A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hanoi vs. New Orleans for Food, Nightlife, Old Town, and Backpackers

Should you visit Hanoi or New Orleans?

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 New Orleans 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 cultural, historical, and fascinating city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

New Orleans

New Orleans is a fun-filled, festive, and vibrant city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. And you can't forget about the live music, food, and nightlife.

Hanoi and New Orleans: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hanoi or New Orleans?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in New Orleans than Hanoi. While Hanoi is larger than New Orleans, New Orleans has more sights and attractions for tourists. New Orleans is very popular for its food, nightlife, music, and quaint atmosphere, while Hanoi attracts visitors for its museums, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities. New Orleans is more touristy than Hanoi and is popular for its jazz festivals, local cuisine, quaint balconies, and world class Mardi Gras parties. It is also well known for The French Quarter. Hanoi is famous for its impressive street food, historical museums, and bustling energy.

The French Quarter

How is Hanoi different from New Orleans?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Hanoi is a world-class destination for its museums and history. However, New Orleans does not have museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Hanoi from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. 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.

New Orleans does not have museums and landmarks.

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

New Orleans 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 New Orleans have been singled out for their culinary prowess. It has rapidly grown into one of the United State's most well known foodie destinations. It's the birthplace of bananas foster and popular for it's gumbo, crawfish etouffee, jambalaya, and red beans and rice. While there are a number of celebrity chefs from New Orleans, you'll also find many local restaurants that aren't as well known but are equally worth visiting.

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 New Orleans Better for Nightlife?

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

New Orleans is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. The nightlife scene is at its best during Mardi Gras. But year-round you'll find Bachelor and Bachelorette parties, spring breakers, and anyone who wants to enjoy a crazy time heads to New Orleans. New Orleans is a destination that attracts partiers any time of the year, and the French Quarter is the place to be if you're looking for a party.

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 New Orleans Better for Music?

New Orleans 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 New Orleans The city is known for its music festivals that feature jazz, blues, and many other types of live music. The Jazz Festival is a great time to visit.

Hanoi is not a live music destination.

Is Hanoi or New Orleans Better for its Old Town?

Hanoi is a world-class destination for its historic old town. Also, New Orleans is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its 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.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of New Orleans. The French Quarter is filled with old architecture and beautiful historic landmarks.

Is the Shopping Better in Hanoi or New Orleans?

Hanoi is a world-class destination for shopping. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Hanoi. 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.

If you're looking to go shopping, New Orleans has some nice offerings. New Orleans shopping is mostly centered around shopping malls and chain stores.

Is Hanoi or New Orleans Better for Families?

Hanoi is a city with good options for its kid-friendly activities. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for its family-friendly activities.

Hanoi is a family-friendly city. 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.

New Orleans doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. While there are some family-friendly activities in New Orleans like a zoo and several great parks, the city is more known for its parties and nightlife scene. Particularly during certain seasons, most people choose to visit New Orleans without kids.

Is Hanoi or New Orleans Better for Couples?

Both Hanoi and New Orleans are nice 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.

New Orleans is a good city for couples to visit. Couples who enjoy a lively evening, fun festivals, and exploring absolutely amazing restaurants will enjoy a visit to New Orleans. It has a festive and unique atmosphere any time of the year. There are also nice hotels and beautiful parks.

Is Hanoi or New Orleans Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hanoi is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Hanoi. 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.

New Orleans is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a handful of hostels in New Orleans that are good options for backpackers who want to meet other travelers.

Is Hanoi or New Orleans Better for Students?

Hanoi is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. Also, New Orleans is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Students come from all over to stay in 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.

New Orleans is popular with students. Students head to New Orleans to enjoy spring break and Mardi Gras.

Is Hanoi or New Orleans 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 New Orleans.

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 New Orleans. The city has streetcar lines and bus lines that you can use, but you'll want to have a car if you want to venture outside of these main areas.

Is Hanoi or New Orleans a more walkable city?

Hanoi and New Orleans both are nice 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.

New Orleans is a somewhat walkable city. If you stick to the French Quarter and downtown areas, most things are walkable in New Orleans.

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

Should I spend more time in New Orleans or Hanoi?

How long in Hanoi or New Orleans?

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

Families should spend more time in Hanoi than New Orleans. 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.

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

Hanoi is a historical 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 New Orleans, many people enjoy the nightlife and live music that this festive destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 New Orleans?

Hanoi is a colorful 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 New Orleans. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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 New Orleans?

Hanoi is a high energy 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.

New Orleans is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the food and nightlife when visiting the destination of New Orleans. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Hanoi or New Orleans?

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.

You'll find nightlife and live music around the fun-filled destination of New Orleans. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Adventure Tours to United States of America, and The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Hanoi or New Orleans?

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

New Orleans 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 New Orleans in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Hanoi as well as New Orleans. Hanoi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to New Orleans this time of year.

In July, Hanoi is generally around the same temperature as New Orleans. Daily temperatures in Hanoi average around 29°C (84°F), and New Orleans fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

It's quite rainy in New Orleans. Hanoi receives a lot of rain in the summer. Hanoi usually gets more rain in July than New Orleans. Hanoi gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while New Orleans receives 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain this time of the year. May to September in Hanoi is the rainy season.

Should I visit Hanoi or New Orleans in the Autumn?

Both New Orleans 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 travelers come to New Orleans for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

Hanoi is a little warmer than New Orleans in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hanoi averages around 25°C (77°F) in October, and New Orleans fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).

It's quite rainy in Hanoi. In October, Hanoi usually receives more rain than New Orleans. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while New Orleans receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Hanoi is November to April.

Should I visit Hanoi or New Orleans in the Winter?

Both New Orleans 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. Furthermore, many visitors come to New Orleans in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In the winter, Hanoi is much warmer than New Orleans. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hanoi in January average around 17°C (63°F), and New Orleans averages at about 51°F (11°C).

New Orleans gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Hanoi usually gets less rain in January than New Orleans. Hanoi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while New Orleans receives 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hanoi or New Orleans in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Hanoi and New Orleans. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hanoi year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to New Orleans for the activities around the city during these months.

In April, Hanoi is generally a little warmer than New Orleans. Daily temperatures in Hanoi average around 24°C (75°F), and New Orleans fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

New Orleans 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 New Orleans. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while New Orleans receives 4.5 inches (114 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 New Orleans and Hanoi