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

Should you visit Hanoi or Koh Pha Ngan?

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 Koh Pha Ngan 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. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Koh Pha Ngan

Koh Pha Ngan is a beautiful, backpacker-friendly, and tropical party island. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Hanoi and Koh Pha Ngan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hanoi or Koh Pha Ngan?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hanoi. Although Hanoi and Koh Pha Ngan are popular destinations, Hanoi has more sights and attractions for tourists. Hanoi is very popular for its museums & sights, food, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Koh Pha Ngan attracts visitors for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Koh Pha Ngan is more touristy than Hanoi and is known for its wild Full Moon Parties, large backpacker crowds, and strikingly beautiful beaches. Hanoi is famous for its impressive street food, historical museums, and bustling energy. It is also well known for Hoan Kiem Lake.

How is Hanoi different from Koh Pha Ngan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Koh Pha Ngan 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 Koh Pha Ngan?

Hanoi is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Koh Pha Ngan is not particularly known for its historical sights.

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.

While most people don't head to Koh Pha Ngan specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Visitors come of the natural beauty, outdoor sports, and hardcore parties more than the sights and museums. Kuan Yin Temple is worth visiting, as is Wat Pho and Wat Phu Khao Noi.

Is the Food Better in Hanoi or Koh Pha Ngan? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hanoi is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Koh Pha Ngan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Hanoi makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Koh Pha Ngan has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There is frequent turnover in the restaurant scene around town, but there are a few mainstay restaurants that offer consistent and reliable Thai or international cuisine. In general, the food is fresh and the typical Thai favorites are available most places. Also make sure you check out the Thong Sala Night Market, which offers unique snacks and local dishes.

Is Hanoi or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Nightlife?

Koh Pha Ngan is renowned for nightlife and partying. Also, Hanoi is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Koh Pha Ngan is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. The island's famous Full Moon Parties have landed it on many lists for top party destinations around the world. These parties are held every month on the night of the full moon, with the biggest crowds between November and March. The parties are traditionally held at the beach in Haad Rin. If you miss the Full Moon Party, you can check out the Half Moon Festival on Baan Ti. During other times, you'll find a variety of different parties that capitalize on the party reputation of the island, so whenever you visit, you can enjoy some level of festivities.

Many people head to Hanoi for the nightlife scene. 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.

Is Hanoi or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Resorts?

Koh Pha Ngan is a party island with good options for its resorts. However, Hanoi is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Koh Pha Ngan makes a nice vacation spot. Much of the island caters to the backpacker crowd, but there are some luxury resorts to choose from as well. Many resorts take advantage of the beautiful nature on the island or intentionally prioritize a serene environment where you can relax by the pool.

Hanoi is not a resort destination.

Is Hanoi or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Koh Pha Ngan is a party island with good options for its diving and snorkeling. However, Hanoi is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Koh Pha Ngan. The island has its share of dive shops and a nice underwater setting where you can see coral and a variety of marine life. The island doesn't draw the huge diving crowds like some of the other islands, but that isn't always a bad thing.

Hanoi is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Hanoi or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Beaches?

Koh Pha Ngan is renowned for the beache. However, Hanoi is not a beach destination.

Koh Pha Ngan is considered to be a world-class beach destination. The white sand beaches with turquoise blue waters make this island a truly beautiful destination. While most people think of beach parties and Full Moon Parties, the island also has some quieter beaches where you can relax in a peaceful paradise. The parties are mostly concentrated around Sunrise Beach in Haad Rin. This beach also has cheap bungalows that are popular with the backpacker crowd. For the quieter beaches, head to the northern side of the island around Hat Khuat and Hat Thian.

Hanoi is not a beach destination.

Is Hanoi or Koh Pha Ngan Better for its Old Town?

Hanoi is a world-class destination for its historic old town. However, Koh Pha Ngan does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Hanoi is revered around 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.

Koh Pha Ngan does not have a historic old town.

Is Hanoi or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Hiking?

Koh Pha Ngan is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Hanoi is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Koh Pha Ngan. In its interior, the island has beautiful jungle and impressive hikes. Some of the best hikes are found in Than Sadet National Park, but come prepared because they can often be challenging. They usually end with a breathtaking viewpoint, secluded beach, or stunning waterfall though.

Hanoi is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hanoi or Koh Pha Ngan?

Hanoi is a world-class destination for shopping. However, Koh Pha Ngan is not particularly known 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.

If you're looking to go shopping, Koh Pha Ngan has some nice offerings. Although shopping isn't particularly popular on the island, it does offer a unique opportunity to support individual shop owners as there are more independently owned vendors on this island than in many other areas. Head to the markets and you'll find the most independent shops to support.

Is Hanoi or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Families?

Hanoi is very good for its family-friendly activities. However, Koh Pha Ngan is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

For families, Koh Pha Ngan is not always the best place to visit. Most people think of Full Moon Parties and backpacker crowds when they think of this island. There are actually some quieter areas on the eastern and northern sides of the island that are good for families. The activities are best suited for older kids and include hiking, windsurfing, yoga, and shopping.

