A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Khao Lak vs. Hanoi for Couples, Backpackers, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Khao Lak or Hanoi?

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 Hanoi 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 this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Hanoi

Hanoi is a cultural, historical, and fascinating city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Khao Lak and Hanoi: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Khao Lak or Hanoi?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hanoi. Although Khao Lak and Hanoi are popular destinations, Hanoi has more sights and attractions for tourists. Hanoi is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Khao Lak attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Khao Lak is famous for its undersea marine life, white sand beaches, and mellow coastal vibe. Hanoi is famous for its impressive street food, historical museums, and bustling energy. It is also well known for Hoan Kiem Lake.

How is Khao Lak different from Hanoi?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Hanoi is an amazing city to visit for its museums and landmarks. However, Khao Lak is a area with minimal options for its historical sights.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Hanoi that are not to be missed. 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.

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 Hanoi? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hanoi is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Khao Lak is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Hanoi makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Khao Lak has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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.

Is Khao Lak or Hanoi Better for Nightlife?

Hanoi is a great destination for nightlife. Also, Khao Lak is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

The people in Hanoi know how to have a good time. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Khao Lak has a few options to choose from. 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.

Is Khao Lak or Hanoi Better for Resorts?

Khao Lak is well known for its resorts. However, Hanoi 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.

Hanoi is not a resort destination.

Is Khao Lak or Hanoi Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Khao Lak is well known for its diving and snorkeling. However, Hanoi 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.

Hanoi is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Khao Lak or Hanoi Better for Beaches?

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

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.

Hanoi is not a beach destination.

Is Khao Lak or Hanoi Better for its Old Town?

Hanoi is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town. However, Khao Lak does not have a historic old town.

Hanoi offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. 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.

Khao Lak does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Khao Lak or Hanoi?

Hanoi is an amazing city to visit for shopping. Also, Khao Lak is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Hanoi is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Khao Lak. You'll find night markets, souvenir shops, local tailors, and other places where you can grab essentials or pick up souvenirs from your holiday.

Is Khao Lak or Hanoi Better for Families?

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

Khao Lak is a very kid-friendly area. 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.

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 Khao Lak or Hanoi Better for Couples?

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

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.

Hanoi is a good area 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 Khao Lak or Hanoi Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hanoi is an amazing city to visit for backpackers. Also, Khao Lak is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Hanoi is a mecca for backpackers and 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.

Many backpackers 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.

Is Khao Lak or Hanoi Better for Students?

Hanoi is a great destination for students. However, Khao Lak is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in 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.

Khao Lak is not popular with students.

Is Khao Lak or Hanoi 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, Hanoi 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 mostly limited in Hanoi. The best ways to get around town include motorbike taxis, cyclos, regular taxis, and local buses.

Is Khao Lak or Hanoi a more walkable city?

Hanoi is a city with good options for its walkability. However, Khao Lak is a area with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

Hanoi is somewhat walkable. 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.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Hanoi or Khao Lak?

How long in Khao Lak or Hanoi?

In either Khao Lak or Hanoi, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Khao Lak than Hanoi because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Khao Lak, and 3-5 days is enough time in Hanoi.

Families should spend more time in Khao Lak than Hanoi. 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 Hanoi. 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 Hanoi than Khao Lak 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 Khao Lak or Hanoi?

In Khao Lak, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this friendly destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Lots of people come for the beaches. This area 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.

Hanoi is a big city with plenty to do. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Hanoi?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Khao Lak. 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.

Hanoi is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. 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 a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Khao Lak or Hanoi?

Khao Lak is a fun place to experience. In Khao Lak, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the beaches. 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.

Hanoi is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Hanoi, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Khao Lak or Hanoi?

In Khao Lak, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this idyllic 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. Lots of people come for the beaches. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Hanoi is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Thailand, The Best Wildlife Tours to Thailand, The Best Adventure Tours to Vietnam, and The Best Eco Tours in Vietnam.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Khao Lak and Hanoi, we can see that Khao Lak 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 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 Hanoi.

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 Hanoi Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Khao Lak or Hanoi?

Hanoi has a larger population, and is about 840 times larger than the population of Khao Lak. When comparing the sizes of Khao Lak and Hanoi, 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 Khao Lak or Hanoi?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.

Should I visit Khao Lak or Hanoi in the Summer?

Both Hanoi and Khao Lak are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Khao Lak throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Hanoi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

The rainy season in Hanoi is May to September. It rains a lot this time of the year in Hanoi. It's quite rainy in Khao Lak. In July, Khao Lak usually receives more rain than Hanoi. Khao Lak gets 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain, while Hanoi receives 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

In the summer, Khao Lak is around the same temperature as Hanoi. Typically, the summer temperatures in Khao Lak in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Hanoi averages at about 29°C (84°F).

Should I visit Khao Lak or Hanoi in the Autumn?

Both Hanoi and Khao Lak during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Khao Lak because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hanoi year-round.

November to April is the dry season in Khao Lak. May to October is the rainy season in Khao Lak. November to April is the dry season in Hanoi. Hanoi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Khao Lak. Khao Lak usually gets more rain in October than Hanoi. Khao Lak gets 351 mm (13.8 in) of rain, while Hanoi receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

In October, Khao Lak is generally around the same temperature as Hanoi. Daily temperatures in Khao Lak average around 27°C (81°F), and Hanoi fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

Should I visit Khao Lak or Hanoi in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Khao Lak and Hanoi. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Khao Lak year-round. Hanoi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In January, Khao Lak usually receives more rain than Hanoi. Khao Lak gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Hanoi receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Khao Lak is much warmer than Hanoi in the winter. The daily temperature in Khao Lak averages around 27°C (80°F) in January, and Hanoi fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Should I visit Khao Lak or Hanoi in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Khao Lak as well as Hanoi. Khao Lak attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hanoi throughout the year.

Also, November to April in Khao Lak is the dry season. May to October in Khao Lak is the rainy season. Also, November to April in Hanoi is the dry season. May to September in Hanoi is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Hanoi. Khao Lak receives a lot of rain in the spring. Khao Lak usually gets more rain in April than Hanoi. Khao Lak gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Hanoi receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the spring, Khao Lak is a little warmer than Hanoi. Typically, the spring temperatures in Khao Lak in April average around 29°C (83°F), and Hanoi averages at about 24°C (75°F).

Typical Weather for Hanoi and Khao Lak