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

Should you visit Halong Bay or Picton?

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 Picton 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 in Halong Bay as well. Other popular activities here include food, beaches, and hiking. See Halong Bay travel costs.

Picton

Picton is a relaxing, picturesque, and scenic town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and hiking. See Picton travel costs.

Halong Bay and Picton: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Halong Bay or Picton?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Picton. Although Halong Bay and Picton are both popular with visitors, Picton has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Picton is more popular for its food, nightlife, shopping, and small town charm, while Halong Bay is known for its impressive beauty. Halong Bay is popular for its stunning limestone mountains, dramatic water caves, peaceful fishing villages, and unique liveaboard boat trips. Picton is popular for its picturesque scenery, laid back setting, and beautiful walking trails. It is also home to the Queen Charlotte Track.

How is Halong Bay different from Picton?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Plenty of people visit the good sights and museums in both Halong Bay and Picton.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Picton. There are a few local museums around town that are fun to visit with the weather isn't cooperating. Edwin Fox Ship is the world's oldest merchant ship. You can also learn about the town's whaling past at the Picton Heritage and Whaling Museum.

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

Picton 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 Picton. The town is filled with restaurants that stay true to New Zealand's culinary traditions. Mussels and salmon are common on menus, and there are many bakeries and waterfront cafes to try.

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 Picton Better for Nightlife?

Picton is a town with a few options for nightlife and partying. However, Halong Bay is not particularly known for its evening party scene.

Picton is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. It's a small town with a quiet and calm atmosphere.

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 Picton Better for Beaches?

Both Halong Bay and Picton are considered to be very good beach destinations.

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.

Many people visit Picton for it's beautiful beaches. There are four beaches in the area. Picton Beach is by the town center and near many restaurants and cafes. About a ten minute walk from town is Shelley Beach and if you're up for more walking, Bob's Bay is secluded and nice. If you have a car you can make it to Governer's Bay.

Is Halong Bay or Picton Better for Hiking?

Both Halong Bay and Picton 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 Picton for the hiking trails. There are many nice walking paths in the area and this is a great way to explore, reach beaches, and see the surrounding landscapes. If you're up for a longer trip, Queen Charlotte Track is a popular trail.

Is the Shopping Better in Halong Bay or Picton?

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

Picton offers some nice shopping areas. There are a few galleries and local shops around town.

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 Picton More Beautiful?

Halong Bay is very popular for its scenery and beauty. However, Picton is not a destination known for its beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Halong Bay as well. 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.

Picton is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Halong Bay or Picton Better for Families?

Both Halong Bay and Picton 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 Picton. Kids will enjoy taking a boat cruise to Motuara Island. You can see dolphins, birds, and other wildlife. There are also wildlife centers in the area, family-friendly walking trails, museums, aquariums, and kayaking opportunities.

Is Halong Bay or Picton Better for Couples?

Halong Bay is very popular for couples. Also, Picton is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit 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.

Picton makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are romantic and quaint bed and breakfasts, beautiful walking paths, wildlife encounters, and many more fun activities for couples. Kayak trips, vineyard tours, and local spas make this a great couple's getaway destination.

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

Halong Bay and Picton are very good 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 Picton. There are plenty of hostels in the area as well as great transportation links, making this a great spot for backpackers.

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

Picton 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 Picton, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are water taxis but no buses around town.

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 Picton a more walkable city?

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

Picton is a very walkable town. It's a quaint and compact town that's 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 Picton Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Picton or Halong Bay?

How long in Halong Bay or Picton?

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

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

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

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

One day in Halong Bay or Picton?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Halong Bay. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

With museums and food around the relaxing town of Picton, 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 Picton, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Halong Bay or Picton?

Halong Bay is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

With food and shopping around the destination of Picton, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 Picton?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Halong Bay. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Picton, 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 Picton?

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the breathtaking destination of Halong Bay. This bay offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Picton 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 Adventure Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Eco Tours in New Zealand.

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