A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hanoi vs. Fez for Attractions, Food, Old Town, and Backpackers

Should you visit Hanoi or Fez?

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 Fez 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. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums. See Hanoi travel costs.

Fez

Fez is a ancient, winding, and busy city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. The famous beauty of Fez is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food. See Fez travel costs.

Hanoi and Fez: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Big city activities
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Hanoi or Fez?

You'll generally find more things to do in Hanoi than Fez. Hanoi is bigger than Fez, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Hanoi is better known for its nightlife and big city activities, while Fez is more popular for its food and impressive beauty. Hanoi is more touristy than Fez and is popular for its impressive street food, historical museums, and bustling energy. Also, Hanoi is famous for Hoan Kiem Lake. Fez is well known for its ancient medina, gorgeous riads, and amazing local dishes.

How is Hanoi different from Fez?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Hanoi
Fez

Plenty of people visit the world-class sights and museums in both Hanoi and Fez.

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 plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Fez has many famous sights for visitors. Tucked into the medina are ancient mosques, historic universities, and beautiful gardens. Highlights of the city include Al Quaraouiyine Mosque, Dar Batha (a palace and museum), and Medersa Bou Inania (a former theological college). Another not to be missed sight is the tanneries. You'll likely smell them before you see them, but the history is truly impressive.


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

Hanoi
Fez

Fez 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 Fez have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Some of the best food in Morocco can be found in Fez. Head away from the main gates and the major tourist routes to find more local restaurants. Every visitor must try tagine. It's not actually a recipe but instead a cooking pot and technique. If you order a tagine, you'll enjoy a stew like dish that's slow cooked and usually made with lamb or chicken although vegetarian options are often available. Other dishes to try include couscous and pastilla. Pastilla is a pastry covered chicken dish that is seasoned with cinnamon and sugar.

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 Fez Better for Nightlife?

Hanoi
Fez

Hanoi is an excellent place to visit for nightlife and partying. However, Fez is lacking in options for its evening party scene.

Hanoi has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Fez is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. It's a conservative city and the nightlife reflects that. You'll find some bars in the major hotel chains and you can often find alcohol at the more expensive restaurants.

Is Hanoi or Fez Better for its Old Town?

Hanoi
Fez

Both Hanoi and Fez have world-class historic old towns worth visiting.

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.

Fez offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The walled medina offers a maze of streets that are lined with shops selling perfume, spices, street food, and trinkets.


Is the Shopping Better in Hanoi or Fez?

Hanoi
Fez

Shopping is a popular activity in both Fez and Hanoi.

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 people travel to Fez specifically to go shopping. Head to the medina and try your hand at negotiating. There are impressive art shops and hidden gems spread between more touristy shops selling souvenir trinkets.

Is Hanoi or Fez More Beautiful?

Hanoi
Fez

Fez is renowned for its scenery and beauty. However, Hanoi is not a destination known for its beauty.

The famous beauty of Fez is one of the main draws. The beauty of this city lies in its impromptu style and mazelike setting.

Hanoi is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Hanoi or Fez Better for Families?

Hanoi
Fez

Both Hanoi and Fez 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.

Fez offers lots of family activities. Kids will enjoy wandering the medina, sampling Moroccan dishes, and trying their hand at bartering for a good price. There are several gardens that offer a quiet oasis from the chaotic streets. There's also baklava and other sweet treats that kids can taste. Many kids enjoy taking a tour to the nearby countryside where they can feed monkeys, hike, and visit local villages.


Is Hanoi or Fez Better for Couples?

Hanoi
Fez

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

Couples visit Fez frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples who like an adventure will enjoy soaking up the medina, visiting the gardens, and taking a trip into the countryside.

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 Fez Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hanoi
Fez

Hanoi and Fez are world-class places to visit 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.

A large number of backpackers visit Fez, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. Prices are very affordable and there are riads that range in price and style. Many restaurants cater to different budgets and most of the entertainment involves wandering around and soaking up the atmosphere.

Is Hanoi or Fez Better for Students?

Hanoi
Fez

Hanoi is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Fez 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.

Fez is not popular with students.


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

Hanoi
Fez

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

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 Fez. There's a basic public transportation system with buses and a train station, but you'll likely need to take taxis if you can't walk to a destination. Taxis are affordable and abundant.

Is Hanoi or Fez a more walkable city?

Hanoi
Fez

Fez 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.

