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

Should you visit Hanoi or Atami?

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 Atami 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. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums. See Hanoi travel costs.

Atami

Atami is a nostalgic, authentic, and overlooked town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and beaches. See Atami travel costs.

Hanoi and Atami: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hanoi or Atami?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Hanoi than Atami, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Hanoi is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Atami is more popular for its beaches. Hanoi is more touristy than Atami and is popular for its impressive street food, historical museums, and bustling energy. Also, Hanoi is famous for Hoan Kiem Lake. Atami is well known for its onsen (hot springs) and sandy beaches.

How is Hanoi different from Atami?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Hanoi is renowned for its museums and history. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Hanoi are world-renowned. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Atami. The onsen, or hot springs, have historically been a big draw to this town. Places to experience them include Oedo Onsen Monogatari Atami, Otsuki Hotel Wafukan, and Myoraku-Yu. Other sights around town include Kaminiya Shrine and the MOA Museum of Art.

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

Hanoi is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Hanoi has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Atami area. You'll find an authentic Japanese dining experience here, with a lot of seafood due to the city's coastal location. Popular dishes include sushi, dried fish, and fish boiled in broth.

Is Hanoi or Atami Better for Nightlife?

Hanoi is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Hanoi has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Atami has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The town was once a place to escape the city and enjoy a fun night out, but these days it's a bit quieter and has more of a nostalgic vibe. Head to Yushima Yugijo Yushima Amusement Center for some of the best nightlife in town.

Is Hanoi or Atami Better for Beaches?

Atami is a town with good options for the beach. However, Hanoi is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Atami. The most popular beach in the city is Atami Sun Beach, which is right in town. It's a place to relax in the sun, and there are sometimes fireworks throughout the year.

Hanoi is not a beach destination.

Is Hanoi or Atami Better for its Old Town?

Hanoi is renowned for its old town. However, Atami does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Hanoi is one of the most recognized in the world. 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.

Atami does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Hanoi or Atami?

Hanoi is renowned for its shopping opportunities. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Hanoi draws large crowds to its 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.

Many visitors go to Atami to go shopping. You'll find a couple of retro shopping streets in town such as Atami Ekimae Shopping Street, Nakamise Shopping Street, and Heiwadori Shopping Street. There are arcades and food stalls where you can sample local dishes.

Is Hanoi or Atami Better for Families?

Both Hanoi and Atami are notable 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.

Atami offers lots of family activities. The city is a hot springs area, but you can also head to the nearby beaches and other family-friendly activities.

Is Hanoi or Atami Better for Couples?

Both Hanoi and Atami are notable destinations for a couple's getaway.

Hanoi makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Atami is a good city for couples to visit. This is a beach and hot springs resort area, and in historic times it was a honeymoon destination. Today you'll find beaches, hot springs, shopping, and museums to explore, but most visitors use it as a base to explore the nearby areas, as the town itself doesn't have a lot to offer.

Is Hanoi or Atami Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hanoi is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Hanoi is extremely popular for backpackers. 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 Atami. While there aren't a huge number of hostels in the area, and backpackers often skip over this town, prices aren't particularly high so you should be able to find something affordable.

Is Hanoi or Atami Better for Students?

Hanoi is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Atami 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.

Atami is not popular with students.

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

Atami is a town with good options for its public transit. However, Hanoi is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Atami, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are public buses, such as the YuYu Bus, which has two routes and passes by many of the town's attractions.

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

Is Hanoi or Atami a more walkable city?

Hanoi and Atami both are notable when exploring on foot.

Hanoi is a somewhat walkable place. 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.

Atami is a somewhat walkable city. Some parts of the city are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Atami or Hanoi?

How long in Hanoi or Atami?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Hanoi or Atami to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Hanoi than Atami because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Hanoi, and 1-2 days is enough time in Atami.

Families should spend more time in Hanoi than Atami. 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 Atami. 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 Atami 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 Atami?

Each neighborhood in Hanoi has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city 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.

In Atami, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this nostalgic destination offers. This town 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 Atami?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hanoi. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Atami. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. 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 Atami?

Hanoi is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Hanoi has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Atami is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Atami. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Hanoi or Atami?

You'll find food and shopping around the high energy big city of Hanoi. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find food and shopping around the authentic destination of Atami. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Vietnam, The Best G Adventures Tours to Vietnam, The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hanoi and Atami, we can see that Atami is more expensive. And not only is Hanoi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Atami would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Atami 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 Atami Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Hanoi or Atami?

Hanoi has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Atami. When comparing the sizes of Hanoi and Atami, 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 Atami?

Atami 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 Atami in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Hanoi as well as Atami. Hanoi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Atami this time of year.

Hanoi is a little warmer than Atami in the summer. The daily temperature in Hanoi averages around 29°C (84°F) in July, and Atami fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

It's quite rainy in Atami. Hanoi receives a lot of rain in the summer. Hanoi usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Atami. Hanoi gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Atami receives 202 mm (8 in) of rain this time of the year. May to September in Hanoi is the rainy season.

Should I visit Hanoi or Atami in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Hanoi is a little warmer than Atami. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hanoi in October average around 25°C (77°F), and Atami averages at about 18°C (64°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Atami. It's quite rainy in Hanoi. In October, Hanoi usually receives less rain than Atami. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Atami receives 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Hanoi is November to April.

Should I visit Hanoi or Atami in the Winter?

Both Atami and Hanoi during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Hanoi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Atami in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Hanoi is generally much warmer than Atami. Daily temperatures in Hanoi average around 17°C (63°F), and Atami fluctuates around 5°C (42°F).

Hanoi usually gets less rain in January than Atami. Hanoi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Atami receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hanoi or Atami in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Hanoi and Atami. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hanoi year-round. Also, most visitors come to Atami for the beaches during these months.

Hanoi is much warmer than Atami in the spring. The daily temperature in Hanoi averages around 24°C (75°F) in April, and Atami fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

Atami receives a lot of rain in the spring. Hanoi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Hanoi usually receives less rain than Atami. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Atami receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the spring. November to April in Hanoi is the dry season. Also, May to September is the rainy season in Hanoi.

Typical Weather for Atami and Hanoi