Which place is cheaper, Hoi An or Nha Trang?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Nha Trang and Hoi An. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Nha Trang is a high energy, coastal, and resort-filled city. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and shopping.
Hoi An is a quaint, peaceful, and beautiful town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the museums, food, and beaches.
Travelers will usually find more to do in Hoi An. Although Nha Trang and Hoi An are popular destinations, Hoi An has more sights and attractions for tourists. Hoi An is very popular for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Nha Trang attracts visitors for its nightlife, resorts, and scuba diving & snorkeling. Nha Trang is famous for its backpacker-heavy nightlife scene, its long sandy beaches, and its beachside resorts. Hoi An is famous 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.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Hoi An and Nha Trang. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Hoi An is a great town for its historical sights. Also, Nha Trang is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.
Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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 for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Nha Trang. While most people visit for the beaches and nightlife in the area, there are also several cultural sights worth visiting. Ponagar Tower, Long Son Pagoda, and XQ Historical Village are all interesting to visit. If you're looking for a thrill, also nearby is Vinpearl Land.
Hoi An is very popular for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Nha Trang is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.
Eat your way through Hoi An, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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).
There are many up and coming restaurants in the Nha Trang area. Seafood is the most common option in many restaurants. You'll find local curries and spring rolls on many menus. Fish sauce is often served with dishes and many recipes have a sweet flavor. If you need a break from Vietnamese food, there are also restaurants that serve pizza, burgers, and other common international dishes.
Nha Trang is terrific for nightlife. However, Hoi An is lacking in options for nightlife and partying.
Nha Trang is a must-see party destination. The nightlife scene is varied and caters to all types of travelers. There are glamorous rooftop bars and lounges, beachside parties, and booze cruises that cater to the backpacker crowd. The city is big enough to have options for everyone.
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.
Nha Trang is a good destination for its luxury resorts. However, Hoi An is not a resort destination.
Nha Trang has a handful of resorts to choose from. There's a mix of budget guesthouses and hostels, luxury beachfront resorts, and everything in between.
Hoi An is not a resort destination.
Nha Trang is a decent place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Hoi An is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.
It's possible to go snorkeling in Nha Trang. Snorkeling is a bit tricky here, because you need to visit during the right season and you'll need to hop on a tour to get to the best spots. If you're lucky you'll have good visibility and see some interesting marine life.
Hoi An is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.
Nha Trang and Hoi An both offer nice beaches.
Nha Trang offers a nice beach destination. The accessible beaches are very developed and filled with vacationers who are looking for fun activities. The sands are white and soft and the water is comfortable and fun to splash around in.
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.
Hoi An is very popular for its old town. However, Nha Trang does not have a historic old town.
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.
Nha Trang does not have a historic old town.
Hoi An is very popular for its shopping opportunities. Also, Nha Trang is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping areas.
Known for shopping, Hoi An draws large crowds to its 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.
Many visitors go to Nha Trang to go shopping. There are some local street markets that are fun to explore. There are also the typical shops and supermarkets that sell local produce, souvenirs, and any other essentials that you may have forgotten.
Both Nha Trang and Hoi An are excellent family-friendly destinations.
Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Nha Trang is very family-friendly. While it is known among the backpacker crowds for its party scene, there are also great beaches and many activities for families. Vinpearl Land is an amusement park in the area that has rides and shows. There's also Po Nagar Cham Towers and Long Son Pagoda, which are both interesting to visit. The beaches also make a great playground for kids who enjoy building sand castles and playing in the shallow water.
Hoi An is known to be 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.
Nha Trang and Hoi An both excellent destinations for a couple.
Nha Trang is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. There are several romantic hotels near the beach as well as some interesting cultural activities and beautiful beaches with water activities.
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.
Hoi An is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Nha Trang is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.
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.
Nha Trang is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. Backpackers looking for a party head to the streets around Biệt Thự Street. There are many cheap hostels and guesthouses in the area, and you won't be far from the area's best nightlife.
Nha Trang and Hoi An both offer nice public transit to get you around.
