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

Should you visit Khao Lak or Hoi An?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Khao Lak and Hoi An can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Khao Lak

Khao Lak is a serene, laid back, and relaxed area. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Hoi An

Hoi An is a traditional, quaint, and peaceful town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for shopping, museums, and food.

Khao Lak and Hoi An: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Khao Lak or Hoi An?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Hoi An. Although Khao Lak and Hoi An are both popular with visitors, Hoi An has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Hoi An is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, and shopping, while Khao Lak is known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Hoi An is more touristy than Khao Lak and is popular for its peaceful and traditional old town, its unique culinary traditions, and its affordable custom made clothing. It is also home to the Fukian Assembly Hall. Khao Lak is popular for its undersea marine life, white sand beaches, and mellow coastal vibe.

How is Khao Lak different from Hoi An?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Hoi An is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Khao Lak is a area with minimal options for its historical sights.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Khao Lak. You'll find plenty or natural beauty, but not much in the form of temples or museums.

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

Hoi An is an amazing town to visit for its restaurant scene. Also, Khao Lak is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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).

Khao Lak has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There's a range of southern Thai classics that include seafood, curries, grilled meats, and even vegetarian options. You'll also find an abundance of western food restaurants that serve everything from pizza to burgers.

Is Khao Lak or Hoi An Better for Nightlife?

Khao Lak 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 Khao Lak. While it's a tranquil place, there are still some bars and clubs that have a laid back atmosphere and are fun places to hang out in the evening.

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 Khao Lak or Hoi An Better for Resorts?

Khao Lak is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Hoi An is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Khao Lak to choose from. The resorts cater to couples and families and offer a laid back and relaxed setting.

Hoi An is not a resort destination.

Is Khao Lak or Hoi An Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Khao Lak 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 Khao Lak. There are many great dive and snorkel spots in the area and you'll find no shortage of excursions and day trips, whether you're interested in scuba diving or snorkeling.

Hoi An is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Khao Lak or Hoi An Better for Beaches?

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

Khao Lak offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. The beaches are a highlight of any trip to Thailand. They offer a laid back and peaceful setting with white sand, turquoise water, and tropical marine life. Some of the best beaches include Bang Niang Beach - which is one of the most popular, Nang Thong Beach - which is one of the most beautiful, and Coconut Beach - which is one of the most idyllic.

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 Khao Lak or Hoi An Better for its Old Town?

Hoi An is an amazing town to visit for its historic old town. However, Khao Lak does not have a historic old town.

Hoi An offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. 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.

Khao Lak does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Khao Lak or Hoi An?

Hoi An is an amazing town to visit for shopping. Also, Khao Lak is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Khao Lak. You'll find night markets, souvenir shops, local tailors, and other places where you can grab essentials or pick up souvenirs from your holiday.

Is Khao Lak or Hoi An Better for Families?

Both Khao Lak and Hoi An are very good to visit with kids.

Khao Lak is a very family-friendly place to visit. This series of islands is filled with outdoor adventures for the whole family. You can explore the undersea world with a mask or snorkel or get out on the water on a kayak. There are also turtle sanctuaries and beautiful beaches where you can pass the time.

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 Khao Lak or Hoi An Better for Couples?

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

Khao Lak is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Underwater beauty, stunning beaches, outdoor adventures, and wildlife experiences all make these islands a world class honeymoon destination.

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 Khao Lak or Hoi An Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hoi An is an amazing town to visit for backpackers. Also, Khao Lak is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Hoi An is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. It's solidly on the backpacker trail, and you'll find many visitors who come for the beautiful culture and fascinating setting.

Many backpackers visit Khao Lak. Like most of Thailand, the backpacker amenities are abundant. You'll find plenty of hostels, fun activities, and affordable entertainment throughout the region.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Khao Lak and Hoi An.

You'll find some public transit in Khao Lak, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Transportation comes in the form of tuk tuks, Songthaew (pick up trucks), taxis, and public buses. There are also VIP buses and minivans as well.

While Hoi An offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Biking, taxis, and motorbikes are the most popular ways to explore the area.

Is Khao Lak or Hoi An a more walkable city?

