A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Halong Bay vs. Gili Trawangan for Beaches, Couples, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit Halong Bay or Gili Trawangan?

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 Gili Trawangan 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. Halong Bay is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the beaches, hiking, and museums. See Halong Bay travel costs.

Gili Trawangan

Gili Trawangan is a idyllic, laidback, and tropical island. The beauty of Gili Trawangan is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and nightlife. See Gili Trawangan travel costs.

Halong Bay and Gili Trawangan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Halong Bay or Gili Trawangan?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Gili Trawangan than Halong Bay, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Gili Trawangan is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Halong Bay is more popular for its museums and attractions, hiking, and impressive beauty. Gili Trawangan is more touristy than Halong Bay and is popular for its beautiful water and impressive scuba diving. Also, Gili Trawangan is famous for beautiful beachfront setting. Halong Bay is well known for its stunning limestone mountains, dramatic water caves, peaceful fishing villages, and unique liveaboard boat trips.

How is Halong Bay different from Gili Trawangan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Halong Bay is very good for its museums and history. However, Gili Trawangan is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Gili Trawangan offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of art and cultural museums on the island, but most people spend their time soaking up the idyllic setting.

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

Gili Trawangan is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Halong Bay is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Gili Trawangan. As the largest and one of the most touristy of the Gili Islands, you'll find a wide range of cuisines. There's everything from Mexican to Greek available. You'll also find plenty of tropical fruits and some local Indonesian cuisine as well.

Halong Bay is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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 Halong Bay or Gili Trawangan Better for Nightlife?

Gili Trawangan is an amazing island to visit for nightlife and partying. However, Halong Bay is not particularly known for its evening party scene.

Gili Trawangan has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. This is the "party island" of the Gili Islands. It has a wild nightlife scene that is particularly popular with backpackers. There are tons of beach bars that have live music, DJs, and nightly parties. There are also regular boat parties. The party scene is pretty well coordinated across the bars, and one bar will stay open late each night while the others close around midnight. This keeps the partygoers concentrated in one location and keeps the energy high for everyone.

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 Gili Trawangan Better for Resorts?

Gili Trawangan is a island with good options for its resorts. However, Halong Bay is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Gili Trawangan makes a nice vacation spot. The island was long known for its backpacker vibe which included poorly concentrated beach huts. More recently there's been an upswing in upmarket accommodation, particularly on the quieter western and northern sides of the island.

Halong Bay is not a resort destination.

Is Halong Bay or Gili Trawangan Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Gili Trawangan is an amazing island to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Halong Bay is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Gili Trawangan is a world class destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. Snorkeling and diving are a highlight on the island, and a big draw for many visitors. The island is small, with a large concentration of tourists, so if you book a boat trip, you'll likely be surrounded by others. This doesn't mean you won't be able to enjoy colorful fish, a magical undersea world, and the occasional sea turtle.

Halong Bay is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Halong Bay or Gili Trawangan Better for Beaches?

Gili Trawangan is an amazing island to visit for the beach. Also, Halong Bay is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beach.

Gili Trawangan is considered to be a world-class beach destination. The island is filled with white sand beaches, most of which have restaurants and beachside bars nearby. One of the busiest beaches is near the port, but a quieter area is nearby Surf Point. The sunset side of the island is perfect in the evening when the sun starts to dip below the horizon, but the beaches on that side aren't as great as the other side of the island.

Many people visit Halong Bay for it's beautiful beaches. 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.

Is Halong Bay or Gili Trawangan Better for Hiking?

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

Gili Trawangan is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Halong Bay or Gili Trawangan?

Gili Trawangan is a island with a few options for its shopping opportunities. However, Halong Bay is not particularly known for its shopping areas.

If you're looking to go shopping, Gili Trawangan has some nice offerings. You'll find most things you need on the island, but this isn't a place people usually shop for fun.

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 Gili Trawangan More Beautiful?

Halong Bay is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Gili Trawangan is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its scenery and beauty.

Halong Bay is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. 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.

With stunning beauty, Gili Trawangan attracts visitors from all around. Crystal blue waters and white sand beaches make this an idyllic island paradise. The setting is perfect for hanging out by the water and soaking up the island vibe.

Is Halong Bay or Gili Trawangan Better for Families?

Both Halong Bay and Gili Trawangan 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 Gili Trawangan. There are many kid-friendly activities like snorkeling, kayaking, and biking. There are also glass bottom boat tours and a great laidback island vibe that kids and adults alike will enjoy. Do note that this is one of the more popular islands for backpackers, so there is a big party scene.

Is Halong Bay or Gili Trawangan Better for Couples?

Halong Bay is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Gili Trawangan is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

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.

Couples visit Gili Trawangan frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. White sand, blue water, and a true tropical island paradise make this a wonderful honeymoon destination. It's one of the more energetic of the Gili Islands, so if you're looking for a calm retreat, there may be better options, but it still has wonderful resorts and great diving.

Is Halong Bay or Gili Trawangan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Gili Trawangan is an amazing island to visit for backpackers. Also, Halong Bay is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Gili Trawangan. It's the most popular of the Gili Islands for backpackers so you'll find tons of hostels and a great nightlife scene. The energy is high and the scenery and idyllic beaches are wonderful.

Plenty of budget travelers and 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'.

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

Gili Trawangan is a island 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 Gili Trawangan, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Many tourists enjoy getting around the island by cidomo, which are horse-drawn carts. Otherwise, walking or biking are your best options.

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 Gili Trawangan a more walkable city?

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

Gili Trawangan is a very walkable island. While it's the largest of the Gili Islands, it still small enough to walk around in about two hours and it's relatively easy to explore on foot.

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 Gili Trawangan Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Gili Trawangan or Halong Bay?

How long in Halong Bay or Gili Trawangan?

It's fun to spend time in either Halong Bay or Gili Trawangan. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Gili Trawangan due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Halong Bay, and 2-4 days is enough time in Gili Trawangan.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Gili Trawangan 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 Gili Trawangan.

One day in Halong Bay or Gili Trawangan?

In Halong Bay, you'll find museums and food. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

With scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife around the idyllic island of Gili Trawangan, 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 Gili Trawangan?

Halong Bay is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Gili Trawangan, 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 island.

Five days in Halong Bay or Gili Trawangan?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Halong Bay. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Gili Trawangan, a popular island, 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 Gili Trawangan?

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the bay of Halong Bay. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week 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.

Gili Trawangan 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 Tours for Seniors to Indonesia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Indonesia.

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

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 Gili Trawangan Expensive?.