A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Koh Lanta vs. Halong Bay for Beaches, Couples, Food, and Hiking

Should you visit Koh Lanta 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 Koh Lanta 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.

Koh Lanta

Koh Lanta is a tranquil, peaceful, and quiet island. The famous beauty of Koh Lanta is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Koh Lanta 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. And you can't forget about the hiking, museums, and food. See Halong Bay travel costs.

Koh Lanta and Halong Bay: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Lanta or Halong Bay?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Koh Lanta than Halong Bay, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Koh Lanta is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Halong Bay is more popular for its museums and attractions. Halong Bay is more touristy than Koh Lanta and is known for its stunning limestone mountains, dramatic water caves, peaceful fishing villages, and unique liveaboard boat trips. Koh Lanta is well known for it's long and sandy beaches, its idyllic paradise atmosphere, and its beautiful national park. Also, Koh Lanta is famous for Long Beach.

How is Koh Lanta different from Halong Bay?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Koh Lanta or Halong Bay?

Halong Bay is a bay with good options for its museums and landmarks. However, Koh Lanta is a island with minimal options for its historical sights.

Halong Bay offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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 Koh Lanta. Nature and tranquil beauty are what this island is all about, so you won't find much in the form of museums or temples.

Is the Food Better in Koh Lanta or Halong Bay? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Koh Lanta is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Halong Bay is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Koh Lanta. There are local markets that pop up in different places each day of the week. You may even get to sample deep-fried cicadas or dried fish. If you're looking for a more mainstream flavor, there are also curries and seafood dishes that are often locally caught.

Halong Bay is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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 Koh Lanta or Halong Bay Better for Nightlife?

Koh Lanta is a island with good options for nightlife and partying. However, Halong Bay is not particularly known for its evening party scene.

Koh Lanta has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. This is one of the most chill islands in Thailand, so you won't find the hardcore party scene of some of the more backpacker heavy islands. That doesn't mean you won't find live music or places to hang out any night of the week.

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 Koh Lanta or Halong Bay Better for Resorts?

Koh Lanta is well known for its resorts. However, Halong Bay is not a resort destination.

In Koh Lanta, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. Most of the hotels and resorts are small, family-owned businesses that have a local and welcoming atmosphere.

Halong Bay is not a resort destination.

Is Koh Lanta or Halong Bay Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Koh Lanta is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. There are snorkeling and diving trips that leave from the island daily. It's also possible to snorkel off some of the beaches around the island without organizing a group trip.

Halong Bay is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Koh Lanta or Halong Bay Better for Beaches?

Koh Lanta is an amazing island to visit for the beach. Also, Halong Bay is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beach.

Koh Lanta is considered to be a world-class beach destination. For a quiet and tranquil beach holiday, this is your spot. You can enjoy long walks along sandy beaches on the north side of the island, and on the south side you'll find dramatic beauty. The most well known beach is Long Beach, which is also the longest on the island.

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 Koh Lanta or Halong Bay Better for Hiking?

Both Koh Lanta and Halong Bay are destinations which offer great hiking.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Koh Lanta. You'll find hiking trails in Koh Lanta National Park, which is at the southern tip of the island. You'll wander through the jungle, see wildlife, and take in breathtaking views.

Many visitors go to Halong Bay for the hiking trails. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Lanta or Halong Bay?

Neither Koh Lanta or Halong Bay offer decent shopping options.

Koh Lanta has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. The island doesn't have the huge tourist crowds of many places in Thailand, so you'll find few shops in the towns. If you need to buy clothes or other items, it's better to go to the mainland.

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 Koh Lanta or Halong Bay More Beautiful?

Koh Lanta and Halong Bay are somewhat similar when it comes to the world-class scenery.

The famous beauty of Koh Lanta is one of the main draws. It's among Thailand's most beautiful islands and it's not as touristy or built up as some of the more popular areas.

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 Koh Lanta or Halong Bay Better for Families?

Both Koh Lanta and Halong Bay are great to visit with kids.

Koh Lanta is a very kid-friendly island. This is among the best island's in Thailand for kids. The waters are calm and the nightlife scene is relaxed. There are hotels that have kiddy pools and some even have kid's clubs. There are also kid-friendly menus at many of the restaurants.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Halong Bay. 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 Koh Lanta or Halong Bay Better for Couples?

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

Koh Lanta is a great island for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The laid back vibe offers a bit of romance for couples. The beaches are beautiful and the island isn't as built up as many islands are in Thailand. And while you'll find places to go in the evening near the backpacker areas, most of the island has a chill and relaxed atmosphere.

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 Koh Lanta or Halong Bay Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Halong Bay is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Koh Lanta is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Halong Bay is a great bay to visit for backpackers. 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'.

Plenty of backpackers visit Koh Lanta. You'll find backpackers on almost every island in Thailand, but this one is a bit more chill than most. It's not as touristy as most of the country's southern islands, but there are still enough amenities to make it comfortable.

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

Neither Koh Lanta or Halong Bay offer decent public transit.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Koh Lanta. There really isn't any public transit on the island. Most visitors hire taxis or rent motorbikes to get around.

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 Koh Lanta or Halong Bay a more walkable city?

Neither Koh Lanta or Halong Bay are walkable places.

Koh Lanta is not a walkable island. While there are some parts of the island that can be explored on foot, most people get around by motorbike.

Halong Bay is not a very walkable island. 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 Koh Lanta Worth Visiting? and Is Halong Bay Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Halong Bay or Koh Lanta?

How long in Koh Lanta or Halong Bay?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Halong Bay than Koh Lanta 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 Halong Bay.

One day in Koh Lanta or Halong Bay?

With scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife around the beautiful island of Koh Lanta, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find food and museums around the bay of Halong Bay. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Koh Lanta or Halong Bay?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Koh Lanta, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this island.

You'll find museums and food around the spectacular destination of Halong Bay. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this bay has to offer. This bay offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Koh Lanta or Halong Bay?

Koh Lanta, a popular island, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this island. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the dramatic bay of Halong Bay. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Koh Lanta or Halong Bay?

Koh Lanta is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. 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.

Halong Bay is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Thailand, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Thailand, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Vietnam, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Vietnam.

When comparing the travel costs between Koh Lanta and Halong Bay, we can see that Halong Bay is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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