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

Should you visit Hanoi or Sydney?

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 Sydney 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. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Sydney

Sydney is a diverse, energetic, and outdoorsy 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 Sydney: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hanoi or Sydney?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Sydney than Hanoi, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Sydney is more popular for its nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Hanoi is known for its historical sights. Hanoi is popular for its impressive street food, historical museums, and bustling energy. Sydney is popular for its iconic buildings, world-renowned beaches, colorful nightlife, and cosmopolitan restaurants. It is also home to the Sydney Opera House.

How is Hanoi different from Sydney?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Plenty of people visit the first-rate sights and museums in both Hanoi and Sydney.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Hanoi are among the most recognizable in the world. 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.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Sydney has many famous sights for visitors. The city is filled with iconic and world famous landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. There's also the famous Royal Botanic Garden and the Sydney Tower Eye.

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

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

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.

Sydney has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There are international restaurants offering impressive dishes from around the world. You'll also find some local Australian favorites around town. Seafood is abundant, as are a number of Asian cuisines. Barramundi is a local fish that you'll find on many menus. Oysters, prawns, and John Dory (a local fish) are also popular.

Is Hanoi or Sydney Better for Nightlife?

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

Sydney is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. The city is filled with nightclubs and DJ hosted dance parties. There's a huge young crowd that brings together residents, students, and backpackers in a vibrant nightlife scene. Some of the best areas for nightlife are Kings Cross, Oxford Street, Surry Hills or Darling Harbour.

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 Sydney Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Sydney is a city with good options for its diving and snorkeling. However, Hanoi is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Sydney. There's some good snorkeling and diving nearby with a diversity of marine life and interesting ecosystems. Some of the best snorkeling spots are at Palm Beach, Shelly Beach, and Clifton Gardens.

Hanoi is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Hanoi or Sydney Better for Beaches?

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

Sydney is considered to be a world-class beach destination. There are more than 100 beaches near the city with everything from hidden coves to world famous destinations. Bondi Beach is the most famous beach in town and it has all of the tourist sights and activities that you could need. Surfers often head to Bronte Beach, which isn't too far away. Divers and snorkelers love Gordons Bay. Manly is also a nearby suburb with family-friendly beaches that can be reached by ferry.

Hanoi is not a beach destination.

Is Hanoi or Sydney Better for its Old Town?

Hanoi is an unbeatable place for its historic old town charm. However, Sydney does not have a historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Hanoi offers plenty to see. 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.

Sydney does not have a historic old town.

Is Hanoi or Sydney Better for Hiking?

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

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Sydney. The city offers a number of coastal and inland trails that are easily accessible from town. There are short paths as well as multi-day routes not far and pass by stunning landscapes and viewpoints.

Hanoi is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hanoi or Sydney?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Sydney 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 Sydney specifically to go shopping. There's a wonderful mix of shopping streets, modern malls, and boutique vendors who sell local fashions. For souvenirs or local art, go to The Rocks, which is not far from Sydney Opera House. The Queen Victoria Building and Strand Arcade are also popular shopping areas.

Is Hanoi or Sydney Better for Families?

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

Sydney is an extremely popular city to visit for families. The city has great beaches where kids can learn to surf, zoos and aquariums with local wildlife, and outdoor activities that take advantage of the city's waterfront location. There's everything from whale watching to visiting the Olympic Park, all of which will fascinate kids of all ages.

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 Sydney Better for Couples?

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

Sydney is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. It's a romantic city that's filled with iconic landmarks like the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. There are also award winning restaurants and world class beaches. Wander around the botanical gardens or take a sailing cruise on the harbor. There is an endless supply of romantic activities to choose from.

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 Sydney Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hanoi and Sydney 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 Sydney, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. It's popular for its adventure sports, active beaches, and vibrant nightlife. While it's not a particularly cheap city to visit, there are plenty of hostels around town and no shortage of backpackers to hang out with.

Is Hanoi or Sydney Better for Students?

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

Sydney is a very popular city for students. Students love the energy and plethora of outdoor activities in this beautiful city. Many international students come not only for the excellent universities but also for the diverse environment and many things to do.

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 Sydney Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

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

Sydney has a great public transit system. There are a variety of types of public transit in town including buses, trains, ferries and light rail.

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 Sydney a more walkable city?

Sydney 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.

Sydney is a very walkable city. The city center and nearby suburbs are relatively easy to walk around. On the western side of the city, the suburbs are much less walkable.

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 Sydney Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sydney or Hanoi?

How long in Hanoi or Sydney?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sydney 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 Sydney.

One day in Hanoi or Sydney?

Hanoi is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Sydney, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this diverse big city offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 Sydney?

Hanoi is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sydney. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 Sydney?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hanoi. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Sydney is a fun place to experience. In Sydney, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this big city destination offers. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Hanoi or Sydney?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural big city of Hanoi. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

In Sydney, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this glamorous big city offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Australia, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Australia.

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

Which is Bigger, Hanoi or Sydney?

Sydney has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Hanoi. When comparing the sizes of Hanoi and Sydney, 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 Sydney?

Sydney 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 Sydney in the Summer?

Both Sydney and Hanoi are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hanoi throughout the year. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Sydney because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Hanoi is a little warmer than Sydney. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hanoi in July average around 29°C (84°F), and Sydney averages at about 23°C (73°F)in January.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sydney. It's quite rainy in Hanoi. In July, Hanoi usually receives more rain than Sydneyin January. Hanoi gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Sydney receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the summer. The rainy season in Hanoi is May to September.

Should I visit Hanoi or Sydney in the Autumn?

Both Sydney and Hanoi during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Hanoi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Sydney this time of year.

In October, Hanoi is generally a little warmer than Sydneyin April. Daily temperatures in Hanoi average around 25°C (77°F), and Sydney fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).

Sydney gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Hanoi. Hanoi usually gets less rain in October than Sydneyin April. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Sydney receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year. November to April is the dry season in Hanoi.

Should I visit Hanoi or Sydney in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hanoi and Sydney. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hanoi year-round. Also, many travelers come to Sydney for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Hanoi is a little warmer than Sydney in the winter. The daily temperature in Hanoi averages around 17°C (63°F) in January, and Sydney fluctuates around 12°C (53°F)in July.

In January, Hanoi usually receives less rain than Sydneyin July. Hanoi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Sydney receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Hanoi or Sydney in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Hanoi as well as Sydney. Hanoi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Sydney in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Hanoi is a little warmer than Sydney. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hanoi in April average around 24°C (75°F), and Sydney averages at about 18°C (64°F)in October.

Hanoi receives a lot of rain in the spring. Hanoi usually gets more rain in April than Sydneyin October. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Sydney receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, November to April in Hanoi is the dry season. May to September in Hanoi is the rainy season.

Typical Weather for Sydney and Hanoi