A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hanoi vs. Surfers Paradise for Attractions, Nightlife, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Hanoi or Surfers Paradise?

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 Surfers Paradise 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 colorful, cultural, and historical 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.

Surfers Paradise

Surfers Paradise is a high energy, thrilling, and active city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Hanoi and Surfers Paradise: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hanoi or Surfers Paradise?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Hanoi. Although Hanoi and Surfers Paradise are both popular with visitors, Hanoi has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Hanoi is more popular for its museums, historical sights, and big city activities, while Surfers Paradise is known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. Surfers Paradise is more touristy than Hanoi and is popular for its long sandy beaches, glamourous party scene, colorful amusement parks, and active water sports. Hanoi is popular for its impressive street food, historical museums, and bustling energy. It is also home to Hoan Kiem Lake.

How is Hanoi different from Surfers Paradise?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Hanoi is terrific for its museums and history. Also, Surfers Paradise 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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Surfers Paradise. For the best views of the coastline head to the SkyPoint Observation Deck at the Q1 Resort and Spa. It's in Australia's tallest residential tower. You can also visit the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, or the Sea World Marine Park, as well as countless other amusement parks or entertainment centers.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at high quality restaurants in both Hanoi and Surfers Paradise.

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.

Surfers Paradise has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There's a trendy food scene with a number of award winning restaurants in the area. There are high end seafood restaurants, modern international eateries, and niche food bars that all cater to the tourist crowd.

Is Hanoi or Surfers Paradise Better for Nightlife?

Surfers Paradise is renowned for nightlife and partying. Also, Hanoi is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Surfers Paradise is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. This high energy area is filled with glitzy nightclubs and trendy cocktail bars. There are parties that last until the early morning hours and you'll find the most active nightlife scene along the famous Surfers Paradise glitter strip.

Many people head to Hanoi for the nightlife scene. 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.

Is Hanoi or Surfers Paradise Better for Resorts?

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

Surfers Paradise is a world class resort vacation destination. The high-rise skyline is filled with luxury resorts and trendy hotels. Fancy pools and rooftop views make this is a glitzy and lively place to stay.

Hanoi is not a resort destination.

Is Hanoi or Surfers Paradise Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Surfers Paradise is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. There's no shortage of scuba diving and snorkeling excursions that leave from the area. You'll see a diversity of marine life and interesting undersea reefs.

Hanoi is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Hanoi or Surfers Paradise Better for Beaches?

Surfers Paradise is renowned for the beache. However, Hanoi is not a beach destination.

Surfers Paradise is considered to be a world-class beach destination. It's at the heart of the Gold Coast, and you'll enjoy two kilometers of golden sand and beautiful surf. The beaches are lined with high rise buildings and there's plenty of energy and amenities for visitors. This is a popular tourist destination and there is no shortage of water sports and other activities along the beaches.

Hanoi is not a beach destination.

Is Hanoi or Surfers Paradise Better for its Old Town?

Hanoi is terrific for its historic old town charm. However, Surfers Paradise does not have a historic old town.

Hanoi has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. 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.

Surfers Paradise does not have a historic old town.

Is Hanoi or Surfers Paradise Better for Hiking?

Surfers Paradise is a city with good options for its hiking experiences. However, Hanoi is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Surfers Paradise. Outside of town you'll find many coastal hikes and inland trails. You can see waterfalls or breathtaking views of the water.

Hanoi is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hanoi or Surfers Paradise?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise specifically to go shopping. Beachside markets sell local items. There are also large shopping malls that are filled with international fashion brands and boutique shops that sell unique items.

Is Hanoi or Surfers Paradise Better for Families?

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

Surfers Paradise is an extremely popular city to visit for families. It's filled with activities that kids and adults will enjoy. There's everything from sandy beaches to amusement park rides and entertainment centers. Check out Infinity, Ripley's Believe It Or Not, or the view from Q1 SkyPoint. There's also countless minigolf places, kayaking, and other water sports.

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 Surfers Paradise Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Surfers Paradise frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Walk along the beach or take in the view from Q1 SkyPoint. There are also many fun-filled adventure activities as well as restaurants and a lively party scene.

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 Surfers Paradise Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hanoi and Surfers Paradise are first-rate 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 Surfers Paradise, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. Backpackers who want fun entertainment, a lively beach scene, and water sports will find their place here. There are also hostels with reasonable rates and plenty of backpackers to hang out with.

Is Hanoi or Surfers Paradise Better for Students?

Hanoi is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Surfers Paradise is not popular with 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.

Surfers Paradise is not popular with students.

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

Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Without a car, you can use the shuttle buses, public buses, and light rail to get around.

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 Surfers Paradise a more walkable city?

Hanoi and Surfers Paradise 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.

Surfers Paradise is a somewhat walkable city. There are walking and bike paths around town.

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

Should I spend more time in Surfers Paradise or Hanoi?

How long in Hanoi or Surfers Paradise?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise.

One day in Hanoi or Surfers Paradise?

People visit Hanoi because there is so much to do. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

In Surfers Paradise, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this active destination 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 Surfers Paradise?

People visit Hanoi because there is so much to do. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. 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 Surfers Paradise. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Hanoi or Surfers Paradise?

Hanoi is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Surfers Paradise is a fun place to experience. In Surfers Paradise, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this 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 Surfers Paradise?

Hanoi is a great place to explore. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

In Surfers Paradise, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this high energy destination 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Vietnam, The Best Eco Tours in Vietnam, The Best Contiki Tours to Australia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Australia.

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

Which is Bigger, Hanoi or Surfers Paradise?

Hanoi has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Surfers Paradise. When comparing the sizes of Hanoi and Surfers Paradise, 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 Surfers Paradise?

Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Hanoi as well as Surfers Paradise. Hanoi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Surfers Paradise because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Hanoi is a little warmer than Surfers Paradise. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hanoi in July average around 29°C (84°F), and Surfers Paradise averages at about 25°C (77°F)in January.

It's quite rainy in Surfers Paradise. Hanoi receives a lot of rain in the summer. Hanoi usually gets more rain in July than Surfers Paradisein January. Hanoi gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year. May to September in Hanoi is the rainy season.

Should I visit Hanoi or Surfers Paradise in the Autumn?

Both Surfers Paradise 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 and the shopping scene are the main draw to Surfers Paradise this time of year.

In October, Hanoi is generally a little warmer than Surfers Paradisein April. Daily temperatures in Hanoi average around 25°C (77°F), and Surfers Paradise fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Surfers Paradise. It's quite rainy in Hanoi. In October, Hanoi usually receives around the same amount of rain as Surfers Paradisein April. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Hanoi is November to April.

Should I visit Hanoi or Surfers Paradise in the Winter?

Both Surfers Paradise 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. Also, many travelers come to Surfers Paradise for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Hanoi is a little warmer than Surfers Paradise in the winter. The daily temperature in Hanoi averages around 17°C (63°F) in January, and Surfers Paradise fluctuates around 15°C (59°F)in July.

Hanoi usually gets less rain in January than Surfers Paradisein July. Hanoi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hanoi or Surfers Paradise in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Hanoi and Surfers Paradise. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hanoi year-round. Also, many visitors come to Surfers Paradise in the spring for the beaches.

In the spring, Hanoi is a little warmer than Surfers Paradise. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hanoi in April average around 24°C (75°F), and Surfers Paradise averages at about 21°C (69°F)in October.

Surfers Paradise receives a lot of rain in the spring. Hanoi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Hanoi usually receives around the same amount of rain as Surfers Paradisein October. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 103 mm (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 Surfers Paradise and Hanoi