Is Hanoi or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Couples?

Both Hanoi and Koh Pha Ngan are nice 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.

Koh Pha Ngan is a good city for couples to visit. Couples who enjoy partying, yoga retreats, and outdoor exploration will find something for them on this island. There are beautiful hikes to waterfalls as well as nice beaches and, of course, the wild parties.

Is Hanoi or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hanoi and Koh Pha Ngan are amazing 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 Koh Pha Ngan, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. This island is synonymous with backpacker vibes and full moon parties. Head to the southern side of the island around Haad Rin and Ban Tai for the highest concentration of backpacker crowds. Like much of Thailand, there is frequent turnover in hostel ownership, so most reviews that you read online will be out of date. It's best to talk to people on the road to get the most up-to-date perspective.

Is Hanoi or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Students?

Hanoi is well known for students. However, Koh Pha Ngan is not popular with students.

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.

Koh Pha Ngan is not popular with students.

Is Hanoi or Koh Pha Ngan 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 Koh Pha Ngan.

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 Koh Pha Ngan. Your best bet for getting around the island without a private vehicle is Songthaew taxi, longtail boats, and rental mopeds.

Is Hanoi or Koh Pha Ngan a more walkable city?

Hanoi and Koh Pha Ngan 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.

Koh Pha Ngan is a somewhat walkable city. It's possible, and even enjoyable, to walk from place to place around the island but allow yourself a lot of time and bring water because temperatures can be very warm.

For even more information, also check out Is Hanoi Worth Visiting? and Is Koh Pha Ngan Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Koh Pha Ngan or Hanoi?

How long in Hanoi or Koh Pha Ngan?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Hanoi than Koh Pha Ngan 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 Koh Pha Ngan?

Each neighborhood in Hanoi has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Koh Pha Ngan, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this party-oriented destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This party island 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 Koh Pha Ngan?

Hanoi is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koh Pha Ngan. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 Koh Pha Ngan?

Each neighborhood in Hanoi has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Koh Pha Ngan is a fun place to experience. In Koh Pha Ngan, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife that this destination offers. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Hanoi or Koh Pha Ngan?

Hanoi is a popular place to visit. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find nightlife and food around the beautiful destination of Koh Pha Ngan. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Bicycle Tours in Thailand, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Thailand.

When comparing the travel costs between Hanoi and Koh Pha Ngan, we can see that Hanoi is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Hanoi Expensive? and Is Koh Pha Ngan Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Hanoi or Koh Pha Ngan?

Hanoi has a larger population, and is about 120 times larger than the population of Koh Pha Ngan. When comparing the sizes of Hanoi and Koh Pha Ngan, 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 Koh Pha Ngan?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.

Should I visit Hanoi or Koh Pha Ngan in the Summer?

Both Koh Pha Ngan and Hanoi are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hanoi throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Pha Ngan because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

The rainy season in Hanoi is May to September. It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Pha Ngan. It's quite rainy in Hanoi. In July, Hanoi usually receives more rain than Koh Pha Ngan. Hanoi gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

In July, Hanoi is generally a little warmer than Koh Pha Ngan. Daily temperatures in Hanoi average around 29°C (84°F), and Koh Pha Ngan fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).

Should I visit Hanoi or Koh Pha Ngan in the Autumn?

Both Koh Pha Ngan 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Pha Ngan year-round.

November to April is the dry season in Hanoi. December to March is the dry season in Koh Pha Ngan. October and November is the rainy season in Koh Pha Ngan. Koh Pha Ngan 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 October than Koh Pha Ngan. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Hanoi is around the same temperature as Koh Pha Ngan in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hanoi averages around 25°C (77°F) in October, and Koh Pha Ngan fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

Should I visit Hanoi or Koh Pha Ngan in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hanoi and Koh Pha Ngan. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hanoi year-round. Koh Pha Ngan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

December to March in Koh Pha Ngan is the dry season. In January, Hanoi usually receives less rain than Koh Pha Ngan. Hanoi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

In the winter, Hanoi is cooler than Koh Pha Ngan. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hanoi in January average around 17°C (63°F), and Koh Pha Ngan averages at about 22°C (72°F).

Should I visit Hanoi or Koh Pha Ngan in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Hanoi as well as Koh Pha Ngan. Hanoi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Pha Ngan throughout the year.

Also, November to April in Hanoi is the dry season. May to September in Hanoi is the rainy season. Hanoi receives a lot of rain in the spring. Hanoi usually gets more rain in April than Koh Pha Ngan. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

In April, Hanoi is generally around the same temperature as Koh Pha Ngan. Daily temperatures in Hanoi average around 24°C (75°F), and Koh Pha Ngan fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).

Typical Weather for Koh Pha Ngan and Hanoi