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

Should you visit Hanoi or Mashiko?

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 Mashiko 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 colorful, cultural, and historical 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 museums, nightlife, and food.

Mashiko

Mashiko is a traditional, rural, and quaint town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food.

Hanoi and Mashiko: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hanoi or Mashiko?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Hanoi. Although Hanoi and Mashiko are both popular with visitors, Hanoi has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Hanoi is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Mashiko is known for its hiking, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere. Hanoi is popular for its impressive street food, historical museums, and bustling energy. It is also home to Hoan Kiem Lake. Mashiko is popular for its local sake, rural farms, and longstanding tradition in pottery making.

How is Hanoi different from Mashiko?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Hanoi is a world-class destination for its historical sights. Also, Mashiko is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Hanoi has many famous sights for visitors. 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.

Mashiko is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a couple of museums around town that are focused on the local activities such as pottery. You can check out the Shoji Hamada Memorial Mashiko Sankokan Museum, the Mashiko Museum of Ceramic Art, and the Entsuji Temple.

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

Hanoi is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Mashiko is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Mashiko offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants around town that serve udon, soba, and other Japanese favorites that use local ingredients.

Is Hanoi or Mashiko Better for Nightlife?

Hanoi is a great city for its evening party scene. However, Mashiko is not known for nightlife.

The nightlife in Hanoi has something for everybody. 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.

Most people don't head to Mashiko specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. There are a couple of bars and pubs around town, but not a huge nightlife scene.

Is Hanoi or Mashiko Better for its Old Town?

Hanoi is a world-class destination for its historic old town charm. However, Mashiko 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.

Mashiko does not have a historic old town.

Is Hanoi or Mashiko Better for Hiking?

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

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Mashiko. There are three mountains in the area with hiking trails that let you experience the Japanese countryside and natural beauty. These mountains are Mt. Amamakisan, Mt.Mitsudoyasan, and Mt. Takadateyama.

Hanoi is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hanoi or Mashiko?

Hanoi is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. Also, Mashiko is not as popular, but is still a nice town for shopping.

Many people travel to Hanoi specifically to go shopping. 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.

Mashiko is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Local pottery is the main purchase in town, and there are many shops and local vendors who sell locally made pottery.

Is Hanoi or Mashiko Better for Families?

Mashiko is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Hanoi is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Mashiko is a very kid-friendly town. Pottery is the claim to fame in this small town, and kids will thoroughly enjoy taking a children's pottery class. Its the perfect way to immerse them in the local culture in a fun and hands-on way. Farm life, and fruit picking are also popular here.

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 Mashiko Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Mashiko frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's a charming town with local farms, pottery, and sake. Many couples enjoy spending a few days soaking up the local atmosphere and enjoying the simple pleasures.

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 Mashiko Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hanoi is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Mashiko is not known 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.

Mashiko is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most backpackers don't venture to this community, but its seeped in quaint culture and small town atmosphere.

Is Hanoi or Mashiko Better for Students?

Hanoi is a great city for its student-friendly activities. However, Mashiko is not popular with students.

Hanoi is a great city to visit as a student. 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.

Mashiko is not popular with students.

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

Mashiko 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 Mashiko, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are local trains that stop by the strawberry picking farms. There are also local buses in the area.

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 Mashiko a more walkable city?

Mashiko 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.

Mashiko is a very walkable town. Many people choose to walk around town and the pottery area is about a 20 minute walk from Mashiko Station.

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 Mashiko Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Mashiko or Hanoi?

How long in Hanoi or Mashiko?

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

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

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

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

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 Mashiko is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. 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 Mashiko?

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 Mashiko. 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 Mashiko?

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.

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

A week in Hanoi or Mashiko?

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.

Mashiko is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. 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 Coach Bus Tours in Japan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Japan.

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

Which is Bigger, Hanoi or Mashiko?

Hanoi has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Mashiko. When comparing the sizes of Hanoi and Mashiko, 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 Mashiko?

Mashiko 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 Mashiko in the Summer?

Both Mashiko and Hanoi during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Hanoi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Mashiko because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Hanoi is a little warmer than Mashiko. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hanoi in July average around 29°C (84°F), and Mashiko averages at about 24°C (75°F).

Mashiko gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Hanoi. Hanoi usually gets more rain in July than Mashiko. Hanoi gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year. May to September is the rainy season in Hanoi.

Should I visit Hanoi or Mashiko in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Hanoi and Mashiko. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hanoi year-round. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Mashiko this time of year.

In October, Hanoi is generally much warmer than Mashiko. Daily temperatures in Hanoi average around 25°C (77°F), and Mashiko fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Mashiko receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Hanoi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Hanoi usually receives less rain than Mashiko. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn. November to April in Hanoi is the dry season.

Should I visit Hanoi or Mashiko in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Hanoi as well as Mashiko. Hanoi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Mashiko for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Mashiko. Hanoi is much warmer than Mashiko in the winter. The daily temperature in Hanoi averages around 17°C (63°F) in January, and Mashiko fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Hanoi usually gets less rain in January than Mashiko. Hanoi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hanoi or Mashiko in the Spring?

Both Mashiko and Hanoi are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hanoi throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Mashiko in the spring for the small town charm.

In the spring, Hanoi is much warmer than Mashiko. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hanoi in April average around 24°C (75°F), and Mashiko averages at about 12°C (53°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Mashiko. It's quite rainy in Hanoi. In April, Hanoi usually receives less rain than Mashiko. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the spring. The dry season in Hanoi is November to April. The rainy season in Hanoi is May to September.

Typical Weather for Mashiko and Hanoi