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

Should you visit Koh Lanta 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 Koh Lanta 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.

Koh Lanta

Koh Lanta is a peaceful, quiet, and beautiful island. Koh Lanta is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Koh Lanta travel costs.

Hoi An

Hoi An is a traditional, quaint, and peaceful town. The beauty of Hoi An is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food. See Hoi An travel costs.

Koh Lanta and Hoi An: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Lanta or Hoi An?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hoi An. Although Koh Lanta and Hoi An 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, and shopping, while Koh Lanta attracts visitors for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Hoi An is more touristy than Koh Lanta and is popular 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. Koh Lanta is famous for it's long and sandy beaches, its idyllic paradise atmosphere, and its beautiful national park.

How is Koh Lanta different from Hoi An?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Hoi An is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Koh Lanta is a island 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 Koh Lanta. Nature and tranquil beauty are what this island is all about, so you won't find much in the form of museums or temples.

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

Hoi An is a world-class destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Koh Lanta 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).

Koh Lanta has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There are local markets that pop up in different places each day of the week. You may even get to sample deep-fried cicadas or dried fish. If you're looking for a more mainstream flavor, there are also curries and seafood dishes that are often locally caught.

Is Koh Lanta or Hoi An Better for Nightlife?

Koh Lanta 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 Koh Lanta. This is one of the most chill islands in Thailand, so you won't find the hardcore party scene of some of the more backpacker heavy islands. That doesn't mean you won't find live music or places to hang out any night of the week.

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 Koh Lanta or Hoi An Better for Resorts?

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

There are plenty of resorts in Koh Lanta to choose from. Most of the hotels and resorts are small, family-owned businesses that have a local and welcoming atmosphere.

Hoi An is not a resort destination.

Is Koh Lanta or Hoi An Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Koh Lanta 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 Koh Lanta. There are snorkeling and diving trips that leave from the island daily. It's also possible to snorkel off some of the beaches around the island without organizing a group trip.

Hoi An is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Koh Lanta or Hoi An Better for Beaches?

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

Koh Lanta offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. For a quiet and tranquil beach holiday, this is your spot. You can enjoy long walks along sandy beaches on the north side of the island, and on the south side you'll find dramatic beauty. The most well known beach is Long Beach, which is also the longest on the island.

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 Koh Lanta or Hoi An Better for its Old Town?

Hoi An is a world-class destination for its old town. However, Koh Lanta does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Hoi An is revered around 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.

Koh Lanta does not have a historic old town.

Is Koh Lanta or Hoi An Better for Hiking?

Koh Lanta 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 Koh Lanta. You'll find hiking trails in Koh Lanta National Park, which is at the southern tip of the island. You'll wander through the jungle, see wildlife, and take in breathtaking views.

Hoi An is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Lanta or Hoi An?

Hoi An is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Koh Lanta is a island with minimal options for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Hoi An make it a world-class shopping destination. 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 in Koh Lanta can be found for those interested. The island doesn't have the huge tourist crowds of many places in Thailand, so you'll find few shops in the towns. If you need to buy clothes or other items, it's better to go to the mainland.

Is Koh Lanta or Hoi An More Beautiful?

Koh Lanta is terrific for its scenery and beauty. Also, Hoi An is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its scenery and beauty.

Koh Lanta is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's among Thailand's most beautiful islands and it's not as touristy or built up as some of the more popular areas.

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 Koh Lanta or Hoi An Better for Families?

Both Koh Lanta and Hoi An are very good to visit with kids.

Koh Lanta is a very kid-friendly island. This is among the best island's in Thailand for kids. The waters are calm and the nightlife scene is relaxed. There are hotels that have kiddy pools and some even have kid's clubs. There are also kid-friendly menus at many of the restaurants.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Hoi An. 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 Koh Lanta or Hoi An Better for Couples?

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

Koh Lanta is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The laid back vibe offers a bit of romance for couples. The beaches are beautiful and the island isn't as built up as many islands are in Thailand. And while you'll find places to go in the evening near the backpacker areas, most of the island has a chill and relaxed atmosphere.