While Nha Trang offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are six city bus routes. There are also many taxis and motorbike taxes available for reasonable rates.
Hoi An has a few public transit options. Biking, taxis, and motorbikes are the most popular ways to explore the area.
Hoi An is very popular for its high level of walkability. Also, Nha Trang is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its ease of walking around.
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.
Nha Trang is a very walkable destination. The city is compact enough that you can explore many parts on foot. Most of the attractions are near the intersection of Tran Phu and Biet Thu.
For even more information, also check out Is Nha Trang Worth Visiting? and Is Hoi An Worth Visiting?.
Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Nha Trang and Hoi An. In our opinion, Hoi An has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Hoi An than Nha Trang. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.
Families should spend more time in Hoi An than Nha Trang. 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 Hoi An than Nha Trang. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Hoi An that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Hoi An than Nha Trang 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.
Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Nha Trang. 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.
Nha Trang is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the nightlife, 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 quaint 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.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nha Trang. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. 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.
Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the coastal destination of Nha Trang. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Ho Chi Minh City, The Best 10-Day Tours from Hanoi, The Best 10-Day Tours from Ho Chi Minh City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Hanoi.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Nha Trang is $40, while the average daily cost in Hoi An is $47. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Nha Trang and Hoi An in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Nha Trang or Hoi An? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Nha Trang:
Also for Nha Trang, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Hoi An are as follows:
Also for Hoi An, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Prices for flights to both Hoi An and Nha Trang change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Nha Trang:
For Nha Trang, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
For Hoi An, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
For Hoi An, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
For Nha Trang, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Nha Trang.
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Hoi An's activities, tours, and tickets:
For Hoi An, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Hoi An are as follows:
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Hoi An:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nha Trang and Hoi An, we can see that Hoi An is more expensive. And not only is Nha Trang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Nha Trang would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nha Trang 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 Hoi An would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hoi An than you might in Nha Trang.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Nha Trang Expensive? and Is Hoi An Expensive?.
Nha Trang has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Hoi An. When comparing the sizes of Nha Trang 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.
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.
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Nha Trang and Hoi An. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Nha Trang year-round. Hoi An attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
January to August in Nha Trang is the dry season. Also, September to December is the rainy season in Nha Trang. February to July in Hoi An is the dry season. Also, September to January is the rainy season in Hoi An. In July, Nha Trang usually receives less rain than Hoi An. Nha Trang gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Hoi An receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.
In July, Nha Trang is generally around the same temperature as Hoi An. Daily temperatures in Nha Trang average around 28°C (82°F), and Hoi An fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).
The autumn brings many poeple to Nha Trang as well as Hoi An. Nha Trang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hoi An throughout the year.
September to December in Nha Trang is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Hoi An. Nha Trang receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Nha Trang usually gets less rain in October than Hoi An. Nha Trang gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Hoi An receives 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
Nha Trang is around the same temperature as Hoi An in the autumn. The daily temperature in Nha Trang averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Hoi An fluctuates around 25°C (78°F).
Both Hoi An and Nha Trang are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Nha Trang 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 Nha Trang is January to August. 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, Nha Trang usually receives less rain than Hoi An. Nha Trang gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Hoi An receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
In the winter, Nha Trang is a little warmer than Hoi An. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nha Trang in January average around 24°C (75°F), and Hoi An averages at about 22°C (71°F).
Both Hoi An and Nha Trang during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Nha Trang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hoi An year-round.
Nha Trang usually gets more rain in April than Hoi An. Nha Trang gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Hoi An receives 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
In April, Nha Trang is generally around the same temperature as Hoi An. Daily temperatures in Nha Trang average around 26°C (79°F), and Hoi An fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).
Nha Trang | Hoi An | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) |
Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
Mar | 25°C (77°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
Apr | 26°C (79°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
May | 29°C (84°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 30°C (85°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 331 mm (13 in) |
Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 613 mm (24.1 in) |
Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 376 mm (14.8 in) |
Dec | 24°C (75°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 223 mm (8.8 in) |