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

Should you visit Halong Bay or Queenstown?

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 Queenstown 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. It's also known for food, beaches, and hiking.

Queenstown

Queenstown is a bustling, active, and adventure-filled city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the skiing, nightlife, and food.

Halong Bay and Queenstown: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Halong Bay or Queenstown?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Queenstown. Although Halong Bay and Queenstown are popular destinations, Queenstown has more sights and attractions for tourists. Queenstown is very popular for its skiing, food, nightlife, hiking, and shopping, while Halong Bay attracts visitors for its museums, beaches, and impressive beauty. Halong Bay is famous for its stunning limestone mountains, dramatic water caves, peaceful fishing villages, and unique liveaboard boat trips. Queenstown is famous for its world class skiing, adrenaline-filled adventure sports, and stunning mountain scenery. It is also well known for Kawarau Bridge.

How is Halong Bay different from Queenstown?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Queenstown and Halong Bay. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Halong Bay or Queenstown Better for Skiing?

Queenstown is an amazing city to visit for winter skiing. However, Halong Bay is not a skiing destination.

Visitors will find world class skiing in Queenstown. There are four ski areas that are near the city, and many consider these among the best ski fields in New Zealand. The ski season runs from June until October and the skiing is world class.

Halong Bay is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Halong Bay or Queenstown?

Halong Bay is a good destination for its sights and museums. However, Queenstown is not a good city for its museums and history.

Halong Bay is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.

While most people don't head to Queenstown specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. People head to this city for its amazing outdoor activities, but you won't find much if you're looking for museums. You can check out the Lakes District Museum though.

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

Queenstown is an amazing city to visit for its restaurant scene. Also, Halong Bay is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Many restaurants in Queenstown have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Located in the heart of the Otago wine region, this city has many award-winning restaurants. Local dishes, vegan cafes, and international flavors all make for a cosmopolitan and world class dining scene.

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 Queenstown Better for Nightlife?

Queenstown is well known for nightlife and partying. However, Halong Bay is not particularly known for its evening party scene.

Queenstown is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. This cosmopolitan town has some of the best nightlife in the country. There are laid back pubs, trendy cocktail bars, and live music venues that make for a fun night out.

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 Queenstown Better for Beaches?

Halong Bay is a well-known place for its beaches. However, Queenstown 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.

Queenstown is not a beach destination.

Is Halong Bay or Queenstown Better for Hiking?

Queenstown is an amazing city to visit for its hiking experiences. Also, Halong Bay is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

Around Queenstown visitors will find world-class hiking trails. The city is ideally located near some of the country's best hiking. There are walks through beech forests, along rugged mountains, and to stunning views. Several of the Great Walks are in the area as well, but if you're looking for something a little simpler, then there are many options also.

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 Queenstown?

Queenstown is well known for its shopping opportunities. However, Halong Bay is not particularly known for its shopping areas.

Queenstown is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. It's a bustling city with designer brands and boutique shopping. There are also souvenir shops and retail outlets.

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 Queenstown Better for Families?

Both Halong Bay and Queenstown 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 Queenstown. Kids will enjoy the Queenstown cable car and the Skyline Gondola. After a ride on the gondola, you can even take the luge back down! The city also offers lake cruises, family-friendly farm tours, boat tours, and kayaking.

Is Halong Bay or Queenstown Better for Couples?

Both Halong Bay and Queenstown are fantastic 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.

Queenstown is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The city is known for its adrenaline-filled adventure activities and couples who enjoy a thrill will appreciate the fun. There are also hot springs, boat cruises, and wine tours in the area. One of the most romantic activities is dinner at the Skyline.

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

Queenstown is an amazing city 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 Queenstown. With its thrill-seeking activities and nearby skiing, this is a great backpacker destination year round.

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 Queenstown Better for Students?

Queenstown is well known for students. However, Halong Bay is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Queenstown. There are excellent universities in the area as well as fun activities and a lively energy that students enjoy.

Halong Bay is not popular with students.

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

Queenstown 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 Queenstown, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a decent bus system that travels 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 Queenstown a more walkable city?

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

Queenstown is a very walkable city. In town, many of the sights and activities can be reached 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 Queenstown Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Queenstown or Halong Bay?

How long in Halong Bay or Queenstown?

Both Halong Bay and Queenstown have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Queenstown than in Halong Bay. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Halong Bay, and 2-7 days is enough time in Queenstown.

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

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

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

One day in Halong Bay or Queenstown?

With museums and food around the breathtaking bay of Halong Bay, 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. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

With shopping and skiing around the bustling city of Queenstown, 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. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Halong Bay or Queenstown?

With food and museums around the destination of Halong Bay, 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 bay.

With skiing and nightlife around the destination of Queenstown, 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 city.

Five days in Halong Bay or Queenstown?

Halong Bay, a popular bay, 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.

Queenstown, a popular city, 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 city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Halong Bay or Queenstown?

Halong Bay 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.

Queenstown is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this city makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. 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 Bicycle Tours in New Zealand, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand.

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