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

Should you visit Halong Bay or Kaikoura?

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 Kaikoura 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 stunning, dramatic, and spectacular bay. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and hiking.

Kaikoura

Kaikoura is a unique, nature-oriented, and biologically diverse town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and beaches.

Halong Bay and Kaikoura: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Halong Bay or Kaikoura?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Kaikoura than Halong Bay, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Kaikoura is better known for its food, nightlife, and shopping, while Halong Bay is more popular for its museums & sights and impressive beauty. Halong Bay is well known for its stunning limestone mountains, dramatic water caves, peaceful fishing villages, and unique liveaboard boat trips. Kaikoura is well known for its local Sperm Whale population, abundance of marine life, and local crayfish (lobster) recipes. Also, Kaikoura is famous for its whale watching trips.

How is Halong Bay different from Kaikoura?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Halong Bay is a popular place for its sights and museums. However, Kaikoura is not a good town for its museums and history.

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.

While most people don't head to Kaikoura specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There aren't many museums in the area, but it's worth learning more about the region's history with a visit to Kaikoura Museum.

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

Kaikoura 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 Kaikoura. Seafood lovers will be in heaven in this town! There are many local, freshly caught favorites such as cod, mussels, and crayfish (which is actually lobster). You'll find plenty of casual eateries, including an authentic American diner.

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 Kaikoura Better for Nightlife?

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

Kaikoura has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. This is a small town so the nightlife scene is limited, but there are a few restaurants with bars around town.

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 Kaikoura Better for Beaches?

Both Halong Bay and Kaikoura are considered to be excellent 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 Kaikoura for it's beautiful beaches. There are many black pebble beaches in the area, which are great for wildlife spotting, but not so good for swimming. Gooch's Beach is one of the most popular, and it's sandier than many of the other beaches. South Bay is another popular area to visit.

Is Halong Bay or Kaikoura Better for Hiking?

Both Halong Bay and Kaikoura are destinations which offer excellent 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 Kaikoura for the hiking trails. There are many coastal walks in the area that will take you through a variety of landscapes. This is also a great way to see the many diverse types of wildlife throughout the peninsula.

Is the Shopping Better in Halong Bay or Kaikoura?

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

Kaikoura offers some nice shopping areas. There are local shops where you can pick up some interesting products that are unique to the area.

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 Kaikoura Better for Families?

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

Kaikoura is an extremely popular town to visit for families. Kids who love animals will appreciate all of the wildlife in the area. This is one of the best places in the country to see dolphins, whales, and seals. There are world class whale watching trips as well as opportunities to swim with the dolphins and get close to the seals. There is also kayaking, a coastal train, and even sheep shearing. Minigolf is also a fun activity in the area.

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 Kaikoura Better for Couples?

Halong Bay is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Kaikoura is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for couples.

Halong Bay makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Kaikoura makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The town is all about wildlife, so if whale watching trips, dolphin spotting, and experiencing amazing local wildlife is your thing, then this is your spot! There are also beautiful coastal sights with a dramatic mountain backdrop.

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

Halong Bay and Kaikoura are excellent 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 Kaikoura. There are a decent number of hostels in the area and plenty of fun activities that backpackers will enjoy.

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

Neither Halong Bay or Kaikoura offer decent public transit.

Public transit is limited or non-existant 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'.

Public transit is quite limited in Kaikoura. The town is very small and there is no real public transit in the area.

Is Halong Bay or Kaikoura a more walkable city?

Kaikoura 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.

Kaikoura is a somewhat walkable place. There are many coastal walks in the area, which is a great way to soak up the beauty and see the wildlife. The town itself is small and most of the accommodation is along Beach Road, so it's relatively easy to reach places 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 Kaikoura Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kaikoura or Halong Bay?

How long in Halong Bay or Kaikoura?

It's fun to spend time in either Halong Bay or Kaikoura. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Kaikoura 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 Kaikoura.

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

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

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

One day in Halong Bay or Kaikoura?

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 shopping and nightlife around the unique town of Kaikoura, 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. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Halong Bay or Kaikoura?

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 nightlife and food around the destination of Kaikoura, 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 town.

Five days in Halong Bay or Kaikoura?

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.

Kaikoura, 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 Kaikoura?

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.

Kaikoura 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 Eco Tours in New Zealand, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in New Zealand.

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