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

Should you visit Koh Lipe or Hoi An?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Koh Lipe and Hoi An can help you decide which place is right for you.

Koh Lipe

Koh Lipe is a local, tranquil, and idyllic island. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

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.

Koh Lipe and Hoi An: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Hoi An. Although Koh Lipe 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, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Koh Lipe is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Hoi An is more touristy than Koh Lipe 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. Koh Lipe is popular for its world class scuba diving and snorkeling, as well as its small and local atmosphere.

How is Koh Lipe 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 Lipe. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

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

Hoi An is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Koh Lipe is a island with minimal options for its historical sights.

Many visitors head to Hoi An specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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 Lipe. The island is small and all about beaches and the undersea world, so you won't find any temples or museums here.

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

Hoi An is a must-visit destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Koh Lipe is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Hoi An has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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 Lipe has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There's enough of a restaurant selection that you'll find good local food and freshly caught seafood. The options change frequently as the tourist crowds have varied dramatically over the years, making it difficult for businesses to stay open.

Is Koh Lipe or Hoi An Better for Nightlife?

Hoi An is a town with a few options for nightlife. However, Koh Lipe is a island with minimal options for nightlife and partying.

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.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Koh Lipe This is a small island that attracts tourists who want nature, beauty, and a serene and tranquil environment. You won't find much of a nightlife scene here.

Is Koh Lipe or Hoi An Better for Resorts?

Koh Lipe 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 Lipe to choose from. There are a number of locally owned hotels on the island. Many have snorkeling gear for rent.

Hoi An is not a resort destination.

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

Koh Lipe is terrific for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Hoi An is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel from around the world to go scuba diving and snorkeling in Koh Lipe. Although it is no longer the undiscovered island paradise that it once was, the snorkeling and diving on Koh Lipe remains some of the best in the country.

Hoi An is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Koh Lipe or Hoi An Better for Beaches?

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

Koh Lipe offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. Despite the island's small size, the beaches are truly spectacular. They have white sand and the undersea world is just steps away, so don't forget your mask and snorkel.

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 Lipe or Hoi An Better for its Old Town?

Hoi An is a must-visit destination for its historic old town. However, Koh Lipe 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.

Koh Lipe does not have a historic old town.

Is Koh Lipe or Hoi An Better for Hiking?

Koh Lipe 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 Lipe. The island of Koh Lipe doesn't have any hiking, but nearby Adang Island has some impressive hikes that offer views and small waterfalls. You can take a longtail boat for just a short ride to the nearby island.

Hoi An is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Lipe or Hoi An?

Hoi An is a must-visit destination for shopping. However, Koh Lipe is a island with minimal options 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.

If you're looking to go shopping, Koh Lipe has some nice offerings. The Walking Street is the main street through the island. Its where you'll find the island's shops and restaurants. Most are closed during the morning hours, but people begin to gather in the afternoon.

Is Koh Lipe or Hoi An Better for Families?

You'll find high quality kid-friendly activities in either Koh Lipe or Hoi An.

Koh Lipe is a very family-friendly place to visit. This is a perfect island to explore with kids. There are beautiful beaches, great snorkeling, and plenty of opportunities to check out wildlife. Your kids will also enjoy seeing the Sea la vie fire show.

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 Koh Lipe or Hoi An Better for Couples?

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

Koh Lipe is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. With its stunning beaches and beautiful nature, this is a great couple's destination. The island has wonderful snorkeling and white sandy beaches that are perfect for exploring with a loved one.

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 Lipe or Hoi An Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hoi An is a must-visit destination for backpackers. Also, Koh Lipe 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Koh Lipe. The island has become more popular than it was in years past, but it still offers a tranquil setting for those who are a bit jaded by the backpacker scene in Thailand.

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

Hoi An is very good for its public transit. However, Koh Lipe 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 mostly limited in Koh Lipe. There are longtail boats, motorbike taxis, and golf cart taxis that you can hire.

Is Koh Lipe or Hoi An a more walkable city?

Hoi An is a must-visit destination for its walkability. Also, Koh Lipe is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Koh Lipe is a very walkable island. It's an easy island to explore on foot and you can walk from one end of the island to the other in about half an hour.

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

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

How long in Koh Lipe or Hoi An?

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

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

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

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 Koh Lipe or Hoi An?

Koh Lipe 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 Koh Lipe or Hoi An?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koh Lipe. 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.

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 Koh Lipe or Hoi An?

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the local destination of Koh Lipe. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 Budget Tours to Thailand, The Best Tours for Seniors 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 Koh Lipe and Hoi An, we can see that Koh Lipe 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 Lipe would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Koh Lipe 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 Lipe Expensive? and Is Hoi An Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Koh Lipe 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 Lipe or Hoi An in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Koh Lipe as well as Hoi An. Koh Lipe 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. Koh Lipe receives a lot of rain in the summer. Koh Lipe usually gets more rain in July than Hoi An. Koh Lipe gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Hoi An receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Koh Lipe is around the same temperature as Hoi An in the summer. The daily temperature in Koh Lipe averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Hoi An fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).

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

Both Hoi An and Koh Lipe are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Lipe 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 Koh Lipe is December to April. The rainy season in Koh Lipe is May to October. It rains a lot this time of the year in Hoi An. It's quite rainy in Koh Lipe. In October, Koh Lipe usually receives less rain than Hoi An. Koh Lipe gets 281 mm (11.1 in) of rain, while Hoi An receives 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

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

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

Both Hoi An and Koh Lipe during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Lipe 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. Koh Lipe usually gets less rain in January than Hoi An. Koh Lipe gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Hoi An receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

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

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

December to April in Koh Lipe is the dry season. Also, May to October is the rainy season in Koh Lipe. Koh Lipe gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Koh Lipe usually receives more rain than Hoi An. Koh Lipe gets 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Hoi An receives 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Koh Lipe is a little warmer than Hoi An in the spring. The daily temperature in Koh Lipe averages around 29°C (85°F) in April, and Hoi An fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

Typical Weather for Hoi An and Koh Lipe