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

Should you visit Hanoi or Los Angeles?

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 Los Angeles 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. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Los Angeles

Los Angeles is a dynamic, glamourous, and diverse 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 live music, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Hanoi and Los Angeles: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hanoi or Los Angeles?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Los Angeles than Hanoi, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Los Angeles is more popular for its theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking, while Hanoi is known for its historical sights. Los Angeles is more touristy than Hanoi and is popular for is many A-list celebrities, its world-famous clubs and venues, its glamourous beaches, and being the location of the iconic Hollywood. It is also home to Hollywood. Hanoi is popular for its impressive street food, historical museums, and bustling energy.

How is Hanoi different from Los Angeles?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Plenty of people visit the fantastic sights and museums in both Hanoi and Los Angeles.

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, Los Angeles has many famous sights for visitors. The city has an eclectic list of monuments and museums. Notable landmarks include the famous Hollywood sign, Griffith Observatory, the Getty Center, and the Petersen Automotive Museum.

Is Hanoi or Los Angeles Better for Theater?

Los Angeles is well known for its theatre productions. However, Hanoi is not a theatre destination.

Los Angeles attracts a wide-range of world-class performances. While most people think of Hollywood when they think of LA, the city also has a thriving stage presence. Musicals and plays are popular throughout the city.

Hanoi is not a theatre destination.

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

Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles have been singled out for their culinary prowess. As a huge and diverse city, there is no shortage of amazing food options around town. There are a wide range of cuisines represented and many different neighborhoods that specialize in specific types of food. Popular dishes around town include Cobb Salads, Mexican Tacos, and the French Dip Sandwich.

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 Los Angeles Better for Nightlife?

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

Los Angeles is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. The city's nightlife scene is as diverse as the city itself. There are glamorous clubs where you might spot a celebrity, as well as local dives with a more down-to-earth vibe. Some of the most famous clubs in the city include Academy, Avalon, and Boardner's.

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 Los Angeles Better for Music?

Los Angeles is renowned for its live music scene. However, Hanoi is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Los Angeles Music, movies, and show business - it's all part of what Los Angeles is known for. Several famous music venues include The Greek Theatre, Whiskey a Go Go, and The Roxy Theatre.

Hanoi is not a live music destination.

Is Hanoi or Los Angeles Better for Resorts?

Los Angeles is well known for its resorts. However, Hanoi is not a resort destination.

In Los Angeles, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. The city is home to a number of high end resorts including The Beverly Hill Hotel, The Langham Huntington Pasadena, and The Ritz-Carlton.

Hanoi is not a resort destination.

Is Hanoi or Los Angeles Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Los Angeles is a city 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 Los Angeles. The coastal setting means that there are a number of places where you can put on a mask and hop in the water. Popular snorkeling or diving spots near the city include Santa Catalina Island, Diver's Cove, and Crystal Cove State Park. Many visitors find the water to be a bit chili, but the wildlife is unique and beautiful.

Hanoi is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Hanoi or Los Angeles Better for Beaches?

Los Angeles is renowned for the beache. However, Hanoi is not a beach destination.

Los Angeles is considered to be a world-class beach destination. Ranging from beaches with stunning natural beauty to those with glamourous and fun atmospheres, this city has a number of beaches to choose from. There are many fun and high-energy urban beach settings, and there are also beaches that are lined with parks and offer a more natural environment. Some of the most popular are Santa Monica, Malibu, Huntington Beach, and Redondo Beach.

Hanoi is not a beach destination.

Is Hanoi or Los Angeles Better for its Old Town?

Hanoi is renowned for its historic old town charm. However, Los Angeles 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.

Los Angeles does not have a historic old town.

Is Hanoi or Los Angeles Better for Hiking?

Los Angeles is renowned for its hiking experiences. However, Hanoi is not a hiking destination.

Around Los Angeles visitors will find world-class hiking trails. In and around the city you'll find world class urban hiking with views of the mountains and the ocean. Some of the most well-known hikes include the Charlie Turner Trail to Mount Hollywood, Runyon Canyon, and the Sara Wan Trailhead at Corral Canyon.

Hanoi is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hanoi or Los Angeles?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles specifically to go shopping. Although it's most famous for the high end shopping at Rodeo Drive, there are actually many different shopping venues throughout the city. Other famous shopping areas include Robertson Blvd and the Grove.

Is Hanoi or Los Angeles Better for Families?

