A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hanoi vs. Nikko for Attractions, Old Town, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Hanoi or Nikko?

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 Nikko 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 museums, nightlife, and food.

Nikko

Nikko is a historic, cultural, and tranquil town. It also offers plenty of small town charm and also has plenty of sights and activities. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food.

Hanoi and Nikko: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hanoi or Nikko?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hanoi. Although Hanoi and Nikko are popular destinations, Hanoi has more sights and attractions for tourists. Hanoi is very popular for its nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Nikko attracts visitors for its hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Hanoi is famous for its impressive street food, historical museums, and bustling energy. It is also well known for Hoan Kiem Lake. Nikko is famous for its Shinto and Buddhist mountain temples, its tranquil hot spring baths, and its peaceful natural setting.

How is Hanoi different from Nikko?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Plenty of people visit the world-class sights and museums in both Hanoi and Nikko.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Hanoi are among the most recognizable in the world. 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.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Nikko has many famous sights for visitors. The town sits on the edge of Nikko National Park, where you'll find shrines and temples. Toshogu Shrine is lavishly designed. Other notable temples in the area are Taiyuin, Rinnoji Temple, and Futarasan Temple.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at great restaurants in both Hanoi and Nikko.

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.

Nikko has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There are many traditional dishes in the area, but one of the most famous is yuba. Yuba is made from a part of soy milk, and you'll find it in places all over town. You'll also find sushi, tofu, and tea everywhere.

Is Hanoi or Nikko Better for Nightlife?

Hanoi is great for nightlife. However, Nikko is not a good destination for nightlife and partying.

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.

People don't go to Nikko for the nightlife. The town is about relaxing in a tranquil setting and soaking up nature, so you won't find much in the form of nightlife.

Is Hanoi or Nikko Better for its Old Town?

Both Hanoi and Nikko have world-class historic old towns worth visiting.

The old town of Hanoi is one of the most recognized in 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.

Nikko offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The ancient town is filled with giant cedar trees that line walking paths that take you to the many shrines and temples in the area.

Is Hanoi or Nikko Better for Hiking?

Nikko is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Hanoi is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Nikko. The town is surrounded by beautiful nature that you can explore on the many walking paths. The forests are well-preserved and they're filled with large cedar trees, dramatic waterfalls, and beautiful hikes. The area embraces the Japanese practice of "forest bathing" where you "bath" yourself in a beautiful natural environment.

Hanoi is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hanoi or Nikko?

Hanoi is a must-visit destination for shopping. Also, Nikko is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

Nikko offers some nice shopping areas. There are places in town where you can pick up local handicrafts and traditional items.

Is Hanoi or Nikko Better for Families?

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

Nikko is a very kid-friendly town. The area offers a unique way for kids to experience Japanese culture. A highlight for the little ones is a ninja show at Grand Ninja Theatre and the Mizugei-za water magic show. Kids will also enjoy staying in a traditional ryokan and floating in the hot spring baths.

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 Nikko Better for Couples?

Nikko is renowned for its romantic activities. Also, Hanoi is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Nikko is a great town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. While many visitors come to see the shrines and temples, they often end up falling in love with the area's natural beauty, waterfalls, and "forest bathing" (surrounding yourself with nature). Couples will also enjoy dining on the local food and relaxing in a pool fed by a natural hot spring.

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 Nikko Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hanoi is a must-visit destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Nikko is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

Nikko is a great city to visit for backpackers. There are hostels in the area that combine affordability with traditional Japanese customs.

Is Hanoi or Nikko Better for Students?

Hanoi is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Nikko is not popular with 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.

Nikko is not popular with students.

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

Nikko 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 Nikko can get you around easily. There are buses that run from the main train station to the many tourist sights in the area.

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 Nikko a more walkable city?

Nikko 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.

Nikko is a very walkable town. While the town is relatively walkable and there are walking paths through the forest and to most of the temples and shrines, if you want to get further into the region, it's helpful to have a car.

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 Nikko Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nikko or Hanoi?

How long in Hanoi or Nikko?

It's fun to spend time in either Hanoi or Nikko. 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 1-4 days is enough time in Nikko.

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

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

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

Each neighborhood in Hanoi has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. 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.

Even though Nikko is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the museums. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Hanoi or Nikko?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hanoi. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

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

Hanoi is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Hanoi has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Nikko is a fun place to experience. Nikko is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Lots of people come for the museums. 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 Nikko?

You'll find food and shopping around the fascinating big city of Hanoi. 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.

Nikko is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the museums. 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 10-Day Tours in Japan, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Japan.

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

Which is Bigger, Hanoi or Nikko?

Hanoi has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Nikko. When comparing the sizes of Hanoi and Nikko, 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 Nikko?

Nikko 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 Nikko in the Summer?

Both Nikko and Hanoi during the summer 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 hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Nikko this time of year.

In July, Hanoi is generally a little warmer than Nikko. Daily temperatures in Hanoi average around 29°C (84°F), and Nikko fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

Nikko gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Hanoi. Hanoi usually gets more rain in July than Nikko. Hanoi gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year. May to September is the rainy season in Hanoi.

Should I visit Hanoi or Nikko in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Hanoi and Nikko. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hanoi year-round. Also, many travelers come to Nikko for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Hanoi is much warmer than Nikko in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hanoi averages around 25°C (77°F) in October, and Nikko fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Nikko receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Hanoi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Hanoi usually receives less rain than Nikko. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn. November to April in Hanoi is the dry season.

Should I visit Hanoi or Nikko in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Hanoi as well as Nikko. Hanoi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Nikko in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Nikko can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Hanoi is much warmer than Nikko. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hanoi in January average around 17°C (63°F), and Nikko averages at about 3°C (37°F).

Hanoi usually gets less rain in January than Nikko. Hanoi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hanoi or Nikko in the Spring?

Both Nikko and Hanoi are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hanoi throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Nikko for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Hanoi is generally much warmer than Nikko. Daily temperatures in Hanoi average around 24°C (75°F), and Nikko fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nikko. It's quite rainy in Hanoi. In April, Hanoi usually receives around the same amount of rain as Nikko. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 108 mm (4.2 in) of rain each month for the spring. The dry season in Hanoi is November to April. The rainy season in Hanoi is May to September.

Typical Weather for Nikko and Hanoi