A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Riga vs. Hanoi for Attractions, Nightlife, Old Town, and Backpackers

Should you visit Riga or Hanoi?

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

Should I visit Riga or Hanoi? 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.

Riga

Riga is a charming, unique, and historical city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Hanoi

Hanoi is a fascinating, high energy, and colorful 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 nightlife, food, and shopping.

Riga and Hanoi: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Riga or Hanoi?

You'll generally find more things to do in Hanoi than Riga. Hanoi is bigger than Riga, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Hanoi is better known for its museums, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Riga is more popular for its nightlife and impressive beauty. Hanoi is more touristy than Riga and is known for its impressive street food, historical museums, and bustling energy. Also, Hanoi is famous for Hoan Kiem Lake. Riga is well known for its vibrant nightlife scene, busy old town, and beautiful architecture.

How is Riga different from Hanoi?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Hanoi is a must-visit destination for its sights and museums. Also, Riga is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

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.

Many visitors head to Riga specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. As a capital city with a diverse history, you'll find a number of museums and landmarks in the area. Visitors frequently visit The Freedom Monument, St. Peters Church, the Riga Cathedral, The House of the Black Heads, and any of the many museums around town.

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

Both Riga and Hanoi offer a number of excellent restaurants to choose from.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Riga. The city offers a great opportunity to try many Latvian specialties including rasol (a potato salad), pelmeni (a Latvian dumpling), and karbonade (kind of like schnitzel). The cuisine is hearty and filling with lots of bread, dumpling, and meats. Riga is also where you'll find the largest food market in Europe, which is the perfect place to wander and pick up some local items.

Hanoi has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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.

Is Riga or Hanoi Better for Nightlife?

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

Riga is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. Despite being a small city, this capital has gained a reputation for its party atmosphere. The historic center comes to life in the evenings, particularly between Wednesdays and Saturdays. The area is compact enough that you can walk from club to club and prices are reasonable.

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 Riga or Hanoi Better for its Old Town?

Hanoi is a must-visit destination for its old town. Also, Riga is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its historic old town charm.

The rich history of Hanoi can be explored in its historical center. 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.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Riga. The old town is filled with cobblestone streets and charming architecture. The city is less touristy than many places in Europe so you can usually avoid the large crowds and enjoy a peaceful walk. During the evening you'll find the area turns into an entertainment district with many clubs and bars.

Is the Shopping Better in Riga or Hanoi?

Hanoi is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Riga is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Riga. Some of the most interesting shopping in the city is in the old town. Prices might be a little more expensive than you expect but it's possible to find some unique items. The city also has many markets, including the largest food market in Europe, which is a must-see.

Is Riga or Hanoi Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Riga or Hanoi.

Riga is a family-friendly place to visit. During the winter months, there are a number of museums that are fun to explore with kids including the Nature Museum, the Railroad Museum, the Aviation Technology Museum, and the Riga Firefighter Museum. There are also several indoor play areas. When the weather is warmer there are a number of outdoor parks and playgrounds to explore.

Hanoi is a family-friendly city. 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 Riga or Hanoi Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Riga and Hanoi make for a notable place to visit.

Riga makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city has a charming old town that you can explore, taking time to relax in the city squares or sip coffee at a cafe. There are also many nice restaurants that will make for a romantic date night.

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 Riga or Hanoi Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Riga and Hanoi are terrific destinations for backpackers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Riga. There are many affordable hostels around town as well as restaurants where you can grab a cheap meal. The city offers a great European experience at a fraction of the price of many cities.

A large number of backpackers visit Hanoi, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. 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.

Is Riga or Hanoi Better for Students?

Riga and Hanoi are both excellent destinations for students and younger travelers.

Riga is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. The city's affordability and vibrant atmosphere make it a great spot for international students. There are many places to hang out and a lively nightlife scene that appeals to young travelers.

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.

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

Riga is well known for its public transit. However, Hanoi is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Riga can get you around easily. Transportation options include buses, trolleybuses, and trams.

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

Is Riga or Hanoi a more walkable city?

Riga 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.

Riga is a very walkable city. The city is small enough that most areas can be explored on foot.

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 Riga Worth Visiting? and Is Hanoi Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hanoi or Riga?

How long in Riga or Hanoi?

In either Riga or Hanoi, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Hanoi than Riga because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Riga, and 3-5 days is enough time in Hanoi.

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

One day in Riga or Hanoi?

In Riga, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this fun destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

Hanoi is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Riga or Hanoi?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Riga. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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.

Hanoi is a fun place to experience. 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 a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Riga or Hanoi?

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

Hanoi is a high energy big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Riga or Hanoi?

You'll find food and shopping around the fun destination of Riga. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

The historical city of Hanoi offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Vietnam, and The Best Eco Tours in Vietnam.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Riga and Hanoi, we can see that Riga is more expensive. And not only is Hanoi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Riga is in Europe and Hanoi is in Asia, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Riga would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Riga 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 Riga Expensive? and Is Hanoi Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Riga or Hanoi?

Hanoi has a larger population, and is about 93% larger than the population of Riga. When comparing the sizes of Riga 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 Riga or Hanoi?

Riga has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Hanoi experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Riga or Hanoi in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Riga and Hanoi. Many visitors come to Riga in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Hanoi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Riga is much colder than Hanoi in the summer. The daily temperature in Riga averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Hanoi fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

Hanoi receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Riga usually receives less rain than Hanoi. Riga gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Hanoi receives 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain each month for the summer. Also, May to September is the rainy season in Hanoi.

Should I visit Riga or Hanoi in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Riga as well as Hanoi. Most visitors come to Riga for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hanoi throughout the year.

In the autumn, Riga is much colder than Hanoi. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Riga in October average around 7°C (45°F), and Hanoi averages at about 25°C (77°F).

It's quite rainy in Hanoi. Riga usually gets less rain in October than Hanoi. Riga gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Hanoi receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, November to April in Hanoi is the dry season.

Should I visit Riga or Hanoi in the Winter?

Both Hanoi and Riga are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Riga because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Plenty of visitors come to Hanoi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

The weather in Riga can be very cold. In January, Riga is generally much colder than Hanoi. Daily temperatures in Riga average around -5°C (23°F), and Hanoi fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In January, Riga usually receives more rain than Hanoi. Riga gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Hanoi receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Riga or Hanoi in the Spring?

Both Hanoi and Riga during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Riga this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hanoi year-round.

Riga is much colder than Hanoi in the spring. The daily temperature in Riga averages around 5°C (42°F) in April, and Hanoi fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

Hanoi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Riga usually gets less rain in April than Hanoi. Riga gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Hanoi receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year. November to April is the dry season in Hanoi. May to September is the rainy season in Hanoi.

Typical Weather for Hanoi and Riga