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

Should you visit Hanoi or Singapore?

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 Singapore 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 fascinating, high energy, and colorful city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Singapore

Singapore is a global, diverse, and colorful city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Hanoi and Singapore: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Big city activities
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Hanoi or Singapore?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Singapore than Hanoi, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Singapore is more popular for its food, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Hanoi is known for its museums, nightlife, and historical sights. Hanoi is popular for its impressive street food, historical museums, and bustling energy. Singapore is popular for its blend of cultures, its lush gardens, and its clean streets. It is also home to Merlion Park Waterfront.

How is Hanoi different from Singapore?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Hanoi
Singapore

Hanoi is a must-visit destination for its sights and museums. Also, Singapore is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Hanoi on the map. 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.

Many visitors head to Singapore specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The mix of cultures and unique history have led to museums and landmarks that mix historic and modern. The Merlion statue in Merlion Park has become a symbol of the city. For an educational experience, head to the Asian Civilizations Museum, and to see colonial architecture check out Fort Canning Park.


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

Hanoi
Singapore

Singapore is renowned for its restaurant scene. Also, Hanoi is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Many restaurants in Singapore have been singled out for their culinary prowess. From local dives to five star restaurants, the city's food scene is all about diversity. Make sure you try Hainanese chicken rice, chili crab, and Hokkien prawn mee.

Hanoi has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

Is Hanoi or Singapore Better for Nightlife?

Hanoi
Singapore

Hanoi is notable for its evening party scene. Also, Singapore is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

Hanoi has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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 Singapore. It's all about the glitzy nightclubs and exclusive cocktail bars. Head to Clarke Quay, Marina Bay Sands, or one of the many rooftop bars to experience the best of Singapore's nightlife. Do keep in mind that the city has a high alcohol tax, and strict rules around drinking in public places during certain hours.

Is Hanoi or Singapore Better for Music?

Hanoi
Singapore

Singapore is renowned for its live music scene. However, Hanoi is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Singapore As a globalized city, you'll find almost any type of music here. Popular music venues include Timbre, Zouk, and the Crazy Elephant.

Hanoi is not a live music destination.


Is Hanoi or Singapore Better for Resorts?

Hanoi
Singapore

Singapore is renowned for its resorts. However, Hanoi is not a resort destination.

Singapore is a world class resort vacation destination. From sleek high rises with rooftop pools to family-friendly resorts with kid oriented activities, this city has it all. Popular resorts include Oasia Resort Sentosa, Dusit Thani Laguna, and The Ritz-Carlton.

Hanoi is not a resort destination.

Is Hanoi or Singapore Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hanoi
Singapore

Singapore is not so good for its diving and snorkeling. However, Hanoi is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Singapore isn't the best spot for snorkeling. The best place to snorkel in the area is Pulau Hantu.

Hanoi is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Hanoi or Singapore Better for Beaches?

Hanoi
Singapore

Singapore is a city with good options for the beache. However, Hanoi is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Singapore. You'll find most of the area's best beaches on Sentosa Island. There's a 2 kilometer long artificial beach that is split into Palawan Beach, Siloso Beach, and Tanjong Beach.

Hanoi is not a beach destination.


Is Hanoi or Singapore Better for its Old Town?

Hanoi
Singapore

Hanoi is a must-visit destination for its historic old town charm. However, Singapore does not have a historic old town.

The rich history of Hanoi can be explored in its historical center. 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.

Singapore does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Hanoi or Singapore?

Hanoi
Singapore

Shopping is a popular activity in both Singapore and Hanoi.

The abundance of shops in Hanoi make it a world-class shopping destination. 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.

Many people travel to Singapore specifically to go shopping. You'll find tons of malls along Orchard Road, but for a more eclectic shopping experience head to the Chinatown Street Market.

Is Hanoi or Singapore Better for Families?

Hanoi
Singapore

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

Singapore is an extremely popular city to visit for families. With places like Sentosa and Universal Studios, there really is no shortage of activities for kids. There's also a zoo, an aquarium, and bird park, and many kid-friendly museums.

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 Singapore Better for Couples?

Hanoi
Singapore

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

Singapore is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The city has stunning hotels, amazing restaurants, and plenty of fun activities that are perfect for couples.

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 Singapore Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hanoi
Singapore

Hanoi and Singapore are terrific 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 Singapore, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. Many backpackers use this city as a starting or ending point for their Southeast Asian backpacking trip. It's modern and glamourous, but still has plenty of backpacker-friendly and budget-friendly options.

Is Hanoi or Singapore Better for Students?