Fez is a very walkable city. The medina can be explored on foot, but it's easy to get lost so allow a lot of time. There are several walking routes through the medina that are marked with colors but you'll likely find yourself wandering on and off the routes as you explore. Outside of the medina, you'll likely want to take a taxi.

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 Fez Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Fez or Hanoi?

How long in Hanoi or Fez?

In either Hanoi or Fez, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Fez has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Fez than Hanoi. However, 3-5 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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


  • How many days in Hanoi or Fez? Ideal Length of Stay
    Hanoi 3-5 
    Fez 3-5

One day in Hanoi or Fez?

When visiting Hanoi, people usually allow for lots of time. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

In Fez, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this busy big city offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Fez?

Many people visit Hanoi for a weekend. When visiting Hanoi, people usually allow for lots of time. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Fez. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Hanoi or Fez?

When visiting Hanoi, people usually allow for lots of time. Many people spend five days here. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

Fez is a fun place to experience. In Fez, many people enjoy the museums and food that this big city destination offers. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Hanoi or Fez?

Hanoi, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

You'll find food and shopping around the cultural big city of Fez. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in Morocco, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Morocco.


Which place is cheaper, Fez or Hanoi?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Hanoi is $59, while the average daily cost in Fez is $85. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Hanoi and Fez in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hanoi $25
    Fez $32
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hanoi $50
    Fez $64
Compare Hotels in Hanoi and Fez

Looking for a hotel in Hanoi or Fez? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Hanoi


Hotels in Fez


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Hanoi Hotel Prices and Fez Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hanoi $6.88
    Fez $15
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hanoi

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Hanoi:


  • Taxi to Bus Station
    $1.20
  • Shuttle Bus From Airport (for Two)
    $3.19
  • Local Bus Ride (for Two)
    $0.40
  • Short Taxi Ride
    $1.36
  • Short Motorbike Ride (10 Minutes)
    $0.80

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hanoi

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hanoi:

  • Wonder Bay Cruise 1 Day Trip Transfer from Hanoi by Expressway: $80
  • Vietnam Airport Transfer and Visa On Arrival: $55
  • VIP LUXURY Sapa 2D1N -TRANSFER BY LUX LIMOUSINE CAR (Stay at 5* hotel): $189
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Ha Noi HTL-APT (HAN): $14
  • Transfer to or from Sapa in a Sleeper Bus from Hanoi: $30
  • Transfer Hanoi to Halong Super Limousine Morning Bus: $33
  • The Best Sapa Tour 2D1N At 3 Star Hotel by sleeping BUS TRANSFER : $129
  • The Best 2D1N HALONG BAY- All Inclusive,Overnight on Boat By Expressway Transfer: $125
  • Small Group Halong Islands, Cave, Kayak. Seafood Lunch. Transfers: $142
  • Shuttle Bus Transfer from Hanoi to Halong Bay : $17
  • Sea Octopus - Luxury Halong Cruise From Hanoi Roundtrip Transfer: $105
  • Sapa Trekking 2 Days 1 Night Transfer By Sleeper Bus: $129

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Fez

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Fez:


  • Taxi Ride
    $1.99

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Fez

Also for Fez, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Chefchaouen Transfer to or from Fes: $79
  • Private Arrival Transfer Fez Sais Airport : $21
  • 2-Day Transfer to Chefchaouen from Fez: $170
  • Airport Transfers FES Airport - Hotel - Airport: $37
  • Fes Airport Transfer: $100
  • Fes Airport Transfer (one way) + Free SIM Card: Stay Connected: $12
  • Fes Airport Transfer Arrival or Deparature: $18
  • Fes Saiss Airport Transfer - Private Taxi & Hotel Shuttle: $27
  • Fes to Casablanca - Private Transfer : $149
  • Fes to Tanger Via Meknes and Volubilis - Private Transfer : $171
  • Fes-Saiss Airport to Fes Hotels - One Way Private Transfer : $19
  • Fez : One Way Private Transfer To Meknes: $87

Is it cheaper to fly into Hanoi or Fez?

Prices for flights to both Fez and Hanoi change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Hanoi $24
    Fez $41
Typical Food Prices in Hanoi

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Hanoi:


  • High End Dinner (for Two)
    $12
  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    $4.39
  • Bowl of Pho
    $0.80
  • Italian Dinner (for Food)
    $6.18

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hanoi

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Hanoi.

