A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Halong Bay vs. Lake Tekapo for Couples, Hiking, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Halong Bay or Lake Tekapo?

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 Lake Tekapo 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 Halong Bay is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include hiking, museums, and food. See Halong Bay travel costs.

Lake Tekapo

Lake Tekapo is a small, remote, and basic town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. The beauty of Lake Tekapo is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the hiking. See Lake Tekapo travel costs.

Halong Bay and Lake Tekapo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Halong Bay or Lake Tekapo?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Halong Bay. Although Halong Bay and Lake Tekapo are both popular with visitors, Halong Bay has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Halong Bay is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Lake Tekapo is known for its small town charm. Halong Bay is more touristy than Lake Tekapo and is known for its stunning limestone mountains, dramatic water caves, peaceful fishing villages, and unique liveaboard boat trips. It is also home to Cat Ba Island. Lake Tekapo is popular for its hot springs, remote location, and beautiful night sky.

How is Halong Bay different from Lake Tekapo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Halong Bay is a good destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Lake Tekapo does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Lake Tekapo does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Halong Bay is a good destination for its restaurant scene. However, Lake Tekapo is a town with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Halong Bay area. 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.

Lake Tekapo offers some easy restaurants to choose from. The town is very small with just a couple of restaurants and fast food joints.

Is Halong Bay or Lake Tekapo Better for Nightlife?

Neither Halong Bay or Lake Tekapo 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 Lake Tekapo This is a very small town and there isn't a real nightlife scene. The night sky is incredible though, and you should absolutely do some stargazing.

Is Halong Bay or Lake Tekapo Better for Beaches?

Halong Bay is a great destination for the beach. However, Lake Tekapo 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.

Lake Tekapo is not a beach destination.

Is Halong Bay or Lake Tekapo Better for Hiking?

Both Halong Bay and Lake Tekapo are destinations which offer very good 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 Lake Tekapo for the hiking trails. There are many beautiful hikes in the area with some of the most popular being the Mount John Summit Track, the Richmond Trail, and Cowan's Hill Walkway.

Is the Shopping Better in Halong Bay or Lake Tekapo?

Neither Halong Bay or Lake Tekapo offer decent shopping options.

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.

Shopping in Lake Tekapo can be found for those interested. There are a couple of shops where you can pick up basic necessities.

Is Halong Bay or Lake Tekapo More Beautiful?

Halong Bay is terrific for its scenery and beauty. Also, Lake Tekapo is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

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.

Lake Tekapo is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. You really want to get out of town and explore the area's stunning natural beauty.

Is Halong Bay or Lake Tekapo Better for Families?

Both Halong Bay and Lake Tekapo are very good to visit with kids.

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.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Lake Tekapo. Kids will enjoy a visit to Tekapo Springs, which is particularly fun in the winter months. There's snow tubing, ice skating, and, of course, the hot pools. There are also short hikes in the area like the Mount John Summit Walk. Biking, paddleboarding, and kayaking are also popular in the area.

Is Halong Bay or Lake Tekapo Better for Couples?

Halong Bay is terrific for couples. Also, Lake Tekapo is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

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.

Lake Tekapo is a nice destination for couples. Couples will enjoy the stunning scenery, beautiful hikes, and the romantic hot springs. Stargazing is another popular activity in the area.

Is Halong Bay or Lake Tekapo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Halong Bay is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Lake Tekapo is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Halong Bay is a very popular bay for backpackers and budget travelers. 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 Lake Tekapo. It's a small town with a couple of cheap places to stay that backpackers will appreciate.

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

Neither Halong Bay or Lake Tekapo 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 Lake Tekapo. Public transportation in the area is very limited. If you don't have a car, you'll want to arrange tours to get out and about.

Is Halong Bay or Lake Tekapo a more walkable city?

Lake Tekapo 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.

Lake Tekapo is a somewhat walkable place. The town is small enough to get around on foot, and you can hire a tour to get out into the region.

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 Lake Tekapo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lake Tekapo or Halong Bay?

How long in Halong Bay or Lake Tekapo?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Halong Bay or Lake Tekapo to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Halong Bay than Lake Tekapo 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 Lake Tekapo.

Families should spend more time in Halong Bay than Lake Tekapo. 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 Lake Tekapo. 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 Lake Tekapo 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 Lake Tekapo?

Visitors enjoy the food and museums when visiting the spectacular bay of Halong Bay. It's also a great beach destination, too. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

With around the small town of Lake Tekapo, 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. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Lake Tekapo, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Halong Bay or Lake Tekapo?

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the dramatic destination of Halong Bay. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This bay offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

With around the destination of Lake Tekapo, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 Lake Tekapo?

The stunning bay of Halong Bay offers food and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Lake Tekapo, 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 Lake Tekapo?

Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Halong Bay. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people come for the beaches. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Lake Tekapo 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 Tours for Seniors to New Zealand, and The Best Contiki Tours to New Zealand.

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