A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Khao Lak vs. Halong Bay for Beaches, Couples, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Khao Lak or Halong Bay?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Khao Lak and Halong Bay 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.

Khao Lak

Khao Lak is a idyllic, serene, and laid back area. The famous beauty of Khao Lak is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Khao Lak travel costs.

Halong Bay

Halong Bay is a spectacular, breathtaking, and stunning bay. The famous beauty of Halong Bay is one of the main draws. It's also known for hiking, museums, and food. See Halong Bay travel costs.

Khao Lak and Halong Bay: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Khao Lak or Halong Bay?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Khao Lak. Although Khao Lak and Halong Bay are popular destinations, Khao Lak has more sights and attractions for tourists. Khao Lak is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Halong Bay attracts visitors for its museums and attractions and hiking. Khao Lak is famous for its undersea marine life, white sand beaches, and mellow coastal vibe. It is also well known for Khao Sok National Park. Halong Bay is famous for its stunning limestone mountains, dramatic water caves, peaceful fishing villages, and unique liveaboard boat trips.

How is Khao Lak different from Halong Bay?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Khao Lak or Halong Bay?

Halong Bay is a bay with good options for its museums and landmarks. However, Khao Lak is a area with minimal options for its historical sights.

Halong Bay is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. While the bay is really about its stunning natural beauty, you can also visit the Quang Ninh Museum, which will give you some insight into the area. The Cai Bau Pagoda is also impressive, as is the Vung Vieng Floating Village.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Khao Lak. You'll find plenty or natural beauty, but not much in the form of temples or museums.

Is the Food Better in Khao Lak or Halong Bay? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Khao Lak and Halong Bay can be difficult as they are each nice in their own way.

Khao Lak offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There's a range of southern Thai classics that include seafood, curries, grilled meats, and even vegetarian options. You'll also find an abundance of western food restaurants that serve everything from pizza to burgers.

Halong Bay has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Because most visitors travel to Halong Bay as part of an overnight boat tour, meals are usually included in the package. The dishes are usually local Vietnamese dishes, and the luxury level varies depending on the tour you book.

Is Khao Lak or Halong Bay Better for Nightlife?

Khao Lak is a area with good options for nightlife and partying. However, Halong Bay is not particularly known for its evening party scene.

Khao Lak has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. While it's a tranquil place, there are still some bars and clubs that have a laid back atmosphere and are fun places to hang out in the evening.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Halong Bay Many tours, particularly those that cater to the backpacker crowd, have a social atmosphere, but there isn't a nightlife scene and this area isn't a trip that's known for its party atmosphere. Most tourists stay up in the evening swapping travel stories with their fellow boatmates.

Is Khao Lak or Halong Bay Better for Resorts?

Khao Lak is well known for its resorts. However, Halong Bay is not a resort destination.

In Khao Lak, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. The resorts cater to couples and families and offer a laid back and relaxed setting.

Halong Bay is not a resort destination.

Is Khao Lak or Halong Bay Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Khao Lak is well known for its diving and snorkeling. However, Halong Bay is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Khao Lak is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. There are many great dive and snorkel spots in the area and you'll find no shortage of excursions and day trips, whether you're interested in scuba diving or snorkeling.

Halong Bay is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Khao Lak or Halong Bay Better for Beaches?

Khao Lak is an amazing area to visit for the beach. Also, Halong Bay is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beach.

Khao Lak is considered to be a world-class beach destination. The beaches are a highlight of any trip to Thailand. They offer a laid back and peaceful setting with white sand, turquoise water, and tropical marine life. Some of the best beaches include Bang Niang Beach - which is one of the most popular, Nang Thong Beach - which is one of the most beautiful, and Coconut Beach - which is one of the most idyllic.

Many people visit Halong Bay for it's beautiful beaches. Many boat tours spend a day or half day hanging out on a beach. The setting is stunning with emerald blue water and dramatic limestone karsts climbing out of the water.

Is Khao Lak or Halong Bay Better for Hiking?

Halong Bay is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Khao Lak is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Halong Bay. Most tours stop off at Cat Ba Island and lead travelers through spectacular hikes. You'll take a guided walk through jungles and reach spectacular viewpoints.

Khao Lak is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Khao Lak or Halong Bay?

Khao Lak is a area with good options for its shopping opportunities. However, Halong Bay is not particularly known for its shopping areas.

Khao Lak offers some nice shopping areas. You'll find night markets, souvenir shops, local tailors, and other places where you can grab essentials or pick up souvenirs from your holiday.

