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

Should you visit Koh Samui or Halong Bay?

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

Should I visit Koh Samui or Halong Bay? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Koh Samui

Koh Samui is a laid back, beautiful, and tropical resort island. The famous beauty of Koh Samui is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and nightlife. See Koh Samui travel costs.

Halong Bay

Halong Bay is a breathtaking, stunning, and dramatic bay. Many visitors also come to Halong Bay because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and beaches. See Halong Bay travel costs.

Koh Samui and Halong Bay: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Koh Samui. Although Koh Samui and Halong Bay are both popular with visitors, Koh Samui has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Koh Samui is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Halong Bay is known for its museums and attractions. Koh Samui is more touristy than Halong Bay and is popular for its ornate temples, beautiful beaches, and laid-back atmosphere. It is also home to The Big Buddha Temple. Halong Bay is popular for its stunning limestone mountains, dramatic water caves, peaceful fishing villages, and unique liveaboard boat trips.

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

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

Halong Bay is a popular place for its historical sights. However, Koh Samui does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Halong Bay. 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.

Koh Samui does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Koh Samui 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 Samui. Food on the island is fresh and delicious. You'll find fine dining restaurants as well as hole-in-the-wall dives where you can enjoy local flavors. There are also international restaurants if you need a break from the curries. Beachfront restaurants offer a beautiful setting and sunset dinner cruises are a not-to-be-missed experience. Authentically local dishes usually include some form of coconut but there are also other common Thai dishes available almost anywhere like curries or Pad Thai.

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 Samui or Halong Bay Better for Nightlife?

Koh Samui is an amazing resort island to visit for nightlife and partying. However, Halong Bay is not particularly known for its evening party scene.

Koh Samui has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. All night beach parties, cheap bars, and lively dance clubs all give this island its party atmosphere. Young travelers from around the globe head here to enjoy music, cheap drinks, and world class fun. For the most active nightlife, head to Chaweng Beach, Lamai Beach or Bophut Beach.

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 Samui or Halong Bay Better for Resorts?

Koh Samui is an amazing resort island to visit for its resorts. However, Halong Bay is not a resort destination.

Koh Samui is a world class resort vacation destination. The island is filled with countless resorts, hotels, and private villas that you can rent. You can choose from beachfront properties or resorts that are located in the hills, which offer beautiful views. The resorts often have pools and range from five star all the way down to budget-friendly.

Halong Bay is not a resort destination.

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

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

Koh Samui is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. It's easy to arrange snorkeling or scuba diving trips through hotels or travel companies, but it's also possible to snorkel right off the shore in places like Chaweng Beach. Due to the island's popularity, the coral isn't always the healthiest, but the water is clear and you'll likely see some interesting sea life just off the shore.

Halong Bay is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Koh Samui or Halong Bay Better for Beaches?

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

Koh Samui is considered to be a world-class beach destination. The white sand beaches are lined with coconut trees and look out on crystal blue waters, making this a perfect tropical destination. There are lively activity-filled beaches as well as quiet retreats where you can enjoy a peaceful setting away from the crowds.

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 Samui or Halong Bay Better for Hiking?

If you're looking to go hiking, Koh Samui and Halong Bay both have excellent trails.

Many visitors go to Koh Samui for the hiking trails. Hikes will take you inland through the beautiful rainforest. There are hidden waterfalls as well as Buddha gardens and ridge trails with breathtaking views. Hikes range from easy to challenging, so make sure you understand the skill level required before you set out.

Halong Bay is a popular spot for hiking. 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 Samui or Halong Bay?

Koh Samui is a resort island with good options for its shopping opportunities. However, Halong Bay is not particularly known for its shopping areas.

Koh Samui offers some nice shopping areas. The resort areas have the most interesting shops and you'll find the most options around Chaweng. There are boutique shops as well as some malls. You can sometimes negotiate prices down in independently run stores, but some places advertise fixed prices.

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 Samui or Halong Bay More Beautiful?

You'll find a similar quality of terrific scenery and beauty in both Koh Samui and Halong Bay.

Many visitors also come to Koh Samui because of it's amazing beauty. It's laid back vibe and quintessential beach setting make this a wonderful holiday destination. It's the second largest island in Thailand and there are resorts, hotels, and restaurants for everyone.

You'll find world class beauty in Halong Bay as well. 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 Samui or Halong Bay Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Koh Samui or Halong Bay.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Koh Samui. The island is one of the slightly calmer, family-friendly options in Thailand. It has a number of activities that all ages can enjoy including water parks, water sports, and temples to explore. Snorkeling is also fun and there's an aquarium and zoo that you can check out.

Halong Bay is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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 Samui or Halong Bay Better for Couples?

Halong Bay is an amazing bay to visit for couples. Also, Koh Samui is not as popular, but is still a nice resort island for romance.

Halong Bay makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Koh Samui is a very popular place to visit for couples. Dinner cruises, beachfront restaurants, and beautiful sunsets all make this island a romantic destination for couples. There are also spas, resorts, and fine dining restaurants that you can enjoy.

Is Koh Samui or Halong Bay Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Koh Samui and Halong Bay are excellent places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Koh Samui. The island feels a bit more like a holiday destination than a backpacker destination, but it still has a lively nightlife and affordable accommodation around Lamai Beach. It's also a nice place to go for yoga or Muay Thai classes.

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'.

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

Koh Samui is a resort island 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 Koh Samui, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Songthaew, the Thai version of a bus, and taxis or motorbikes are the best ways to get around the island.

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 Samui or Halong Bay a more walkable city?

Koh Samui is a resort island with a few options for its high level of walkability. However, Halong Bay is not particularly known for its ease of walking around.

Koh Samui is generally not very walkable. The roads have a good amount of traffic and generally aren't designed for walking.

Halong Bay is not a very walkable resort 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 Samui Worth Visiting? and Is Halong Bay Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Koh Samui or Halong Bay?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Koh Samui 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 Koh Samui.

One day in Koh Samui or Halong Bay?

With shopping and nightlife around the lush resort island of Koh Samui, 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.

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 Samui or Halong Bay?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Koh Samui, 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.

You'll find museums and food around the stunning 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 Samui or Halong Bay?

Koh Samui, a popular resort 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 resort island. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the stunning 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 Samui or Halong Bay?

Koh Samui is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this resort island makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this resort island has to offer. 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 Tours Under $1000 in Thailand, The Best Budget 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 Koh Samui and Halong Bay, we can see that Koh Samui 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 Samui would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Koh Samui 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 Samui Expensive? and Is Halong Bay Expensive?.