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 Koh Lanta or Hoi An Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hoi An is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, Koh Lanta is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Hoi An. It's solidly on the backpacker trail, and you'll find many visitors who come for the beautiful culture and fascinating setting.

Plenty of backpackers visit Koh Lanta. You'll find backpackers on almost every island in Thailand, but this one is a bit more chill than most. It's not as touristy as most of the country's southern islands, but there are still enough amenities to make it comfortable.

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

Hoi An is a town with good options for its public transit. However, Koh Lanta is a island with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is quite limited in Koh Lanta. There really isn't any public transit on the island. Most visitors hire taxis or rent motorbikes to get around.

Is Koh Lanta or Hoi An a more walkable city?

Hoi An is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. However, Koh Lanta is a island with minimal options for its ease of walking around.

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.

Koh Lanta is not a very walkable island. While there are some parts of the island that can be explored on foot, most people get around by motorbike.

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

Should I spend more time in Hoi An or Koh Lanta?

How long in Koh Lanta or Hoi An?

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

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

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Koh Lanta. 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.

You'll find shopping and museums around the town of Hoi An. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Koh Lanta or Hoi An?

Koh Lanta 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.

You'll find museums and food around the peaceful destination of Hoi An. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Koh Lanta or Hoi An?

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

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the traditional town of Hoi An. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Koh Lanta or Hoi An?

Travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the peaceful destination of Koh Lanta. This island 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.

Hoi An is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Thailand, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Thailand, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Vietnam, and The Best Historical Tours in Vietnam.

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

Which is Bigger, Koh Lanta or Hoi An?

Hoi An has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Koh Lanta. When comparing the sizes of Koh Lanta 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 Koh Lanta 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 Koh Lanta or Hoi An in the Summer?

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

June to September in Koh Lanta is the rainy season. Also, February to July in Hoi An is the dry season. September to January in Hoi An is the rainy season. Koh Lanta receives a lot of rain in the summer. Koh Lanta usually gets more rain in July than Hoi An. Koh Lanta gets 269 mm (10.6 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 Koh Lanta this time of the year. In the summer, Koh Lanta often gets less sunshine than Hoi An. Koh Lanta gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hoi An receives 242 hours of full sun.

In July, Koh Lanta is generally around the same temperature as Hoi An. Daily temperatures in Koh Lanta average around 27°C (81°F), and Hoi An fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).

Should I visit Koh Lanta or Hoi An in the Autumn?

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

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hoi An. It's quite rainy in Koh Lanta. In October, Koh Lanta usually receives less rain than Hoi An. Koh Lanta gets 281 mm (11.1 in) of rain, while Hoi An receives 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

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

Koh Lanta is around the same temperature as Hoi An in the autumn. The daily temperature in Koh Lanta averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Hoi An fluctuates around 25°C (78°F).

Should I visit Koh Lanta or Hoi An in the Winter?

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

January to April is the dry season in Koh Lanta. 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. Koh Lanta usually gets less rain in January than Hoi An. Koh Lanta gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Hoi An receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

In the winter, Koh Lanta is a little warmer than Hoi An. Typically, the winter temperatures in Koh Lanta in January average around 27°C (80°F), and Hoi An averages at about 22°C (71°F).

Should I visit Koh Lanta or Hoi An in the Spring?

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

January to April in Koh Lanta is the dry season. Also, June to September is the rainy season in Koh Lanta. Koh Lanta gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Koh Lanta usually receives more rain than Hoi An. Koh Lanta gets 124 mm (4.9 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 Koh Lanta, it's very sunny this time of the year. Koh Lanta usually receives more sunshine than Hoi An during spring. Koh Lanta gets 249 hours of sunny skies, while Hoi An receives 210 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Koh Lanta is generally a little warmer than Hoi An. Daily temperatures in Koh Lanta average around 29°C (85°F), and Hoi An fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

Typical Weather for Hoi An and Koh Lanta