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

Should you visit Hanoi or Sapporo?

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 Sapporo 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 museums, nightlife, and food.

Sapporo

Sapporo is a vibrant, laid-back, and park-filled city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the skiing, nightlife, and food.

Hanoi and Sapporo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hanoi or Sapporo?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Hanoi than Sapporo. While Sapporo is larger than Hanoi, Hanoi has more sights and attractions for tourists. Hanoi is more popular for its museums, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Sapporo is known for its skiing. Hanoi is popular for its impressive street food, historical museums, and bustling energy. It is also home to Hoan Kiem Lake. Sapporo is popular for its skiing, winter activities, and the yearly Sapporo Snow Festival.

How is Hanoi different from Sapporo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Sapporo and Hanoi. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Hanoi or Sapporo Better for Skiing?

Sapporo is well known for winter skiing. However, Hanoi is not a skiing destination.

People head to Sapporo specifically to take advantage of the area's skiing and winter sports. There are many great ski areas that are an easy day trip from the center of town. Very close by you'll find Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort and Sapporo Teine is where the 1972 Winter Olympics were held. It's divided into the family-friendly Olympia Zone and the more advanced Highland Zone.

Hanoi is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Hanoi or Sapporo?

Hanoi is a world-class destination for its historical sights. Also, Sapporo is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

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 Sapporo. There are a number of shrines and museums in the city. Make sure you check out Hokkaidō Shrine, Sapporo TV Tower, Sapporo Clock Tower, and the Sapporo Science Center.

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

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

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.

Sapporo has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The local cuisine focuses on the world class fishing in the area as well as the great agriculture. Pork is a common meat ingredient and many dishes include ramen, vegetables, or grilled seafood.

Is Hanoi or Sapporo Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Sapporo for the nightlife scene. The city's nightlife scene is laid back and mostly concentrated in the Susukino area. In particular, King Xmhu is famous for its party nights and wild decor.

Is Hanoi or Sapporo Better for its Old Town?

Hanoi is a world-class destination for its historic old town charm. However, Sapporo does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Hanoi is revered around 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.

Sapporo does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Hanoi or Sapporo?

Hanoi is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. Also, Sapporo is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Sapporo is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Shopping malls are the most popular places to enjoy browsing the stores. This is particularly nice during the snowy winter months when you can escape into the heated malls.

Is Hanoi or Sapporo Better for Families?

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

Sapporo is a very kid-friendly city. The city has many activities for families, any time of year. There's skiing and winter sports in the winter and theme parks and camping in the summer. There's also a Puppet Theater and indoor play areas for when the weather is poor.

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 Sapporo Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Sapporo frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples will enjoy the parks, gardens, museums, and winter sports in the area. A highlight for everyone is a visit to the famous Sapporo Snow Festival, which features many ice sculptures.

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 Sapporo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hanoi is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Sapporo is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Hanoi, as it is a very popular city for 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.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Sapporo. There are a number of hostels around town and many fun activities that backpackers will enjoy.

Is Hanoi or Sapporo Better for Students?

Hanoi and Sapporo are great places to visit for 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.

Many students visit Sapporo. The city is welcoming to international students and many people enjoy studying at Sapporo International University.

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

Sapporo 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 Sapporo can get you around easily. Most visitors use the subway system to get around. There are three lines - the Namboku Line, Tozai Line, and Toho Line- all of which pass through Odori Station. The city also has a streetcar and buses.

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 Sapporo a more walkable city?

Sapporo 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.

Sapporo is a very walkable city. The city center, where you'll find many of the attractions, is walkable. Susukino Station is about a 20 or 30 minute walk from JR Sapporo Station.

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 Sapporo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sapporo or Hanoi?

How long in Hanoi or Sapporo?

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

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

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

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

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 Sapporo, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this vibrant big city offers. 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 Sapporo?

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 Sapporo. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. 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 Sapporo?

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.

Sapporo is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the big city destination of Sapporo. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Hanoi or Sapporo?

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 museums and skiing around the vibrant big city of Sapporo. 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 Coach Bus Tours in Japan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Japan.

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

Which is Bigger, Hanoi or Sapporo?

Sapporo has a larger population, and is about 32% larger than the population of Hanoi. When comparing the sizes of Hanoi and Sapporo, 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 Sapporo?

Sapporo 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 Sapporo in the Summer?

Both Sapporo 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. Furthermore, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Sapporo this time of year.

In the summer, Hanoi is a little warmer than Sapporo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hanoi in July average around 29°C (84°F), and Sapporo averages at about 21°C (69°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hanoi. Hanoi usually gets more rain in July than Sapporo. Hanoi gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year. May to September is the rainy season in Hanoi.

Should I visit Hanoi or Sapporo in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Hanoi and Sapporo. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hanoi year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Sapporo for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Hanoi is generally much warmer than Sapporo. Daily temperatures in Hanoi average around 25°C (77°F), and Sapporo fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Sapporo 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 Sapporo. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 116 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 Sapporo in the Winter?

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

Sapporo can get quite cold in the winter. Hanoi is much warmer than Sapporo in the winter. The daily temperature in Hanoi averages around 17°C (63°F) in January, and Sapporo fluctuates around -5°C (24°F).

It's quite rainy in Sapporo. Hanoi usually gets less rain in January than Sapporo. Hanoi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hanoi or Sapporo in the Spring?

Both Sapporo 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 Sapporo for the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Hanoi is much warmer than Sapporo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hanoi in April average around 24°C (75°F), and Sapporo averages at about 7°C (44°F).

It's quite rainy in Hanoi. In April, Hanoi usually receives more rain than Sapporo. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 62 mm (2.4 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 Sapporo and Hanoi