A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ao Nang vs. Hanoi for Attractions, Backpackers, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Ao Nang or Hanoi?

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

Should I visit Ao Nang or Hanoi? 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.

Hanoi

Hanoi is a fascinating, high energy, and colorful city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Ao Nang and Hanoi: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ao Nang or Hanoi?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Hanoi. Although Ao Nang and Hanoi are both popular with visitors, Hanoi has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Hanoi is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Ao Nang is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Ao Nang is popular for its easy access to nearby natural beauty. Hanoi is popular for its impressive street food, historical museums, and bustling energy. It is also home to Hoan Kiem Lake.

How is Ao Nang different from Hanoi?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Hanoi 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 Hanoi?

Hanoi is a must-visit destination for its museums and history. However, Ao Nang is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Hanoi has many famous sights for visitors. The city is rich in history and culture, which you can experience through its many museums and temples. Notable sights include the Temple of Literature, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, Hoa Lo Prison Museum, and the Imperial Citadel.

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 Hanoi? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hanoi is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Ao Nang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Hanoi has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Northern Vietnamese cuisine is fresh and delicious. There are some Chinese influences, but it still has a distinct flavor that's all its own. Most notably, Hanoi is the birthplace of the famous soup, Pho. There are also many dishes that use freshwater fish and seafood. Street food and food stalls are a part of the culture, and you'll find some of the best dishes prepared right on the street.

Ao Nang offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. 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.

Is Ao Nang or Hanoi Better for Nightlife?

The excellent nightlife scene is relatively similar in Ao Nang and Hanoi.

Ao Nang has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Hanoi is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. There are night markets, nightclubs, and bars that are popular with backpackers and other young travelers. Some of the best streets for nightlife include Ta Hien Street, Hang Buom Street, Trang Tien Street, and Hoan Kiem Lake Walking Street.

Is Ao Nang or Hanoi Better for Resorts?

Ao Nang is well known for its resorts. However, Hanoi 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.

Hanoi is not a resort destination.

Is Ao Nang or Hanoi Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Ao Nang is well known for its diving and snorkeling. However, Hanoi 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.

Hanoi is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Ao Nang or Hanoi Better for Beaches?

Ao Nang is a town with good options for the beache. However, Hanoi is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Ao Nang. 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.

Hanoi is not a beach destination.

Is Ao Nang or Hanoi Better for its Old Town?

Hanoi is a must-visit destination for its historic old town charm. However, Ao Nang does not have a historic old town.

The rich history of Hanoi can be explored in its historical center. This compact and energetic area is filled with history, Vietnamese architecture, traditional food stalls, and some of the city's most interesting streets. It's also at the heart of the city's backpacker scene, and you'll find many hostels in the area.

Ao Nang does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Ao Nang or Hanoi?

Hanoi is a must-visit destination for its shopping areas. Also, Ao Nang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many people travel to Hanoi specifically to go shopping. Explore the Old Quarter where you'll find narrow shophouses and traditional markets. It's best to explore on foot and pop in to the places that look interesting. Silk Street and Silver Street are particularly fascinating.

Ao Nang is a great destination for shopping. You'll find some of the best shopping in the province of Krabi along Catalunya Walking Street in Ao Nang.

Is Ao Nang or Hanoi Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Ao Nang or Hanoi.

Ao Nang is a family-friendly town. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Hanoi. Some kids love the energy of the city, but others can get a bit intimidated by it. The traffic and chaotic congestion is part of the experience, but for kids it can feel overwhelming. Take a tour to help ease some of the pressure. Kids will also enjoy going to a water puppet show or visiting a museum such as the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology.

Is Ao Nang or Hanoi Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Ao Nang and Hanoi make for a good place to visit.

Ao Nang is a good town for couples to visit. 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.

Hanoi is a nice destination for couples. Couples who enjoy adventure and exploring new cultures will love a trip to this fascinating city. If you want to get out of town, also book a trip through the stunning Halong Bay.

Is Ao Nang or Hanoi Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hanoi is a must-visit destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Ao Nang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Hanoi, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. It's a highlight for many backpackers doing the Southeast Asian circuit. It is filled with hostels and cheap places to eat, and there is no shortage of backpackers around town. Most stay in the Old Quarter, where you'll find the highest concentration of hostels and budget accommodation.

