A Travel Price Comparison for Vietnam Nha Trang vs. Hanoi for Attractions, Nightlife, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit Nha Trang or Hanoi?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Nha Trang and Hanoi. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Nha Trang

Nha Trang is a coastal, resort-filled, and vibrant city. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and beaches.

Hanoi

Hanoi is a historical, fascinating, and high energy city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Nha Trang and Hanoi: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nha Trang or Hanoi?

You'll generally find more things to do in Hanoi than Nha Trang. Hanoi is bigger than Nha Trang, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Hanoi is better known for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Nha Trang is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Nha Trang is more touristy than Hanoi and is popular for its backpacker-heavy nightlife scene, its long sandy beaches, and its beachside resorts. Hanoi is well known for its impressive street food, historical museums, and bustling energy. Also, Hanoi is famous for Hoan Kiem Lake.

How is Nha Trang different from Hanoi?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Nha Trang or Hanoi?

Hanoi is very popular for its historical sights. Also, Nha Trang is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

The museums and tourist attractions in Hanoi are world-renowned. 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 for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Nha Trang. While most people visit for the beaches and nightlife in the area, there are also several cultural sights worth visiting. Ponagar Tower, Long Son Pagoda, and XQ Historical Village are all interesting to visit. If you're looking for a thrill, also nearby is Vinpearl Land.

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

Hanoi is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Nha Trang is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Hanoi has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Nha Trang area. Seafood is the most common option in many restaurants. You'll find local curries and spring rolls on many menus. Fish sauce is often served with dishes and many recipes have a sweet flavor. If you need a break from Vietnamese food, there are also restaurants that serve pizza, burgers, and other common international dishes.

Is Nha Trang or Hanoi Better for Nightlife?

Nha Trang is renowned for nightlife and partying. Also, Hanoi is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Nha Trang is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. The nightlife scene is varied and caters to all types of travelers. There are glamorous rooftop bars and lounges, beachside parties, and booze cruises that cater to the backpacker crowd. The city is big enough to have options for everyone.

Many people head to Hanoi for the nightlife scene. 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.

Is Nha Trang or Hanoi Better for Resorts?

Nha Trang is a city with good options for its resorts. However, Hanoi is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Nha Trang makes a nice vacation spot. There's a mix of budget guesthouses and hostels, luxury beachfront resorts, and everything in between.

Hanoi is not a resort destination.

Is Nha Trang or Hanoi Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Nha Trang is a city with a few options for its diving and snorkeling. However, Hanoi is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Nha Trang has a few snorkeling spots. Snorkeling is a bit tricky here, because you need to visit during the right season and you'll need to hop on a tour to get to the best spots. If you're lucky you'll have good visibility and see some interesting marine life.

Hanoi is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Nha Trang or Hanoi Better for Beaches?

Nha Trang is a city with good options for the beache. However, Hanoi is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Nha Trang. The accessible beaches are very developed and filled with vacationers who are looking for fun activities. The sands are white and soft and the water is comfortable and fun to splash around in.

Hanoi is not a beach destination.

Is Nha Trang or Hanoi Better for its Old Town?

Hanoi is very popular for its old town. However, Nha Trang does not have a historic old town.

Hanoi has a world-famous historical area. 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.

Nha Trang does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Nha Trang or Hanoi?

Hanoi is very popular for its shopping opportunities. Also, Nha Trang is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Hanoi draws large crowds to its 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.

Many visitors go to Nha Trang to go shopping. There are some local street markets that are fun to explore. There are also the typical shops and supermarkets that sell local produce, souvenirs, and any other essentials that you may have forgotten.

Is Nha Trang or Hanoi Better for Families?

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

Nha Trang is a very kid-friendly city. While it is known among the backpacker crowds for its party scene, there are also great beaches and many activities for families. Vinpearl Land is an amusement park in the area that has rides and shows. There's also Po Nagar Cham Towers and Long Son Pagoda, which are both interesting to visit. The beaches also make a great playground for kids who enjoy building sand castles and playing in the shallow water.

