Which place is cheaper, Reykjavik or Hanoi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Hanoi and Reykjavik 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 is a colorful, cultural, and historical 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.
Reykjavik is a safe, friendly, and clean city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and nightlife.
Tourists will generally find more to do in Hanoi than Reykjavik. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Hanoi is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Reykjavik attracts visitors for its hiking 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. Reykjavik is famous for its proximity to natural beauty and many thermal pools, as well as its active nightlife scene and many festivals.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Reykjavik and Hanoi. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Hanoi is an amazing city to visit for its museums and history. However, Reykjavik 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.
Reykjavik does not have museums and landmarks.
Hanoi is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. However, Reykjavik is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.
The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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.
You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Reykjavik. Traditional Icelandic food may not have the best reputation, but restaurants these days are pretty good with a variety of dishes to choose from. Popular foods in the area include fish, lamb, and Icelandic skyr (a type of yogurt).
Hanoi is an excellent place to visit for nightlife. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.
Hanoi has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.
Reykjavik has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city offers the best nightlife in Iceland and you'll be surprised at the number of clubs, bars, and craft breweries that you can choose from. Almost all of the popular nightlife spots are around Laugavegur, a major shopping street in town.
Hanoi is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town. However, Reykjavik does not have a historic old town.
Hanoi offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. 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.
Reykjavik does not have a historic old town.
Reykjavik is renowned for its hiking experiences. However, Hanoi is not a hiking destination.
Around Reykjavik visitors will find world-class hiking trails. The city offers easy access to some of the world's most spectacular scenery. There are many hikes that you can easily reach from town. They pass through diverse landscapes that include waterfalls, mountains, glaciers, and beaches.
Hanoi is not a hiking destination.
Hanoi is an amazing city to visit for shopping. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.
Reykjavik offers some nice shopping areas. The city's main shopping street is Laugavegur, which is where you'll find the most activity around town as well as a bustling atmosphere.
Reykjavik is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Hanoi is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.
Reykjavik is a very kid-friendly city. With its many outdoor activities and hands on museums, the city is great for kids. The cafes and restaurants are family-friendly and their are plenty of entertainment options for the whole family.
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.
Reykjavik is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Hanoi is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.
Couples visit Reykjavik frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are museums, outdoor activities, and even the northern lights that make this city very romantic. The cafes are laid-back and the atmosphere is friendly.
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.
Hanoi is an amazing city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.
Reykjavik is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a number of hostels around town, but they can be pretty expensive. Transportation can also be pretty challenging for backpackers.
Hanoi is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.
Hanoi is a great city to visit as a student. 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.
Reykjavik is popular with students. Students will enjoy a unique experience in this city. There are good academic programs as well as beautiful outdoor settings that you can explore.
Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a fairly comprehensive bus system around town.
Public transit is mostly limited in Hanoi. The best ways to get around town include motorbike taxis, cyclos, regular taxis, and local buses.
Reykjavik 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.
Reykjavik is a very walkable city. The city is small and compact, so it's easy to explore on foot.
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 Reykjavik Worth Visiting?.
In either Hanoi or Reykjavik, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Hanoi has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Hanoi than Reykjavik. In general, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Hanoi, and 1-5 days is enough time in Reykjavik.
Families should spend more time in Reykjavik than Hanoi. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Reykjavik, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Reykjavik than Hanoi. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Reykjavik that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Hanoi than Reykjavik 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.
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 Reykjavik, many people enjoy the nightlife and shopping that this clean destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Lots of people come for the hiking. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.
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 Reykjavik. 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.
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.
Reykjavik is a fun place to experience. In Reykjavik, many people enjoy the nightlife and shopping that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the hiking. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.
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 shopping and nightlife around the friendly destination of Reykjavik. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the hiking. 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 Budget Tours to Iceland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Iceland.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Hanoi is $48, while the average daily cost in Reykjavik is $246. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Hanoi and Reykjavik in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Hanoi or Reykjavik? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Hanoi:
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hanoi:
Also for Reykjavik, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Prices for flights to both Reykjavik and Hanoi change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Hanoi:
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Hanoi.
For Reykjavik, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
For Reykjavik, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
Here are a few typical costs in Hanoi for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
Here are a few actual costs in Hanoi for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Reykjavik's activities, tours, and tickets:
For Reykjavik, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
Also in Hanoi, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Reykjavik are as follows:
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Reykjavik:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hanoi and Reykjavik, we can see that Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik is in Europe, 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 Reykjavik would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik Expensive?.
Hanoi has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Reykjavik. When comparing the sizes of Hanoi and Reykjavik, 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.
Reykjavik has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Hanoi experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
The summer brings many poeple to Hanoi as well as Reykjavik. Hanoi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Reykjavik because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Hanoi is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Hanoi average around 29°C (84°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).
Hanoi receives a lot of rain in the summer. Hanoi usually gets more rain in July than Reykjavik. Hanoi gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year. May to September in Hanoi is the rainy season.
Both Reykjavik 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, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Reykjavik this time of year.
It's quite cold in Reykjavik in the autumn. Hanoi is much warmer than Reykjavik in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hanoi averages around 25°C (77°F) in October, and Reykjavik fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).
It's quite rainy in Hanoi. In October, Hanoi usually receives more rain than Reykjavik. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Hanoi is November to April.
Both Reykjavik 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 travelers come to Reykjavik for the shopping scene and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Reykjavik. In the winter, Hanoi is much warmer than Reykjavik. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hanoi in January average around 17°C (63°F), and Reykjavik averages at about -0°C (32°F).
Hanoi usually gets less rain in January than Reykjavik. Hanoi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Hanoi and Reykjavik. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hanoi year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Reykjavik in the spring for the natural beauty.
Reykjavik can get quite cold in the spring. In April, Hanoi is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Hanoi average around 24°C (75°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).
Hanoi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Hanoi usually receives more rain than Reykjavik. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 58 mm (2.3 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.
Hanoi | Reykjavik | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
Jan | 17°C (63°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | -0°C (32°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
Feb | 17°C (63°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 1°C (33°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
Mar | 21°C (70°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 1°C (34°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
Apr | 24°C (75°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
May | 28°C (82°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
Jun | 29°C (84°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
Jul | 29°C (84°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 200 mm (7.9 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
Oct | 25°C (77°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
Nov | 22°C (72°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 1°C (35°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
Dec | 18°C (64°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 0°C (32°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |