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

Should you visit Tartu 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 Tartu 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.

Tartu

Tartu is a historical, lively, and intellectual university town. Tartu is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include nightlife. See Tartu travel costs.

Hoi An

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

Tartu and Hoi An: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tartu or Hoi An?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Hoi An than Tartu, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Hoi An is better known for its museums and attractions, food, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Tartu is more popular for its nightlife. Hoi An is more touristy than Tartu and is known for its peaceful and traditional old town, its unique culinary traditions, and its affordable custom made clothing. Also, Hoi An is famous for the Fukian Assembly Hall. Tartu is well known for its vibrant student population and long running university.

How is Tartu different from Hoi An?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Hoi An is a great town for its historical sights. However, Tartu does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Tartu does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Hoi An is an amazing town to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Tartu is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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).

Tartu offers some easy restaurants to choose from. The restaurant scene is surprisingly limited because of the large student population. Most students prefer saving their money for a night out drinking over a quiet meal at a restaurant. There are some cafes around town as well as pastry shops and a few good ethnic restaurants to choose between.

Is Tartu or Hoi An Better for Nightlife?

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

Tartu has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. With its huge student population, there is plenty of activity year round. The nightlife scene includes many bars, dance clubs, and pubs that are popular with students and visitors alike. You'll find large parties and music festivals throughout the year that bring crowds to the city.

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 Tartu or Hoi An Better for Beaches?

Hoi An is a town with good options for the beach. However, Tartu is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Hoi An. 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.

Tartu is not a beach destination.

Is Tartu or Hoi An Better for its Old Town?

Hoi An is an amazing town to visit for its historic old town charm. Also, Tartu is not as popular, but is still a nice university town for its 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.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Tartu. The old town is where you'll find one of the oldest universities in Northern Europe. There is also Town Hall Square and St. John’s Quarter with many historic buildings and beautiful architecture.

Is the Shopping Better in Tartu or Hoi An?

Hoi An is an amazing town to visit for its shopping areas. However, Tartu is not known 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.

Tartu is a good destination for shopping. While most people don't visit to go shopping, there is an active art scene in town so you can find some creative pieces that are worth checking out.

Is Tartu or Hoi An More Beautiful?

Hoi An is a great town for its scenery and beauty. Also, Tartu is not as popular, but is still a nice university town for its scenery and beauty.

With stunning beauty, Hoi An attracts visitors from all around. The city is beautiful during the day with its traditional architecture, as well as at night when it is lit with lanterns.

Tartu is a gorgeous place to visit. It's a beautiful city with a long history and a number of unique historical buildings.

Is Tartu or Hoi An Better for Families?

Hoi An is a great town for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Tartu is not as popular, but is still a nice university town for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Tartu is a family-friendly place to visit. Many of the kid-friendly activities are outdoors, so summer visits are better if you're traveling with children. There are adventure parks, animal parks, and educational museums that you can choose from.

Is Tartu or Hoi An Better for Couples?

Hoi An is a great town for couples. However, Tartu is not known for romance.

Hoi An is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. 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.

Tartu is not the best destination for a couple to visit. The city has a young population, so you'll find many activities center around a more youthful vibe. There are some great museums that couples will enjoy, as well as a lively nightlife scene. Outside of old town, couples will enjoy wandering through the Karlova and Supilinn districts.

Is Tartu or Hoi An Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hoi An is an amazing town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Tartu is not as popular, but is still a nice university town 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 Tartu. With it's young population and budget friendly entertainment options, there are many things that backpackers will enjoy. It's not nearly as popular with backpackers as some other cities, but that doesn't mean it doesn't have a lot to offer.

Is Tartu or Hoi An Better for Students?

Tartu is terrific for its student-friendly activities. However, Hoi An is not popular with students.

Tartu is a very popular place to visit for students. It is a university town and home to one of the oldest universities in Northern Europe. The student population is large here, with many activities, museums, and nightlife options to choose from. There always seems to be something going on in this vibrant city.

Hoi An is not popular with students.

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

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

While Tartu offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a comprehensive bus system around the town.

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

Is Tartu or Hoi An a more walkable city?

Hoi An is an amazing town to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Tartu is not as popular, but is still a nice university town 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.

Tartu is very walkable. The city is compact with most of its sights and restaurants close together along a couple of streets.

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

Should I spend more time in Hoi An or Tartu?

How long in Tartu or Hoi An?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Tartu and Hoi An. In our opinion, Hoi An has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Hoi An than Tartu. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Tartu, and 2-3 days is enough time in Hoi An.

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

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife when visiting the destination of Tartu. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Hoi An, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this beautiful destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Tartu or Hoi An?

Tartu 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hoi An. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Tartu or Hoi An?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Tartu. 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 fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Hoi An. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Tartu or Hoi An?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife when visiting the student-oriented destination of Tartu. This university town 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the traditional destination of Hoi An. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Estonia, The Best Budget 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 Tartu and Hoi An, we can see that Tartu is more expensive. And not only is Hoi An much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Tartu 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 Tartu would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tartu 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 Tartu Expensive? and Is Hoi An Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Tartu or Hoi An?

Tartu has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Hoi An. When comparing the sizes of Tartu 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 Tartu or Hoi An?

Tartu 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 Tartu or Hoi An in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Tartu and Hoi An. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Tartu this time of year. Hoi An attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the summer, Tartu is much colder than Hoi An. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tartu in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Hoi An averages at about 29°C (85°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hoi An this time of the year. In Tartu, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tartu usually receives more sunshine than Hoi An during summer. Tartu gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Hoi An receives 242 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Tartu usually receives around the same amount of rain as Hoi An. Tartu gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Hoi An receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer. February to July in Hoi An is the dry season. Also, September to January is the rainy season in Hoi An.

Should I visit Tartu or Hoi An in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Tartu as well as Hoi An. Many travelers come to Tartu for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hoi An throughout the year.

In October, Tartu is generally much colder than Hoi An. Daily temperatures in Tartu average around 6°C (43°F), and Hoi An fluctuates around 25°C (78°F).

In the autumn, Tartu often gets less sunshine than Hoi An. Tartu gets 86 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hoi An receives 158 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Hoi An. Tartu usually gets less rain in October than Hoi An. Tartu gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Hoi An receives 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tartu or Hoi An in the Winter?

Both Hoi An and Tartu are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Tartu in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Plenty of visitors come to Hoi An because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Tartu can get quite cold in the winter. Tartu is much colder than Hoi An in the winter. The daily temperature in Tartu averages around -7°C (19°F) in January, and Hoi An fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

Tartu usually receives less sunshine than Hoi An during winter. Tartu gets 36 hours of sunny skies, while Hoi An receives 136 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hoi An. In January, Tartu usually receives less rain than Hoi An. Tartu gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Hoi An receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter. The dry season in Hoi An is February to July. The rainy season in Hoi An is September to January.

Should I visit Tartu or Hoi An in the Spring?

Both Hoi An and Tartu during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Tartu for the natural beauty during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hoi An year-round.

Tartu can be very cold during spring. In the spring, Tartu is much colder than Hoi An. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tartu in April average around 5°C (41°F), and Hoi An averages at about 26°C (80°F).

In Hoi An, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Tartu often gets less sunshine than Hoi An. Tartu gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hoi An receives 210 hours of full sun.

Tartu usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Hoi An. Tartu gets 33 mm (1.3 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 Tartu