A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hanoi vs. Railay Beach for Backpackers, Food, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit Hanoi or Railay Beach?

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 Railay Beach 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 high energy, colorful, and cultural city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping. See Hanoi travel costs.

Railay Beach

Railay Beach is a spectacular, fun-filled, and adventurous beach area. The famous beauty of Railay Beach is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and nightlife. See Railay Beach travel costs.

Hanoi and Railay Beach: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hanoi or Railay Beach?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hanoi. Although Hanoi and Railay Beach are popular destinations, Hanoi has more sights and attractions for tourists. Hanoi is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Railay Beach attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, 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. Railay Beach is famous for its beautiful limestone cliffs and its world famous rock climbing.

How is Hanoi different from Railay Beach?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Hanoi is an unbeatable place for its sights and museums. However, Railay Beach is not a good beach area for its museums and history.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Hanoi that are not to be missed. 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.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Railay Beach. This is an adventure sport destination that is popular for rock climbing and its scenic beauty. Therefore, there are no real museums or temples in the area.

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

Hanoi is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Railay Beach is not as famous, but is still a good beach area to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Hanoi makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Railay Beach has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. You'll find a number of tourist oriented restaurants. Many are affiliated with hotels and resorts and serve the standard Thai options along with pizza and burgers.

Is Hanoi or Railay Beach Better for Nightlife?

Hanoi is a well-known place for nightlife. Also, Railay Beach is not as famous, but is still a good beach area to visit for nightlife and partying.

Hanoi offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Railay Beach. It's a secluded area with a decent number of laid back bars that are usually associated with hotels or resorts. There's also a young crowd, including backpackers, who come for the beautiful setting and great rock climbing. This population insures that there's always something going on at night.

Is Hanoi or Railay Beach Better for Resorts?

Railay Beach is well known for its resorts. However, Hanoi is not a resort destination.

In Railay Beach, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. You'll find a mix of beachside resorts and budget hotels, as well as a number of hostels in the area.

Hanoi is not a resort destination.

Is Hanoi or Railay Beach Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Railay Beach is well known for its diving and snorkeling. However, Hanoi is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Railay Beach is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. There are dive centers that offer both snorkeling and dive trips to nearby areas.

Hanoi is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Hanoi or Railay Beach Better for Beaches?

Railay Beach is well known for the beach. However, Hanoi is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Railay Beach attract visitors from all over. The beaches are famous for their dramatic limestone cliffs. There are three areas: Railay Beach West is scenic with its surrounding cliffs and popular resorts. This is the place to swim or watch the sunset. Railay Beach East is most popular for its rock climbing. You should also check out Phra Nang Cave Beach, which is the location of Phra Nang Cave.

Hanoi is not a beach destination.

Is Hanoi or Railay Beach Better for its Old Town?

Hanoi is an unbeatable place for its historic old town. However, Railay Beach does not have a historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Hanoi offers plenty to see. 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.

Railay Beach does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Hanoi or Railay Beach?

Hanoi is an unbeatable place for shopping. However, Railay Beach is not a good beach area for its shopping opportunities.

Hanoi is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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, Railay Beach has some nice offerings. The Walking Street has shops that sell bathing suits or anything you may have forgotten.

Is Hanoi or Railay Beach More Beautiful?

Railay Beach is renowned for its scenery and beauty. However, Hanoi is not a destination known for its beauty.

The famous beauty of Railay Beach is one of the main draws. The dramatic limestone cliffs and beautiful sandy beaches make this a stunning place to visit.

Hanoi is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Hanoi or Railay Beach Better for Families?

Both Hanoi and Railay Beach are nice 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.

Railay Beach offers lots of family activities. This is a favorite beach area for many visitors to Thailand. It's only accessible by water and it offers adventure sports and calm waters that are nice for kids.

Is Hanoi or Railay Beach Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Railay Beach frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Rock climbing is a favorite activity here, and couples who have an adventurous spirit will enjoy this dramatic location.

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 Railay Beach Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hanoi is an unbeatable place for backpackers. Also, Railay Beach is not as famous, but is still a good beach area to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Hanoi is a mecca for backpackers and 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.

Many backpackers visit Railay Beach. There's no shortage of affordable accommodation that attracts budget travelers and backpackers. The area's world class rock climbing also appeals to the young and adventurous crowd.

Is Hanoi or Railay Beach Better for Students?

Hanoi is a well-known place for students. However, Railay Beach is not popular with students.

Hanoi is very popular with students. 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.

Railay Beach is not popular with students.

Is Hanoi or Railay Beach 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 Railay Beach.

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 Railay Beach. The area is only accessible by boat and there is no road transportation.

Is Hanoi or Railay Beach a more walkable city?

Railay Beach is renowned for its high level of walkability. Also, Hanoi is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Getting around Railay Beach on foot is easy. The area has no cars or road transportation so everything, including the beaches are easy to walk to.

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 Railay Beach Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Railay Beach or Hanoi?

How long in Hanoi or Railay Beach?

It's fun to spend time in either Hanoi or Railay Beach. 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 Railay Beach.

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

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

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

Each neighborhood in Hanoi has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Railay Beach, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this spectacular destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This beach area 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 Railay Beach?

Hanoi is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

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

Each neighborhood in Hanoi has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Railay Beach is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife when visiting the destination of Railay Beach. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Hanoi or Railay Beach?

Hanoi is a popular place to visit. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find nightlife and food around the adventurous destination of Railay Beach. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 Tours for Seniors to Vietnam, The Best G Adventures Tours to Vietnam, The Best Budget Tours to Thailand, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Thailand.

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

When is the best time to visit Hanoi or Railay Beach?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.

Should I visit Hanoi or Railay Beach in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Hanoi and Railay Beach. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hanoi year-round. Railay Beach attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Also, May to September is the rainy season in Hanoi. Also, August to October is the rainy season in Railay Beach. Railay Beach receives a lot of rain in the summer. Hanoi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Hanoi usually receives less rain than Railay Beach. Hanoi gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Railay Beach receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

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

Should I visit Hanoi or Railay Beach in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Hanoi as well as Railay Beach. Hanoi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Railay Beach throughout the year.

Also, November to April in Hanoi is the dry season. Also, December to March in Railay Beach is the dry season. August to October in Railay Beach is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Railay Beach. Hanoi receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Hanoi usually gets less rain in October than Railay Beach. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Railay Beach receives 304 mm (12 in) of rain this time of the year.

Hanoi is around the same temperature as Railay Beach in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hanoi averages around 25°C (77°F) in October, and Railay Beach fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

Should I visit Hanoi or Railay Beach in the Winter?

Both Railay Beach and Hanoi are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hanoi throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Railay Beach because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

The dry season in Railay Beach is December to March. In January, Hanoi usually receives less rain than Railay Beach. Hanoi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Railay Beach receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

In the winter, Hanoi is much colder than Railay Beach. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hanoi in January average around 17°C (63°F), and Railay Beach averages at about 28°C (82°F).

Should I visit Hanoi or Railay Beach in the Spring?

Both Railay Beach 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Railay Beach year-round.

November to April is the dry season in Hanoi. May to September is the rainy season in Hanoi. Railay Beach gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Hanoi. Hanoi usually gets less rain in April than Railay Beach. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Railay Beach receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

In April, Hanoi is generally cooler than Railay Beach. Daily temperatures in Hanoi average around 24°C (75°F), and Railay Beach fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

Typical Weather for Railay Beach and Hanoi