A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hanoi vs. Anchorage for Attractions, Backpackers, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Hanoi or Anchorage?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Hanoi and Anchorage 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.

Hanoi

Hanoi is a cultural, historical, and fascinating city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Anchorage

Anchorage is a scenic, breathtaking, and cultural city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food.

Hanoi and Anchorage: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hanoi or Anchorage?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Hanoi than Anchorage. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Hanoi is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Anchorage attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Hanoi is famous for its impressive street food, historical museums, and bustling energy. It is also well known for Hoan Kiem Lake. Anchorage is famous for its breathtaking natural beauty, impressive wildlife, stunning hiking trails, and unique local culture.

How is Hanoi different from Anchorage?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Hanoi or Anchorage?

Hanoi is an unbeatable place for its sights and museums. Also, Anchorage is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Hanoi that are not to be missed. The city is rich in history and culture, which you can experience through its many museums and temples. Notable sights include the Temple of Literature, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, Hoa Lo Prison Museum, and the Imperial Citadel.

Anchorage offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. While most people visit for the outdoor experiences, there are a few museums where you can learn about the local culture and wildlife. Popular museums include the the Alaska Native Heritage Center, the Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center, the Alaska Aviation Museum, and the Alaska Museum of Science and Nature.

Is the Food Better in Hanoi or Anchorage? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hanoi is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Anchorage is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Hanoi makes for a great culinary experience. Northern Vietnamese cuisine is fresh and delicious. There are some Chinese influences, but it still has a distinct flavor that's all its own. Most notably, Hanoi is the birthplace of the famous soup, Pho. There are also many dishes that use freshwater fish and seafood. Street food and food stalls are a part of the culture, and you'll find some of the best dishes prepared right on the street.

Anchorage has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Food is expensive in town, but there are some unique local specialties that you must try. Many restaurants offer fresh seafood and local meats. Favorites include yak meat, king crab, and fresh oysters.

Is Hanoi or Anchorage Better for Nightlife?

Hanoi is a well-known place for nightlife. However, Anchorage is not a good city for nightlife and partying.

Hanoi offers plenty to do in the evening. There are night markets, nightclubs, and bars that are popular with backpackers and other young travelers. Some of the best streets for nightlife include Ta Hien Street, Hang Buom Street, Trang Tien Street, and Hoan Kiem Lake Walking Street.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Anchorage. The town's nightlife mostly consists of local bars where you can hang out. Check out Koot's, which is a longstanding favorite.

Is Hanoi or Anchorage Better for its Old Town?

Hanoi is an unbeatable place for its historic old town. However, Anchorage does not have a historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Hanoi offers plenty to see. This compact and energetic area is filled with history, Vietnamese architecture, traditional food stalls, and some of the city's most interesting streets. It's also at the heart of the city's backpacker scene, and you'll find many hostels in the area.

Anchorage does not have a historic old town.

Is Hanoi or Anchorage Better for Hiking?

Anchorage is renowned for its hiking experiences. However, Hanoi is not a hiking destination.

Around Anchorage visitors will find world-class hiking trails. The town is surrounded by wilderness and it's not hard to escape into nature. You can choose between short walks, long day trips, and multi-day treks, with everything in between available as well. There are more than 300 miles of hiking trails near town and several favorites include Byron Glacier Trail, Thunderbird Falls Trail, and Flattop Mountain.

Hanoi is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hanoi or Anchorage?

Hanoi is an unbeatable place for shopping. Also, Anchorage is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Hanoi is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. Explore the Old Quarter where you'll find narrow shophouses and traditional markets. It's best to explore on foot and pop in to the places that look interesting. Silk Street and Silver Street are particularly fascinating.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Anchorage. There are plenty of local gift shops and boutiques where you can pick up local Alaskan crafts and products. There's no sales tax, but prices can still be a bit steep. But if you're looking for something uniquely local to remember your trip, you don't have to look hard.

Is Hanoi or Anchorage Better for Families?

Both Hanoi and Anchorage are nice to visit with kids.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Hanoi. Some kids love the energy of the city, but others can get a bit intimidated by it. The traffic and chaotic congestion is part of the experience, but for kids it can feel overwhelming. Take a tour to help ease some of the pressure. Kids will also enjoy going to a water puppet show or visiting a museum such as the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology.

Anchorage offers lots of family activities. Kids who appreciate nature will appreciate this unique setting. Everyone will enjoy a glacier cruise, but you can hang out with the locals in Westchester Lagoon, see the animals at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, and learn about the area at the Anchorage Museum.

Is Hanoi or Anchorage Better for Couples?

Anchorage is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Hanoi is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Anchorage frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The city makes a good base for couples who want to explore the surrounding beauty. The landscapes make a beautiful backdrop for a romantic trip, and the adventure activities will make for an unforgettable experience. There are plenty of outdoor activities and adventure sports that couples can enjoy together and the beauty of the region is breathtaking.

Hanoi is a good city for couples to visit. Couples who enjoy adventure and exploring new cultures will love a trip to this fascinating city. If you want to get out of town, also book a trip through the stunning Halong Bay.

