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

Should you visit Halong Bay or Jakarta?

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 Jakarta 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. Other reasons to visit include museums, food, and beaches. See Halong Bay travel costs.

Jakarta

Jakarta is a genuine, sprawling, and friendly city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Jakarta travel costs.

Halong Bay and Jakarta: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Halong Bay or Jakarta?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Jakarta. Although Halong Bay and Jakarta are popular destinations, Jakarta has more sights and attractions for tourists. Jakarta is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Halong Bay attracts visitors for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Halong Bay is more touristy than Jakarta and is popular for its stunning limestone mountains, dramatic water caves, peaceful fishing villages, and unique liveaboard boat trips. Jakarta is famous for its diversity, culture, cuisine, and mega-malls. It is also well known for Istiqlal Mosque.

How is Halong Bay different from Jakarta?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Jakarta 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 Jakarta. There's a huge number of museums around town like the National Museum, Museum Layang-Layang, and Museum MACAN. There's also Merdeka Square, which is one of the world's biggest public squares and Istiqlal Mosque, which is the largest mosque in Southeast Asia.

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 Jakarta? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Jakarta 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 Jakarta. There are so many different cultures represented in Indonesian cuisine, and you'll find them all in Jakarta. The food stalls, restaurants, and casual eateries all have their own flavor and style, which makes dining in this mega-city a true adventure.

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 Jakarta Better for Nightlife?

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

Jakarta has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. It's a huge city, so there's a very active nightlife scene, but it's mostly focused on locals and not tourists like you'll find elsewhere in Indonesia. For the best nightlife district, head to Kemang, which has many bars and clubs.

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 Jakarta Better for Beaches?

Halong Bay is a great bay for its beaches. However, Jakarta is not a beach destination.

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.

Jakarta is not a beach destination.

Is Halong Bay or Jakarta Better for Hiking?

Halong Bay is a great bay for hiking. However, Jakarta is not a hiking destination.

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.

Jakarta is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Halong Bay or Jakarta?

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

Jakarta is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city is filled with high end luxury malls where you can buy the latest fashions and many international brands. Around town you'll also find everything from local handicrafts to chic boutiques and grand international chains.

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 Jakarta More Beautiful?

Halong Bay is terrific for its scenery and beauty. However, Jakarta 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.

Jakarta is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Halong Bay or Jakarta Better for Families?

Halong Bay is a great bay for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Jakarta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Halong Bay is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Jakarta is a family-friendly place to visit. Most visitors skip out on this huge city, and it's definitely not the first place that comes to mind when you think about family-friendly destinations, but there's actually a very fascinating culture that kids and adults alike can enjoy. There's the Kota area, which has colonial architecture. There's also a puppet museum and several history museums. But for most kids, the highlight is a visit to the Taman Impian Jaya Ancol area, which has amusement parks and even SeaWorld.

Is Halong Bay or Jakarta Better for Couples?

Halong Bay is terrific for romance. Also, Jakarta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

Halong Bay is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Jakarta makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Most travelers looking for a romantic destination will head to the many famous honeymoon spots in Indonesia. But for those who make their way to Jakarta, there is sure to be a lot of adventure and culture. The city has many great museums as well as nature parks and amusement parks.

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

Halong Bay is a great bay for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Jakarta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Halong Bay is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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 visit Jakarta. Visitors often have strong feelings about this city, whether they love it or hate it. For those backpackers who spend some time here, they're sure to be treated to a look at true Indonesian culture, which is hard to find in the more touristy areas.

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

Jakarta is a city 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 Jakarta. Public transportation has improved a lot recently. There's a commuter line as well as buses. The system can be a bit overwhelming and slow though, so tourists often avoid it.

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 Jakarta a more walkable city?

Jakarta is a city with a few options for its high level of walkability. However, Halong Bay is not particularly known for its ease of walking around.

Jakarta is generally not very walkable. Central Jakarta is more walkable than most of the city but, in general, the city has a lot of traffic and isn't the best for exploring 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 Jakarta Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Jakarta or Halong Bay?

How long in Halong Bay or Jakarta?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Halong Bay and Jakarta. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Halong Bay, and 1-3 days is enough time in Jakarta.

Families should spend more time in Halong Bay than Jakarta. 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.

One day in Halong Bay or Jakarta?

In Halong Bay, you'll find food and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This bay offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

When visiting Jakarta, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Jakarta, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Halong Bay or Jakarta?

In Halong Bay, you'll find museums and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Halong Bay has to offer.

When visiting Jakarta, people usually allow for lots of time. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Halong Bay or Jakarta?

Halong Bay is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Jakarta, a popular city, 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 Jakarta?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Halong Bay. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Halong Bay. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Jakarta 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, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Indonesia, and The Best Adventure Tours to Indonesia.

When comparing the travel costs between Halong Bay and Jakarta, we can see that Jakarta is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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 Jakarta Expensive?.