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

Should you visit Phuket or Hanoi?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Phuket or Hanoi, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Phuket

Phuket is a activity-filled, energetic, and party-hard resort island. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Hanoi

Hanoi is a colorful, cultural, and historical city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Phuket and Hanoi: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Phuket or Hanoi?

You'll generally find more things to do in Hanoi than Phuket. Hanoi is bigger than Phuket, 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 Phuket is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Phuket is more touristy than Hanoi and is known for its long sandy beaches, wild nightlife, colorful resorts, and easy access to day tours. Hanoi is well known for its impressive street food, historical museums, and bustling energy. Also, Hanoi is famous for Hoan Kiem Lake.

How is Phuket different from Hanoi?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Hanoi is an amazing city to visit for its museums and landmarks. However, Phuket does not have museums and landmarks.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Hanoi are among the most recognizable in the world. 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.

Phuket does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Hanoi is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Phuket is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit 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.

Phuket is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Because it served as an international port for so long, food around the island has many international influences. For the most authentic local food, head into Phuket Town. Many dishes include seafood, but there are also chicken curries and noodle soup. Like elsewhere in Thailand, the food can be quite spicy but because the island is so touristy, they're accustomed to people asking for "no spice."

Is Phuket or Hanoi Better for Nightlife?

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

Phuket is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. The island has a long running reputation as a party destination and it lives up to expectations. The biggest party area is Patong, particularly around Bangla Road, but even in Kata and Karon, it's hard to escape the party atmosphere.

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 Phuket or Hanoi Better for Resorts?

Phuket is renowned for its resorts. However, Hanoi is not a resort destination.

Phuket is a world class resort vacation destination. It's easy accessibility and larger size make this the premiere resort destination in Thailand. There are five star resorts, family-friendly resorts, and everything in between. Many people use the island as a base for exploring other nearby islands. Any resort or tour company can arrange excursions or activities for guests.

Hanoi is not a resort destination.

Is Phuket or Hanoi Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Phuket is well known for its diving and snorkeling. However, Hanoi is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Phuket is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. You can dive and snorkel year round, but the visibility is usually best between November and May. There are countless boat tours available and the easy accessibility make this a good base for snorkeling and diving. Many areas are overrun with tourists though, so it'll be hard to find a quiet, undisturbed location.

Hanoi is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Phuket or Hanoi Better for Beaches?

Phuket is renowned for the beache. However, Hanoi is not a beach destination.

Phuket is considered to be a world-class beach destination. The island has more than 30 beaches to choose from, ranging from party hard areas to a few quieter gems in more remote locations. The area became a world-famous destination because of its white sand beaches and crystal clear waters, and the beaches will not disappoint, even if development has taken over the island.

Hanoi is not a beach destination.

Is Phuket or Hanoi Better for its Old Town?

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

Phuket does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Phuket or Hanoi?

Hanoi is an amazing city to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Phuket is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Hanoi make it a world-class shopping destination. 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.

Phuket has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Shopping malls offer a range of stores, air conditioning, and fixed prices while markets have more local items and unique souvenirs. There are also galleries and other souvenir shops all over the island.

Is Phuket or Hanoi Better for Families?

Phuket and Hanoi are both notable destinations for the whole family.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Phuket. Many people visit this island with kids because it has beautiful beaches and tons of activities including water sports, water parks, and amusement areas. The island is filled with a diversity of tourists, so you'll encounter a number of areas with party-hard atmospheres, but there are also tons of family-friendly resorts to choose from as well.

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 Phuket or Hanoi Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Phuket frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The island is filled with beautiful beaches and plenty of activities for all travel styles. It's a tourist and party mecca in Thailand with many resorts and restaurants to choose from.

Hanoi is a good resort island 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 Phuket or Hanoi Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hanoi is an amazing city to visit for backpackers. However, Phuket is a resort island with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit 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.

Phuket is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It has a long history as a party island with expensive prices and hordes of tourists. Many backpackers complain about the lack of authenticity and prefer to spend their time elsewhere.

Is Phuket or Hanoi Better for Students?

Hanoi is a great destination for students. However, Phuket is not popular with students.

Hanoi is a great city to visit as a student. 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.

Phuket is not popular with students.

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

Phuket is a resort island 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 Phuket, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Tuk tuks, buses, and motorbike taxis are all available on the island. The buses are usually Songtaew, which have open air seating areas.

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

Is Phuket or Hanoi a more walkable city?

Phuket and Hanoi both are notable when exploring on foot.

Phuket is a somewhat walkable place. Most of the hotels and resorts are walking distance to the beach and many resort areas are small enough to be explored on foot.

Hanoi is a somewhat walkable resort island. 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 Phuket Worth Visiting? and Is Hanoi Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hanoi or Phuket?

How long in Phuket or Hanoi?

In either Phuket or Hanoi, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Phuket than Hanoi because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Phuket, and 3-5 days is enough time in Hanoi.

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

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

In Phuket, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this stunning destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This resort island 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.

Hanoi is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Phuket or Hanoi?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Phuket. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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.

Hanoi is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Phuket or Hanoi?

Phuket is a fun place to experience. In Phuket, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hanoi. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Phuket or Hanoi?

In Phuket, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this activity-filled destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the fascinating big city of Hanoi. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Thailand, The Best 2-Week Tours in Thailand, The Best Adventure Tours to Vietnam, and The Best Eco Tours in Vietnam.

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

Which is Bigger, Phuket or Hanoi?

Hanoi has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Phuket. When comparing the sizes of Phuket 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 Phuket or Hanoi?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.

Should I visit Phuket or Hanoi in the Summer?

Both Hanoi and Phuket are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Phuket 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 Hanoi is May to September. It rains a lot this time of the year in Hanoi. It's quite rainy in Phuket. In July, Phuket usually receives more rain than Hanoi. Phuket gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Hanoi receives 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

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

Should I visit Phuket or Hanoi in the Autumn?

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

December to March is the dry season in Phuket. June to October is the rainy season in Phuket. November to April is the dry season in Hanoi. Hanoi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Phuket. Phuket usually gets more rain in October than Hanoi. Phuket gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Hanoi receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the autumn, Phuket is around the same temperature as Hanoi. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Phuket in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Hanoi averages at about 25°C (77°F).

Should I visit Phuket or Hanoi in the Winter?

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

December to March in Phuket is the dry season. In January, Phuket usually receives more rain than Hanoi. Phuket gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Hanoi receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

In January, Phuket is generally much warmer than Hanoi. Daily temperatures in Phuket average around 28°C (82°F), and Hanoi fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Should I visit Phuket or Hanoi in the Spring?

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

June to October in Phuket is the rainy season. Also, November to April in Hanoi is the dry season. May to September in Hanoi is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Hanoi. Phuket receives a lot of rain in the spring. Phuket usually gets more rain in April than Hanoi. Phuket gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Hanoi receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Phuket is a little warmer than Hanoi in the spring. The daily temperature in Phuket averages around 29°C (84°F) in April, and Hanoi fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

Typical Weather for Hanoi and Phuket