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

Should you visit Istanbul or Hoi An?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Istanbul or Hoi An, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Istanbul

Istanbul is a diverse, beautiful, and high-energy city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Istanbul is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Istanbul travel costs.

Hoi An

Hoi An is a peaceful, beautiful, and traditional town. Hoi An is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, beaches, and shopping. See Hoi An travel costs.

Istanbul and Hoi An: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Istanbul or Hoi An?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Istanbul. Although Istanbul and Hoi An are both popular with visitors, Istanbul has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Istanbul is more popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, and big city activities, while Hoi An is known for its beaches and shopping. Istanbul is popular for its world class historical sights, stunning mosques, and dynamic energy. It is also home to The Blue Mosque. Hoi An is popular for its peaceful and traditional old town, its unique culinary traditions, and its affordable custom made clothing.

How is Istanbul different from Hoi An?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Hoi An and Istanbul. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Istanbul or Hoi An?

Istanbul 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 Istanbul from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. With such a long and diverse religious and political history, it has many museums, mosques, churches, and archeological sites that you can visit. Some of the most famous sights include the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Sarayi, and the Blue Mosque.

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 Istanbul or Hoi An? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Istanbul and Hoi An can be difficult as they are each world-class in their own way.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Istanbul is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. From Turkish classics to sweet desserts, the city has it all. Popular dishes include Turkish style pizza, kebabs, and doner, which you'll find everywhere for affordable prices. You'll also find many tourist-centered restaurants in the touristy areas but if you get away from the main sights, you'll find more local options that let you sample high quality food for affordable prices.

Many restaurants in Hoi An have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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).

Is Istanbul or Hoi An Better for Nightlife?

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

Istanbul has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. Dancing, dining, and partying have all become part of Istanbul's culture. Top nightclubs in the city include Reina, Sortie, and Supperclub. If you're looking for dance clubs and alcohol, your best bet is to head to the Beyoglu district.

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 Istanbul or Hoi An Better for Beaches?

Hoi An is a nice place to visit for its beaches. However, Istanbul is not a beach destination.

Hoi An has a beach worth visiting. 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.

Istanbul is not a beach destination.

Is Istanbul or Hoi An Better for its Old Town?

Istanbul and Hoi An both have world-class historical old towns that attract visitors.

Istanbul offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The Old City in Istanbul is the most historic part of the city. It's where you'll find most of the city's historic sights. The area around Sultanahmet Square is the most popular tourist area to explore.

Hoi An has a world-famous historical 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Istanbul or Hoi An?

Hoi An is an amazing town to visit for shopping. Also, Istanbul is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Hoi An is a famous shopping destination with plenty of 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.

Istanbul is well-known for its shopping. It is the capital of culture and fashion in Turkey, and there are many shopping areas that carry all kinds of brands. For a more traditional, but touristy experience head to the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Market. For modern brands, Istiklal Caddesi is the most popular area for shopping.

Is Istanbul or Hoi An More Beautiful?

Istanbul and Hoi An both are comparable with their great scenery and beauty.

Istanbul is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. With its many beautiful mosques and historic sights, it is a beautiful city by the Bosphorus.

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.

Is Istanbul or Hoi An Better for Families?

Istanbul and Hoi An are both great destinations for the whole family.

Istanbul is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has several kid-friendly museums, a couple of aquariums, and fun theme parks. If the kids need a break from the city, you can spend a day at Vialand Theme Park or LEGOLAND Discovery Center Istanbul. Food in Istanbul is also very kid-friendly with many affordable dishes that young ones will enjoy.

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.

Is Istanbul or Hoi An Better for Couples?

Istanbul and Hoi An are both great to visit as a couple.

Istanbul is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who enjoy history, culture, and vibrant neighborhoods will enjoy a romantic stay here. The city lights up at night and there are many rooftop dessert cafes where you can take in the view. The waterfront setting is the perfect place to watch the sunset and there are many places to walk and soak up the atmosphere.

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.

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

Both Istanbul and Hoi An are world-class destinations for backpackers.

