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

Should you visit Hanoi or Dallas?

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 Dallas 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. 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 nightlife, food, and shopping.

Dallas

Dallas is a upscale, chic, and active 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.

Hanoi and Dallas: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hanoi or Dallas?

You'll generally find more things to do in Hanoi than Dallas. Hanoi is bigger than Dallas, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Hanoi is more touristy than Dallas and is known for its impressive street food, historical museums, and bustling energy. Also, Hanoi is famous for Hoan Kiem Lake. Dallas is well known for its Tex Mex cuisine, upscale shopping venues, and cowboy culture.

How is Hanoi different from Dallas?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Hanoi is renowned for its sights and museums. Also, Dallas is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

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.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Dallas can be an interesting and educational experience. Museums range from historical to art and science with some of the favorites being the Dallas Contemporary Museum, the African American Museum, the Dallas Museum of Art, and the Frontiers of Flight Museum. The city is also home to the George W. Bush Presidential Library and the Nasher Sculpture Center. A must-see is the Sixth Floor Museum, which is in historic Dealey Plaza and is where Lee Harvey Oswald fired the shots that killed JFK. Today there's a museum that goes over the events of that day.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at superb restaurants in both Hanoi and Dallas.

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.

Dallas has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There's a perfect combination of Texas cuisine and international flavors. You'll find Texas barbecue, Tex Mex, and steakhouses intermixed with Thai, Japanese, and Caribbean cuisine. There's also a great food truck scene and many local eateries.

Is Hanoi or Dallas Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Dallas for the nightlife scene. Head to East Dallas for the most active clubs with large dance floors and great music. The city also has rooftop lounges and plenty of live music as well as comedy clubs.

Is Hanoi or Dallas Better for its Old Town?

Hanoi is renowned for its old town. However, Dallas 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.

Dallas does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Hanoi or Dallas?

Hanoi is renowned for its shopping opportunities. Also, Dallas is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Dallas. You'll find a very diverse shopping scene around town, with everything from quirky local vendors to upscale fashion boutiques. There are cowboy outfitters where you can get a feel for the Texas style, but there are also posh shopping centers and local flea markets.

Is Hanoi or Dallas Better for Families?

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

Dallas is a very kid-friendly city. The city is filled with families, and you'll find many kid-friendly activities around town. For some outdoor time you can visit the Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden or the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. The Dallas Zoo is a favorite for many kids and there are also a number of kid-friendly museums around town such as the Perot Museum of Nature and Science and the Dallas World Aquarium.

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 Dallas Better for Couples?

Dallas is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Hanoi is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Dallas frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Head to the observation deck at Reunion Tower for spectacular views of the night skyline. The city also has many great comedy clubs and performing arts venues as well as fine dining restaurants that make for a great date night.

Hanoi is a good city for couples to visit. 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.

Is Hanoi or Dallas Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hanoi is renowned for backpackers. However, Dallas is not a good city 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.

Dallas is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While there are a couple of hostels around town, this isn't a popular destination for the backpacker crowd.

Is Hanoi or Dallas Better for Students?

Hanoi is a well-known place for students. However, Dallas is not a good city for its student-friendly activities.

Hanoi is very popular with students. 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.

Dallas is a decent spot for students. There are a couple of universities and colleges in the area that keep things interesting for students.

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

Dallas 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 Dallas, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. While it's still very much a car-centered city, the public transportation system, DART, is one of the fastest growing in the country. It includes both light rail and bus service.

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 Dallas a more walkable city?

Hanoi is very good for its high level of walkability. However, Dallas is not a good city 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.

Dallas is generally not a very walkable city. The city is not particularly walkable, but there are several more walkable areas such as Ellum and Uptown.

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

Should I spend more time in Dallas or Hanoi?

How long in Hanoi or Dallas?

It's fun to spend time in either Hanoi or Dallas. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Hanoi due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Hanoi, and 2-4 days is enough time in Dallas.

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

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

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

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 Dallas, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this active 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 Dallas?

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 Dallas. 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 Dallas?

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.

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

A week in Hanoi or Dallas?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural 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 food and shopping around the upscale destination of Dallas. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.

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

Which is Bigger, Hanoi or Dallas?

Hanoi has a larger population, and is about 18% larger than the population of Dallas. When comparing the sizes of Hanoi and Dallas, 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 Dallas?

Dallas 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 Dallas in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Hanoi and Dallas. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hanoi year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Dallas for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Hanoi is around the same temperature as Dallas in the summer. The daily temperature in Hanoi averages around 29°C (84°F) in July, and Dallas fluctuates around 88°F (31°C).

Hanoi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Hanoi usually receives more rain than Dallas. Hanoi gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Dallas receives 2.4 inches (60 mm) of rain each month for the summer. Also, May to September is the rainy season in Hanoi.

Should I visit Hanoi or Dallas in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Hanoi as well as Dallas. Hanoi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Dallas because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Hanoi is a little warmer than Dallas. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hanoi in October average around 25°C (77°F), and Dallas averages at about 69°F (21°C).

Hanoi receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Hanoi usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Dallas. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Dallas receives 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, November to April in Hanoi is the dry season.

Should I visit Hanoi or Dallas in the Winter?

Both Dallas and Hanoi are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hanoi throughout the year. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Dallas this time of year.

In January, Hanoi is generally much warmer than Dallas. Daily temperatures in Hanoi average around 17°C (63°F), and Dallas fluctuates around 46°F (8°C).

In January, Hanoi usually receives less rain than Dallas. Hanoi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Dallas receives 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Hanoi or Dallas in the Spring?

Both Dallas and Hanoi during the spring 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 travelers come to Dallas for the activities around the city.

Hanoi is a little warmer than Dallas in the spring. The daily temperature in Hanoi averages around 24°C (75°F) in April, and Dallas fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hanoi. Hanoi usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Dallas. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Dallas receives 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain this time of the year. November to April is the dry season in Hanoi. May to September is the rainy season in Hanoi.

Typical Weather for Dallas and Hanoi