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

Should you visit Hanoi or Newcastle?

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 Newcastle 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. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Newcastle

Newcastle is a vibrant, high energy, and trendy 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 Newcastle: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hanoi or Newcastle?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hanoi than Newcastle, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Hanoi is more popular for its museums, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Newcastle is known for its beaches and hiking. Hanoi is more touristy than Newcastle and is known for its impressive street food, historical museums, and bustling energy. It is also home to Hoan Kiem Lake. Newcastle is popular for its bustling harbor, sandy beaches, and coastal walks.

How is Hanoi different from Newcastle?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Hanoi is terrific for its sights and museums. Also, Newcastle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Hanoi on the map. 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 Newcastle specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There are some interesting sights around town such as Nobbys Lighthouse. There's also the popular Ocean Baths. These pools offer a nice break from the surf. You can also check out the sights along the Newcastle Memorial Walk. For a history lesson, head to Fort Scratchley.

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

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

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.

Newcastle has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. It's a moderately sized city, so you'll find a good mix of restaurants. Head to the beachfront if you want fine dining and good seafood. There are also some good breweries and cafes, as well as brunch places and international flavors around town.

Is Hanoi or Newcastle Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Newcastle for the nightlife scene. It's a vibrant city, and the best nightlife can be found in the Honeysuckle Precinct. This is where you'll find the largest number of bars and pubs. Hunter Street is also a cool hangout area where you'll find the hidden gems where the locals hang out. Civic Theatre is the place to see a show.

Is Hanoi or Newcastle Better for Beaches?

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

The beaches at Newcastle attract visitors from all over. There are a number of beaches in and near the city. Nobbys Beach is the most popular and you'll find families, surfers, and locals hanging out here. Newcastle Beach is also popular with its many restaurants and cafes.

Hanoi is not a beach destination.

Is Hanoi or Newcastle Better for its Old Town?

Hanoi is terrific for its historic old town charm. However, Newcastle does not have a historic old town.

Hanoi has a unique history which comes to life in its historic 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.

Newcastle does not have a historic old town.

Is Hanoi or Newcastle Better for Hiking?

Newcastle is a city with good options for its hiking experiences. However, Hanoi is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Newcastle. There are many places to enjoy a stroll or hike near town. The most famous walk is the Bathers Way Walk, which runs along the coastline and offers spectacular views. It's particularly nice during the winter whale watching season.

Hanoi is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hanoi or Newcastle?

Hanoi is terrific for its shopping areas. Also, Newcastle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for shopping.

Hanoi is a world class destination for shoppers. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Newcastle. It's gained popularity for its trendy fashions and chic style. You'll find great shopping around town that highlight both local and international brands.

Is Hanoi or Newcastle Better for Families?

Both Hanoi and Newcastle 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.

Newcastle offers lots of family activities. Kids will enjoy the long sandy beaches, but there's also a working harbor that you can explore. You can also visit the Newcastle Museum or try one of the many kid-friendly restaurants.

Is Hanoi or Newcastle Better for Couples?

Both Hanoi and Newcastle 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.

Newcastle is a good city for couples to visit. The city has some great restaurants as well as many coastal walks and a vibrant nightlife scene that couples enjoy.

Is Hanoi or Newcastle Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hanoi is terrific for backpackers. Also, Newcastle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Hanoi is a very popular city to visit 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.

Newcastle is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. While it's not Australia's most popular backpacker destination, there are some hostels and a good nightlife scene that are worth checking out.

Is Hanoi or Newcastle Better for Students?

Hanoi is a well-known place for students. However, Newcastle 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.

Newcastle is not popular with students.

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

Newcastle is a city 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 Newcastle, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's both a light rail system and a bus system.

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 Newcastle a more walkable city?

Hanoi and Newcastle 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.

Newcastle is a somewhat walkable city. There are parts of the city that can be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Newcastle or Hanoi?

How long in Hanoi or Newcastle?

It's fun to spend time in either Hanoi or Newcastle. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Hanoi due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Hanoi, and 2-4 days is enough time in Newcastle.

Families should spend more time in Hanoi than Newcastle. 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 Newcastle 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 Newcastle?

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 Newcastle, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this coastal destination 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 Newcastle?

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 Newcastle. 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 Newcastle?

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.

Newcastle is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Newcastle. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Hanoi or Newcastle?

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 vibrant destination of Newcastle. 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 Contiki Tours to Australia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Australia.

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

Which is Bigger, Hanoi or Newcastle?

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

Newcastle 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 Newcastle in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Hanoi and Newcastle. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hanoi year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Newcastle in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Hanoi is a little warmer than Newcastle. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hanoi in July average around 29°C (84°F), and Newcastle averages at about 22°C (72°F)in January.

Newcastle receives a lot of rain in the summer. Hanoi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Hanoi usually receives more rain than Newcastlein January. Hanoi gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Newcastle receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the summer. Also, May to September is the rainy season in Hanoi.

Should I visit Hanoi or Newcastle in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Hanoi as well as Newcastle. Hanoi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Newcastle for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Hanoi is generally a little warmer than Newcastlein April. Daily temperatures in Hanoi average around 25°C (77°F), and Newcastle fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

It's quite rainy in Newcastle. Hanoi receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Hanoi usually gets less rain in October than Newcastlein April. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Newcastle receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, November to April in Hanoi is the dry season.

Should I visit Hanoi or Newcastle in the Winter?

Both Newcastle and Hanoi are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hanoi throughout the year. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Newcastle because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Hanoi is a little warmer than Newcastle in the winter. The daily temperature in Hanoi averages around 17°C (63°F) in January, and Newcastle fluctuates around 13°C (55°F)in July.

In January, Hanoi usually receives less rain than Newcastlein July. Hanoi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Newcastle receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Hanoi or Newcastle in the Spring?

Both Newcastle and Hanoi during the spring 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 beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Newcastle this time of year.

In the spring, Hanoi is a little warmer than Newcastle. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hanoi in April average around 24°C (75°F), and Newcastle averages at about 18°C (64°F)in October.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hanoi. Hanoi usually gets more rain in April than Newcastlein October. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Newcastle receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year. November to April is the dry season in Hanoi. May to September is the rainy season in Hanoi.

Typical Weather for Newcastle and Hanoi