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

Should you visit Hanoi or Cardiff?

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 Cardiff 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 fascinating, high energy, and colorful 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.

Cardiff

Cardiff is a industrial, up-and-coming, and green city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Hanoi and Cardiff: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hanoi or Cardiff?

You'll generally find more things to do in Hanoi than Cardiff. Hanoi is bigger than Cardiff, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Hanoi is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Cardiff is more popular for its impressive beauty. Hanoi is more touristy than Cardiff and is known for its impressive street food, historical museums, and bustling energy. Also, Hanoi is famous for Hoan Kiem Lake. Cardiff is well known for having the most castles per square mile of any city in Europe.

How is Hanoi different from Cardiff?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Hanoi is a must-visit destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Cardiff 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 Cardiff. The most notable landmark of the city is the famous and well-preserved Cardiff Castle. Visitors also enjoy seeing the Victorian arcades, museums, and cathedrals around town.

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

Hanoi is a great destination for its restaurant scene. However, Cardiff is a city with minimal options 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.

Cardiff may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Welsh cuisine is known for its stews and hearty vegetable dishes. The national dish is cawl, which is a stew made with lamb and vegetables. Other local favorites include Welsh rarebit, which is a type of cheese toast, and Glamorgan Sausage, which is actually made with vegetables.

Is Hanoi or Cardiff Better for Nightlife?

Hanoi is a great destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Cardiff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

The people in Hanoi know how to have a good time. 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 Cardiff has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is all about fun and most of the activities are driven by the large and diverse student population.

Is Hanoi or Cardiff Better for its Old Town?

Hanoi is a must-visit destination for its old town. However, Cardiff does not have a historic old town.

The rich history of Hanoi can be explored in its historical center. 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.

Cardiff does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Hanoi or Cardiff?

Hanoi is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Cardiff 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.

Cardiff has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Shopping options include shopping malls and boutique lined streets. There is a nice mix of independent shops and major chains to choose between.

Is Hanoi or Cardiff Better for Families?

Both Hanoi and Cardiff 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.

Cardiff offers lots of family activities. The city has a number of climbing and play areas, museums, and playgrounds that can keep the little ones entertained. There are also plenty of outdoor parks and trails to wander around.

Is Hanoi or Cardiff Better for Couples?

Hanoi is a popular place for its romantic activities. However, Cardiff is a city with minimal options for couples.

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.

Cardiff is not always the best place to visit for a couple. The most romantic experiences involve a night out dining at nice restaurants, enjoying a cocktail at a classy bar, and strolling through neighborhoods and soaking up the atmosphere.

Is Hanoi or Cardiff Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hanoi is a must-visit destination for backpackers. However, Cardiff is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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.

Cardiff is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Hanoi or Cardiff Better for Students?

Hanoi is a great destination for students. Also, Cardiff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Hanoi is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. 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.

It's common for students to visit Cardiff. Most students come to study at Cardiff University, which is a leading university in Great Britain.

Is Hanoi or Cardiff 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 Cardiff.

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 Cardiff. There is a bus system that you can use to get around.

Is Hanoi or Cardiff a more walkable city?

Hanoi and Cardiff 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.

Cardiff is a somewhat walkable city. There are pedestrianized areas and the waterfront is nice to walk around but there is still room for improvement when it comes to walkability.

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

Should I spend more time in Cardiff or Hanoi?

How long in Hanoi or Cardiff?

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

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

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 Cardiff, many people enjoy the nightlife and shopping that this up-and-coming 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 Cardiff?

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 Cardiff. 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 Cardiff?

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.

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

A week in Hanoi or Cardiff?

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 up-and-coming destination of Cardiff. 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, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United Kingdom, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in United Kingdom.

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

Which is Bigger, Hanoi or Cardiff?

Hanoi has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Cardiff. When comparing the sizes of Hanoi and Cardiff, 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 Cardiff?

Cardiff 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 Cardiff in the Summer?

Both Cardiff 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, many visitors come to Cardiff in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Hanoi is much warmer than Cardiff in the summer. The daily temperature in Hanoi averages around 29°C (84°F) in July, and Cardiff fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It's quite rainy in Hanoi. In July, Hanoi usually receives more rain than Cardiff. Hanoi gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer. The rainy season in Hanoi is May to September.

Should I visit Hanoi or Cardiff in the Autumn?

Both Cardiff 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, most visitors come to Cardiff for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Hanoi is much warmer than Cardiff. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hanoi in October average around 25°C (77°F), and Cardiff averages at about 11°C (52°F).

Cardiff gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Hanoi. Hanoi usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Cardiff. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year. November to April is the dry season in Hanoi.

Should I visit Hanoi or Cardiff in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hanoi and Cardiff. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hanoi year-round. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Cardiff because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Cardiff can be very cold. In January, Hanoi is generally much warmer than Cardiff. Daily temperatures in Hanoi average around 17°C (63°F), and Cardiff fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In January, Hanoi usually receives less rain than Cardiff. Hanoi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Hanoi or Cardiff in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Hanoi as well as Cardiff. Hanoi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Cardiff this time of year.

Hanoi is much warmer than Cardiff in the spring. The daily temperature in Hanoi averages around 24°C (75°F) in April, and Cardiff fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Hanoi receives a lot of rain in the spring. Hanoi usually gets more rain in April than Cardiff. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 47 mm (1.9 in) 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 Cardiff and Hanoi