A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Halong Bay vs. Hong Kong for Food, Families, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Halong Bay or Hong Kong?

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 Hong Kong 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.

Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a compact, dense, and cosmopolitan city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Halong Bay and Hong Kong: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Halong Bay or Hong Kong?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Hong Kong than Halong Bay, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Halong Bay is well known for its stunning limestone mountains, dramatic water caves, peaceful fishing villages, and unique liveaboard boat trips. Hong Kong is well known for its modern skyscrapers, colorful waterfront, lush parks, and amazing dim sum. Also, Hong Kong is famous for Victoria Peak.

How is Halong Bay different from Hong Kong?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Hong Kong 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 Hong Kong. The city's skyline is one of the most famous "landmarks", but you'll also want to visit Victoria Peak, the Tian Tan Buddha Statue, Wong Tai Sin Temple, and Avenue of Stars.

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 Hong Kong? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hong Kong is an amazing city to visit for its restaurant scene. Also, Halong Bay is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Many restaurants in Hong Kong have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The city's population is famous for its frequency of dining out, and the prolific diversity of restaurants is obvious from the moment you arrive. There are street food stalls and night markets, as well as luxury award winning restaurants. The city holds tight to its culinary traditions, but fusion restaurants are creeping in as well. Some of the most famous Hong Kong foods include dim sum, sweet and sour pork, and roast goose.

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 Hong Kong Better for Nightlife?

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

Hong Kong is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city lights up after the sun sets. You'll find a diverse range of activities in the evening with everything from night markets to concerts and parties. There's a wonderful mix of traditional and contemporary activities, particularly around Lan Kwai Fong. Many of the most popular venues are found around Central and, like everything else in Hong Kong, the venues are full of energy.

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 Hong Kong Better for Beaches?

Both Halong Bay and Hong Kong are considered to be high quality 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 Hong Kong for it's beautiful beaches. You actually don't have to travel far from the city center to find a relatively quiet, sandy beach. The different beaches on Hong Kong Island are relatively close to each other, and each has its own atmosphere. If you need a break from the heat and the crowds, then a beach day is a fun option. Hong Kong's natural coastline give way to popular beaches including Repulse Bay Beach and Shek O Beach. Each offers a number of amenities and dining options.

Is Halong Bay or Hong Kong Better for Hiking?

Both Halong Bay and Hong Kong are destinations which offer high quality 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 Hong Kong for the hiking trails. The city is surrounded by dramatic mountains and beautiful viewpoints, making it easy to enjoy a day in nature. The hikes will offer impressive views and dramatic rock formations. Popular hikes in the area include The Peak, Dragon's Back, and the Violet Hill and Twin Peak hike.

Is the Shopping Better in Halong Bay or Hong Kong?

Hong Kong is an amazing city to visit for its shopping opportunities. However, Halong Bay is not particularly known for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Hong Kong make it a world-class shopping destination. There is a high concentration of shopping malls in the city, and you'll likely find yourself cutting through malls to access different parts of town. The city is arguably one of the best shopping cities in the world. Popular items to purchase in the city include designer clothes, handbags, electronics, jewelry, watches, and tailor-made suits.

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 Hong Kong Better for Families?

Hong Kong is an amazing city to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Halong Bay is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Hong Kong is an extremely popular city to visit for families. In addition to its many fascinating cultural experiences like visiting the markets and historical landmarks, this city also has a diversity of kid-friendly entertainment options. The most obvious is Disneyland, but there are also other amusement parks and aquariums like Ocean Park. Make sure you check out the Symphony of Lights in the evening and head to The Peak Tower during the day.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Halong 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.

Is Halong Bay or Hong Kong Better for Couples?

Both Halong Bay and Hong Kong are first-rate destinations for a couple's getaway.

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.

Hong Kong is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. This city is filled with luxury hotels, beautiful parks, and impressive restaurants. For a romantic evening, check out the Symphony of Lights over Victoria Harbour after the sun sets.

Is Halong Bay or Hong Kong Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Halong Bay is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Hong Kong 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'.

Hong Kong is a good bay to visit for backpackers. The city is more expensive than many places, but cheap eateries and free activities are abundant. Many backpackers stay in the Tsim Sha Shui area of Kowloon. This is where you'll find the frequently talked about Chungking Mansions. Times are changing though, and you'll find more hostels on Hong Kong Island these days as well.

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

Hong Kong is an amazing city to visit for its public transit. However, Halong Bay is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Hong Kong is top-notch. Land transportation includes the MTR (Mass Transit Railway), buses, minibuses, and tramways. There are also ferries that connect the different parts of the city.

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 Hong Kong a more walkable city?

Hong Kong is an amazing city to visit for its high level of walkability. However, Halong Bay is not particularly known for its ease of walking around.

Getting around Hong Kong on foot is easy. The city has many parks and walking paths that connect different areas.

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 Hong Kong Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hong Kong or Halong Bay?

How long in Halong Bay or Hong Kong?

Both Halong Bay and Hong Kong have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Hong Kong than in Halong Bay. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Halong Bay, and 3-7 days is enough time in Hong Kong.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Hong Kong 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 Hong Kong.

One day in Halong Bay or Hong Kong?

You'll find food and museums around the bay of Halong Bay. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

When visiting Hong Kong, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Halong Bay or Hong Kong?

You'll find museums and food around the spectacular destination of Halong Bay. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this bay has to offer. This bay offers a variety of activities to choose from.

When visiting Hong Kong, people usually allow for lots of time. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Halong Bay or Hong Kong?

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the stunning bay of Halong Bay. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Hong Kong, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Halong Bay or Hong Kong?

Halong Bay is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Hong Kong is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this city makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. 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, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Hanoi.

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