A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Halong Bay vs. Cromwell for Couples, Hiking, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Halong Bay or Cromwell?

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 Cromwell 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 because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the museums, food, and beaches.

Cromwell

Cromwell is a cultural, outdoorsy, and historical town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and skiing.

Halong Bay and Cromwell: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Halong Bay or Cromwell?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Cromwell than Halong Bay, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Cromwell is better known for its skiing, nightlife, shopping, and small town charm, while Halong Bay is more popular for its beaches and impressive beauty. Halong Bay is more touristy than Cromwell and is popular for its stunning limestone mountains, dramatic water caves, peaceful fishing villages, and unique liveaboard boat trips. Cromwell is well known for its fruit farms, orchards, and vineyards. Also, Cromwell is famous for the big fruit.

How is Halong Bay different from Cromwell?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Halong Bay or Cromwell Better for Skiing?

Cromwell is a town with good options for winter skiing. However, Halong Bay is not a skiing destination.

For winter sports and skiing, Cromwell is a great destination to visit. The town isn't far from several ski fields, so it attracts winter sports enthusiasts when the weather gets cold.

Halong Bay is not a skiing destination.

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

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

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 Cromwell. There are some interesting historical activities around town like Goldfields Mining Centre.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Halong Bay and Cromwell 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.

Cromwell is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are charming cafes and bakeries where you can grab a light meal or snack. There are also quaint restaurants and wineries with nice meals available.

Is Halong Bay or Cromwell Better for Nightlife?

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

Cromwell has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are a few breweries and a number of wineries around town where you can have a relaxing 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 Halong Bay or Cromwell Better for Beaches?

Halong Bay is a great bay for the beache. However, Cromwell is not a beach destination.

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.

Cromwell is not a beach destination.

Is Halong Bay or Cromwell Better for Hiking?

Both Halong Bay and Cromwell are destinations which offer great hiking.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around 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.

Many visitors go to Cromwell for the hiking trails. There are many beautiful walks in the area that take you through diverse landscapes and to impressive views.

Is the Shopping Better in Halong Bay or Cromwell?

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

Cromwell offers some nice shopping areas. There's a farmers market in town as well as several local vendors and cute shops.

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 Cromwell Better for Families?

Both Halong Bay and Cromwell are great 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 Cromwell. The lakefront setting means that there are water activities during the warmer months. There are also ski fields nearby for the winter months. Biking and walking are also popular in the area.

Is Halong Bay or Cromwell Better for Couples?

Halong Bay is very popular for its romantic activities. Also, Cromwell is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

Cromwell is a very popular place to visit for couples. Cycling, walking, kayaking, and skiing all make this a romantic a charming town to visit as a couple. There are also wineries in the area with beautiful vineyards.

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

Halong Bay is a great bay for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Cromwell is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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 Cromwell. There are a handful of great hostels in the area and plenty of things to keep backpackers entertained.

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

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

Public transit is generally limited in Cromwell. Public transit around town is limited to a couple of buses.

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 Cromwell a more walkable city?

Cromwell 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.

Cromwell is a somewhat walkable place. Parts of the town are 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 Cromwell Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cromwell or Halong Bay?

How long in Halong Bay or Cromwell?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Halong Bay or Cromwell to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Halong Bay than Cromwell 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 Cromwell.

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

One day in Halong Bay or Cromwell?

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 nightlife and food around the cultural town of Cromwell, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cromwell, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Halong Bay or Cromwell?

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 food and shopping around the destination of Cromwell, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 Cromwell?

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.

Cromwell, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Cromwell?

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.

Cromwell 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in New Zealand, and The Best 2-Week Tours in New Zealand.

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