Is Hanoi or Anchorage Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hanoi is an unbeatable place for backpackers. Also, Anchorage is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Hanoi is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. It's a highlight for many backpackers doing the Southeast Asian circuit. It is filled with hostels and cheap places to eat, and there is no shortage of backpackers around town. Most stay in the Old Quarter, where you'll find the highest concentration of hostels and budget accommodation.

Plenty of backpackers visit Anchorage. There are a few good budget places to stay, and backpackers will also have plenty of outdoor wilderness to explore near town. It's important to remember that Alaska is known for its challenging wilderness so, unless you're experienced, you should take a guide.

Is Hanoi or Anchorage Better for Students?

Hanoi is a well-known place for students. However, Anchorage is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Hanoi. It's affordability, fascinating culture, and accessibility make it a great study abroad destination. The food and plethora of cultural opportunities are a highlight for many international students.

Anchorage is not popular with students.

Is Hanoi or Anchorage Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Hanoi is a moderate city for its public transit. However, Anchorage is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit is generally limited in Hanoi. The best ways to get around town include motorbike taxis, cyclos, regular taxis, and local buses.

Public transit is quite limited in Anchorage. There is the People Mover bus system that transports riders around town, but to truly experience the region, you must have a car.

Is Hanoi or Anchorage a more walkable city?

Hanoi is a city with good options for its walkability. However, Anchorage is not a good city for its high level of walkability.

Hanoi is somewhat walkable. There are parts of the city that are best explored on foot, but you'll also find crowded areas with motorbikes, food stalls, and cars, so come prepared for a bit of a thrill. Most visitors spend the majority of their time in the Old Quarter, which is compact and dense.

Anchorage is generally not a very walkable city. The downtown area is compact so you can wander to the nearby shops and restaurants on foot, but most people visit with the goal of exploring outside of town. For that you need a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Hanoi Worth Visiting? and Is Anchorage Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Anchorage or Hanoi?

How long in Hanoi or Anchorage?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Hanoi and Anchorage. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Hanoi than in Anchorage. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Hanoi, and 1-3 days is enough time in Anchorage.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Hanoi than Anchorage 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 Hanoi.

One day in Hanoi or Anchorage?

People visit Hanoi because there is so much to do. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Anchorage, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this nature-oriented destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Lots of people come for the hiking. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Hanoi or Anchorage?

People visit Hanoi because there is so much to do. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Anchorage. 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.

Five days in Hanoi or Anchorage?

People visit Hanoi because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

Anchorage is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Anchorage. Lots of people come for the hiking. 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.

A week in Hanoi or Anchorage?

Hanoi is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

You'll find food and shopping around the outdoorsy destination of Anchorage. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the hiking. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Vietnam, The Best Eco Tours in Vietnam, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, and The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hanoi and Anchorage, we can see that Anchorage is more expensive. And not only is Hanoi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Hanoi is in Asia and Anchorage is in North America, 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 Hanoi would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hanoi 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 Anchorage would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Anchorage than you might in Hanoi.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Hanoi Expensive? and Is Anchorage Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Hanoi or Anchorage?

Hanoi has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Anchorage. When comparing the sizes of Hanoi and Anchorage, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Hanoi or Anchorage?

Anchorage has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Hanoi experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Hanoi or Anchorage in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Hanoi and Anchorage. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hanoi year-round. Furthermore, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Anchorage this time of year.

In July, Hanoi is generally much warmer than Anchorage. Daily temperatures in Hanoi average around 29°C (84°F), and Anchorage fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).

Hanoi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Hanoi usually receives more rain than Anchorage. Hanoi gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 1.7 inches (44 mm) of rain each month for the summer. Also, May to September is the rainy season in Hanoi.

Should I visit Hanoi or Anchorage in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Hanoi as well as Anchorage. Hanoi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Anchorage for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Anchorage. Hanoi is much warmer than Anchorage in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hanoi averages around 25°C (77°F) in October, and Anchorage fluctuates around 35°F (2°C).

Hanoi receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Hanoi usually gets more rain in October than Anchorage. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, November to April in Hanoi is the dry season.

Should I visit Hanoi or Anchorage in the Winter?

Both Anchorage and Hanoi are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hanoi throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Anchorage in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Anchorage can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Hanoi is much warmer than Anchorage. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hanoi in January average around 17°C (63°F), and Anchorage averages at about 15°F (-9°C).

In January, Hanoi usually receives less rain than Anchorage. Hanoi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (19 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Hanoi or Anchorage in the Spring?

Both Anchorage and Hanoi during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Hanoi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Anchorage for the natural beauty during these months.

Anchorage can be very cold during spring. In April, Hanoi is generally much warmer than Anchorage. Daily temperatures in Hanoi average around 24°C (75°F), and Anchorage fluctuates around 36°F (2°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hanoi. Hanoi usually gets more rain in April than Anchorage. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain this time of the year. November to April is the dry season in Hanoi. May to September is the rainy season in Hanoi.

Typical Weather for Anchorage and Hanoi