HanoivsHoi An
Can't decide between Hanoi and Hoi An? Compare these two amazing destinations to find your perfect match.
Hanoi
Hanoi is a captivating capital where French colonial elegance meets vibrant Vietnamese culture. The city enchants with its chaotic Old Quarter, tranquil lakes, delicious pho, and a pace of life that moves to the rhythm of motorbikes and street vendors.
Known for
Hoi An
Hoi An is Vietnam's most atmospheric ancient town, a UNESCO-listed trading port with charming lantern-lit streets, tailoring shops, and fusion architecture reflecting centuries of Chinese, Japanese, and European influences. The monthly lantern festival transforms the town into pure magic.
Known for
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Head-to-Head Comparison
See how these destinations stack up in key categories
Culture & History
Hanoi offers Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, Temple of Literature
Hoi An offers Ancient Town Walking, Japanese Covered Bridge, Lantern-Lit Streets
Food & Dining
Hanoi is famous for its local dining scene
Hoi An is famous for its local dining scene
Nightlife
Hanoi offers a relaxed evening atmosphere
Hoi An offers a relaxed evening atmosphere
Best Time to Visit
October to December, March to April
February to April
Weather
Summer: 33°C, Winter: 17°C
Summer: 33°C, Winter: 22°C
Top Attractions in Hanoi
- 1Old Quarter
- 2Hoan Kiem Lake
- 3Temple of Literature
- 4Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
- 5Water Puppet Theatre
- 6Ha Long Bay Day Trip
Top Attractions in Hoi An
- 1Ancient Town Walking
- 2Japanese Covered Bridge
- 3Lantern-Lit Streets
- 4Custom Tailoring
- 5An Bang Beach
- 6Cooking Classes
Hanoi is Popular With
Hoi An is Popular With
Hidden Gems
Discover lesser-known attractions in each city
Hidden Gems in Hanoi
- 1
Long Bien Bridge
A historic French-colonial railway bridge spanning the Red River, still used by trains, motorbikes, and pedestrians.
- 2
Train Street
An extremely narrow residential street in the Old Quarter where trains pass just inches from homes twice daily.
Hidden Gems in Hoi An
- 1
Cam Thanh Coconut Village (Bay Mau Coconut Forest)
A vast water coconut palm forest just outside town, where you can glide through serene waterways in traditional bamboo basket boats.
- 2
Reaching Out Teahouse
A beautiful, tranquil teahouse in the Ancient Town run by speech- and hearing-impaired staff, promoting social enterprise.
Neighborhoods to Explore
Discover the best areas to visit in each city
Top Areas in Hanoi
Hoan Kiem District & Old Quarter
The historic heart of Hanoi, where narrow streets organized by ancient trades (silver, herbs, silk) buzz with constant activity.
Ba Dinh District
The political and ceremonial center of Vietnam, characterized by wide boulevards, grand government buildings, and significant historical monuments.
Top Areas in Hoi An
Ancient Town (Hoi An Old Town)
The historic heart and UNESCO core of Hoi An, enclosed within a pedestrian-friendly zone.
An Hoi & The Riverside
Located just across the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge from the Ancient Town, this area is slightly more modern but equally charming.
Budget Comparison
Compare the cost of traveling in each city
Budget in Hanoi
Budget in Hoi An
Book Activities
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Book Activities in Hanoi
Skip the line with pre-booked tours and attractions
Book Activities in Hoi An
Skip the line with pre-booked tours and attractions
Getting There
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Find cheap transport to Hanoi
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Find cheap transport to Hoi An
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Our Verdict
Both Hanoi and Hoi An are incredible destinations. Hanoi excels in pho and street food, while Hoi An stands out for lanterns and tailoring.
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