Los Angeles is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, Hanoi is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Los Angeles is an extremely popular city to visit for families. With its many amusement parks, including nearby Disneyland, and its countless family-friendly parks and playgrounds, there is no shortage of things to do with kids around the city. Favorite activities include the amusement parks, exploring Venice Beach, a trip to the California Science Center, and taking a Warner Brothers Studio Tour.

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 Los Angeles Better for Couples?

Los Angeles is renowned for its romantic activities. Also, Hanoi is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Los Angeles is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. It is a large, sprawling city with tucked away romantic scenes that are perfect for a couple's getaway or a dream honeymoon. There are also trendy nightclubs, world-class restaurants, and high-energy beaches that make for iconic date activities.

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 Los Angeles Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hanoi is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Los Angeles is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Hanoi, as it is a very popular city for 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.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Los Angeles. The city is a major travel destination for all types, and backpackers will find no shortage of hostels or budget friendly accommodation around town.

Is Hanoi or Los Angeles Better for Students?

Los Angeles is renowned for students. Also, Hanoi is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Los Angeles is a very popular city for students. International students have long flocked to this for its major universities and diverse setting. Major universities in the area include UCLA, the University of Southern California, and the California Institute of Technology.

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.

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

Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Many of the public transit options are overlooked by visitors for a number of reasons, but options include the subway, light rail, and buses.

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 Los Angeles a more walkable city?

Hanoi and Los Angeles both are good 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.

Los Angeles is a somewhat walkable city. The city is sprawling, but some of the neighborhoods are more walkable than others. Some of the more walkable neighborhoods include Hollywood, Koreatown, Downtown, and MacArthur Park.

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

Should I spend more time in Los Angeles or Hanoi?

How long in Hanoi or Los Angeles?

Both Hanoi and Los Angeles have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Los Angeles than in Hanoi. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Hanoi, and 5-7 days is enough time in Los Angeles.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Los Angeles than Hanoi 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 Los Angeles.

One day in Hanoi or Los Angeles?

Hanoi is a fascinating city where you can fill many days. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Los Angeles, many people enjoy the theater and nightlife that this glamourous big city offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Los Angeles?

Hanoi is a high energy big city where you can fill many days. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This city offers something for everyone. 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 Los Angeles. 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 Los Angeles?

Hanoi is a cultural city where you can fill many days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Los Angeles is a fun place to experience. In Los Angeles, many people enjoy the live music and food that this big city destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Hanoi or Los Angeles?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Hanoi. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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.

In Los Angeles, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this dynamic big city offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Vietnam, The Best Eco Tours in Vietnam, The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Hanoi or Los Angeles?

Los Angeles has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Hanoi. When comparing the sizes of Hanoi and Los Angeles, 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 Los Angeles?

Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Hanoi as well as Los Angeles. Hanoi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Los Angeles for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Hanoi is a little warmer than Los Angeles. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hanoi in July average around 29°C (84°F), and Los Angeles averages at about 72°F (22°C).

Hanoi receives a lot of rain in the summer. Hanoi usually gets more rain in July than Los Angeles. Hanoi gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Los Angeles receives 0 inches (0 mm) of rain this time of the year. May to September in Hanoi is the rainy season.

Should I visit Hanoi or Los Angeles in the Autumn?

Both Los Angeles and Hanoi are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hanoi throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Los Angeles in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In October, Hanoi is generally a little warmer than Los Angeles. Daily temperatures in Hanoi average around 25°C (77°F), and Los Angeles fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

It's quite rainy in Hanoi. In October, Hanoi usually receives more rain than Los Angeles. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Los Angeles receives 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Hanoi is November to April.

Should I visit Hanoi or Los Angeles in the Winter?

Both Los Angeles and Hanoi during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Hanoi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Los Angeles for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months.

Hanoi is a little warmer than Los Angeles in the winter. The daily temperature in Hanoi averages around 17°C (63°F) in January, and Los Angeles fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

Hanoi usually gets less rain in January than Los Angeles. Hanoi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Los Angeles receives 3.1 inches (79 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hanoi or Los Angeles in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Hanoi and Los Angeles. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hanoi year-round. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Los Angeles because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Hanoi is a little warmer than Los Angeles. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hanoi in April average around 24°C (75°F), and Los Angeles averages at about 61°F (16°C).

Hanoi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Hanoi usually receives more rain than Los Angeles. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Los Angeles receives 1 inches (25 mm) of rain each month for the spring. November to April in Hanoi is the dry season. Also, May to September is the rainy season in Hanoi.

Typical Weather for Los Angeles and Hanoi