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

Should you visit Hanoi or Brisbane?

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 Brisbane 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 high energy, colorful, and cultural city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Hanoi travel costs.

Brisbane

Brisbane is a relaxed, diverse, and cultural coastal city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Brisbane travel costs.

Hanoi and Brisbane: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hanoi or Brisbane?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hanoi than Brisbane, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Hanoi is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Brisbane is known for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. Hanoi is more touristy than Brisbane and is popular for its impressive street food, historical museums, and bustling energy. It is also home to Hoan Kiem Lake. Brisbane is popular for its sports culture, beautiful weather, and outdoor areas.

How is Hanoi different from Brisbane?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Hanoi is an amazing city to visit for its historical sights. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Hanoi has many famous sights for visitors. 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.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Brisbane can be an interesting and educational experience. The Cultural Centre is where you'll find many of the city's museums. It sits on the banks of the Brisbane River and is home to the State Library of Queensland, the Queensland Museum and Sciencentre, and Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art. This is also where you'll find the Queensland Performing Arts Centre. Also popular is the Brisbane Botanic Gardens and the Wheel of Brisbane.

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

Hanoi is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Brisbane offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find all of the standard eateries around town, with casual cafes, family-friendly restaurants, and some fine dining experiences to choose from.

Is Hanoi or Brisbane Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Hanoi and Brisbane.

Hanoi is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

Many people head to Brisbane for the nightlife scene. Fortitude Valley is the entertainment district in the city, and it really comes to life at night. There are also many venues that take advantage of the beautiful weather with outdoor and rooftop bars.

Is Hanoi or Brisbane Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Brisbane is a coastal city with good options for its diving and snorkeling. However, Hanoi is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Brisbane. There are some good snorkeling and diving spots near the city. One of the best is the Tangalooma Wrecks off Moreton Island.

Hanoi is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Hanoi or Brisbane Better for Beaches?

Brisbane is well known for the beach. However, Hanoi is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Brisbane attract visitors from all over. For the best beaches, you'll want to take a day trip out of town, but there are also some nice beaches right by the city. About 30 minutes from town is family-friend Suttons Beach, or you can stay in the city center and check out the man-made Streets Beach. Shorncliffe Beach is another option that's less than a half hour from town.

Hanoi is not a beach destination.

Is Hanoi or Brisbane Better for its Old Town?

Hanoi is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Brisbane does not have a historic old town.

Hanoi offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. 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.

Brisbane does not have a historic old town.

Is Hanoi or Brisbane Better for Hiking?

Brisbane is a coastal city with good options for its hiking experiences. However, Hanoi is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Brisbane. There are a number of hikes outside of town that you can enjoy as a day trip. Check out the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, Keperra Bushland Reserve, or D'Aguilar National Park to the north of town. To the south is Toohey Forest Park, Springwood Conservation Park , and Venmans Bushland National Park.

Hanoi is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hanoi or Brisbane?

Hanoi is an amazing city to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for shopping.

Many people travel to Hanoi specifically to go shopping. 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.

Brisbane is an extremely popular place for shoppers. It's one of the most popular cities for retail therapy in Queensland. Queen Street Mall is an open air shopping mall and James Street is a favorite shopping street in town.

Is Hanoi or Brisbane Better for Families?

Brisbane is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Hanoi is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Brisbane is a very kid-friendly coastal city. Kids will love a visit to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary or White Ridge Farm. And, of course, you should take a ride on the iconic Wheel of Brisbane. If you're willing to head out of town you can visit the fun Tangalooma Island Resort. Streets Beach is also fun to visit.

Hanoi offers lots of family activities. 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.

Is Hanoi or Brisbane Better for Couples?

Both Hanoi and Brisbane are good 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.

Brisbane is a good city for couples to visit. The waterfront setting and romantic restaurants offer a nice getaway for couples. There are many outdoor spaces that are fun to explore as well.

Is Hanoi or Brisbane Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hanoi is an amazing city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Hanoi, as it is a very popular city for 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.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Brisbane. Many backpackers breeze through Brisbane in favor of other nearby destinations, but there are actually a number of hostels in town and some interesting things to do.

Is Hanoi or Brisbane Better for Students?

Hanoi and Brisbane are superb 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 Brisbane. Many students appreciate the local vibe, warm weather, and excellent education opportunities that the city offers.

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

Brisbane is a coastal city 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 Brisbane, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses, trains, and ferries around town, but many people prefer to have their own vehicle. Ferries are the most fun and scenic way to get around.

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 Brisbane a more walkable city?

Brisbane is well known for its high level of walkability. Also, Hanoi is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Brisbane is a very walkable coastal city. There's a good network of paths that make parts of the city walkable.

Hanoi is a somewhat walkable city. 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.

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

Should I spend more time in Brisbane or Hanoi?

How long in Hanoi or Brisbane?

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

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

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

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

Hanoi is a big city with plenty to do. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Brisbane, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this relaxed destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This coastal 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 Brisbane?

Hanoi is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

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

Hanoi is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Hanoi, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Brisbane is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Brisbane. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Hanoi or Brisbane?

Hanoi is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the active destination of Brisbane. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Australia, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Australia.

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

Which is Bigger, Hanoi or Brisbane?

Hanoi has a larger population, and is about 49% larger than the population of Brisbane. When comparing the sizes of Hanoi and Brisbane, 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 Brisbane?

Brisbane 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 Brisbane in the Summer?

Both Brisbane and Hanoi during the summer 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 Brisbane for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Hanoi is a little warmer than Brisbane. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hanoi in July average around 29°C (84°F), and Brisbane averages at about 25°C (77°F)in January.

Brisbane gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Hanoi. Hanoi usually gets more rain in July than Brisbanein January. Hanoi gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 169 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year. May to September is the rainy season in Hanoi.

Should I visit Hanoi or Brisbane in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Hanoi and Brisbane. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hanoi year-round. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Brisbane because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.

In October, Hanoi is generally a little warmer than Brisbanein April. Daily temperatures in Hanoi average around 25°C (77°F), and Brisbane fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

Brisbane receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Hanoi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Hanoi usually receives less rain than Brisbanein April. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn. November to April in Hanoi is the dry season.

Should I visit Hanoi or Brisbane in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Hanoi as well as Brisbane. Hanoi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Brisbane this time of year.

Hanoi is a little warmer than Brisbane in the winter. The daily temperature in Hanoi averages around 17°C (63°F) in January, and Brisbane fluctuates around 15°C (59°F)in July.

Hanoi usually gets less rain in January than Brisbanein July. Hanoi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hanoi or Brisbane in the Spring?

Both Brisbane and Hanoi are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hanoi throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Brisbane for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Hanoi is a little warmer than Brisbane. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hanoi in April average around 24°C (75°F), and Brisbane averages at about 21°C (69°F)in October.

It's quite rainy in Hanoi. In April, Hanoi usually receives around the same amount of rain as Brisbanein October. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the spring. The dry season in Hanoi is November to April. The rainy season in Hanoi is May to September.

Typical Weather for Brisbane and Hanoi