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

Should you visit Hanoi or Melbourne?

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 Melbourne 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. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Melbourne

Melbourne is a cultural, progressive, and livable city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and beaches.

Hanoi and Melbourne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hanoi or Melbourne?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Hanoi than Melbourne. While Melbourne is larger than Hanoi, Hanoi has more sights and attractions for tourists. Hanoi is better known for its museums, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Melbourne is more popular for its beaches. Hanoi is more touristy than Melbourne and is popular for its impressive street food, historical museums, and bustling energy. Also, Hanoi is famous for Hoan Kiem Lake. Melbourne is well known for its art and cultural scene, its sports history, and its friendly and welcoming population.

How is Hanoi different from Melbourne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Hanoi is very popular for its museums and history. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Hanoi are world-renowned. 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 Melbourne specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Many of the city's sights center around the art and cultural scene. There's the the National Gallery of Victoria and the Performing Arts Centre Melbourne. There's also Federation Square. Sports enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the National Sports Museum and for great views, check out Melbourne Skydeck at Eureka Tower.

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

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

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.

Melbourne has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There's an eclectic mix of international restaurants that offer everything from Szechuan dishes to Spanish tapas. You'll find bistros and bars that have a fun and relaxed vibe and locals and tourists alike enjoy dining out.

Is Hanoi or Melbourne Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Melbourne for the nightlife scene. There are bars and clubs that have a laid back and relaxed atmosphere as well as more party focused nightclubs that stay open late into the night. Whether you're interested in dancing and listening to live music, or chatting with friends at a local brewery, there really is something for everyone.

Is Hanoi or Melbourne Better for Beaches?

Melbourne is well known for the beache. However, Hanoi is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Melbourne attract visitors from all over. There are laid back beaches near town that attract locals and tourists alike. You can enjoy coastal trails and great natural beauty. St Kilda Beach and Elwood Beach are among the most popular beaches near the city. Brighton Beach is known for its colorful bathing boxes and Williamstown Beach is very family-friendly.

Hanoi is not a beach destination.

Is Hanoi or Melbourne Better for its Old Town?

Hanoi is very popular for its old town. However, Melbourne does not have a historic old town.

Hanoi has a world-famous historical area. 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.

Melbourne does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Hanoi or Melbourne?

Hanoi is very popular for its shopping opportunities. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Hanoi draws large crowds to its 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.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Melbourne. The city has tons of retail options that range from trendy fashion boutiques to outdoor markets. There are local venders that highlight the city's art and cultural scene, but there are also suburban malls with all of the major brands.

Is Hanoi or Melbourne Better for Families?

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

Melbourne is a very kid-friendly city. The city has kids museums like the Museum of Play and Art or the Polly Woodside Tall Ship and Museum. There's also the Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium and the Scienceworks Museums. If you like quirky, check out the ArtVo 3D Immersive Art Gallery. There's also Legoland, which has a lot for younger children.

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 Melbourne Better for Couples?

Both Hanoi and Melbourne are notable 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.

Melbourne is a good city for couples to visit. It's a very livable city with romantic viewpoints like SkyHigh Mount Dandenong. There are also nice gardens to explore such as the Carlton Gardens and the Rippon Lea House and Gardens. Or you could go for a ride on the Melbourne Star or dine at one of the many great restaurants.

Is Hanoi or Melbourne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hanoi is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Hanoi is extremely popular for backpackers. 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.

Melbourne is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Many backpackers breeze through the city, but there is a great music and art scene as well as a number of good restaurants. You'll also find a couple of good hostels in town.

Is Hanoi or Melbourne Better for Students?

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

Melbourne is a very popular city for students. Many students think this is among the best student cities in Australia. There's a great creative culture with a good music and art scene. The population is diverse and the restaurants a great.

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 Melbourne Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Melbourne is well known for its public transit. However, Hanoi is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Melbourne can get you around easily. The public transit system is among the best in Australia. There are public buses, trains, and trams (also called trolleys or streetcars).

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 Melbourne a more walkable city?

Melbourne 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.

Melbourne is a very walkable city. The city center is very walkable with a compact and grid-like layout.

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 Melbourne Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Melbourne or Hanoi?

How long in Hanoi or Melbourne?

In either Hanoi or Melbourne, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Melbourne has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Melbourne than Hanoi. In general, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Hanoi, and 2-5 days is enough time in Melbourne.

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

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

People visit Hanoi because there is so much to do. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Melbourne, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this livable big city offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 Melbourne?

People visit Hanoi because there is so much to do. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Melbourne. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Melbourne?

People visit Hanoi because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

Melbourne is a fun place to experience. In Melbourne, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this big city 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 Melbourne?

Hanoi is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

You'll find food and shopping around the friendly big city of Melbourne. 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 Adventure Tours to Vietnam, The Best Eco Tours in Vietnam, The Best Water Sports Tour Packages in Australia, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Australia.

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

Which is Bigger, Hanoi or Melbourne?

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

Melbourne 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 Melbourne in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Hanoi as well as Melbourne. Hanoi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Melbourne in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Hanoi is a little warmer than Melbourne in the summer. The daily temperature in Hanoi averages around 29°C (84°F) in July, and Melbourne fluctuates around 20°C (68°F)in January.

Hanoi receives a lot of rain in the summer. Hanoi usually gets more rain in July than Melbournein January. Hanoi gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year. May to September in Hanoi is the rainy season.

Should I visit Hanoi or Melbourne in the Autumn?

Both Melbourne 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, most visitors come to Melbourne for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Hanoi is much warmer than Melbourne. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hanoi in October average around 25°C (77°F), and Melbourne averages at about 15°C (60°F)in April.

It's quite rainy in Hanoi. In October, Hanoi usually receives more rain than Melbournein April. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Hanoi is November to April.

Should I visit Hanoi or Melbourne in the Winter?

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

In January, Hanoi is generally much warmer than Melbournein July. Daily temperatures in Hanoi average around 17°C (63°F), and Melbourne fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

Hanoi usually gets less rain in January than Melbournein July. Hanoi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hanoi or Melbourne in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Hanoi and Melbourne. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hanoi year-round. Also, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Melbourne this time of year.

Hanoi is much warmer than Melbourne in the spring. The daily temperature in Hanoi averages around 24°C (75°F) in April, and Melbourne fluctuates around 14°C (57°F)in October.

Hanoi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Hanoi usually receives more rain than Melbournein October. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 62 mm (2.4 in) 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 Melbourne and Hanoi