A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Halong Bay vs. Koyasan for Couples, Attractions, Hiking, and Families

Should you visit Halong Bay or Koyasan?

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 Koyasan 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 spectacular, breathtaking, and stunning bay. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the hiking, museums, and food.

Koyasan

Koyasan is a peaceful, serene, and spiritual town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the hiking, museums, and food.

Halong Bay and Koyasan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Halong Bay or Koyasan?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Halong Bay than Koyasan, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Halong Bay is better known for its beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Koyasan is more popular for its museums, historical sights, and small town charm. Halong Bay is well known for its stunning limestone mountains, dramatic water caves, peaceful fishing villages, and unique liveaboard boat trips. Also, Halong Bay is famous for Cat Ba Island. Koyasan is well known for its temple complex, spiritual history, and being the birthplace of Shingon Buddhism in Japan.

How is Halong Bay different from Koyasan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Koyasan 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 Koyasan. This spiritual destination is filled with temples. Some of the most notable are Okunoin Temple, Torodo Hall, Kongobuji Temple, Danjo Garan, and Daimon (the Great Gate).

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 Koyasan? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Halong Bay and Koyasan can be difficult as they are each notable in their own way.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Halong Bay. 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.

Koyasan is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are cafes in town that serve simple udon noodle dishes and other local options. If you do a temple stay, it will likely include a meal, which is usually vegetarian and prepared by Buddhist monks. A typical menu includes miso soup, soba, pickled vegetables, tofu, tempura vegetables, rice, tea, and melon. Breakfast is similar but smaller in size.

Is Halong Bay or Koyasan Better for Nightlife?

Neither Halong Bay or Koyasan offer decent nightlife.

Things get quiet in the evenings 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.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Koyasan This spiritual town is not a place for nightlife, but it is fascinating to take a night tour of the area.

Is Halong Bay or Koyasan Better for Beaches?

Halong Bay is a great destination for the beache. However, Koyasan 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.

Koyasan is not a beach destination.

Is Halong Bay or Koyasan Better for its Old Town?

Koyasan is well known for its old town. However, Halong Bay does not have a historic old town.

Koyasan is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The town center is filled with spiritual temples and many people prefer to do a temple stay for a night.

Halong Bay does not have a historic old town.

Is Halong Bay or Koyasan Better for Hiking?

Halong Bay is a great destination for its hiking experiences. Also, Koyasan is still popular, but not quite as popular for 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.

Koyasan is a good destination for hiking. Most people arrive by cable car, but this area has been a long running pilgrim destination and you'll find many historic pilgrimage trails that are still in the area. The Koyasan Choishi Michi trail is one of the most well known.

Is the Shopping Better in Halong Bay or Koyasan?

Halong Bay is not so good for its shopping opportunities. However, Koyasan is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Halong Bay has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. 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.

Koyasan is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Halong Bay or Koyasan Better for Families?

Halong Bay is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Koyasan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Koyasan offers lots of family activities. It's filled with history, so its best to recognize your kid's limits when it comes to that sort of thing. If you're planning to do a temple stay, then consider how your child might handle the situation and make sure you reach out to let them know you have a child before reserving.

Is Halong Bay or Koyasan Better for Couples?

Halong Bay is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Koyasan is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

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.

Koyasan is a great bay if you're traveling as a couple. A temple stay in Koyasan is a truly unique experience that immerses you in the culture and lifestyle of the area. It's a truly one-of-a-kind experience for couples who like to do things outside of the box.

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

Halong Bay is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Koyasan is still popular, but not quite as popular 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 visit Koyasan. It's not your typical backpacker destination and most visitors prefer to experience a temple stay while in the area. If that's not your style, there is a hostel nearby.

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

Koyasan is a town 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 Koyasan, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. To get to town you'll take a cable car and then a bus (or taxi, but you can't walk). Once you're in town, almost everything is in the town center and doesn't require transit.

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 Koyasan a more walkable city?

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

Koyasan is a very walkable town. Once you reach the town its relatively flat and 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 Koyasan Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Koyasan or Halong Bay?

How long in Halong Bay or Koyasan?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Halong Bay or Koyasan to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Halong Bay than Koyasan because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Halong Bay, and 1-2 days is enough time in Koyasan.

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

Couples should spend more time in Halong Bay than Koyasan. 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 Halong Bay than Koyasan 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 Halong Bay.

One day in Halong Bay or Koyasan?

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.

Koyasan might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Koyasan, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Halong Bay or Koyasan?

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.

Even though Koyasan is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 Koyasan?

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.

Koyasan, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Koyasan?

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.

Koyasan 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 The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Ho Chi Minh City, The Best 10-Day Tours from Hanoi, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Japan, and The Best Historical Tours in Japan.

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