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

Should you visit Hanoi or Koyasan?

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 Koyasan 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 historical, fascinating, and high energy 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.

Koyasan

Koyasan is a peaceful, serene, and spiritual town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the hiking, museums, and food.

Hanoi and Koyasan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hanoi or Koyasan?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Hanoi than Koyasan, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Hanoi is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Koyasan is more popular for its hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Hanoi is well known for its impressive street food, historical museums, and bustling energy. Also, Hanoi is famous for Hoan Kiem Lake. Koyasan is well known for its temple complex, spiritual history, and being the birthplace of Shingon Buddhism in Japan.

How is Hanoi different from Koyasan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Hanoi is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Koyasan 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.

Koyasan offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. This spiritual destination is filled with temples. Some of the most notable are Okunoin Temple, Torodo Hall, Kongobuji Temple, Danjo Garan, and Daimon (the Great Gate).

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

Hanoi is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Koyasan is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Koyasan is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are cafes in town that serve simple udon noodle dishes and other local options. If you do a temple stay, it will likely include a meal, which is usually vegetarian and prepared by Buddhist monks. A typical menu includes miso soup, soba, pickled vegetables, tofu, tempura vegetables, rice, tea, and melon. Breakfast is similar but smaller in size.

Is Hanoi or Koyasan Better for Nightlife?

Hanoi is a great destination for nightlife and partying. However, Koyasan is a town with minimal options 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.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Koyasan This spiritual town is not a place for nightlife, but it is fascinating to take a night tour of the area.

Is Hanoi or Koyasan Better for its Old Town?

Hanoi is a world-class destination for its old town. Also, Koyasan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

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.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Koyasan. The town center is filled with spiritual temples and many people prefer to do a temple stay for a night.

Is Hanoi or Koyasan Better for Hiking?

Koyasan is a town with good options for its hiking experiences. However, Hanoi is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Koyasan. Most people arrive by cable car, but this area has been a long running pilgrim destination and you'll find many historic pilgrimage trails that are still in the area. The Koyasan Choishi Michi trail is one of the most well known.

Hanoi is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hanoi or Koyasan?

Hanoi is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Koyasan is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Koyasan is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Hanoi or Koyasan Better for Families?

Both Hanoi and Koyasan 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.

Koyasan offers lots of family activities. It's filled with history, so its best to recognize your kid's limits when it comes to that sort of thing. If you're planning to do a temple stay, then consider how your child might handle the situation and make sure you reach out to let them know you have a child before reserving.

Is Hanoi or Koyasan Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Koyasan frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. A temple stay in Koyasan is a truly unique experience that immerses you in the culture and lifestyle of the area. It's a truly one-of-a-kind experience for couples who like to do things outside of the box.

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 Koyasan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hanoi is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, Koyasan is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Koyasan. It's not your typical backpacker destination and most visitors prefer to experience a temple stay while in the area. If that's not your style, there is a hostel nearby.

Is Hanoi or Koyasan Better for Students?

Hanoi is a great destination for students. However, Koyasan is not popular with students.

Many students visit 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.

Koyasan is not popular with students.

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

Koyasan is a town 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 Koyasan, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. To get to town you'll take a cable car and then a bus (or taxi, but you can't walk). Once you're in town, almost everything is in the town center and doesn't require transit.

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 Koyasan a more walkable city?

Koyasan 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.

Koyasan is a very walkable town. Once you reach the town its relatively flat and easy to explore on foot.

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 Koyasan Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Koyasan or Hanoi?

How long in Hanoi or Koyasan?

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

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

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

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.

Even though Koyasan is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This town 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 Koyasan?

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 Koyasan. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 Koyasan?

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.

Koyasan is a fun place to experience. Koyasan is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Hanoi or Koyasan?

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.

Koyasan is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. 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 Adventure Tours to Vietnam, The Best Eco Tours in Vietnam, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Japan, and The Best Historical Tours in Japan.

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

When is the best time to visit Hanoi or Koyasan?

Koyasan 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 Koyasan in the Summer?

Both Koyasan 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 travelers come to Koyasan for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Hanoi is around the same temperature as Koyasan in the summer. The daily temperature in Hanoi averages around 29°C (84°F) in July, and Koyasan fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Koyasan. It's quite rainy in Hanoi. In July, Hanoi usually receives more rain than Koyasan. Hanoi gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the summer. The rainy season in Hanoi is May to September.

Should I visit Hanoi or Koyasan in the Autumn?

Both Koyasan 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, many visitors come to Koyasan in the autumn for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Hanoi is a little warmer than Koyasan. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hanoi in October average around 25°C (77°F), and Koyasan averages at about 19°C (65°F).

Koyasan 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 Koyasan. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 105 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year. November to April is the dry season in Hanoi.

Should I visit Hanoi or Koyasan in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hanoi and Koyasan. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hanoi year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Koyasan for the museums and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Hanoi is generally much warmer than Koyasan. Daily temperatures in Hanoi average around 17°C (63°F), and Koyasan fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

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

Should I visit Hanoi or Koyasan in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Hanoi as well as Koyasan. Hanoi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Koyasan because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Hanoi is much warmer than Koyasan in the spring. The daily temperature in Hanoi averages around 24°C (75°F) in April, and Koyasan fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

It's quite rainy in Koyasan. Hanoi receives a lot of rain in the spring. Hanoi usually gets less rain in April than Koyasan. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 135 mm (5.3 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 Koyasan and Hanoi