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

Should you visit Vilnius 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 Vilnius 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.

Vilnius

Vilnius is a undiscovered, authentic, and historic city. 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 historical, fascinating, and high energy 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.

Vilnius and Hanoi: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Vilnius or Hanoi?

You'll generally find more things to do in Hanoi than Vilnius. Hanoi is bigger than Vilnius, 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 Vilnius is more popular for its impressive beauty. Hanoi is more touristy than Vilnius and is known for its impressive street food, historical museums, and bustling energy. Also, Hanoi is famous for Hoan Kiem Lake. Vilnius is well known for its authentic old town and long running history.

How is Vilnius different from Hanoi?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Hanoi is an amazing city to visit for its sights and museums. Also, Vilnius 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Vilnius. The city has fascinating museums relating to Soviet times. These include the Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights and the Lithuanian Diaspora Art Museum. Other notable sights include the Three Crosses Monument and the St. Anne's and Bernardine Church Complex.

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

Hanoi is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Vilnius is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

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.

Vilnius is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The food is hearty with plenty of meat and potatoes. There are also soups and herring dishes as well as great desserts. Popular dishes in the area include cepelinai (meat filled potato dumplings), kibinai (a pastry), and potato pancakes.

Is Vilnius or Hanoi Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are very good in both Vilnius and Hanoi.

Vilnius has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The large student population is at the heart of the city's nightlife scene. You'll find most of the activity centered around three streets - Vilniaus, Islandijos and Vokiečių. These areas have a number of bars and clubs, and they draw the biggest crowds.

Hanoi has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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 Vilnius or Hanoi Better for its Old Town?

Hanoi is an amazing city to visit for its old town. Also, Vilnius is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its historic old town charm.

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.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Vilnius. The old town is filled with history, architecture, and churches. It's also where you'll find Vilnius University. At the heart of the area is Pilies Gatve (Castle Street), which has shopping, cafes, and restaurants.

Is the Shopping Better in Vilnius or Hanoi?

Hanoi is an amazing city to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Vilnius 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.

Vilnius has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. For quaint shops, head to old town, particularly around Pilies Gatve. The city also has an open air market, Kalvarijų Turgus, that is popular on Saturdays. There are also a few shopping malls around town.

Is Vilnius or Hanoi Better for Families?

Both Vilnius and Hanoi are notable family-friendly destinations.

Vilnius is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has a number of historic sights, but once your kids have had their fill, you can head to one of the outdoor or indoor play areas in the city center. There's also a toy museum and an Energy and Technology Museum that kids will enjoy. After a busy day, make sure you grab some ice cream to lift everyone's spirits.

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 Vilnius or Hanoi Better for Couples?

Vilnius and Hanoi both notable destinations for a couple.

Vilnius makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city is filled with viewpoints, from hill tops to towers, where you can enjoy romantic views over the landscape. You can also dine in a local restaurant or enjoy a picnic in one of the outdoor settings.

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 Vilnius or Hanoi Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hanoi is an amazing city to visit for backpackers. Also, Vilnius is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Vilnius. For backpackers who want to escape the crowds, this off-the-beaten path European capital is a great option. It has history, charm, and an authenticity that is hard to find in a more touristy area. It's also an affordable city, with hostels and plenty of cheap places to eat.

Is Vilnius or Hanoi Better for Students?

Hanoi is notable for students. Also, Vilnius is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

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.

Plenty of students visit Vilnius. The city is small but charming with a number of places where international students can study. It's an affordable city with a lively atmosphere and an authenticate and genuine personality.

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

Vilnius 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 Vilnius, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Bus and trolleybuses are available.

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

Is Vilnius or Hanoi a more walkable city?

Vilnius and Hanoi both are notable when exploring on foot.

Vilnius is a somewhat walkable place. The old town is the most walkable part of the city.

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 Vilnius Worth Visiting? and Is Hanoi Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hanoi or Vilnius?

How long in Vilnius or Hanoi?

In either Vilnius or Hanoi, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Hanoi than Vilnius because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-4 days is a good amount of time for Vilnius, and 3-5 days is enough time in Hanoi.

Families should spend more time in Hanoi than Vilnius. 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.

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

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

In Vilnius, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this authentic destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

Because Hanoi is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Vilnius or Hanoi?

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

Because Hanoi is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Vilnius or Hanoi?

Vilnius is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Vilnius. 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 great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Hanoi has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Vilnius or Hanoi?

You'll find food and shopping around the religious destination of Vilnius. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hanoi. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Hanoi. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Vilnius, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Lithuania, The Best Adventure Tours to Vietnam, and The Best Eco Tours in Vietnam.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vilnius and Hanoi, we can see that Vilnius is more expensive. And not only is Hanoi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Vilnius 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 Vilnius would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Vilnius 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 Vilnius Expensive? and Is Hanoi Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Vilnius or Hanoi?

Hanoi has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Vilnius. When comparing the sizes of Vilnius 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 Vilnius or Hanoi?

Vilnius 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 Vilnius or Hanoi in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Vilnius and Hanoi. Most visitors come to Vilnius for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Hanoi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Vilnius is much colder than Hanoi in the summer. The daily temperature in Vilnius averages around 18°C (65°F) in July, and Hanoi fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

Hanoi receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Vilnius usually receives less rain than Hanoi. Vilnius gets 78 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 Vilnius or Hanoi in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Vilnius as well as Hanoi. The autumn months attract visitors to Vilnius because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hanoi throughout the year.

In the autumn, Vilnius is much colder than Hanoi. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Vilnius in October average around 8°C (46°F), and Hanoi averages at about 25°C (77°F).

It's quite rainy in Hanoi. Vilnius usually gets less rain in October than Hanoi. Vilnius gets 53 mm (2.1 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 Vilnius or Hanoi in the Winter?

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

It's quite cold in Vilnius in the winter. In January, Vilnius is generally much colder than Hanoi. Daily temperatures in Vilnius average around -5°C (23°F), and Hanoi fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In January, Vilnius usually receives more rain than Hanoi. Vilnius gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Hanoi receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Vilnius or Hanoi in the Spring?

Both Hanoi and Vilnius during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Vilnius for the natural beauty. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hanoi year-round.

Vilnius is much colder than Hanoi in the spring. The daily temperature in Vilnius averages around 7°C (45°F) in April, and Hanoi fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

Hanoi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Vilnius usually gets less rain in April than Hanoi. Vilnius gets 46 mm (1.8 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 Vilnius