

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

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

With museums and food around the peaceful town of Hoi An, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

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

With food and shopping around the destination of Hoi An, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Wellington 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 Wellington?

Hoi An, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Wellington. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Wellington?

Hoi An is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the funky destination of Wellington. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting 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, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand, and The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand.

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

Which is Bigger, Hoi An or Wellington?

Wellington has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Hoi An. When comparing the sizes of Hoi An and Wellington, 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 Wellington?

Wellington 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 Wellington in the Summer?

Both Wellington 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, many travelers come to Wellington for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Hoi An is much warmer than Wellington. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hoi An in July average around 29°C (85°F), and Wellington averages at about 18°C (64°F)in January.

It's quite sunny in Wellington. 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 Wellington during summer. Hoi An gets 242 hours of sunny skies, while Wellington receives 242 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Hoi An usually receives more rain than Wellingtonin January. Hoi An gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Wellington receives 61 mm (2.4 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 Wellington in the Autumn?

Both Wellington 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, many visitors come to Wellington in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In October, Hoi An is generally much warmer than Wellingtonin April. Daily temperatures in Hoi An average around 25°C (78°F), and Wellington fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

In the autumn, Hoi An often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Wellingtonin April. Hoi An gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wellington receives 163 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hoi An. Hoi An usually gets more rain in October than Wellingtonin April. Hoi An gets 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain, while Wellington receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hoi An or Wellington in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hoi An and Wellington. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hoi An year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Wellington for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Hoi An is much warmer than Wellington in the winter. The daily temperature in Hoi An averages around 22°C (71°F) in January, and Wellington fluctuates around 10°C (49°F)in July.

Hoi An usually receives more sunshine than Wellington during winter. Hoi An gets 136 hours of sunny skies, while Wellington receives 122 hours of full sun in the winter.

Wellington receives a lot of rain in the winter. Hoi An gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Hoi An usually receives around the same amount of rain as Wellingtonin July. Hoi An gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Wellington receives 111 mm (4.4 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 Wellington in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Hoi An as well as Wellington. Hoi An attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Wellington because of the beaches.

In the spring, Hoi An is much warmer than Wellington. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hoi An in April average around 26°C (80°F), and Wellington averages at about 13°C (55°F)in October.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hoi An this time of the year. In the spring, Hoi An often gets more sunshine than Wellingtonin October. Hoi An gets 210 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wellington receives 180 hours of full sun.

Hoi An usually gets less rain in April than Wellingtonin October. Hoi An gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Wellington receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Wellington and Hoi An