A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hanoi vs. Milford Sound for Backpackers, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Hanoi or Milford Sound?

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 Milford Sound 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. See Hanoi travel costs.

Milford Sound

Milford Sound is a remote, iconic, and breathtaking fiord. The famous beauty of Milford Sound is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the skiing and hiking. See Milford Sound travel costs.

Hanoi and Milford Sound: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hanoi or Milford Sound?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Hanoi. Although Hanoi and Milford Sound are both popular with visitors, Hanoi has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Hanoi is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Milford Sound is known for its skiing, hiking, and impressive beauty. Hanoi is more touristy than Milford Sound and is popular for its impressive street food, historical museums, and bustling energy. It is also home to Hoan Kiem Lake. Milford Sound is popular for its iconic hiking trails, stunning boat tours, and dramatic mountains.

How is Hanoi different from Milford Sound?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Milford Sound and Hanoi. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Hanoi or Milford Sound Better for Skiing?

Milford Sound is well known for winter skiing. However, Hanoi is not a skiing destination.

People head to Milford Sound specifically to take advantage of the area's skiing and winter sports. Many locals head to the snow-capped peaks to enjoy skiing, but if you're unfamiliar with the area, a ski tour is your best option.

Hanoi is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Hanoi or Milford Sound?

Hanoi is an amazing city to visit for its museums and history. However, Milford Sound does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Milford Sound does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Hanoi is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

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.

While Milford Sound is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. You'll find a restaurant or two in the small town of Milford Sound. Your best option is the Milford Sound Lodge. In the park you'll want to come prepared with your own food. Many organized tours include a picnic lunch.

Is Hanoi or Milford Sound Better for Nightlife?

Hanoi is an excellent place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for nightlife.

Hanoi has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Milford Sound. Things get quiet at night and there's little in the form of nightlife.

Is Hanoi or Milford Sound Better for its Old Town?

Hanoi is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Milford Sound does not have a historic old town.

Hanoi offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. 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.

Milford Sound does not have a historic old town.

Is Hanoi or Milford Sound Better for Hiking?

Milford Sound is renowned for its hiking experiences. However, Hanoi is not a hiking destination.

Around Milford Sound visitors will find world-class hiking trails. The Milford Track has long been considered one of the world's best hikes. It's also, arguably, the most famous hike in New Zealand. The 53 kilometer trek takes you from Lake Te Anau through stunning scenery, alpine settings, and across spectacular suspension bridges.

Hanoi is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hanoi or Milford Sound?

Hanoi is an amazing city to visit for its shopping areas. However, Milford Sound is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Milford Sound is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Hanoi or Milford Sound More Beautiful?

Milford Sound is renowned for its scenery and beauty. However, Hanoi is not a destination known for its beauty.

The famous beauty of Milford Sound is one of the main draws. This is one of the most spectacular natural settings in New Zealand. The remoteness, combined with the mountains, waterfalls, and stunning views make this a true bucket list destination.

Hanoi is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Hanoi or Milford Sound Better for Families?

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

Milford Sound is a very kid-friendly fiord. The outdoor wonders will impress the kids as much as the adults. There are shorter walks that are family-friendly and the boat rides are also fun for the whole family. You can take a scenic flight or visit the stunning Mirror Lakes. This really is a playground for both kids and adults.

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 Milford Sound Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Milford Sound frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. This is one of the most stunning natural areas in the world, and the romance comes from the spectacular beauty, world class hikes, and breathtaking surroundings that will leave you awed and inspired.

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 Milford Sound Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hanoi is an amazing city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Milford Sound 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Milford Sound. The area's remoteness and high price tag make it a bit challenging for backpackers and budget travelers. If you have plenty of time and enough money, it is truly a not to be missed destination.

Is Hanoi or Milford Sound Better for Students?

Hanoi is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Milford Sound 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.

Milford Sound is not popular with students.

Is Hanoi or Milford Sound 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 Milford Sound.

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 Milford Sound. There are buses in the area, but private vehicles or organized tours are your best option for getting around.

Is Hanoi or Milford Sound a more walkable city?

Hanoi is a good destination for its ease of walking around. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for its walkability.

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.

Milford Sound is not a walkable city. This is one of the most remote places in New Zealand so you really must have a car or organized transportation to get around.

For even more information, also check out Is Hanoi Worth Visiting? and Is Milford Sound Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Milford Sound or Hanoi?

How long in Hanoi or Milford Sound?

Hanoi and Milford Sound both offer a nice selection of activities for visitors. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Milford Sound than Hanoi 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 2-6 days is enough time in Milford Sound.

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

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

Hanoi is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

In Milford Sound, many people enjoy the skiing that this breathtaking destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Lots of people come for the hiking. This fiord 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 Milford Sound?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hanoi. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Milford Sound. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 Milford Sound?

Hanoi is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Milford Sound is a fun place to experience. In Milford Sound, many people enjoy the skiing that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the hiking. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Hanoi or Milford Sound?

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Hanoi. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

You'll find skiing around the breathtaking destination of Milford Sound. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the hiking. 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in New Zealand, and The Best Luxury Tours to New Zealand.

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

Which is Bigger, Hanoi or Milford Sound?

Hanoi has a larger population, and is about 3290 times larger than the population of Milford Sound. When comparing the sizes of Hanoi and Milford Sound, 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.