Backpackers come from all over to 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.

Is Ao Nang or Hanoi Better for Students?

Hanoi is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Ao Nang is not popular with students.

Hanoi is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. It's affordability, fascinating culture, and accessibility make it a great study abroad destination. The food and plethora of cultural opportunities are a highlight for many international students.

Ao Nang is not popular with students.

Is Ao Nang or Hanoi 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, Hanoi 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 mostly limited in Hanoi. The best ways to get around town include motorbike taxis, cyclos, regular taxis, and local buses.

Is Ao Nang or Hanoi a more walkable city?

Ao Nang is well known for its high level of walkability. Also, Hanoi is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Hanoi is a somewhat walkable town. There are parts of the city that are best explored on foot, but you'll also find crowded areas with motorbikes, food stalls, and cars, so come prepared for a bit of a thrill. Most visitors spend the majority of their time in the Old Quarter, which is compact and dense.

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

Should I spend more time in Hanoi or Ao Nang?

How long in Ao Nang or Hanoi?

In either Ao Nang or Hanoi, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Hanoi than Ao Nang because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Ao Nang, and 3-5 days is enough time in Hanoi.

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

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

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

One day in Ao Nang or Hanoi?

In Ao Nang, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this popular destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

Because Hanoi is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city 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 Hanoi?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ao Nang. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. 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.

Because Hanoi is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Ao Nang or Hanoi?

Ao Nang is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Ao Nang. 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.

Hanoi is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Hanoi has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Ao Nang or Hanoi?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the accessible destination of Ao Nang. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hanoi. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Hanoi. 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 Tours Under $1000 in Thailand, The Best Budget Tours to Thailand, The Best Adventure Tours to Vietnam, and The Best Eco Tours in Vietnam.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ao Nang and Hanoi, we can see that Ao Nang is more expensive. And not only is Hanoi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hanoi would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hanoi 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 Hanoi.

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 Hanoi Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ao Nang or Hanoi?

Hanoi has a larger population, and is about 180 times larger than the population of Ao Nang. When comparing the sizes of Ao Nang and Hanoi, 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 Ao Nang or Hanoi?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.

Should I visit Ao Nang or Hanoi in the Summer?

Both Hanoi and Ao Nang during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Ao Nang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hanoi year-round.

August to October is the rainy season in Ao Nang. May to September is the rainy season in Hanoi. Hanoi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Ao Nang. Ao Nang usually gets more rain in July than Hanoi. Ao Nang gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Hanoi receives 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

In July, Ao Nang is generally around the same temperature as Hanoi. Daily temperatures in Ao Nang average around 28°C (82°F), and Hanoi fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

Should I visit Ao Nang or Hanoi in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Ao Nang and Hanoi. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ao Nang year-round. Hanoi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

December to March in Ao Nang is the dry season. Also, August to October is the rainy season in Ao Nang. November to April in Hanoi is the dry season. Hanoi receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Ao Nang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Ao Nang usually receives more rain than Hanoi. Ao Nang gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Hanoi receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Ao Nang is around the same temperature as Hanoi in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ao Nang averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Hanoi fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

Should I visit Ao Nang or Hanoi in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Ao Nang as well as Hanoi. Ao Nang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hanoi throughout the year.

Also, December to March in Ao Nang is the dry season. Ao Nang usually gets more rain in January than Hanoi. Ao Nang gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Hanoi receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the winter, Ao Nang is much warmer than Hanoi. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ao Nang in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Hanoi averages at about 17°C (63°F).

Should I visit Ao Nang or Hanoi in the Spring?

Both Hanoi and Ao Nang are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ao Nang throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Hanoi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

The dry season in Hanoi is November to April. The rainy season in Hanoi is May to September. It rains a lot this time of the year in Hanoi. It's quite rainy in Ao Nang. In April, Ao Nang usually receives more rain than Hanoi. Ao Nang gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Hanoi receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

In April, Ao Nang is generally a little warmer than Hanoi. Daily temperatures in Ao Nang average around 29°C (84°F), and Hanoi fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

Typical Weather for Hanoi and Ao Nang