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 Nha Trang or Hanoi Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Nha Trang frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are several romantic hotels near the beach as well as some interesting cultural activities and beautiful beaches with water activities.

Hanoi is a good city 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 Nha Trang or Hanoi Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hanoi is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Nha Trang is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Hanoi is extremely popular for backpackers. 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.

Nha Trang is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. Backpackers looking for a party head to the streets around Biệt Thự Street. There are many cheap hostels and guesthouses in the area, and you won't be far from the area's best nightlife.

Is Nha Trang or Hanoi Better for Students?

Hanoi is a great city for its student-friendly activities. However, Nha Trang is not popular with students.

Many students visit 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.

Nha Trang is not popular with students.

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

Nha Trang is a city 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 Nha Trang, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are six city bus routes. There are also many taxis and motorbike taxes available for reasonable rates.

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

Is Nha Trang or Hanoi a more walkable city?

Nha Trang is well known for its high level of walkability. Also, Hanoi is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Nha Trang is a very walkable city. The city is compact enough that you can explore many parts on foot. Most of the attractions are near the intersection of Tran Phu and Biet Thu.

Hanoi is a somewhat walkable city. 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 Nha Trang Worth Visiting? and Is Hanoi Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hanoi or Nha Trang?

How long in Nha Trang or Hanoi?

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

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

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

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

In Nha Trang, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this high energy destination offers. Lots of people come for the nightlife. 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.

People visit Hanoi because there is so much to do. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Nha Trang or Hanoi?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nha Trang. 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.

People visit Hanoi because there is so much to do. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Nha Trang or Hanoi?

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

People visit Hanoi because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Nha Trang or Hanoi?

You'll find food and shopping around the high energy destination of Nha Trang. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the nightlife. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Hanoi is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Ho Chi Minh City, The Best 10-Day Tours from Hanoi, The Best 10-Day Tours from Ho Chi Minh City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Hanoi.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nha Trang and Hanoi, we can see that Hanoi is more expensive. And not only is Nha Trang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Nha Trang would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nha Trang 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 Hanoi would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hanoi than you might in Nha Trang.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Nha Trang Expensive? and Is Hanoi Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Nha Trang or Hanoi?

Hanoi has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Nha Trang. When comparing the sizes of Nha Trang 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 Nha Trang 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 Nha Trang or Hanoi in the Summer?

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

Also, January to August in Nha Trang is the dry season. September to December in Nha Trang is the rainy season. May to September in Hanoi is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Hanoi. Nha Trang usually gets less rain in July than Hanoi. Nha Trang gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Hanoi receives 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Nha Trang is around the same temperature as Hanoi in the summer. The daily temperature in Nha Trang averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Hanoi fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

Should I visit Nha Trang or Hanoi in the Autumn?

Both Hanoi and Nha Trang are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Nha Trang 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 Nha Trang is September to December. The dry season in Hanoi is November to April. It rains a lot this time of the year in Hanoi. It's quite rainy in Nha Trang. In October, Nha Trang usually receives more rain than Hanoi. Nha Trang gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Hanoi receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

In the autumn, Nha Trang is around the same temperature as Hanoi. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nha Trang in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Hanoi averages at about 25°C (77°F).

Should I visit Nha Trang or Hanoi in the Winter?

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

January to August is the dry season in Nha Trang. Nha Trang usually gets more rain in January than Hanoi. Nha Trang gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Hanoi receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

In January, Nha Trang is generally a little warmer than Hanoi. Daily temperatures in Nha Trang average around 24°C (75°F), and Hanoi fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Should I visit Nha Trang or Hanoi in the Spring?

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

November to April in Hanoi is the dry season. Also, May to September is the rainy season in Hanoi. Hanoi receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Nha Trang usually receives less rain than Hanoi. Nha Trang gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Hanoi receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Nha Trang is around the same temperature as Hanoi in the spring. The daily temperature in Nha Trang averages around 26°C (79°F) in April, and Hanoi fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

Typical Weather for Hanoi and Nha Trang