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

Should you visit Hanoi or Kamakura?

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 Kamakura 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. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Kamakura

Kamakura is a charming, laid back, and ancient coastal city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Hanoi and Kamakura: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hanoi or Kamakura?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Hanoi than Kamakura. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Hanoi is very popular for its museums, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Kamakura attracts visitors for its beaches and hiking. Hanoi is famous for its impressive street food, historical museums, and bustling energy. It is also well known for Hoan Kiem Lake. Kamakura is famous for its historic temples and shrines as well as its popular beaches.

How is Hanoi different from Kamakura?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Hanoi is an unbeatable place for its sights and museums. Also, Kamakura is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for its museums and history.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Hanoi that are not to be missed. 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.

Many visitors head to Kamakura specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. This ancient city is filled with historic landmarks such as the Great Buddha, Hokokuji Temple, Hasedera Temple, and Hachimangu Shrine, among many others.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at excellent restaurants in both Hanoi and Kamakura.

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.

Kamakura has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Dining is part of the fun in this beautiful town. There are many great restaurants where you can sample luxury dishes, but there are also street food stalls with egg pancakes or noodle dishes.

Is Hanoi or Kamakura Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Kamakura for the nightlife scene. There's a diverse mix of bars and music venues. The nightlife scene is particularly active during the summer months when visitors head to the beach, but throughout the year you'll find tachinomiya standing bars, international style pubs, and jazz clubs where locals like to hang out.

Is Hanoi or Kamakura Better for Beaches?

Kamakura is a coastal city with good options for the beache. However, Hanoi is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Kamakura. Many locals from Tokyo or Yokohama head here during July and August to cool off at the beach, relax in the sun, and go surfing. The beaches can get crowded, but they're long and sandy and can make for a nice escape.

Hanoi is not a beach destination.

Is Hanoi or Kamakura Better for its Old Town?

Hanoi is an unbeatable place for its historic old town. Also, Kamakura is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for its 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Kamakura. It's a quaint historic town with many shrines, temples, and historic landmarks that reflect its long running political past.

Is Hanoi or Kamakura Better for Hiking?

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

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Kamakura. Just outside of town there are many hiking trails that crisscross through the wooded hills and connect the many temples. Many of the trails are relatively short and take just an hour or two to complete.

Hanoi is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hanoi or Kamakura?

Hanoi is an unbeatable place for shopping. Also, Kamakura is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Hanoi is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Kamakura. While the city itself is ancient, you can head to Kamakura Komachi-dori Street to find trendy boutiques and modern shopping. This is a popular place to pick up a souvenir or check out the current fashions.

Is Hanoi or Kamakura Better for Families?

Both Hanoi and Kamakura are nice 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.

Kamakura offers lots of family activities. It's a town that's filled with history and character, which isn't every kids cup of tea. If you're traveling with young kids you might want to head to beach for a bit. There are also ice cream and donut shops that you can use as well to break up the sightseeing.

Is Hanoi or Kamakura Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Kamakura frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Many couples enjoy visiting this quaint town as a day trip from Tokyo. There are impressive temples as well as restaurants and gardens.

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 Kamakura Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hanoi is an unbeatable place for backpackers. Also, Kamakura is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Hanoi is a mecca for backpackers and 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.

Kamakura is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. It's an easy day trip from Tokyo, but there are also some affordable hostels that make it an easy place to spend the night.

Is Hanoi or Kamakura Better for Students?

Hanoi is a well-known place for students. However, Kamakura is not popular with students.

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.

Kamakura is not popular with students.

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

Kamakura 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 Kamakura, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a city bus system, but for the more remote places you'll want to take a taxi.

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 Kamakura a more walkable city?

Hanoi and Kamakura both are nice 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.

Kamakura is a somewhat walkable city. It's a small city, and most of the sights can be reached on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Kamakura or Hanoi?

How long in Hanoi or Kamakura?

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

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

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

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 Kamakura, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this quaint destination offers. This coastal 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 Kamakura?

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 Kamakura. 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 Kamakura?

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.

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

A week in Hanoi or Kamakura?

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 food and shopping around the charming destination of Kamakura. 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 Adventure Tours to Japan, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hanoi and Kamakura, we can see that Kamakura is more expensive. And not only is Hanoi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Kamakura would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kamakura 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 Kamakura Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Hanoi or Kamakura?

Hanoi has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Kamakura. When comparing the sizes of Hanoi and Kamakura, 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 Kamakura?

Kamakura 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 Kamakura in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Hanoi and Kamakura. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hanoi year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Kamakura in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Hanoi is generally a little warmer than Kamakura. Daily temperatures in Hanoi average around 29°C (84°F), and Kamakura fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

Kamakura receives a lot of rain in the summer. Hanoi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Hanoi usually receives more rain than Kamakura. Hanoi gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain each month for the summer. Also, May to September is the rainy season in Hanoi.

Should I visit Hanoi or Kamakura in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Hanoi as well as Kamakura. Hanoi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Kamakura for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months.

Hanoi is a little warmer than Kamakura in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hanoi averages around 25°C (77°F) in October, and Kamakura fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It's quite rainy in Kamakura. Hanoi receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Hanoi usually gets less rain in October than Kamakura. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 177 mm (7 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, November to April in Hanoi is the dry season.

Should I visit Hanoi or Kamakura in the Winter?

Both Kamakura 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 winter months attract visitors to Kamakura because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Hanoi is much warmer than Kamakura. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hanoi in January average around 17°C (63°F), and Kamakura averages at about 6°C (43°F).

In January, Hanoi usually receives less rain than Kamakura. Hanoi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Hanoi or Kamakura in the Spring?

Both Kamakura 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, the beaches are the main draw to Kamakura this time of year.

In April, Hanoi is generally much warmer than Kamakura. Daily temperatures in Hanoi average around 24°C (75°F), and Kamakura fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

Kamakura gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Hanoi. Hanoi usually gets less rain in April than Kamakura. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 148 mm (5.8 in) 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 Kamakura and Hanoi