A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Halong Bay vs. Mount Aspiring National Park for Hiking, Couples, Backpackers, and Families

Should you visit Halong Bay or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

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 Mount Aspiring National Park 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.

Mount Aspiring National Park

Mount Aspiring National Park is a undeveloped, remote, and rugged national park. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the hiking.

Halong Bay and Mount Aspiring National Park : Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Halong Bay or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Halong Bay than Mount Aspiring National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Halong Bay is better known for its museums & sights, food, beaches, and shopping, while Mount Aspiring National Park is more popular for its hiking. Halong Bay is more touristy than Mount Aspiring National Park and is 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. Mount Aspiring National Park is well known for its mountains, glaciers, and alpine lakes.

How is Halong Bay different from Mount Aspiring National Park ?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Mount Aspiring National Park 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 Mount Aspiring National Park?

Halong Bay is a nice place to visit for its sights and museums. However, Mount Aspiring National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Mount Aspiring National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Halong Bay or Mount Aspiring National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Halong Bay is a nice place to visit for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Mount Aspiring National Park is not a good national park for its restaurants.

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.

Mount Aspiring National Park has a small number of restaurants to choose from. Bring plenty of food supplies, because amenities are in short supply in many parts of the park.

Is Halong Bay or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Nightlife?

Neither Halong Bay or Mount Aspiring National Park 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 Mount Aspiring National Park Stargazing is the best nightlife in the area.

Is Halong Bay or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Beaches?

Halong Bay is a well-known place for the beache. However, Mount Aspiring National Park is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Halong Bay. 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.

Mount Aspiring National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Halong Bay or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Hiking?

Mount Aspiring National Park is an amazing national park to visit for its hiking experiences. Also, Halong Bay is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

Around Mount Aspiring National Park visitors will find world-class hiking trails. There are many different types of trails in the park that range from shorter day hikes to multi-day hikes. The difficulty level doesn't always correspond to the length of the hike, so do your research before you set out. Some of the most known hikes in the area are the Blue Pools Track, the Rob Roy Track, the Routeburn Track, and the challenging Cascade Saddle Route.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Halong Bay or Mount Aspiring National Park?

Halong Bay is not a good place to visit for its shopping opportunities. However, Mount Aspiring National Park 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.

Mount Aspiring National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Halong Bay or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Families?

Both Halong Bay and Mount Aspiring National Park are high quality 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 Mount Aspiring National Park. The park offers a stunning natural setting that will inspire a child's love of nature. There are a number of kid-friendly hikes in the park with some of the most popular being the Blue Pools Track, Routeburn Nature Walk, the Roaring Billy Falls Walk, and the Thunder Creek Falls Walk.

Is Halong Bay or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Couples?

Halong Bay is very popular for its romantic activities. Also, Mount Aspiring National Park is not as famous, but is still a good national park to visit 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.

Mount Aspiring National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Filled with inspiring scenery and a breathtaking mountain setting, this park is perfect for couples who appreciate nature's beauty. There are hiking trails, waterfalls, and striking views that will spark the romance in any relationship.

Is Halong Bay or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mount Aspiring National Park is an amazing national park 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 Mount Aspiring National Park. Set in the beautiful Southern Alps, backpackers will love exploring the impressive mountain scenery and breathtaking views.

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 Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Mount Aspiring National Park is a national park 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 Mount Aspiring National Park. It's possible to arrange transportation to the trailheads from Te Anau or Wanaka.

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 Mount Aspiring National Park a more walkable city?

Mount Aspiring National Park is a national park with good options for its high level of walkability. However, Halong Bay is not particularly known for its ease of walking around.

Mount Aspiring National Park is a somewhat walkable place. There are day hikes as well as mult-day back country hikes through the park.

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 Mount Aspiring National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Mount Aspiring National Park or Halong Bay?

How long in Halong Bay or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

In either Halong Bay or Mount Aspiring National Park, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Mount Aspiring National Park than Halong Bay because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Halong Bay, and 2-5 days is enough time in Mount Aspiring National Park .

Families should spend more time in Halong Bay than Mount Aspiring National Park . 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 Mount Aspiring National Park . 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 Mount Aspiring National Park 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 Mount Aspiring National Park .

One day in Halong Bay or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

The dramatic destination of Halong Bay offers food and museums. It's also a great beach destination, too. This bay offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

With around the breathtaking national park of Mount Aspiring National Park, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. 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 Mount Aspiring National Park ?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Halong Bay. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Hikers are also drawn to this area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Halong Bay has to offer.

With around the destination of Mount Aspiring National Park, 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. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this national park.

Five days in Halong Bay or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

Halong Bay is a fun place to experience. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Mount Aspiring National Park, a popular national park, 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 national park. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Halong Bay or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

You'll find museums and food around the stunning bay of Halong Bay. Most people come for the beaches. It offers something for everyone. One week 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.

Mount Aspiring National Park is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. 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 Family-Friendly Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Wildlife Tours to New Zealand.

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