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

Should you visit Koh Lipe or Halong Bay?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Koh Lipe and Halong Bay can help you decide which place is right for you.

Koh Lipe

Koh Lipe is a tranquil, idyllic, and small island. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the beaches, hiking, and food.

Halong Bay

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

Koh Lipe and Halong Bay: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Koh Lipe. Although Koh Lipe and Halong Bay are popular destinations, Koh Lipe has more sights and attractions for tourists. Koh Lipe is very popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Halong Bay attracts visitors for its museums. Halong Bay is more touristy than Koh Lipe and is known for its stunning limestone mountains, dramatic water caves, peaceful fishing villages, and unique liveaboard boat trips. Koh Lipe is famous for its world class scuba diving and snorkeling, as well as its small and local atmosphere. It is also well known for Sunrise Beach.

How is Koh Lipe 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 Lipe. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

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

Halong Bay is very good for its museums and landmarks. However, Koh Lipe is a island 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 Koh Lipe. The island is small and all about beaches and the undersea world, so you won't find any temples or museums here.

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

Both Koh Lipe and Halong Bay offer a number of nice restaurants to choose from.

Koh Lipe offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There's enough of a restaurant selection that you'll find good local food and freshly caught seafood. The options change frequently as the tourist crowds have varied dramatically over the years, making it difficult for businesses to stay open.

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 Koh Lipe or Halong Bay Better for Nightlife?

Neither Koh Lipe or Halong Bay offer decent nightlife.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Koh Lipe. This is a small island that attracts tourists who want nature, beauty, and a serene and tranquil environment. You won't find much of a nightlife scene here.

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 Lipe or Halong Bay Better for Resorts?

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

In Koh Lipe, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. There are a number of locally owned hotels on the island. Many have snorkeling gear for rent.

Halong Bay is not a resort destination.

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

Koh Lipe is an amazing island to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Halong Bay is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Koh Lipe is a world class destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. Although it is no longer the undiscovered island paradise that it once was, the snorkeling and diving on Koh Lipe remains some of the best in the country.

Halong Bay is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Koh Lipe or Halong Bay Better for Beaches?

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

Koh Lipe is considered to be a world-class beach destination. Despite the island's small size, the beaches are truly spectacular. They have white sand and the undersea world is just steps away, so don't forget your mask and snorkel.

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 Lipe or Halong Bay Better for Hiking?

You'll find superb hiking in both Koh Lipe and Halong Bay.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Koh Lipe. The island of Koh Lipe doesn't have any hiking, but nearby Adang Island has some impressive hikes that offer views and small waterfalls. You can take a longtail boat for just a short ride to the nearby island.

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 Lipe or Halong Bay?

Koh Lipe is a island with a few options for its shopping opportunities. However, Halong Bay is not particularly known for its shopping areas.

If you're looking to go shopping, Koh Lipe has some nice offerings. The Walking Street is the main street through the island. Its where you'll find the island's shops and restaurants. Most are closed during the morning hours, but people begin to gather in the afternoon.

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 Lipe or Halong Bay Better for Families?

You'll find superb kid-friendly activities in either Koh Lipe or Halong Bay.

Koh Lipe is a very family-friendly place to visit. This is a perfect island to explore with kids. There are beautiful beaches, great snorkeling, and plenty of opportunities to check out wildlife. Your kids will also enjoy seeing the Sea la vie fire show.

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 Koh Lipe or Halong Bay Better for Couples?

Both Koh Lipe and Halong Bay are amazing destinations to visit as a couple.

For those traveling as a couple, Koh Lipe has plenty to offer. With its stunning beaches and beautiful nature, this is a great couple's destination. The island has wonderful snorkeling and white sandy beaches that are perfect for exploring with a loved one.

Halong Bay has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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 Lipe or Halong Bay Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Backpackers come from all over to 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'.

It's common for backpackers to visit Koh Lipe. The island has become more popular than it was in years past, but it still offers a tranquil setting for those who are a bit jaded by the backpacker scene in Thailand.

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

Koh Lipe is a island with a few options for its public transit. However, Halong Bay is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit is generally limited in Koh Lipe. There are longtail boats, motorbike taxis, and golf cart taxis that you can hire.

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 Lipe or Halong Bay a more walkable city?

Koh Lipe is well known for its high level of walkability. However, Halong Bay is not particularly known for its ease of walking around.

Koh Lipe is a very walkable island. It's an easy island to explore on foot and you can walk from one end of the island to the other in about half an hour.

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 Lipe Worth Visiting? and Is Halong Bay Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Koh Lipe or Halong Bay?

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

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

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

One day in Koh Lipe or Halong Bay?

With scuba diving and snorkeling and food around the local island of Koh Lipe, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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.

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 Koh Lipe or Halong Bay?

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the destination of Koh Lipe, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. 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 Koh Lipe or Halong Bay?

Koh Lipe, 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.

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 Koh Lipe or Halong Bay?

Koh Lipe is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this island makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this island 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 Budget Tours to Thailand, The Best Tours for Seniors to Thailand, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Ho Chi Minh City, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Hanoi.

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