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

Should you visit Hanoi or Calgary?

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 Calgary 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. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Hanoi travel costs.

Calgary

Calgary is a local, authentic, and western city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Calgary travel costs.

Hanoi and Calgary: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hanoi or Calgary?

You'll generally find more things to do in Hanoi than Calgary. Hanoi is bigger than Calgary, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Hanoi is well known for its impressive street food, historical museums, and bustling energy. Also, Hanoi is famous for Hoan Kiem Lake. Calgary is well known for its farming and oil industries as well as the Calgary Stampede.

How is Hanoi different from Calgary?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Hanoi is an unbeatable place for its museums and landmarks. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Hanoi are among the most recognizable in the world. 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 Calgary. It's worth visiting the Calgary Zoo, Fort Calgary, the Hangar Flight Museum, and Heritage Park, among others.

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

Hanoi is well known for its restaurant scene. However, Calgary is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Hanoi. 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.

Calgary may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. The food scene is constantly evolving and you'll find plenty of casual restaurants. The city is known for its beef, so you should definitely sample a local steak.

Is Hanoi or Calgary Better for Nightlife?

Hanoi is well known for nightlife and partying. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

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.

If you're looking for night time activities Calgary has a few options to choose from. Visitors often head to Stephen Avenue Walk for its bars and pubs. There's also a decent theater scene around town.

Is Hanoi or Calgary Better for its Old Town?

Hanoi is an unbeatable place for its old town. However, Calgary 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.

Calgary does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Hanoi or Calgary?

Hanoi is an unbeatable place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Hanoi make it a world-class shopping destination. 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.

Calgary has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are plenty of independent shops around town as well as some great shopping neighborhoods. Make sure you check out Fourth Street and 17th Avenue. There are also large shopping malls.

Is Hanoi or Calgary Better for Families?

Both Hanoi and Calgary 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.

Calgary offers lots of family activities. There are a surprising number of things around town to do with kids such as petting zoos, museums, and even amusement parks. The Calgary Zoo is worth a visit, but also make sure you check out Calaway Park Amusement Park and the Telus Spark science center.

Is Hanoi or Calgary Better for Couples?

Both Hanoi and Calgary 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.

Calgary is a good city for couples to visit. You'll find outdoor sports, boat tours, and plenty of great restaurants around town. If you're looking for a low key destination with a great vibe, then this is a great city for a weekend trip.

Is Hanoi or Calgary Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hanoi is an unbeatable place for backpackers. Also, Calgary 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 Hanoi. 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 Calgary. A surprising number of backpackers end up passing through town, so you'll find a handful of hostels to choose from.

Is Hanoi or Calgary Better for Students?

Hanoi is well known for students. However, Calgary 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.

Calgary is not popular with students.

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

Calgary is a 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 Calgary, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The public transportation system is relatively efficient with both light rail and buses.

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 Calgary a more walkable city?

Hanoi is a city with good options for its high level of walkability. However, Calgary is not particularly known for its ease of walking around.

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.

Calgary is generally not a very walkable city. While there are a couple of walkable neighborhood's around town, it's definitely not the most walkable city.

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

Should I spend more time in Calgary or Hanoi?

How long in Hanoi or Calgary?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Hanoi or Calgary to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Hanoi than Calgary 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 Calgary.

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

Because Hanoi is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Calgary, many people enjoy the nightlife and shopping that this western destination offers. 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 Calgary?

Because Hanoi is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

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

Hanoi is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Hanoi has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

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

A week in Hanoi or Calgary?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hanoi. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Hanoi. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the western destination of Calgary. 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 Canada, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Canada.

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

Which is Bigger, Hanoi or Calgary?

Hanoi has a larger population, and is about 40% larger than the population of Calgary. When comparing the sizes of Hanoi and Calgary, 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.