A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tallinn vs. Hoi An for Food, Old Town, Backpackers, and Attractions

Should you visit Tallinn or Hoi An?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Tallinn or Hoi An, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Tallinn

Tallinn is a charming, quaint, and whimsical city. Tallinn is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Tallinn travel costs.

Hoi An

Hoi An is a beautiful, traditional, and quaint town. The beauty of Hoi An is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the beaches, shopping, and museums. See Hoi An travel costs.

Tallinn and Hoi An: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tallinn or Hoi An?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hoi An. Although Tallinn and Hoi An are popular destinations, Hoi An has more sights and attractions for tourists. Hoi An is very popular for its food, beaches, and shopping, while Tallinn attracts visitors for its nightlife, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Tallinn is famous for its well preserved old town and its active nightlife scene. 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.

How is Tallinn different from Hoi An?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Tallinn and Hoi An.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Tallinn can be an interesting and educational experience. There are beautiful historic churches, particularly in the city's old town. A highlight is the stunning Alexander Nevski Cathedral. You'll also find some unique museums around town as well as Toompea Castle.

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.

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

Hoi An is a must-visit destination for its restaurants. Also, Tallinn is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Hoi An is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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 Tallinn area. Food is affordable and hearty. Many dishes incorporate rye bread, pork, smoked fish, potatoes, or dairy products. You'll also find a lot of variation in dishes between seasons.

Is Tallinn or Hoi An Better for Nightlife?

Tallinn is an excellent place to visit for nightlife. However, Hoi An is lacking in options for nightlife and partying.

Tallinn has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. As it's grown in popularity with tourists, the city has put itself on the map as a top party destination in Eastern Europe. There's an active bar and club scene, but there are also art venues and other creative activities 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.

Is Tallinn or Hoi An Better for Beaches?

Hoi An is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Tallinn is not a beach destination.

Hoi An has a beach worth visiting. 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.

Tallinn is not a beach destination.

Is Tallinn or Hoi An Better for its Old Town?

Tallinn and Hoi An both have world-class historical old towns that attract visitors.

The rich history of Tallinn can be explored in its historical center. The city's medieval old town is at the heart of it's tourist attractions. The Gothic architecture, local restaurants, and cobblestone streets give the city a fairytale charm.

Hoi An has a unique history which comes to life in its historic 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Tallinn or Hoi An?

Hoi An is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Tallinn is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Tallinn. There's a mix of quirky shops and recognizable brands around town. Old town is a popular shopping area, as is nearby Kalamaja. Visitors enjoy picking up marzipan, local crafts, and unique art.

Is Tallinn or Hoi An More Beautiful?

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

Tallinn is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The beautiful architecture and impressive old town makes this a top tourist destination in Eastern Europe.

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 Tallinn or Hoi An Better for Families?

Hoi An is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Tallinn is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Tallinn. Your kids will feel like they stepped into a fairytale in this beautiful city. It has countless museums including an open air museum and a zoo. There's also nearby Pirita Beach, where you and your kids can enjoy ice cream in a seaside setting.

Is Tallinn or Hoi An Better for Couples?

Tallinn and Hoi An are both great to visit as a couple.

Tallinn makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Filled with gardens, romantic walks, and impressive views, this city makes for a great couple's getaway. Base yourself in the city's beautiful old town and dine in one of the many local restaurants. There are also nice hotels around town that are great for couples.

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 Tallinn or Hoi An Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tallinn and Hoi An are both world-class destinations for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Tallinn is extremely popular for backpackers. The city is both affordable and unique, which is perfect for travelers on a budget. There are plenty of hostels around town as well as casual places to grab a cheap bite to eat.

Hoi An is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. It's solidly on the backpacker trail, and you'll find many visitors who come for the beautiful culture and fascinating setting.

Is Tallinn or Hoi An Better for Students?

Tallinn is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Hoi An is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Tallinn. International students appreciate the vibrant atmosphere and the affordable options around town.

