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

Should you visit Halong Bay or Atami?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Halong Bay and Atami 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.

Halong Bay

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

Atami

Atami is a nostalgic, authentic, and overlooked town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and beaches.

Halong Bay and Atami: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Halong Bay or Atami?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Halong Bay than Atami, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Halong Bay is better known for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Atami is more popular for its nightlife and shopping. Halong Bay is more touristy than Atami and is popular for its stunning limestone mountains, dramatic water caves, peaceful fishing villages, and unique liveaboard boat trips. Also, Halong Bay is famous for Cat Ba Island. Atami is well known for its onsen (hot springs) and sandy beaches.

How is Halong Bay different from Atami?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the notable sights and museums in both Halong Bay and Atami.

Halong Bay offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Atami. The onsen, or hot springs, have historically been a big draw to this town. Places to experience them include Oedo Onsen Monogatari Atami, Otsuki Hotel Wafukan, and Myoraku-Yu. Other sights around town include Kaminiya Shrine and the MOA Museum of Art.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Halong Bay and Atami can be difficult as they are each notable in their own way.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Halong Bay. 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.

Atami is becoming an appealing option for foodies. You'll find an authentic Japanese dining experience here, with a lot of seafood due to the city's coastal location. Popular dishes include sushi, dried fish, and fish boiled in broth.

Is Halong Bay or Atami Better for Nightlife?

Atami is a town with good options for nightlife and partying. However, Halong Bay is not particularly known for its evening party scene.

Atami has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The town was once a place to escape the city and enjoy a fun night out, but these days it's a bit quieter and has more of a nostalgic vibe. Head to Yushima Yugijo Yushima Amusement Center for some of the best nightlife in town.

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 Halong Bay or Atami Better for Beaches?

Halong Bay is a very popular place for the beache. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for the beach.

The beaches at Halong Bay attract visitors from all over. 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.

Atami offers a nice beach destination. The most popular beach in the city is Atami Sun Beach, which is right in town. It's a place to relax in the sun, and there are sometimes fireworks throughout the year.

Is Halong Bay or Atami Better for Hiking?

Halong Bay is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Atami 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.

Atami is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Halong Bay or Atami?

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

Atami offers some nice shopping areas. You'll find a couple of retro shopping streets in town such as Atami Ekimae Shopping Street, Nakamise Shopping Street, and Heiwadori Shopping Street. There are arcades and food stalls where you can sample local dishes.

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 Halong Bay or Atami Better for Families?

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

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Halong Bay is very family-friendly. 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 Atami. The city is a hot springs area, but you can also head to the nearby beaches and other family-friendly activities.

Is Halong Bay or Atami Better for Couples?

Halong Bay is renowned for its romantic activities. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Halong Bay is a great bay for couples, as it has plenty to offer. 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.

Atami is a good bay for couples to visit. This is a beach and hot springs resort area, and in historic times it was a honeymoon destination. Today you'll find beaches, hot springs, shopping, and museums to explore, but most visitors use it as a base to explore the nearby areas, as the town itself doesn't have a lot to offer.

Is Halong Bay or Atami Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Halong Bay is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers 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'.

Plenty of backpackers visit Atami. While there aren't a huge number of hostels in the area, and backpackers often skip over this town, prices aren't particularly high so you should be able to find something affordable.

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

Atami 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 Atami, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are public buses, such as the YuYu Bus, which has two routes and passes by many of the town's attractions.

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 Halong Bay or Atami a more walkable city?

Atami is a town with good options for its high level of walkability. However, Halong Bay is not particularly known for its ease of walking around.

Atami is a somewhat walkable place. Some parts of the city are more walkable than others.

Halong Bay is not a very walkable bay. 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 Halong Bay Worth Visiting? and Is Atami Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Atami or Halong Bay?

How long in Halong Bay or Atami?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Halong Bay or Atami to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Halong Bay than Atami because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Halong Bay, and 1-2 days is enough time in Atami.

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

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

One day in Halong Bay or Atami?

In Halong Bay, many people enjoy the food and museums that this breathtaking destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This bay 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.

With museums and nightlife around the overlooked town of Atami, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Atami, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Halong Bay or Atami?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Halong Bay. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Atami, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Five days in Halong Bay or Atami?

Halong Bay is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the destination of Halong Bay. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Atami, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Halong Bay or Atami?

You'll find museums and food around the stunning destination of Halong Bay. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Atami 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Ho Chi Minh City, The Best 10-Day Tours from Hanoi, The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Halong Bay and Atami, we can see that Atami 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 Atami would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Atami 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 Halong Bay Expensive? and Is Atami Expensive?.