Hanoi
Singapore

Singapore is renowned for students. Also, Hanoi is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Singapore is a very popular city for students. As such a diverse city, you'll find plenty of international students as well as expats to hang out with.

Many students visit 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.


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

Hanoi
Singapore

Singapore is renowned for its public transit. However, Hanoi is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

Singapore has a great public transit system. There is the MRT subway system as well as buses that travel all over the city.

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 Singapore a more walkable city?

Hanoi
Singapore

Singapore 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 Singapore on foot is easy. It's possible to walk in most areas in the city center. There are also park connectors that are nice for taking a stroll or going for a run.

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 Singapore Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Singapore or Hanoi?

How long in Hanoi or Singapore?

Both Hanoi and Singapore have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Singapore than in Hanoi. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Hanoi, and 2-7 days is enough time in Singapore.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Singapore than Hanoi 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 Singapore.


  • How many days in Hanoi or Singapore? Ideal Length of Stay
    Hanoi 3-5 
    Singapore 2-7

One day in Hanoi or Singapore?

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 Singapore, many people enjoy the live music and food that this diverse big city offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Singapore?

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 Singapore. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. 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 Singapore?

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.

Singapore is a fun place to experience. In Singapore, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this big city destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Hanoi or Singapore?

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.

In Singapore, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this glitzy big city offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.


Which place is cheaper, Singapore or Hanoi?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Hanoi is $49, while the average daily cost in Singapore is $153. 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 Singapore in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hanoi $25
    Singapore $99
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hanoi $50
    Singapore $198
Compare Hotels in Hanoi and Singapore

Looking for a hotel in Hanoi or Singapore? 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.

Hotels in Hanoi


Hotels in Singapore


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.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Hanoi Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hanoi $7.00
    Singapore $10
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hanoi

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Hanoi:


  • Taxi to Bus Station
    $1.22
  • Shuttle Bus From Airport (for Two)
    $3.24
  • Local Bus Ride (for Two)
    $0.41
  • Short Taxi Ride
    $1.38
  • Short Motorbike Ride (10 Minutes)
    $0.81

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hanoi

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hanoi:

  • Private Transfer from Noi Bai Airport to your Hotel: $5.90
  • Amazing Hanoi Private TransferTaxi-Cheap Vietnam SimCard Internet: $6.90
  • Hanoi Private Car Airport Transfer To Hotel: $7.36
  • Hanoi Private Departure Transfer: City Center Hotel to Airport: $8.00
  • Noi Bai Airport transfer to Hanoi Center and more: $8.00
  • Noi Bai International Airport Private Transfer: $8.41
  • Hanoi city center to Noi Bai airport - Private transfer: $8.43
  • Hanoi City Center to Noi Bai Airport - Private Transfer: $8.43
  • Noi Bai Airport Transfer Service: $8.54
  • Hanoi Airport Departure Shared Transfer: $10
  • Private Noi Bai International Airport Transfer: $11
  • Bus Transfer Hanoi to Halong Bay and Vice Versa : $11

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Singapore

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Singapore:


  • Taxi to Airport
    $24

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Singapore

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Singapore:

  • Adventure Cove Waterpark + 1 Way Transfer: $83
  • Airport Transfer: $82
  • Airport Transfer: Singapore Airport SIN to Singapore in Business Car: $99
  • Airport Transfer: Singapore Airport SIN to Singapore in Luxury Van: $116
  • Airport Transfer: Singapore to Singapore Airport SIN in Business Car: $99
  • Airport Transfer: Singapore to Singapore Airport SIN in Luxury Van: $116
  • Amazing City Experience + Roundtrip Transfers: $44
  • Arrival Private Transfer Singapore Airport to Singapore City in a Business Car: $87
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Singapore Airport SIN to Singapore in Luxury Car: $154
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Singapore Airport to Singapore City by luxury vehicle: $95
  • Changi International Airport Private MPV Transfer: $149
  • City Experience + Roundtrip Transfers: $46

Is it cheaper to fly into Hanoi or Singapore?

Prices for flights to both Singapore 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.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Hanoi $13
    Singapore $28
Typical Food Prices in Hanoi

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Hanoi:


  • High End Dinner (for Two)
    $12
  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    $4.46
  • Bowl of Pho
    $0.81
  • Italian Dinner (for Food)
    $6.29

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hanoi

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Hanoi.

