A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Halong Bay vs. Perth for Beaches, Couples, Attractions, and Families

Should you visit Halong Bay or Perth?

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 Perth 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.

Perth

Perth is a easy-going, isolated, and sunny city. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and beaches.

Halong Bay and Perth: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Halong Bay or Perth?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Perth. Although Halong Bay and Perth are popular destinations, Perth has more sights and attractions for tourists. Perth is very popular for its museums, nightlife, beaches, and shopping, while Halong Bay attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Halong Bay is more touristy than Perth and is popular for its stunning limestone mountains, dramatic water caves, peaceful fishing villages, and unique liveaboard boat trips. Perth is famous for its beautiful city beaches, sunny weather, and isolated location. It is also well known for the Swan Bell Tower.

How is Halong Bay different from Perth?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Perth 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 Perth. There are some interesting sights and museums around town like the Perth Mint, the Art Gallery of Western Australia, the Bell Tower, and Scitech. There's also the Perth Zoo and the Aviation Heritage Museum.

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 Perth? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Halong Bay and Perth can be difficult as they are each nice 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.

Perth is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There's a good selection of restaurants with many great international options as well as fine dining and casual. Family-friendly restaurants are also very common.

Is Halong Bay or Perth Better for Nightlife?

Perth is a city with good options for nightlife and partying. However, Halong Bay is not particularly known for its evening party scene.

Perth has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city has many nightclubs and music venues. There are also low key pubs and trendy wine bars. Northbridge is at the heart of the city's nightlife scene, and this is where you'll find the highest concentration of bars, restaurants, clubs, and cafes.

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 Perth Better for Beaches?

Perth is an amazing city to visit for the beache. Also, Halong Bay is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beach.

Perth is considered to be a world-class beach destination. There is an 80 kilometer coastline that has beautiful turquoise water and white sandy beaches. Within the city there are 19 beaches that offer snorkeling, swimming, and surfing. Many beaches have any amenity that you might need but it's also very easy to escape the city crowds.

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 Perth Better for Hiking?

Halong Bay is great for hiking. However, Perth is not a hiking destination.

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.

Perth is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Halong Bay or Perth?

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

Perth offers some nice shopping areas. There are weekend street markets where you can pick up local crafts. There are also large shopping malls and trendy high end boutiques with international and local brands.

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 Perth Better for Families?

Both Halong Bay and Perth are superb 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 Perth. It's a family-friendly city with ropes courses, fruit picking, and many different playgrounds and kid-friendly activities. There's also the Perth Zoo and several kid-friendly museums like the Aviation Heritage Museum and Scitech. Kids will also enjoy spending a day or two at the beach.

Is Halong Bay or Perth Better for Couples?

Halong Bay is very popular for romance. Also, Perth is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Halong Bay 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.

Perth makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city has many great restaurants and bars. There's also wine tasting and river cruises on the Swan River.

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

Halong Bay is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Perth is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Halong Bay is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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'.

It's common for backpackers to visit Perth. While most backpackers don't make it all the way to this isolated city, those that do will be rewarded with beautiful beaches, fun festivals, and an authentic and off-the-beaten-path experience.

Is Halong Bay or Perth Better for Students?

Perth is a city with good options for students. However, Halong Bay is not popular with students.

Perth is popular with students. Students love the low cost of living and the year round climate that is sunny and pleasant.

Halong Bay is not popular with students.

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

Perth is a city 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 Perth, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses, trains, and ferries that help you get around the city.

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 Perth a more walkable city?

Perth is a city with good options for its high level of walkability. However, Halong Bay is not particularly known for its ease of walking around.

Perth is a somewhat walkable place. There are some pedestrian-friendly areas with streets that are fun 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 Perth Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Perth or Halong Bay?

How long in Halong Bay or Perth?

It's fun to spend time in either Halong Bay or Perth. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Perth 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 2-4 days is enough time in Perth.

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

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

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

One day in Halong Bay or Perth?

In Halong Bay, many people enjoy the food and museums that this spectacular 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.

With museums and nightlife around the easy-going city of Perth, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Halong Bay or Perth?

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.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Perth, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Halong Bay or Perth?

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.

Perth, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Perth?

You'll find museums and food around the stunning 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.

Perth is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. 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 Adventure Tours to Australia, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Australia.

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