A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ao Nang vs. Halong Bay for Couples, Beaches, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Ao Nang or Halong Bay?

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

Should I visit Ao Nang or Halong Bay? 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.

Ao Nang

Ao Nang is a beachfront, lively, and accessible town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Halong Bay

Halong Bay is a dramatic, spectacular, and breathtaking bay. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the beaches, hiking, and museums.

Ao Nang and Halong Bay: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ao Nang or Halong Bay?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Ao Nang. Although Ao Nang and Halong Bay are both popular with visitors, Ao Nang has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Ao Nang is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and shopping, while Halong Bay is known for its museums, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Ao Nang is popular for its easy access to nearby natural beauty. It is also home to the Island Boat Tours. Halong Bay is popular for its stunning limestone mountains, dramatic water caves, peaceful fishing villages, and unique liveaboard boat trips.

How is Ao Nang different from Halong Bay?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Halong Bay and Ao Nang. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Ao Nang or Halong Bay?

Halong Bay is a popular place for its museums and history. However, Ao Nang is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Halong Bay. While the bay is really about its stunning natural beauty, you can also visit the Quang Ninh Museum, which will give you some insight into the area. The Cai Bau Pagoda is also impressive, as is the Vung Vieng Floating Village.

Ao Nang offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most of the fun of this town is the beach setting and easy access to natural beauty. If you're looking for a temple, you can check out nearby Wat Tham Suea (Tiger Cavee Temple).

Is the Food Better in Ao Nang or Halong Bay? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Ao Nang and Halong Bay offer a number of good restaurants to choose from.

Ao Nang is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are plenty of restaurants that are vying for your business. The food is the typical Thai cuisine as well as international options like pizza and burgers.

Halong Bay offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. Because most visitors travel to Halong Bay as part of an overnight boat tour, meals are usually included in the package. The dishes are usually local Vietnamese dishes, and the luxury level varies depending on the tour you book.

Is Ao Nang or Halong Bay Better for Nightlife?

Ao Nang is well known for nightlife and partying. However, Halong Bay is not particularly known for its evening party scene.

Ao Nang is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. It has some of the best nightlife in the province of Krabi. There are many bars and restaurants where you can grab a drink and enjoy a fun night out.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Halong Bay Many tours, particularly those that cater to the backpacker crowd, have a social atmosphere, but there isn't a nightlife scene and this area isn't a trip that's known for its party atmosphere. Most tourists stay up in the evening swapping travel stories with their fellow boatmates.

Is Ao Nang or Halong Bay Better for Resorts?

Ao Nang is well known for its resorts. However, Halong Bay is not a resort destination.

In Ao Nang, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. It's a resort town with many diverse places to choose from, including budget-friendly and more upscale.

Halong Bay is not a resort destination.

Is Ao Nang or Halong Bay Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Ao Nang is well known for its diving and snorkeling. However, Halong Bay is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Ao Nang is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. There are plenty of dive shops that offer both snorkeling and dive excursions to nearby areas.

Halong Bay is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Ao Nang or Halong Bay Better for Beaches?

Halong Bay is a very popular place for the beach. Also, Ao Nang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

Halong Bay is considered a top beach destination. Many boat tours spend a day or half day hanging out on a beach. The setting is stunning with emerald blue water and dramatic limestone karsts climbing out of the water.

Many people head to Ao Nang to enjoy the beach. Ao Nang Beach is the most popular beach near town. It is lined with longtail boats and there's often a crowd that keeps things busy and chaotic. Noppharat Thara Beach is popular with the locals and sees less tourists than Ao Nang Beach. It has golden sand and a beautiful setting.

Is Ao Nang or Halong Bay Better for Hiking?

Halong Bay is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Ao Nang is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Halong Bay. Most tours stop off at Cat Ba Island and lead travelers through spectacular hikes. You'll take a guided walk through jungles and reach spectacular viewpoints.

Ao Nang is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ao Nang or Halong Bay?