Hoi An is an amazing town to visit for its walkability. However, Khao Lak is a area with minimal options for its high level of 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.

Khao Lak is generally not a very walkable area. While there are areas where you can walk, the region isn't particularly walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Hoi An or Khao Lak?

How long in Khao Lak or Hoi An?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Khao Lak and Hoi An. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Khao Lak than in Hoi An. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Khao Lak, and 2-3 days is enough time in Hoi An.

Families should spend more time in Hoi An than Khao Lak. 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 Khao Lak than Hoi An. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Khao Lak 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 Khao Lak 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 Khao Lak or Hoi An?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Khao Lak. 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.

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 Khao Lak or Hoi An?

Khao Lak is a great place to explore. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. 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 Khao Lak or Hoi An?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Khao Lak. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. 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.

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 Khao Lak or Hoi An?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the serene destination of Khao Lak. This area 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.

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 Family-Friendly Tours to Thailand, The Best Wildlife Tours to Thailand, 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 Khao Lak and Hoi An, we can see that Khao Lak is more expensive. And not only is Hoi An much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Khao Lak would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Khao Lak 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 Khao Lak Expensive? and Is Hoi An Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Khao Lak or Hoi An?

Hoi An has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Khao Lak. When comparing the sizes of Khao Lak 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 Khao Lak or Hoi An?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.

Should I visit Khao Lak or Hoi An in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Khao Lak as well as Hoi An. Khao Lak attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hoi An throughout the year.

Also, February to July in Hoi An is the dry season. September to January in Hoi An is the rainy season. Khao Lak receives a lot of rain in the summer. Khao Lak usually gets more rain in July than Hoi An. Khao Lak gets 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain, while Hoi An receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hoi An. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Khao Lak this time of the year. In the summer, Khao Lak often gets less sunshine than Hoi An. Khao Lak gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hoi An receives 242 hours of full sun.

Khao Lak is around the same temperature as Hoi An in the summer. The daily temperature in Khao Lak averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Hoi An fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).

Should I visit Khao Lak or Hoi An in the Autumn?

Both Hoi An and Khao Lak are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Khao Lak throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Hoi An because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

The dry season in Khao Lak is November to April. The rainy season in Khao Lak is May to October. It rains a lot this time of the year in Hoi An. It's quite rainy in Khao Lak. In October, Khao Lak usually receives less rain than Hoi An. Khao Lak gets 351 mm (13.8 in) of rain, while Hoi An receives 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Khao Lak usually receives more sunshine than Hoi An during autumn. Khao Lak gets 181 hours of sunny skies, while Hoi An receives 158 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In the autumn, Khao Lak is around the same temperature as Hoi An. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Khao Lak in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Hoi An averages at about 25°C (78°F).

Should I visit Khao Lak or Hoi An in the Winter?

Both Hoi An and Khao Lak during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Khao Lak because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hoi An year-round.

February to July is the dry season in Hoi An. September to January is the rainy season in Hoi An. Hoi An gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Khao Lak usually gets less rain in January than Hoi An. Khao Lak gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Hoi An receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

It's quite sunny in Khao Lak. In the winter, Khao Lak often gets more sunshine than Hoi An. Khao Lak gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hoi An receives 136 hours of full sun.

In January, Khao Lak is generally a little warmer than Hoi An. Daily temperatures in Khao Lak average around 27°C (80°F), and Hoi An fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

Should I visit Khao Lak or Hoi An in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Khao Lak and Hoi An. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Khao Lak year-round. Hoi An attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

November to April in Khao Lak is the dry season. Also, May to October is the rainy season in Khao Lak. Khao Lak gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Khao Lak usually receives more rain than Hoi An. Khao Lak gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Hoi An receives 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hoi An this time of the year. In Khao Lak, it's very sunny this time of the year. Khao Lak usually receives more sunshine than Hoi An during spring. Khao Lak gets 249 hours of sunny skies, while Hoi An receives 210 hours of full sun in the spring.

Khao Lak is around the same temperature as Hoi An in the spring. The daily temperature in Khao Lak averages around 29°C (83°F) in April, and Hoi An fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

Typical Weather for Hoi An and Khao Lak