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

Should you visit Halong Bay or Nikko?

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 Nikko 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 because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include museums, food, and beaches.

Nikko

Nikko is a cultural, tranquil, and relaxing town. It also offers plenty of small town charm and also has plenty of sights and activities. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food.

Halong Bay and Nikko: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Halong Bay or Nikko?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Nikko. Although Halong Bay and Nikko are popular destinations, Nikko has more sights and attractions for tourists. Nikko is very popular for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, and small town charm, while Halong Bay attracts visitors for its beaches. Halong Bay is famous for its stunning limestone mountains, dramatic water caves, peaceful fishing villages, and unique liveaboard boat trips. Nikko is famous for its Shinto and Buddhist mountain temples, its tranquil hot spring baths, and its peaceful natural setting. It is also well known for the Toshogu Shrine.

How is Halong Bay different from Nikko?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Nikko is an amazing town to visit for its museums and landmarks. Also, Halong Bay is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Nikko are among the most recognizable in the world. The town sits on the edge of Nikko National Park, where you'll find shrines and temples. Toshogu Shrine is lavishly designed. Other notable temples in the area are Taiyuin, Rinnoji Temple, and Futarasan Temple.

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 Nikko? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nikko 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 Nikko. There are many traditional dishes in the area, but one of the most famous is yuba. Yuba is made from a part of soy milk, and you'll find it in places all over town. You'll also find sushi, tofu, and tea everywhere.

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 Nikko Better for Nightlife?

Neither Halong Bay or Nikko 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 Nikko The town is about relaxing in a tranquil setting and soaking up nature, so you won't find much in the form of nightlife.

Is Halong Bay or Nikko Better for Beaches?

Halong Bay is great for its beaches. However, Nikko is not a beach destination.

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.

Nikko is not a beach destination.

Is Halong Bay or Nikko Better for its Old Town?

Nikko is an amazing town to visit for its old town. However, Halong Bay does not have a historic old town.

Nikko offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The ancient town is filled with giant cedar trees that line walking paths that take you to the many shrines and temples in the area.

Halong Bay does not have a historic old town.

Is Halong Bay or Nikko Better for Hiking?

Both Halong Bay and Nikko are destinations which offer great 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 Nikko for the hiking trails. The town is surrounded by beautiful nature that you can explore on the many walking paths. The forests are well-preserved and they're filled with large cedar trees, dramatic waterfalls, and beautiful hikes. The area embraces the Japanese practice of "forest bathing" where you "bath" yourself in a beautiful natural environment.

Is the Shopping Better in Halong Bay or Nikko?

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

Nikko offers some nice shopping areas. There are places in town where you can pick up local handicrafts and traditional items.

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 Nikko Better for Families?

Both Halong Bay and Nikko are great 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 Nikko. The area offers a unique way for kids to experience Japanese culture. A highlight for the little ones is a ninja show at Grand Ninja Theatre and the Mizugei-za water magic show. Kids will also enjoy staying in a traditional ryokan and floating in the hot spring baths.

Is Halong Bay or Nikko Better for Couples?

Both Halong Bay and Nikko are world-class destinations for a couple's getaway.

Halong Bay is a great bay for couples, as it has plenty to offer. 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.

Nikko is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. While many visitors come to see the shrines and temples, they often end up falling in love with the area's natural beauty, waterfalls, and "forest bathing" (surrounding yourself with nature). Couples will also enjoy dining on the local food and relaxing in a pool fed by a natural hot spring.

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

Halong Bay and Nikko are great 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 Nikko. There are hostels in the area that combine affordability with traditional Japanese customs.

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

Nikko is well known for its public transit. However, Halong Bay is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Nikko can get you to some places easily. There are buses that run from the main train station to the many tourist sights in the area.

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 Nikko a more walkable city?

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

Nikko is a very walkable town. While the town is relatively walkable and there are walking paths through the forest and to most of the temples and shrines, if you want to get further into the region, it's helpful to have a car.

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 Nikko Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nikko or Halong Bay?

How long in Halong Bay or Nikko?

It's fun to spend time in either Halong Bay or Nikko. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Nikko 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 1-4 days is enough time in Nikko.

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

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

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

One day in Halong Bay or Nikko?

In Halong Bay, many people enjoy the food and museums that this stunning destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This bay offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

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

A weekend in Halong Bay or Nikko?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Halong Bay. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Even though Nikko 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. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Five days in Halong Bay or Nikko?

Halong Bay is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the destination of Halong Bay. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Nikko, 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 Nikko?

You'll find museums and food around the breathtaking destination of Halong Bay. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Nikko is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. 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 10-Day Tours in Japan, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Japan.

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