A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Krabi vs. Hanoi for Attractions, Backpackers, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Krabi or Hanoi?

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 Krabi and Hanoi can help you decide which place is right for you.

Krabi

Krabi is a colorful, stunning, and local town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Krabi travel costs.

Hanoi

Hanoi is a high energy, colorful, and cultural city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Hanoi travel costs.

Krabi and Hanoi: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Krabi or Hanoi?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hanoi. Although Krabi and Hanoi are popular destinations, Hanoi has more sights and attractions for tourists. Hanoi is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Krabi attracts visitors for its resorts, beaches, and small town charm. Hanoi is more touristy than Krabi and is popular for its impressive street food, historical museums, and bustling energy. It is also well known for Hoan Kiem Lake. Krabi is famous for its easy access to inland adventures and nearby island hopping as well as its lively night market.

How is Krabi different from Hanoi?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Krabi or Hanoi?

Hanoi is an amazing city to visit for its museums and history. Also, Krabi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Hanoi from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. 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.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Krabi can be an interesting and educational experience. In the area you'll find mountain top temples such as Wat Tham Suea and natural spots such as Khao Khanap Nam Cave. In town there's the stunning Wat Kaew Korawaram temple as well.

Is the Food Better in Krabi or Hanoi? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hanoi is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Krabi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Hanoi. 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Krabi. It's not particularly known for its culinary scene, but Krabi Town does have great street food and a lively night market. For some of the best restaurants, head to Chao Fah Road.

Is Krabi or Hanoi Better for Nightlife?

Hanoi is a very popular place for nightlife. Also, Krabi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Hanoi has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Krabi has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There's a decent live music scene, but in general the town is quiet at night. There's also a good night market.

Is Krabi or Hanoi Better for Resorts?

Krabi is a town with a few options for its resorts. However, Hanoi is not a resort destination.

Not known for its high-end resorts, Krabi offers a few options. There's no real beach in town, so the better resorts are found at nearby beach towns.

Hanoi is not a resort destination.

Is Krabi or Hanoi Better for Beaches?

Krabi is a town with a few options for the beach. However, Hanoi is not a beach destination.

You can check out the beach in Krabi. The town itself has no beach, so you'll need to take a day trip to nearby Railay Beach or Ao Nang.

Hanoi is not a beach destination.

Is Krabi or Hanoi Better for its Old Town?

Hanoi is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town. However, Krabi 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.

Krabi does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Krabi or Hanoi?

Hanoi is an amazing city to visit for shopping. Also, Krabi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Hanoi. 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.

Krabi is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The town's night market is fun to explore. There's also the popular Krabi Town Walking Street (where you'll find the night market) as well as some larger stores and small malls near town.

Is Krabi or Hanoi Better for Families?

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

Krabi is a very kid-friendly town. The town makes a great base for island hopping and exploring the province of Krabi. Nearby you'll find Krabi Fun Park, which includes a ropes course. There are also caves nearby to explore and plenty of stunning natural beauty.

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 Krabi or Hanoi Better for Couples?

Krabi is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Hanoi is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Krabi frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There's easy access to many beautiful areas with caves, viewpoints, and beaches. Krabi Walking Street also has great restaurants and a lively night market.

Hanoi is a good town 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 Krabi or Hanoi Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hanoi is an amazing city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Krabi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Hanoi. 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Krabi. The town has a more local vibe, as many backpackers head on to Ao Nang or Railay Beach. You'll find affordable accommodation here though, as well as easy access to some great excursions.

Is Krabi or Hanoi Better for Students?

Hanoi is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Krabi is not popular with students.

Hanoi is very popular with students. 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.

Krabi is not popular with students.

Is Krabi or Hanoi Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find reasonable public transit in both Krabi and Hanoi.

Public transit is mostly limited in Krabi. There's no real public transit so you'll need to get around by rental car, motorbike, or songthaew truck (pickup trucks with seats in back).

Public transit is generally limited in Hanoi. The best ways to get around town include motorbike taxis, cyclos, regular taxis, and local buses.

Is Krabi or Hanoi a more walkable city?

Krabi and Hanoi are nice when it comes to walkability.

Krabi is somewhat walkable. There's a walking street and a few parts of town that are relatively walkable.

Hanoi is a somewhat walkable place. 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.

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

Should I spend more time in Hanoi or Krabi?

How long in Krabi or Hanoi?

In either Krabi or Hanoi, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Hanoi than Krabi because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Krabi, and 3-5 days is enough time in Hanoi.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Hanoi than Krabi 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 Krabi or Hanoi?

In Krabi, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this stunning destination offers. This town 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.

Each neighborhood in Hanoi has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city 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.

A weekend in Krabi or Hanoi?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Krabi. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hanoi. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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.

Five days in Krabi or Hanoi?

Krabi is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Krabi. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Hanoi is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Hanoi has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Krabi or Hanoi?

You'll find food and shopping around the stunning destination of Krabi. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find food and shopping around the cultural big city of Hanoi. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Thailand, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Thailand, The Best Tours for Seniors to Vietnam, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Vietnam.

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

Which is Bigger, Krabi or Hanoi?

Hanoi has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Krabi. When comparing the sizes of Krabi 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 Krabi or Hanoi?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.

Should I visit Krabi or Hanoi in the Summer?

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

August to October is the rainy season in Krabi. May to September is the rainy season in Hanoi. Hanoi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Krabi. Krabi usually gets more rain in July than Hanoi. Krabi gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Hanoi receives 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

Should I visit Krabi or Hanoi in the Autumn?

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

December to March in Krabi is the dry season. Also, August to October is the rainy season in Krabi. November to April in Hanoi is the dry season. Hanoi receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Krabi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Krabi usually receives more rain than Hanoi. Krabi gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Hanoi receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

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

Should I visit Krabi or Hanoi in the Winter?

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

Also, December to March in Krabi is the dry season. Krabi usually gets more rain in January than Hanoi. Krabi gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Hanoi receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Krabi is much warmer than Hanoi in the winter. The daily temperature in Krabi averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Hanoi fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Should I visit Krabi or Hanoi in the Spring?

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

The dry season in Hanoi is November to April. 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 Krabi. In April, Krabi usually receives more rain than Hanoi. Krabi gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Hanoi receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

In the spring, Krabi is a little warmer than Hanoi. Typically, the spring temperatures in Krabi in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Hanoi averages at about 24°C (75°F).

Typical Weather for Hanoi and Krabi