  • Private Traditional Vietnamese Food Cooking Class in Hanoi : $5.00
  • Hanoi free food tour - Old Quarter food walking tour: $5.00
  • (Group/Individual) HANOI STREET FOOD TOUR : $5.13
  • Street Food Tour with Free Private Tour Guide: $5.26
  • Hanoi Best Local Food Tour Visit Train Street Old Quarter: $19
  • Hanoi food tour - Local street food walking tour: $19
  • Hanoi Walking Street Food Tour: $20
  • Hanoi local street food tour: $20
  • Hanoi street food tour small group tour: $22
  • Walking Street Food Tour Small Group with Local Guide: $22
  • Ngon ngon & Authentic Hanoi Food Tour: $23
  • Hanoi Street Food Tour: $23

Typical Food Prices in Singapore

Some typical examples of dining costs in Singapore are as follows:


  • Breakfast
    $4.53
  • Sugarcane Juice
    $1.49

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Singapore

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Singapore.

  • Singapore : Traditional Snacks Cooking Class: $36
  • Secrets of Singapore Kick Scooter Tour with Dinner: $47
  • Secrets of Singapore Kick Scooter Tour with Dinner: $48
  • Guided Hawker Culture & Street Food Tour at Night: $66
  • Local Hawker Food Tour with Tastings: $66
  • Marina Bay Sands Yacht Cruise with Dinner: $68
  • Singapore Bike and Bites Food Tour: $69
  • Eat Snap Tour - Katong Walking Food Tour: $73
  • Small Group: Michelin and Local Hawker Food Tour: $73
  • Private Korean Cooking Class in Balmoral Road: $75
  • Zebra Urban Safari Bicycle Tour with Local Dinner and Drinks: $76
  • Little India Hawker Street Food Tour: $82

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hanoi $8.64
    Singapore $33
Typical Entertainment Prices in Hanoi

Here are a few typical costs in Hanoi for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Puppet Theater
    $1.62
  • The Hanoi Hilton Entrance
    $1.62
  • National History Museum
    $1.62
  • Puppet Theater Ticket
    $2.84

Tours and Activities in Hanoi

Here are a few actual costs in Hanoi for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Skip the Line: Thang Long Water Puppet Theater Entrance Tickets: $4.90
  • Private Walking Tour of Hanoi City: $5.00
  • Half Day Hanoi Old Quarter Private Walking Tour: $5.00
  • (Evening) HANOI CUSTOMIZED Walking Tour: $5.00
  • Hanoi Old Quarter Free walking tour: $5.00
  • Half-day Private Walking Tour of Hanoi's Old Quarter: $5.00
  • Hanoi half day city tour.: $5.00
  • Street Food Walking Tour in Hanoi: $5.00
  • Private Hanoi Street Food Walking Tour: $5.00
  • Skip the line: Thang Long Water Puppet Theater Entrance Tickets: $5.00
  • Hanoi Old Quarter Private Walking Tour with Student Guide: $5.13
  • Hanoi War Sites Walking Tour: $5.13

Tours and Activities in Singapore

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Singapore are as follows:

  • Kampong Glam: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $4.99
  • River Wonders Entry Ticket: $5.10
  • Follow the Money: A self-guided audio tour of Singapore's Financial District: $5.20
  • Singapore's History of Trade: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.20
  • Big Little India: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.20
  • The Civic District with Singapore Boy Hossan Leong: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.20
  • Artoholic A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.20
  • Singapore's Stories and Histories: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.20
  • The Civic District: Hear stories about Singapore's past on an audio tour: $5.20
  • Kampong Glam: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Singapore's Malay Culture: $5.20
  • Singapore Street Art Hunting in Kampong Glam: A Self-guided Audio Tour: $5.20
  • Indian Heritage Centre Admission Ticket: $5.40

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hanoi $7.82
    Singapore $27

Sample the Local Flavors in Hanoi

Also in Hanoi, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Hanoi Beer and Brewery Tour: $48
  • Half-Day Guided Tour Australian Beef with Wine Tasting & Rickshaw in Hanoi: $107

Sample the Local Flavors in Singapore

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Singapore:

  • Tour of Tiger Brewery in Singapore: $22
  • Little India Pub Crawl : $23
  • Singapore Pub Crawl - Party like a Local: $26
  • Little India Pub Crawl: $26
  • Singapore Pub Crawl (SG Pub Crawl): $27
  • Party Singapore Bespoke Pub Crawl:Wildest Nightlife Clubbing: $33
  • Halloween Horror Nightlife PartySingapore Bespoke Pub Crawl: $37
  • Party Singapore Bespoke Pub Crawl Wildest Nightlife Experience: $38
  • Enjoy Gin Distillery Tour with Tasting Flight and Singapore Sling Masterclass: $58
  • Tiger Brewery Tour, Swim & Sunset Photo Session at Raffles Marina: $99


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


Which is Bigger, Hanoi or Singapore?

Singapore has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Hanoi. When comparing the sizes of Hanoi and Singapore, 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.