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

Should you visit Hanoi or Nagasaki?

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 Nagasaki 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. 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.

Nagasaki

Nagasaki is a interesting, authentic, and welcoming city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Hanoi and Nagasaki: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hanoi or Nagasaki?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hanoi than Nagasaki, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Hanoi is popular for its impressive street food, historical museums, and bustling energy. It is also home to Hoan Kiem Lake. Nagasaki is popular for its history, hot spring spas, and local cuisine.

How is Hanoi different from Nagasaki?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Hanoi is a world-class destination for its museums and history. Also, Nagasaki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its 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.

Many visitors head to Nagasaki specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Nagasaki Peace Park is a moving tribute to those lost during the atomic bomb attack. Other sights around town include the Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown, Kofukuji Temple, and Huis Ten Bosch.

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

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

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.

Nagasaki has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city has a cosmopolitan cuisine which has been influenced by China and several Western cuisines. Popular local dishes include Chanpon (a noodle dish), Sara Udon (meat, vegetables, and noodles), and Kakuni Manju (pork belly on a dough bun).

Is Hanoi or Nagasaki Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Nagasaki for the nightlife scene. The best areas for nightlife are the Doza-machi and Shianbashi districts. Shinanbashi is filled with narrow alleys and its easy to get lost.

Is Hanoi or Nagasaki Better for its Old Town?

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

Nagasaki does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Hanoi or Nagasaki?

Hanoi is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. Also, Nagasaki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Nagasaki is a great destination for shopping. Head to the waterfront for the best shopping opportunities. You'll find everything from malls to souvenir shops around town. You'll also find traditional market streets which are known as shōtengai.

Is Hanoi or Nagasaki Better for Families?

Both Hanoi and Nagasaki are good 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.

Nagasaki offers lots of family activities. Check out Agiruno Oka Park, which has a small farm and other recreational activities. There are also several kid-friendly museums like the Nagasaki City Science Museum and the Nagasaki Penguin Aquarium. There are also many parks and playgrounds as well as the Nagasaki Seaside Park.

Is Hanoi or Nagasaki Better for Couples?

Both Hanoi and Nagasaki are good 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.

Nagasaki is a good city for couples to visit. There's a unique cuisine with good restaurants. There are also many parks where couples can take a stroll, as well as relaxing hot springs nearby.

Is Hanoi or Nagasaki Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hanoi is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Nagasaki 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.

Nagasaki is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a number of hostels in the city, but you really should make reservations in advance as they tend to fill up.

Is Hanoi or Nagasaki Better for Students?

Hanoi is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Nagasaki is not popular with students.

Hanoi is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. 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.

Nagasaki is not popular with students.

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

Nagasaki 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 Nagasaki can get you around easily. The city has four tram lines as well as city 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 Nagasaki a more walkable city?

Hanoi and Nagasaki 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.

Nagasaki is a somewhat walkable city. Many parts of the city can be explored by foot. The downtown is about a kilometer from Nagasaki Station and the Peace Park is several kilometers in the other direction from the station.

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

Should I spend more time in Nagasaki or Hanoi?

How long in Hanoi or Nagasaki?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Hanoi and Nagasaki. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Hanoi than in Nagasaki. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Hanoi, and 2-3 days is enough time in Nagasaki.

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

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

Hanoi is a big city with plenty to do. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Nagasaki, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this authentic destination offers. 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 Nagasaki?

Hanoi is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nagasaki. 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 Nagasaki?

Hanoi is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Hanoi, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Nagasaki is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Nagasaki. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Hanoi or Nagasaki?

Hanoi is a great place to explore. 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. This city offers something for everyone.

You'll find food and shopping around the interesting destination of Nagasaki. 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 Nagasaki, we can see that Nagasaki 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 Nagasaki would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nagasaki 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 Nagasaki Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Hanoi or Nagasaki?

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

Nagasaki 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 Nagasaki in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Hanoi is around the same temperature as Nagasaki. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hanoi in July average around 29°C (84°F), and Nagasaki averages at about 27°C (81°F).

It's quite rainy in Nagasaki. Hanoi receives a lot of rain in the summer. Hanoi usually gets less rain in July than Nagasaki. Hanoi gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Nagasaki receives 334 mm (13.1 in) of rain this time of the year. May to September in Hanoi is the rainy season.

Should I visit Hanoi or Nagasaki in the Autumn?

Both Nagasaki 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 Nagasaki for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Hanoi is generally a little warmer than Nagasaki. Daily temperatures in Hanoi average around 25°C (77°F), and Nagasaki fluctuates around 20°C (67°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nagasaki. It's quite rainy in Hanoi. In October, Hanoi usually receives around the same amount of rain as Nagasaki. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Nagasaki receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Hanoi is November to April.

Should I visit Hanoi or Nagasaki in the Winter?

Both Nagasaki 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 Nagasaki because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Hanoi is much warmer than Nagasaki in the winter. The daily temperature in Hanoi averages around 17°C (63°F) in January, and Nagasaki fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Hanoi usually gets less rain in January than Nagasaki. Hanoi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Nagasaki receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hanoi or Nagasaki in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Hanoi is much warmer than Nagasaki. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hanoi in April average around 24°C (75°F), and Nagasaki averages at about 16°C (60°F).

Nagasaki receives a lot of rain in the spring. Hanoi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Hanoi usually receives less rain than Nagasaki. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Nagasaki receives 175 mm (6.9 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 Nagasaki and Hanoi