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

Should you visit Hanoi or Austin?

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 Austin 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 colorful, cultural, and historical city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Austin

Austin is a lively, entrepreneurial, and eccentric city. It's a big city with many activities to entertain visitors, too. This is a very beautiful destination, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife, live music, and food.

Hanoi and Austin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hanoi or Austin?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Hanoi than Austin. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Hanoi is very popular for its museums, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Austin attracts visitors for its food, nightlife, music, hiking, and impressive beauty. Hanoi is more touristy than Austin and is known for its impressive street food, historical museums, and bustling energy. It is also well known for Hoan Kiem Lake. Austin is famous for its live music scene, excellent Texas barbecue, authentic Mexican food, and vibrant student population.

How is Hanoi different from Austin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Hanoi is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Austin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Austin. Austin has a number of great museums and sights including the Blanton Museum of Art, the Mexic-Arte Museum, and the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum. There's also a huge supply of local art galleries. Perhaps the most notable landmark in town is the beautiful Texas Capital Building

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

Austin is renowned for its restaurant scene. Also, Hanoi is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Many restaurants in Austin have been singled out for their culinary prowess. It is credited with being the original food truck city and you'll find many diverse food truck options around town. There is also amazing Mexican food, world renowned Texas barbecue, and many modern restaurants that reflect the city's culinary influence.

Hanoi has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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.

Is Hanoi or Austin Better for Nightlife?

Austin is renowned for nightlife and partying. Also, Hanoi is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Austin is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. It's nightlife is centered around its thriving live music scene. Head for Sixth Street for some of the most popular bars and clubs. There are also many music festivals and outdoor concerts, particularly during the summer months. Popular bars and clubs around town include the White Horse, the Rose Room, and Antone's Nightclub.

Many people head to Hanoi for the nightlife scene. 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.

Is Hanoi or Austin Better for Music?

Austin is renowned for its live music scene. However, Hanoi is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Austin Music is what gives this city its character. There are many live music venues, concerts, and music festivals to experience. Austin has influenced many music genres such as rock, blues, jazz, hip hop, punk, and country.

Hanoi is not a live music destination.

Is Hanoi or Austin Better for its Old Town?

Hanoi is a world-class destination for its historic old town. However, Austin does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Hanoi is revered around 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.

Austin does not have a historic old town.

Is Hanoi or Austin Better for Hiking?

Austin is a city with a few options for its hiking experiences. However, Hanoi is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors include a hike while visiting Austin. Head just outside of town to explore a few great hiking spots right near town.

Hanoi is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hanoi or Austin?

Hanoi is a world-class destination for shopping. Also, Austin is still popular, but not quite as popular 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 Austin. There are a number of local boutiques around town where you can enjoy shopping.

Is Hanoi or Austin Better for Families?

Both Hanoi and Austin 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.

Austin offers lots of family activities. The city is a popular destination for young travelers, but there are also some family-friendly activities like Barton Springs, Zilker Park, and several natural swimming holes. There's a number of nice parks around town that are great for kids of all ages.

Is Hanoi or Austin Better for Couples?

Both Hanoi and Austin are nice 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.

Austin is a good city for couples to visit. Young couples will enjoy the city for its lively nightlife, fun music scene, and youthful vibe. There are also many outdoor areas where you can hike or explore. The restaurant scene is among the best as well.

Is Hanoi or Austin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hanoi is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, Austin is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Many backpackers visit Austin. Although the city is relatively small, it does see a disproportionate number of backpackers. There are a couple of hostels in town as well.

Is Hanoi or Austin Better for Students?

Hanoi and Austin are high quality places to visit for 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.

Many students visit Austin. The city has a huge university, the University of Texas at Austin, and it is a young city with tons for international students. There is a great nightlife scene and plenty for students to see and do.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Hanoi and Austin.

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 mostly limited in Austin. There are city buses and a very limited lightrail system, but you really need a car to explore the city.

Is Hanoi or Austin a more walkable city?

Hanoi is a nice place to visit for its walkability. However, Austin is a city with minimal options 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.

Austin is generally not a very walkable city. The city, like most southern cities, isn't very walkable and it's important to have a car to get around. There are some downtown areas that are pedestrian-friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in Austin or Hanoi?

How long in Hanoi or Austin?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Hanoi and Austin. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Hanoi than in Austin. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Hanoi, and 2-3 days is enough time in Austin.

Families should spend more time in Hanoi than Austin. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Hanoi than Austin 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 Austin?

Hanoi is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Austin, many people enjoy the live music and food that this unconventional destination offers. 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.

A weekend in Hanoi or Austin?

Hanoi is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hanoi. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

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

A week in Hanoi or Austin?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historical big city of Hanoi. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the entrepreneurial destination of Austin. 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 Adventure Tours to Vietnam, The Best Eco Tours in Vietnam, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Hanoi or Austin?

Hanoi has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Austin. When comparing the sizes of Hanoi and Austin, 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 Austin?

Austin 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 Austin in the Summer?

Both Austin and Hanoi are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hanoi throughout the year. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Austin because of the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Hanoi is generally around the same temperature as Austin. Daily temperatures in Hanoi average around 29°C (84°F), and Austin fluctuates around 87°F (30°C).

It's quite rainy in Hanoi. In July, Hanoi usually receives more rain than Austin. Hanoi gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain each month for the summer. The rainy season in Hanoi is May to September.

Should I visit Hanoi or Austin in the Autumn?

Both Austin and Hanoi during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Hanoi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Austin this time of year.

Hanoi is a little warmer than Austin in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hanoi averages around 25°C (77°F) in October, and Austin fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hanoi. Hanoi usually gets more rain in October than Austin. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Austin receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year. November to April is the dry season in Hanoi.

Should I visit Hanoi or Austin in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hanoi and Austin. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hanoi year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Austin for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Hanoi is much warmer than Austin. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hanoi in January average around 17°C (63°F), and Austin averages at about 51°F (11°C).

In January, Hanoi usually receives less rain than Austin. Hanoi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Hanoi or Austin in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Hanoi as well as Austin. Hanoi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Austin in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Hanoi is generally around the same temperature as Austin. Daily temperatures in Hanoi average around 24°C (75°F), and Austin fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

Hanoi receives a lot of rain in the spring. Hanoi usually gets more rain in April than Austin. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Austin receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, November to April in Hanoi is the dry season. May to September in Hanoi is the rainy season.

Typical Weather for Austin and Hanoi