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

Should you visit Koh Samui or Hoi An?

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

Should I visit Koh Samui or Hoi An? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Koh Samui

Koh Samui is a beautiful, tropical, and rainforest-covered resort island. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Hoi An

Hoi An is a quaint, peaceful, and beautiful town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and beaches.

Koh Samui and Hoi An: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Koh Samui than Hoi An, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Koh Samui is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Hoi An is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, and shopping. Koh Samui is well known for its ornate temples, beautiful beaches, and laid-back atmosphere. Also, Koh Samui is famous for The Big Buddha Temple. Hoi An is well known for its peaceful and traditional old town, its unique culinary traditions, and its affordable custom made clothing.

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

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

Hoi An is a great town for its historical sights. However, Koh Samui does not have 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.

Koh Samui does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Hoi An is an amazing town to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Koh Samui is not as popular, but is still a nice resort island for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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).

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Koh Samui makes for a great culinary experience. Food on the island is fresh and delicious. You'll find fine dining restaurants as well as hole in the wall dives where you can enjoy local flavors. There are also international restaurants if you need a break from the curries. Beachfront restaurants offer a beautiful setting and sunset dinner cruises are a not to be missed experience. Authentically local dishes usually include some form of coconut but there are also other common Thai dishes available almost anywhere like curries or Pad Thai.

Is Koh Samui or Hoi An Better for Nightlife?

Koh Samui is terrific for nightlife. However, Hoi An is lacking in options for nightlife and partying.

Koh Samui is a must-see party destination. All night beach parties, cheap bars, and lively dance clubs all give this island its party atmosphere. Young travelers from around the globe head here to enjoy music, cheap drinks, and world class fun. For the most active nightlife, head to Chaweng Beach, Lamai Beach or Bophut Beach.

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 Samui or Hoi An Better for Resorts?

Koh Samui is terrific for its luxury resorts. However, Hoi An is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Koh Samui for its luxury resorts. The island is filled with countless resorts, hotels, and private villas that you can rent. You can choose from beachfront properties or resorts that are located in the hills, which offer beautiful views. The resorts often have pools and range from five star all the way down to budget-friendly.

Hoi An is not a resort destination.

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

Koh Samui 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 Samui. It's easy to arrange snorkeling or scuba diving trips through hotels or travel companies, but it's also possible to snorkel right off the shore in places like Chaweng Beach. Due to the island's popularity, the coral isn't always the healthiest, but the water is clear and you'll likely see some interesting sea life just off the shore.

Hoi An is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Koh Samui or Hoi An Better for Beaches?

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

Koh Samui offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. The white sand beaches are lined with coconut trees and look out on crystal blue waters, making this a perfect tropical destination. There are lively activity-filled beaches as well as quiet retreats where you can enjoy a peaceful setting away from the crowds.

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 Samui or Hoi An Better for its Old Town?

Hoi An is an amazing town to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Koh Samui 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.

Koh Samui does not have a historic old town.

Is Koh Samui or Hoi An Better for Hiking?

Koh Samui 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 Samui. Hikes will take you inland through the beautiful rainforest. There are hidden waterfalls as well as Buddha gardens and ridge trails with breathtaking views. Hikes range from easy to challenging, so make sure you understand the skill level required before you set out.

Hoi An is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Samui or Hoi An?

Hoi An is an amazing town to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Koh Samui is not as popular, but is still a nice resort island for shopping.

Many people travel to Hoi An specifically to go shopping. 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.

Koh Samui is a great destination for shopping. The resort areas have the most interesting shops and you'll find the most options around Chaweng. There are boutique shops as well as some malls. You can sometimes negotiate prices down in independently run stores, but some places advertise fixed prices.

Is Koh Samui or Hoi An Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Koh Samui or Hoi An.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Koh Samui. The island is one of the slightly calmer, family-friendly options in Thailand. It has a number of activities that all ages can enjoy including water parks, water sports, and temples to explore. Snorkeling is also fun and there's an aquarium and zoo that you can check out.