Shopping in Halong Bay can be found for those interested. Most people don't spend their time shopping while they're visiting the area. If you're looking for a local souvenir, there are a few places to pick things up during your trip.

Is Khao Lak or Halong Bay More Beautiful?

Khao Lak and Halong Bay both are comparable with their world-class scenery and beauty.

The famous beauty of Khao Lak is one of the main draws. Stunning beaches, diverse marine life, and breathtaking natural landscapes make this a truly beautiful destination.

Many visitors also come to Halong Bay because of it's amazing beauty. Halong Bay has been voted one of the new Seven Wonders of the World and it is regularly listed as one of the most beautiful places in the world.

Is Khao Lak or Halong Bay Better for Families?

Both Khao Lak and Halong Bay are great to visit with kids.

Khao Lak is a very family-friendly place to visit. This series of islands is filled with outdoor adventures for the whole family. You can explore the undersea world with a mask or snorkel or get out on the water on a kayak. There are also turtle sanctuaries and beautiful beaches where you can pass the time.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Halong Bay is very family-friendly. Most people visit the area on board an overnight boat from Hanoi. The boats range in style and luxury level, but whatever you choose, your kids will love the novelty of sleeping aboard a boat and exploring the truly stunning islands.

Is Khao Lak or Halong Bay Better for Couples?

Both Khao Lak and Halong Bay are world-class destinations for a couple's getaway.

Khao Lak is a great area for couples, as it has plenty to offer. Underwater beauty, stunning beaches, outdoor adventures, and wildlife experiences all make these islands a world class honeymoon destination.

Halong Bay is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. This truly world-class setting makes a perfect honeymoon or romantic destination. You'll likely want to book a luxury boat with plenty of amenities and delicious dining options. The setting is spectacular, and among the most unique in the world.

Is Khao Lak or Halong Bay Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Khao Lak and Halong Bay are great places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Khao Lak. Like most of Thailand, the backpacker amenities are abundant. You'll find plenty of hostels, fun activities, and affordable entertainment throughout the region.

Many backpackers visit Halong Bay. This is one of those places that you can't really visit independently, because you'll need to arrange a boat. There are countless travel agencies in Hanoi that you can book your trip through. The prices vary widely, as do the activities and amenities. Most backpackers enjoy exploring the bay aboard a Chinese Sail Boat or 'Junk'.

Is Khao Lak or Halong Bay Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Khao Lak is a area with good options for its public transit. However, Halong Bay is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Khao Lak, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Transportation comes in the form of tuk tuks, Songthaew (pick up trucks), taxis, and public buses. There are also VIP buses and minivans as well.

Public transit is quite limited in Halong Bay. An organized tour is essential for exploring the bay. Most visitors arrange an overnight boat tour, often aboard a Chinese Sail Boat or 'Junk'.

Is Khao Lak or Halong Bay a more walkable city?

Khao Lak is a area with a few options for its high level of walkability. However, Halong Bay is not particularly known for its ease of walking around.

Khao Lak is generally not very walkable. While there are areas where you can walk, the region isn't particularly walkable.

Halong Bay is not a very walkable area. This is a place that requires an organized tour to visit, as you need a boat to explore.

For even more information, also check out Is Khao Lak Worth Visiting? and Is Halong Bay Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Halong Bay or Khao Lak?

How long in Khao Lak or Halong Bay?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Khao Lak and Halong Bay. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Khao Lak than in Halong Bay. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Khao Lak, and 2-3 days is enough time in Halong Bay.

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

Couples should spend more time in Khao Lak than Halong Bay. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Khao Lak that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Khao Lak than Halong Bay 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 Khao Lak.

One day in Khao Lak or Halong Bay?

With shopping and nightlife around the relaxed area of Khao Lak, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The beautiful bay of Halong Bay offers museums and food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Khao Lak or Halong Bay?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Khao Lak, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Halong Bay is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this bay makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Halong Bay, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Khao Lak or Halong Bay?

Khao Lak, a popular area, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this area. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Halong Bay is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Khao Lak or Halong Bay?

Khao Lak is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this area makes for a great vacation. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this area has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Halong Bay is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This bay offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Thailand, The Best Wildlife Tours to Thailand, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Vietnam, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Vietnam.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Khao Lak and Halong Bay, we can see that Khao Lak is more expensive. And not only is Halong Bay much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Halong Bay would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Halong Bay 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 Khao Lak would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Khao Lak than you might in Halong Bay.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Khao Lak Expensive? and Is Halong Bay Expensive?.