Hoi An is not popular with students.

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

Tallinn is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Hoi An is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Public transit in Tallinn is fairly effecient and thorough. There are buses trolleys and trams around town.

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.

Is Tallinn or Hoi An a more walkable city?

Tallinn and Hoi An are world-class when it comes to walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Tallinn. The city is compact and easily explored on foot, particularly in the most touristy areas.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Hoi An or Tallinn?

How long in Tallinn or Hoi An?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Tallinn and Hoi An. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Tallinn than in Hoi An. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Tallinn, and 2-3 days is enough time in Hoi An.

Families should spend more time in Hoi An than Tallinn. 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 Tallinn. 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.

One day in Tallinn or Hoi An?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the quaint destination of Tallinn. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Hoi An, you'll find museums and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Tallinn or Hoi An?

Tallinn is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

In Hoi An, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Hoi An has to offer.

Five days in Tallinn or Hoi An?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Tallinn. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

Hoi An is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Tallinn or Hoi An?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historical destination of Tallinn. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hoi An. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Hoi An. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Tallinn, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Estonia, 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 Tallinn and Hoi An, we can see that Tallinn is more expensive. And not only is Hoi An much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Tallinn is in Europe and Hoi An is in Asia, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Tallinn would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tallinn 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 Tallinn Expensive? and Is Hoi An Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Tallinn or Hoi An?

Tallinn has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Hoi An. When comparing the sizes of Tallinn 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 Tallinn or Hoi An?

Tallinn has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Hoi An experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Tallinn or Hoi An in the Summer?

Both Hoi An and Tallinn are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Tallinn for the family-friendly experiences. Plenty of visitors come to Hoi An because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In July, Tallinn is generally much colder than Hoi An. Daily temperatures in Tallinn average around 17°C (62°F), and Hoi An fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).

It's quite sunny in Hoi An. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tallinn. Tallinn usually receives more sunshine than Hoi An during summer. Tallinn gets 279 hours of sunny skies, while Hoi An receives 242 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Tallinn usually receives more rain than Hoi An. Tallinn gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Hoi An receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer. The dry season in Hoi An is February to July. The rainy season in Hoi An is September to January.

Should I visit Tallinn or Hoi An in the Autumn?

Both Hoi An and Tallinn during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Tallinn in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hoi An year-round.

Tallinn is much colder than Hoi An in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tallinn averages around 7°C (44°F) in October, and Hoi An fluctuates around 25°C (78°F).

In the autumn, Tallinn often gets less sunshine than Hoi An. Tallinn gets 92 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hoi An receives 158 hours of full sun.

Hoi An gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Tallinn usually gets less rain in October than Hoi An. Tallinn gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Hoi An receives 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tallinn or Hoi An in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Tallinn and Hoi An. Most visitors come to Tallinn for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Hoi An attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Tallinn can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Tallinn is much colder than Hoi An. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tallinn in January average around -5°C (22°F), and Hoi An averages at about 22°C (71°F).

Tallinn usually receives less sunshine than Hoi An during winter. Tallinn gets 25 hours of sunny skies, while Hoi An receives 136 hours of full sun in the winter.

Hoi An receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Tallinn usually receives less rain than Hoi An. Tallinn gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Hoi An receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter. February to July in Hoi An is the dry season. Also, September to January is the rainy season in Hoi An.

Should I visit Tallinn or Hoi An in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Tallinn as well as Hoi An. The spring months attract visitors to Tallinn because of the natural beauty. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hoi An throughout the year.

The weather in Tallinn can be very cold. In April, Tallinn is generally much colder than Hoi An. Daily temperatures in Tallinn average around 4°C (39°F), and Hoi An fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hoi An. In the spring, Tallinn often gets less sunshine than Hoi An. Tallinn gets 186 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hoi An receives 210 hours of full sun.

Tallinn usually gets more rain in April than Hoi An. Tallinn gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Hoi An receives 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Hoi An and Tallinn