Hoi An is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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 Samui or Hoi An Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Koh Samui and Hoi An make for a superb place to visit.

Koh Samui is a great resort island if you're traveling as a couple. Dinner cruises, beachfront restaurants, and beautiful sunsets all make this island a romantic destination for couples. There are also spas, resorts, and fine dining restaurants that you can enjoy.

Hoi An is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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 Samui or Hoi An Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hoi An is an amazing town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Koh Samui is not as popular, but is still a nice resort island for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Hoi An, as it is a very popular town for budget travelers. It's solidly on the backpacker trail, and you'll find many visitors who come for the beautiful culture and fascinating setting.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Koh Samui. The island feels a bit more like a holiday destination than a backpacker destination, but it still has a lively nightlife and affordable accommodation around Lamai Beach. It's also a nice place to go for yoga or Muay Thai classes.

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

Koh Samui and Hoi An both offer notable public transit to get you around.

While Koh Samui offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Songthaew, the Thai version of a bus, and taxis or motorbikes are the best ways to get around the island.

Hoi An has a few public transit options. Biking, taxis, and motorbikes are the most popular ways to explore the area.

Is Koh Samui or Hoi An a more walkable city?

Hoi An is an amazing town to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Koh Samui is not known for its walkability.

Hoi An is a very easy town to get around 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.

Koh Samui is generally not very walkable. The roads have a good amount of traffic and generally aren't designed for walking.

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

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

How long in Koh Samui or Hoi An?

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

Families should spend more time in Hoi An than Koh Samui. 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 Hoi An than Koh Samui 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 Samui or Hoi An?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Koh Samui. 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 Samui or Hoi An?

Koh Samui 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.

You'll find museums and food around the beautiful 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 Samui or Hoi An?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koh Samui. 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 beautiful 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 Samui or Hoi An?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the tropical destination of Koh Samui. This resort 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 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 Tours Under $1000 in Thailand, The Best Budget 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 Koh Samui and Hoi An, we can see that Koh Samui 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 Samui would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Koh Samui 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 Samui Expensive? and Is Hoi An Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Koh Samui or Hoi An?

Koh Samui has a larger population, and is about 21% larger than the population of Hoi An. When comparing the sizes of Koh Samui 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 Samui or Hoi An?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.

Should I visit Koh Samui or Hoi An in the Summer?

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

February to July in Hoi An is the dry season. Also, September to January is the rainy season in Hoi An. Koh Samui gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Koh Samui usually receives more rain than Hoi An. Koh Samui gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Hoi An receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

In the summer, Koh Samui is cooler than Hoi An. Typically, the summer temperatures in Koh Samui in July average around 24°C (76°F), and Hoi An averages at about 29°C (85°F).

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

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

Also, December to February in Koh Samui is the dry season. October to December in Koh Samui is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Hoi An. Koh Samui receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Koh Samui usually gets less rain in October than Hoi An. Koh Samui gets 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Hoi An receives 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

In October, Koh Samui is generally around the same temperature as Hoi An. Daily temperatures in Koh Samui average around 24°C (75°F), and Hoi An fluctuates around 25°C (78°F).

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

Both Hoi An and Koh Samui are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Samui 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 Samui is December to February. The dry season in Hoi An is February to July. The rainy season in Hoi An is September to January. It rains a lot this time of the year in Hoi An. In January, Koh Samui usually receives less rain than Hoi An. Koh Samui gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Hoi An receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Koh Samui is around the same temperature as Hoi An in the winter. The daily temperature in Koh Samui averages around 22°C (72°F) in January, and Hoi An fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

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

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

Koh Samui usually gets more rain in April than Hoi An. Koh Samui gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Hoi An receives 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the spring, Koh Samui is around the same temperature as Hoi An. Typically, the spring temperatures in Koh Samui in April average around 24°C (76°F), and Hoi An averages at about 26°C (80°F).

Typical Weather for Hoi An and Koh Samui