A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Halong Bay vs. Brisbane for Couples, Attractions, Beaches, and Hiking

Should you visit Halong Bay or Brisbane?

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 Brisbane 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 breathtaking, stunning, and dramatic bay. Many visitors also come to Halong Bay because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and beaches. See Halong Bay travel costs.

Brisbane

Brisbane is a relaxed, diverse, and cultural coastal city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the museums, nightlife, and food. See Brisbane travel costs.

Halong Bay and Brisbane: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Halong Bay or Brisbane?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Brisbane. Although Halong Bay and Brisbane are both popular with visitors, Brisbane has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Brisbane is more popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, shopping, and big city activities, while Halong Bay is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Halong Bay is more touristy than Brisbane and is popular for its stunning limestone mountains, dramatic water caves, peaceful fishing villages, and unique liveaboard boat trips. Brisbane is popular for its sports culture, beautiful weather, and outdoor areas. It is also home to the Cultural Centre.

How is Halong Bay different from Brisbane?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Brisbane is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Halong Bay is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Brisbane. The Cultural Centre is where you'll find many of the city's museums. It sits on the banks of the Brisbane River and is home to the State Library of Queensland, the Queensland Museum and Sciencentre, and Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art. This is also where you'll find the Queensland Performing Arts Centre. Also popular is the Brisbane Botanic Gardens and the Wheel of Brisbane.

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.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Halong Bay and Brisbane can be difficult as they are each good 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.

Brisbane is becoming an appealing option for foodies. You'll find all of the standard eateries around town, with casual cafes, family-friendly restaurants, and some fine dining experiences to choose from.

Is Halong Bay or Brisbane Better for Nightlife?

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

Brisbane is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. Fortitude Valley is the entertainment district in the city, and it really comes to life at night. There are also many venues that take advantage of the beautiful weather with outdoor and rooftop bars.

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 Brisbane Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Brisbane is a coastal city with good options for its diving and snorkeling. However, Halong Bay is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Brisbane. There are some good snorkeling and diving spots near the city. One of the best is the Tangalooma Wrecks off Moreton Island.

Halong Bay is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Halong Bay or Brisbane Better for Beaches?

Both Halong Bay and Brisbane are considered to be superb beach destinations.

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.

Many people visit Brisbane for it's beautiful beaches. For the best beaches, you'll want to take a day trip out of town, but there are also some nice beaches right by the city. About 30 minutes from town is family-friend Suttons Beach, or you can stay in the city center and check out the man-made Streets Beach. Shorncliffe Beach is another option that's less than a half hour from town.

Is Halong Bay or Brisbane Better for Hiking?

Halong Bay is great for hiking. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for the nearby hiking options.

Many visitors go to Halong Bay for the hiking trails. 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.

Brisbane has hiking trails worth exploring. There are a number of hikes outside of town that you can enjoy as a day trip. Check out the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, Keperra Bushland Reserve, or D'Aguilar National Park to the north of town. To the south is Toohey Forest Park, Springwood Conservation Park , and Venmans Bushland National Park.

Is the Shopping Better in Halong Bay or Brisbane?

Brisbane is well known for its shopping opportunities. However, Halong Bay is not particularly known for its shopping areas.

Brisbane is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. It's one of the most popular cities for retail therapy in Queensland. Queen Street Mall is an open air shopping mall and James Street is a favorite shopping street in town.

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 Brisbane More Beautiful?

Halong Bay is an amazing bay to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Brisbane is not a destination known for its beauty.

Many visitors also come to Halong Bay because of it's amazing beauty. Halong Bay has been voted one of the new Seven Wonders of the World and it is regularly listed as one of the most beautiful places in the world.

Brisbane is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Halong Bay or Brisbane Better for Families?

Both Halong Bay and Brisbane are superb to visit with kids.

Halong Bay is a very kid-friendly 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 family-friendly things to do in Brisbane. Kids will love a visit to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary or White Ridge Farm. And, of course, you should take a ride on the iconic Wheel of Brisbane. If you're willing to head out of town you can visit the fun Tangalooma Island Resort. Streets Beach is also fun to visit.

Is Halong Bay or Brisbane Better for Couples?

Halong Bay is an amazing bay to visit for couples. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Halong Bay 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.

Brisbane is a nice destination for couples. The waterfront setting and romantic restaurants offer a nice getaway for couples. There are many outdoor spaces that are fun to explore as well.

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

Halong Bay and Brisbane are superb places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Halong Bay is a great bay to visit for backpackers. 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 budget travelers and backpackers visit Brisbane. Many backpackers breeze through Brisbane in favor of other nearby destinations, but there are actually a number of hostels in town and some interesting things to do.

Is Halong Bay or Brisbane Better for Students?

Brisbane is well known for students. However, Halong Bay is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Brisbane. Many students appreciate the local vibe, warm weather, and excellent education opportunities that the city offers.

Halong Bay is not popular with students.

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

Brisbane is a coastal city 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 Brisbane, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses, trains, and ferries around town, but many people prefer to have their own vehicle. Ferries are the most fun and scenic way to get around.

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 Brisbane a more walkable city?

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

Brisbane is a very walkable coastal city. There's a good network of paths that make parts of the city walkable.

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 Brisbane Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Brisbane or Halong Bay?

How long in Halong Bay or Brisbane?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Brisbane 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 Brisbane.

One day in Halong Bay or Brisbane?

The beautiful bay of Halong Bay offers museums and food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the diverse coastal city of Brisbane, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Halong Bay or Brisbane?

Halong Bay is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this bay makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Halong Bay, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

With scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the destination of Brisbane, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this coastal city.

Five days in Halong Bay or Brisbane?

Halong Bay is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Brisbane, a popular coastal city, is full of activities for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Brisbane?

Halong Bay is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This bay offers something for everyone.

Brisbane 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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Vietnam, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Vietnam, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Australia, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Australia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Halong Bay and Brisbane, we can see that Brisbane is more expensive. And not only is Halong Bay much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Halong Bay is in Asia and Brisbane is in Pacific, 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 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 Brisbane would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Brisbane 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 Brisbane Expensive?.