Istanbul is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. There are plenty of hostels and budget accommodation options, and there's also plenty of ways to meet other travelers. You'll find plenty of hostels concentrated in the Sultanahmet area.

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.

Is Istanbul or Hoi An Better for Students?

Istanbul is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Hoi An is not popular with students.

Many students visit Istanbul. Students appreciate the city's vibrant neighborhoods, constant activity, and diverse population.

Hoi An is not popular with students.

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

Istanbul 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 Istanbul can take you anywhere. It has a comprehensive and diverse public transit system that includes buses, trams, minibuses, ferries, funicular, and more.

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 Istanbul or Hoi An a more walkable city?

Hoi An is an amazing town to visit for its walkability. Also, Istanbul is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

It is easy to get around Hoi An 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.

Istanbul is a very walkable city. Although it is huge, most of the neighborhoods that tourists visit are incredibly walkable and pedestrian-friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in Hoi An or Istanbul?

How long in Istanbul or Hoi An?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Istanbul and Hoi An. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Istanbul than in Hoi An. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Istanbul, and 2-3 days is enough time in Hoi An.

Families should spend more time in Hoi An than Istanbul. 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.

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

One day in Istanbul or Hoi An?

Istanbul is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. 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.

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.

A weekend in Istanbul or Hoi An?

Istanbul 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.

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.

Five days in Istanbul or Hoi An?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Istanbul. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

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.

A week in Istanbul or Hoi An?

Istanbul is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Turkey, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Turkey, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Vietnam, and The Best Tours Under $1000 in Vietnam.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Istanbul and Hoi An, we can see that Istanbul is more expensive. And not only is Hoi An much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Istanbul is in Europe and Hoi An is in Asia, 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 Istanbul would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Istanbul 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 Istanbul Expensive? and Is Hoi An Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Istanbul or Hoi An?

Istanbul has a larger population, and is about 340 times larger than the population of Hoi An. When comparing the sizes of Istanbul and Hoi An, 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 Istanbul or Hoi An?

Istanbul 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 Istanbul or Hoi An in the Summer?

Both Hoi An and Istanbul during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Istanbul for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hoi An year-round.

Istanbul is cooler than Hoi An in the summer. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 24°C (74°F) in July, and Hoi An fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).

In Hoi An, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Istanbul. In the summer, Istanbul often gets more sunshine than Hoi An. Istanbul gets 333 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hoi An receives 242 hours of full sun.

Istanbul usually gets less rain in July than Hoi An. Istanbul gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Hoi An receives 71 mm (2.8 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 Istanbul or Hoi An in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Istanbul and Hoi An. Many visitors come to Istanbul in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Hoi An attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the autumn, Istanbul is much colder than Hoi An. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Istanbul in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Hoi An averages at about 25°C (78°F).

Istanbul usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hoi An during autumn. Istanbul gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Hoi An receives 158 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Hoi An receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Istanbul usually receives less rain than Hoi An. Istanbul gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Hoi An receives 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Istanbul or Hoi An in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Istanbul as well as Hoi An. Most visitors come to Istanbul for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hoi An throughout the year.

In January, Istanbul is generally much colder than Hoi An. Daily temperatures in Istanbul average around 6°C (43°F), and Hoi An fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

In the winter, Istanbul often gets less sunshine than Hoi An. Istanbul gets 75 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hoi An receives 136 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Hoi An. Istanbul usually gets less rain in January than Hoi An. Istanbul gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Hoi An receives 112 mm (4.4 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 Istanbul or Hoi An in the Spring?

Both Hoi An and Istanbul are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Istanbul because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Plenty of visitors come to Hoi An because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Istanbul is much colder than Hoi An in the spring. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Hoi An fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

It's quite sunny in Hoi An. Istanbul usually receives less sunshine than Hoi An during spring. Istanbul gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Hoi An receives 210 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Istanbul usually receives more rain than Hoi An. Istanbul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Hoi An receives 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Hoi An and Istanbul