Ao Nang is a town with good options for its shopping opportunities. However, Halong Bay is not particularly known for its shopping areas.

Ao Nang offers some nice shopping areas. You'll find some of the best shopping in the province of Krabi along Catalunya Walking Street in Ao Nang.

Shopping in Halong Bay can be found for those interested. Most people don't spend their time shopping while they're visiting the area. If you're looking for a local souvenir, there are a few places to pick things up during your trip.

Is Ao Nang or Halong Bay Better for Families?

Halong Bay is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Ao Nang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Halong Bay. Most people visit the area on board an overnight boat from Hanoi. The boats range in style and luxury level, but whatever you choose, your kids will love the novelty of sleeping aboard a boat and exploring the truly stunning islands.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Ao Nang. The sandy beaches are great for kids. This is also a nice base if you want to take day trips to Railay Beach and other nearby areas.

Is Ao Nang or Halong Bay Better for Couples?

Halong Bay is a must-visit destination for couples. Also, Ao Nang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Halong Bay makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. This truly world-class setting makes a perfect honeymoon or romantic destination. You'll likely want to book a luxury boat with plenty of amenities and delicious dining options. The setting is spectacular, and among the most unique in the world.

Ao Nang is a nice destination for couples. The area is filled with amazing natural beauty and stunning beaches. You can use Ao Nang as a base for exploring the many impressive areas that aren't far away.

Is Ao Nang or Halong Bay Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ao Nang and Halong Bay are both excellent destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Ao Nang. There are hostels and budget accommodation in abundance in the area. Ao Nang also has some of the best nightlife in Krabi, which attracts a younger crowd.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Halong Bay. This is one of those places that you can't really visit independently, because you'll need to arrange a boat. There are countless travel agencies in Hanoi that you can book your trip through. The prices vary widely, as do the activities and amenities. Most backpackers enjoy exploring the bay aboard a Chinese Sail Boat or 'Junk'.

Is Ao Nang or Halong Bay Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Ao Nang is a town with good options for its public transit. However, Halong Bay is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Ao Nang, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Tuk tuks or renting a motorbike are your best bet for reaching places quickly.

Public transit is quite limited in Halong Bay. An organized tour is essential for exploring the bay. Most visitors arrange an overnight boat tour, often aboard a Chinese Sail Boat or 'Junk'.

Is Ao Nang or Halong Bay a more walkable city?

Ao Nang is well known for its high level of walkability. However, Halong Bay is not particularly known for its ease of walking around.

Ao Nang is a very walkable town. It's a small town, so most places can be reached on foot.

Halong Bay is not a very walkable town. This is a place that requires an organized tour to visit, as you need a boat to explore.

For even more information, also check out Is Ao Nang Worth Visiting? and Is Halong Bay Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Halong Bay or Ao Nang?

How long in Ao Nang or Halong Bay?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Ao Nang and Halong Bay. In our opinion, Ao Nang has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Ao Nang than Halong Bay. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Halong Bay than Ao Nang. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Halong Bay, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Halong Bay than Ao Nang. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Halong Bay that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Ao Nang than Halong Bay 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 Ao Nang.

One day in Ao Nang or Halong Bay?

With shopping and nightlife around the beachfront town of Ao Nang, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Halong Bay, you'll find food and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This bay offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Ao Nang or Halong Bay?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Ao Nang, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

In Halong Bay, you'll find museums and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Halong Bay has to offer.

Five days in Ao Nang or Halong Bay?

Ao Nang, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Halong Bay is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 Ao Nang or Halong Bay?

Ao Nang is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Halong Bay. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Halong Bay. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 Tours Under $1000 in Thailand, The Best Budget Tours to Thailand, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Ho Chi Minh City, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Hanoi.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ao Nang and Halong Bay, we can see that Ao Nang is more expensive. And not only is Halong Bay much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Halong Bay would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Halong Bay 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 Ao Nang would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ao Nang than you might in Halong Bay.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Ao Nang Expensive? and Is Halong Bay Expensive?.