  • [Must-try] Hanoi Food Tour with Train Street: $4.10
  • (Group/Individual) HANOI STREET FOOD TOUR : $5.13
  • Street Food Tour with Train Street and Old Quarter: $16
  • Guided Street Food Tour with Train Street Experience: $17
  • Guided Food Tour with Train Street Visit: $18
  • Hanoi Walking Street Food Tour with Train-Street Visit: $18
  • Vietnamese Street Food Tour with Egg Coffee: $20
  • 7 Tastings Street Food Tour with Train Street: $21
  • Hanoi Street Food Tour with Train Street Visit: $22
  • Hanoi food tour-Local street food tour (food&guide included): $22
  • Cooking & Coffee Class: Make Vietnamese Banh Mi Sandwich & Coffee: $22
  • Hanoi Street Food Tour: $23

Typical Food Prices in Fez

For Fez, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Yogurt
    $0.60
  • Dinner for 2
    $11

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Fez

For Fez, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Moroccan Cooking Class and Fez Market Visit and Meal: $35
  • Baking Workshops at Fez Cooking School at Palais Amani: $41
  • cooking classe in fes with ouliya: $43
  • Family Dinner in Fes with Tea and Fun Stories: $45
  • Unforgettable Cooking Class in Fez : $45
  • Cooking Class - Moroccan cuisine: $48
  • Unforgettable Fes Cooking Class with a local: $53
  • Traditional Moroccan Cooking Course in Dar 7 Louyat: $59
  • Fez Street Food Tour: $62
  • Cooking lessons: $63
  • Moroccan Henna Party fez Lunch or Dinner: $64
  • Private Cooking Class & Market Tour: A Family Experience & pickup: $64

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hanoi $8.49
    Fez $9.00
Typical Entertainment Prices in Hanoi

Here are a few typical costs in Hanoi for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Puppet Theater
    $1.59
  • The Hanoi Hilton Entrance
    $1.59
  • National History Museum
    $1.59
  • Puppet Theater Ticket
    $2.79

Tours and Activities in Hanoi

Here are a few actual costs in Hanoi for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 2 Day Golden Bay Cruise Explore Halong Bay from Hanoi: $220
  • 2 Day Oasis Bay Cruise Explore Halong Bay from Hanoi: $228
  • 2 Day Private Guided Tour in Pu Luong Nature Hanoi: $169
  • 2 Days Hanoi City Bus Tour Experience: $239
  • 2 Days and 1 Night Lan Ha Bay Adventure from Hanoi: $245
  • 2 days 1 Night Sapa Trekking Group Tour: $126
  • 2-day Explore Halong Bay in Caravella Cruise: $268
  • 2-day Gen Z Cruise Explore Halong Bay from Hanoi: $228
  • 4 Days 3 Nights Ha Giang Loop Tour from Hanoi by Sleeper Bus: $235
  • All-Inclusive 2D/1N 5star Cruises: Meals-Kayak-Cave-Accommodation : $175
  • Amazing Ha Giang Motorbike Tour 4Days 3Nights: $195
  • Bai Dinh Pagoda Trang An and Eco Hang Mua Cave Heritage Day Tour: $53

Typical Entertainment Prices in Fez

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Fez's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Granary Fee
    $1.99

Tours and Activities in Fez

For Fez, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Pottery and Ceramics Guided Tour: $5.35
  • Fez City Tours : Crafts & Shopping Tour in Souks: $10
  • Private Walking Tour at the OLD MEDINA OF Fez: $11
  • A group walking tour in Fes/Fez : $11
  • Fes Shared Full-Day Guided Tour : $11
  • Cultural tour in Fez: $15
  • Discover Pottery and Mosaic Zellige on a Factory Tour in Fes: $15
  • Fez Tour Experience : $16
  • Half-Day Guided Tour in Fes : $16
  • Fez Medina Guided Tour : $16
  • Discover the Magic of Fes: A Walking Tour of the Old City: $16
  • Full-day Historical Fez old City Tour : $16

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hanoi $7.68
    Fez $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Hanoi

Also in Hanoi, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Guided Bar Crawl with Drinks and Nightclub Entry: $61

Sample the Local Flavors in Fez

Also in Fez, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Full-Day Boutique Winery and Wine Tasting Tour from Fez: $246


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


Which is Bigger, Hanoi or Fez?

Hanoi has a larger population, and is about 48% larger than the population of Fez. When comparing the sizes of Hanoi and Fez, 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.