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

Should you visit Halong Bay or Koh Tao?

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 Koh Tao 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. Visitors also love the museums, food, and beaches. See Halong Bay travel costs.

Koh Tao

Koh Tao is a laid back, mellow, and beautiful island. The famous beauty of Koh Tao is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and nightlife. See Koh Tao travel costs.

Halong Bay and Koh Tao: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Halong Bay or Koh Tao?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Koh Tao than Halong Bay, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Koh Tao 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. Halong Bay is well known for its stunning limestone mountains, dramatic water caves, peaceful fishing villages, and unique liveaboard boat trips. Koh Tao is well known for its affordable scuba diving courses, laid-back island vibe, popularity with backpackers, and stunning island hikes. Also, Koh Tao is famous for Mango Bay Viewpoint.

How is Halong Bay different from Koh Tao?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Halong Bay is a nice place to visit for its historical sights. However, Koh Tao is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

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.

Koh Tao offers a few options for museum-goers. It's a small island that is all about beachfront beauty. Most visitors enjoy the island's outdoor paradise setting, but on those rainy afternoons, there really are very few indoor activities or temples to visit.

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

Koh Tao 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 Koh Tao. You'll find a huge ex-pat community on the island, and with them they bring a variety of international cuisines. There are also local establishments that sell the typical Thai dishes with lots of seafood, curries, and noodle dishes. It's fun to enjoy a beachside restaurant that lets you sit right by the water looking off into a tropical paradise.

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 Koh Tao Better for Nightlife?

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

Koh Tao is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. While most people head for the island for its scuba diving, when the sun goes down everyone heads to the beach to party. The island has a very active nightlife scene with its own Full Moon Parties, dance clubs, beachside bars, and more. Head to Sairee Beach for the most active nightlife and entertainment options.

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 Koh Tao Better for Resorts?

Koh Tao is well known for its resorts. However, Halong Bay is not a resort destination.

In Koh Tao, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. While it's mostly famous as a diving destination, there are also a diversity of resorts, from luxury to affordable, available on the island. The beaches are beautiful and many resorts offer scuba diving packages as well.

Halong Bay is not a resort destination.

Is Halong Bay or Koh Tao Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Koh Tao is a world class destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. The island is Thailand's most famous scuba diving destination for it's affordable certifications and prolific dive shops. There are a variety of dive sites near the island, but with fame and popularity come challenges. The coral and sealife is feeling the pressure of the high number of tourists, and the reefs show their damage. But the training you receive here is affordable and well-established.

Halong Bay is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Halong Bay or Koh Tao Better for Beaches?

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

Koh Tao is considered to be a world-class beach destination. The white sand beaches have a mellow vibe with beautiful blue waters. This is a true tropical paradise with beachside cafes, easy snorkeling, and warm water. The beaches range from quiet and isolated to high energy and vibrant.

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 Koh Tao Better for Hiking?

Both Halong Bay and Koh Tao 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 Koh Tao for the hiking trails. Hiking is the best way to enjoy the inland beauty of the island. There are paths that take you through the jungle covered land to viewpoints and remote areas. Many paths are rustic and not always well maintained so it's helpful to ask a local for directions beforehand.

Is the Shopping Better in Halong Bay or Koh Tao?

Koh Tao is a island with good options for its shopping opportunities. However, Halong Bay is not particularly known for its shopping areas.

Koh Tao offers some nice shopping areas. The main beach areas of Mae Haad, Sairee, and Chalok Baan Kao have the highest concentration of clothing and dive equipment shops. Because it's an island with limited access, prices can be a bit high.

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 Koh Tao More Beautiful?

Halong Bay and Koh Tao are somewhat similar when it comes to the first-rate scenery.

The famous beauty of Halong Bay is one of the main draws. 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.

Many visitors also come to Koh Tao because of it's amazing beauty. The island is famous for its cheap diving scene and underwater beauty, but there are also stunning beaches with crystal blue waters as well as quiet bays.

Is Halong Bay or Koh Tao Better for Families?

Halong Bay is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Koh Tao is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Halong Bay is very family-friendly. 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.

Koh Tao is a family-friendly place to visit. The island is popular for its affordable scuba diving certifications, so there are a number of options for families with older kids who'd like to get certified. It's also a more laid back and smaller island than some nearby places, so it's possible to find quiet beaches where your family can relax. Some of the quieter beaches include Sai Nuan and Ao Luek. You'll still find a large number of backpackers on the island, but there's a more chill atmosphere with most visitors focused on scuba diving and exploring.

Is Halong Bay or Koh Tao Better for Couples?

Halong Bay is an unbeatable place for its romantic activities. Also, Koh Tao is not as popular, but is still a nice island for couples.

Halong Bay has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Koh Tao is a very popular place to visit for couples. This laid back island offers a relaxing honeymoon destination for couples who want to learn to scuba dive and enjoy a bit of tropical paradise. There are beachside restaurants, beautiful blue waters, white sand, and everything you need for your own piece of paradise.

Is Halong Bay or Koh Tao Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Koh Tao 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 Koh Tao. The island is an oasis for backpackers who want to enjoy the mellow island life, learn to scuba dive cheaply, and have fun at a beachside party. There are plenty of affordable places to stay and countless opportunities to meet other backpackers. The island is also well connected to other nearby islands.

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 Koh Tao Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Koh Tao is a island 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 Koh Tao. You can rent a motorbike or bicycle to explore the island. There are also taxis and taxi boats available.

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 Koh Tao a more walkable city?

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

Koh Tao is a very walkable island. The island is smaller than many islands in Thailand, and the small towns are usually no more than 5 kilometers apart. It's also possible to walk around most of the small towns.

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 Koh Tao Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Koh Tao or Halong Bay?

How long in Halong Bay or Koh Tao?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Koh Tao 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 Koh Tao.

One day in Halong Bay or Koh Tao?

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.

With shopping and nightlife around the popular island of Koh Tao, 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 Koh Tao?

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.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Koh Tao, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. 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 Koh Tao?

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.

Koh Tao, a popular island, 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 island. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Halong Bay or Koh Tao?

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.

Koh Tao is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this island makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer. 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 Thailand, and The Best Contiki Tours to Thailand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Halong Bay and Koh Tao, we can see that Halong Bay is more expensive. And not only is Koh Tao much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Koh Tao would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Koh Tao 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 Koh Tao.

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 Koh Tao Expensive?.