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

Should you visit Hanoi or Wollongong?

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 Wollongong 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. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Hanoi travel costs.

Wollongong

Wollongong is a vibrant, student-friendly, and trendy coastal city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Wollongong travel costs.

Hanoi and Wollongong: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hanoi or Wollongong?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hanoi than Wollongong, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Hanoi is more popular for its museums and attractions, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Wollongong is known for its beaches and hiking. Hanoi is more touristy than Wollongong and is popular for its impressive street food, historical museums, and bustling energy. It is also home to Hoan Kiem Lake. Wollongong is popular for its surrounding nature and urban beaches.

How is Hanoi different from Wollongong?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Hanoi is an unbeatable place for its historical sights. Also, Wollongong is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal 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.

Many visitors head to Wollongong specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There are several museums like the Wollongong Science Centre and Wollongong Planetarium and the railway museum Trainworks. There's also the Illawarra Museum, which is housed in the former post and telegraph office.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at excellent restaurants in both Hanoi and Wollongong.

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.

Wollongong has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. In recent years a younger crowd of entrepreneurs and self-starters has moved into the city, and with them has come a growing food scene. You'll find local cafes, fine dining restaurants, and many great beachfront restaurants where you can dine.

Is Hanoi or Wollongong Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Wollongong for the nightlife scene. The nightlife scene has seen a revitalization in recent years, and in addition to the standard bars and pubs, you'll find local venues that range from quirky to lively.

Is Hanoi or Wollongong Better for Beaches?

Wollongong is well known for the beach. However, Hanoi is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Wollongong attract visitors from all over. There are urban beaches, as well as more hidden coastal areas that attract locals and visitors alike. In the heart of the city you'll find North Wollongong Beach and Wollongong City Beach, both of which have picnic areas and are popular with locals.

Hanoi is not a beach destination.

Is Hanoi or Wollongong Better for its Old Town?

Hanoi is an unbeatable place for its historic old town charm. However, Wollongong 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.

Wollongong does not have a historic old town.

Is Hanoi or Wollongong Better for Hiking?

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

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Wollongong. The surrounding area has many great hikes that can be done as a day trip or even a half day trip. There are waterfalls, city views, and forest walks. Some of the most popular trails include Brokers Nose and Clover Hill Trail.

Hanoi is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hanoi or Wollongong?

Hanoi is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. Also, Wollongong is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal 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.

Wollongong is a great destination for shopping. The most popular shopping area is Wollongong Central Shopping Centre, which has international brands and all of the big fashion names.

Is Hanoi or Wollongong Better for Families?

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

Wollongong is a very kid-friendly coastal city. The beaches, nearby nature, and ubiquitous bike trails make this a fun coastal city to explore with kids. There are also interactive museums such as Discovery Space and plenty of playgrounds. Kid-friendly surf lessons as well as the Nan Tien Temple make this a fun and fascinating family destination.

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 Wollongong Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Wollongong frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The scenic natural areas, including the Grand Pacific Drive or the many bush walks, make this a wonderful couples retreat. There are water sports like surfing as well as horseback riding and even helicopter rides. In the evening, enjoy a nice meal and a sunset view.

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 Wollongong Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hanoi is an unbeatable place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Wollongong is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal 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.

Wollongong is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a couple of hostels as well as many outdoor areas to explore, so backpackers who want to escape the traditional backpacker scene will appreciate some time here.

Is Hanoi or Wollongong Better for Students?

Hanoi is great for its student-friendly activities. Also, Wollongong is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for students.

Hanoi is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. 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.

Wollongong is a good city to visit for students. It's not too far from Sydney and has a smaller, more laid back coastal vibe that appeals to many students.

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

Wollongong 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 Wollongong can get you around easily. There's a free Gong shuttle bus that travels around the city center. It runs a loop from Wollongong Station to Wollongong University in both directions. There are also other bus services in town.

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 Wollongong a more walkable city?

Wollongong 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.

Wollongong is a very walkable coastal city. There are walking paths in the city center so it's possible to walk to many tourist destinations.

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 Wollongong Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Wollongong or Hanoi?

How long in Hanoi or Wollongong?

It's fun to spend time in either Hanoi or Wollongong. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Hanoi due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Hanoi, and 2-4 days is enough time in Wollongong.

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

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

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

When visiting Hanoi, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Wollongong, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this trendy destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This coastal 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 Wollongong?

When visiting Hanoi, people usually allow for lots of time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Wollongong. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Wollongong?

Hanoi, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Visiting the old town is also a must. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Wollongong is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Wollongong. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Hanoi or Wollongong?

Hanoi is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find food and shopping around the vibrant destination of Wollongong. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Coach Bus Tours in Australia, and The Best Water Sports Tour Packages in Australia.

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

Which is Bigger, Hanoi or Wollongong?

Hanoi has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Wollongong. When comparing the sizes of Hanoi and Wollongong, 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 Wollongong?

Wollongong 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 Wollongong in the Summer?

Both Wollongong 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. Also, many visitors come to Wollongong in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Hanoi is a little warmer than Wollongong. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hanoi in July average around 29°C (84°F), and Wollongong averages at about 23°C (74°F)in January.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hanoi. Hanoi usually gets more rain in July than Wollongongin January. Hanoi gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year. May to September is the rainy season in Hanoi.

Should I visit Hanoi or Wollongong in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Hanoi and Wollongong. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hanoi year-round. Also, most visitors come to Wollongong for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Hanoi is generally a little warmer than Wollongongin April. Daily temperatures in Hanoi average around 25°C (77°F), and Wollongong fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

Hanoi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Hanoi usually receives more rain than Wollongongin April. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn. November to April in Hanoi is the dry season.

Should I visit Hanoi or Wollongong in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Hanoi as well as Wollongong. Hanoi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Wollongong because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Hanoi is much warmer than Wollongong in the winter. The daily temperature in Hanoi averages around 17°C (63°F) in January, and Wollongong fluctuates around 10°C (50°F)in July.

Hanoi usually gets less rain in January than Wollongongin July. Hanoi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 47 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hanoi or Wollongong in the Spring?

Both Wollongong 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, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Wollongong this time of year.

In the spring, Hanoi is a little warmer than Wollongong. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hanoi in April average around 24°C (75°F), and Wollongong averages at about 17°C (63°F)in October.

It's quite rainy in Hanoi. In April, Hanoi usually receives more rain than Wollongongin October. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 76 mm (3 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 Wollongong and Hanoi