A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hanoi vs. Rotorua for Attractions, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Hanoi or Rotorua?

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 Rotorua 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. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Hanoi travel costs.

Rotorua

Rotorua is a natural, world-renowned, and diverse town. The beauty of Rotorua is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and hiking. See Rotorua travel costs.

Hanoi and Rotorua: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hanoi or Rotorua?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hanoi than Rotorua, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Hanoi is more popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Rotorua is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Hanoi is popular for its impressive street food, historical museums, and bustling energy. It is also home to Hoan Kiem Lake. Rotorua is popular for its geothermal activity, Maori cultural influence, and its role in the famous Lord of the Rings movies.

How is Hanoi different from Rotorua?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Hanoi is an amazing city to visit for its museums and history. Also, Rotorua is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Hanoi has many famous sights for visitors. 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.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Rotorua. The area is filled with opportunities to learn about the Maori culture. The Maori village of Whakarewarewa is a highlight and you should also visit Te Wairoa. Fans of Lord of the Rings won't want to miss Hobbiton either. Finally, Rotorua Museum well worth a visit.

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

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

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.

Rotorua has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There's a wide selection of culinary options in the area that include steambox (food prepared with the geothermal heat), and hāngī, which is a traditional Maori cooking technique. Many restaurants also make use of the local fruit, vegetables, and meats.

Is Hanoi or Rotorua Better for Nightlife?

Hanoi is an excellent place to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Rotorua is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

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.

Rotorua has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find the best concentration of bars and restaurants around Tutankei Street, which is often referred to as "Eat Street".

Is Hanoi or Rotorua Better for its Old Town?

Hanoi is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Rotorua 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.

Rotorua does not have a historic old town.

Is Hanoi or Rotorua Better for Hiking?

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

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Rotorua. The area is filled with beautiful walking trails that take you by lakes, volcanoes, and geothermal hot springs. A favorite route in the area is Tarawera Trail, which is 15 kilometers long and ends at a natural hot water beach.

Hanoi is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hanoi or Rotorua?

Hanoi is an amazing city to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Rotorua is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many people travel to Hanoi specifically to go shopping. 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.

Rotorua is a great destination for shopping. You'll find stores and galleries selling art and crafts around the main town center.

Is Hanoi or Rotorua More Beautiful?

Rotorua is well known for its scenery and beauty. However, Hanoi is not a destination known for its beauty.

The beauty of Rotorua is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. It's surrounded by striking volcanoes, beautiful lakes, and surreal geothermal springs, giving it an exotic and beautiful atmosphere.

Hanoi is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Hanoi or Rotorua Better for Families?

Rotorua is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, Hanoi is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Rotorua is an extremely popular town to visit for families. The geothermal activity is fascinating for kids and adults alike. There are also many activities that will teach kids about the Maori culture and for animal lovers, there are farms and wildlife tours. Lord of the Rings fans won't want to miss Hobbiton, and there are many thrilling activities in the area such as white water rafting.

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 Rotorua Better for Couples?

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

Rotorua is a great town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The unique environment and beautiful natural setting make this a wonderful honeymoon destination. Couples will appreciate the geothermal activity, beautiful walking trails, and diverse outdoor activities. There's also horseback riding, hot springs, and helicopter rides.

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 Rotorua Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hanoi and Rotorua are world-class places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit 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.

A large number of backpackers visit Rotorua, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. Well established on the backpacker trail, there are plenty of hostels in the area and tons of activities that backpackers will enjoy.

Is Hanoi or Rotorua Better for Students?

Hanoi is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Rotorua 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.

Rotorua is not popular with students.

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

Rotorua is a town 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 Rotorua, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses and shuttles that travel around town and through 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 Rotorua a more walkable city?

Hanoi and Rotorua 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.

Rotorua is a somewhat walkable city. The town itself is fairly walkable but if you want to get into the surrounding areas, having a vehicle provides the most flexibility.

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

Should I spend more time in Rotorua or Hanoi?

How long in Hanoi or Rotorua?

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

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

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

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

Because Hanoi is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Rotorua, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this diverse destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This town 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 Rotorua?

Because Hanoi is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Rotorua. 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 Rotorua?

Hanoi is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Hanoi has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Rotorua is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Rotorua. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Hanoi or Rotorua?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hanoi. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Hanoi. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the world-renowned destination of Rotorua. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 2-Week Tours in New Zealand, and The Best Bicycle Tours in New Zealand.

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

Which is Bigger, Hanoi or Rotorua?

Hanoi has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Rotorua. When comparing the sizes of Hanoi and Rotorua, 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 Rotorua?

Rotorua 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 Rotorua in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Hanoi is much warmer than Rotorua. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hanoi in July average around 29°C (84°F), and Rotorua averages at about 12°C (54°F)in January.

Hanoi receives a lot of rain in the summer. Hanoi usually gets more rain in July than Rotoruain January. Hanoi gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year. May to September in Hanoi is the rainy season.

Should I visit Hanoi or Rotorua in the Autumn?

Both Rotorua 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 Rotorua for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Hanoi is generally much warmer than Rotoruain April. Daily temperatures in Hanoi average around 25°C (77°F), and Rotorua fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

It's quite rainy in Hanoi. In October, Hanoi usually receives more rain than Rotoruain April. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Hanoi is November to April.

Should I visit Hanoi or Rotorua in the Winter?

Both Rotorua 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 Rotorua in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Hanoi is much colder than Rotorua in the winter. The daily temperature in Hanoi averages around 17°C (63°F) in January, and Rotorua fluctuates around 26°C (79°F)in July.

Hanoi usually gets more rain in January than Rotoruain July. Hanoi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hanoi or Rotorua in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Hanoi and Rotorua. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hanoi year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Rotorua for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Hanoi is a little warmer than Rotorua. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hanoi in April average around 24°C (75°F), and Rotorua averages at about 19°C (66°F)in October.

Hanoi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Hanoi usually receives more rain than Rotoruain October. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 35 mm (1.4 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.

Typical Weather for Rotorua and Hanoi