A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Halong Bay vs. Mexico City for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Families

Should you visit Halong Bay or Mexico City?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Halong Bay and Mexico City can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Halong Bay

Halong Bay is a dramatic, spectacular, and breathtaking bay. Halong Bay is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the beaches, hiking, and museums. See Halong Bay travel costs.

Mexico City

Mexico City is a colorful, cultural, and diverse 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. See Mexico City travel costs.

Halong Bay and Mexico City: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Halong Bay or Mexico City?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Mexico City. Although Halong Bay and Mexico City are both popular with visitors, Mexico City has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Mexico City is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Halong Bay is known for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Halong Bay is more touristy than Mexico City and is popular for its stunning limestone mountains, dramatic water caves, peaceful fishing villages, and unique liveaboard boat trips. Mexico City is popular for its vibrant street food scene, colorful markets, and historic architecture. It is also home to Zócalo.

How is Halong Bay different from Mexico City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Halong Bay or Mexico City?

Mexico City is an amazing city to visit for its museums and landmarks. Also, Halong Bay is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Mexico City are among the most recognizable in the world. The city is filled with historic buildings, fascinating museums, and interesting landmarks. At the heart of the city is Zócalo, where the country's constitution was signed. Nearby you'll find the National Palace, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the Templo Mayor. Other interesting museums in the city include the National Museum of Anthropology, the Palace of Fine Arts, and the National History Museum.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Halong Bay. While the bay is really about its stunning natural beauty, you can also visit the Quang Ninh Museum, which will give you some insight into the area. The Cai Bau Pagoda is also impressive, as is the Vung Vieng Floating Village.

Is the Food Better in Halong Bay or Mexico City? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Mexico City is an amazing city to visit for its restaurant scene. Also, Halong Bay is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Many restaurants in Mexico City have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The city food scene is as diverse as the population itself. There are countless ways to experience the amazing street food, but there are also world class chefs working in award winning restaurants. Make sure you try the chilaquiles, tacos al pastor, and chiles en nogada.

Halong Bay is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Because most visitors travel to Halong Bay as part of an overnight boat tour, meals are usually included in the package. The dishes are usually local Vietnamese dishes, and the luxury level varies depending on the tour you book.

Is Halong Bay or Mexico City Better for Nightlife?

Mexico City is an amazing city to visit for nightlife and partying. However, Halong Bay is not particularly known for its evening party scene.

Mexico City has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. It's a huge city, so of course there's no shortage of diverse nightlife activities. Some of the most popular neighborhoods for nightlife include the downtown, La Condesa, and Colonia Juárez. For upscale clubs head to Polanco and for trendy and eclectic venues check out Roma.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Halong Bay Many tours, particularly those that cater to the backpacker crowd, have a social atmosphere, but there isn't a nightlife scene and this area isn't a trip that's known for its party atmosphere. Most tourists stay up in the evening swapping travel stories with their fellow boatmates.

Is Halong Bay or Mexico City Better for Beaches?

Halong Bay is an excellent place to visit for the beach. However, Mexico City is not a beach destination.

Halong Bay is considered a top beach destination. Many boat tours spend a day or half day hanging out on a beach. The setting is stunning with emerald blue water and dramatic limestone karsts climbing out of the water.

Mexico City is not a beach destination.

Is Halong Bay or Mexico City Better for its Old Town?

Mexico City is a city with good options for its old town. However, Halong Bay does not have a historic old town.

Many people head to Mexico City to see the old town. Centro Historico spreads out from Zócalo Plaza, and has many buildings that date back as far as the Aztec period. Many tourists gather here to explore the history and wander down the pedestrian-only Calle Madero.

Halong Bay does not have a historic old town.

Is Halong Bay or Mexico City Better for Hiking?

Halong Bay is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Mexico City is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Halong Bay. Most tours stop off at Cat Ba Island and lead travelers through spectacular hikes. You'll take a guided walk through jungles and reach spectacular viewpoints.

Mexico City is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Halong Bay or Mexico City?

Mexico City is an amazing city to visit for its shopping opportunities. However, Halong Bay is not particularly known for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Mexico City make it a world-class shopping destination. The city has everything from open-air bazaars (tianguis) to modern shopping malls. There are international brands as well as local art galleries, handicrafts, and retail outlets.

Shopping in Halong Bay can be found for those interested. Most people don't spend their time shopping while they're visiting the area. If you're looking for a local souvenir, there are a few places to pick things up during your trip.

Is Halong Bay or Mexico City More Beautiful?

Halong Bay is very popular for its scenery and beauty. However, Mexico City is not a destination known for its beauty.

Halong Bay is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Halong Bay has been voted one of the new Seven Wonders of the World and it is regularly listed as one of the most beautiful places in the world.

Mexico City is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Halong Bay or Mexico City Better for Families?

Both Halong Bay and Mexico City are excellent to visit with kids.

Halong Bay is a very kid-friendly bay. Most people visit the area on board an overnight boat from Hanoi. The boats range in style and luxury level, but whatever you choose, your kids will love the novelty of sleeping aboard a boat and exploring the truly stunning islands.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Mexico City. It's a huge city, so there are enough diverse activities to keep everyone entertained. There's even a Six Flags. Popular museums for kids include Papalote Museo del Niño and Museo de Geología. There's also the Acuario Inbursa, and make sure you check out a Lucha Libre show.

Is Halong Bay or Mexico City Better for Couples?

Halong Bay is very popular for couples. Also, Mexico City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Halong Bay makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. This truly world-class setting makes a perfect honeymoon or romantic destination. You'll likely want to book a luxury boat with plenty of amenities and delicious dining options. The setting is spectacular, and among the most unique in the world.

Mexico City is a nice destination for couples. The city is filled with parks where you can enjoy a picnic, museums that are fascinating to walk through, and cultural activities that are one-of-a-kind. You can ride on a gondola in Xochimilco or spend the day exploring the amazing food scene.

Is Halong Bay or Mexico City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Halong Bay and Mexico City are excellent places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Halong Bay is a great bay to visit for backpackers. This is one of those places that you can't really visit independently, because you'll need to arrange a boat. There are countless travel agencies in Hanoi that you can book your trip through. The prices vary widely, as do the activities and amenities. Most backpackers enjoy exploring the bay aboard a Chinese Sail Boat or 'Junk'.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Mexico City. It's a big city with a wonderful atmosphere and many hostels. Backpackers who want to experience the culture, food, and personality of Mexico will love a visit here.

Is Halong Bay or Mexico City Better for Students?

Mexico City is well known for students. However, Halong Bay is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Mexico City. International students love the art, architecture, food, and culture that this colorful city has to offer.

Halong Bay is not popular with students.

Is Halong Bay or Mexico City Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Mexico City is well known for its public transit. However, Halong Bay is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Mexico City can get you to some places easily. The city has a complex and comprehensive public transit system that includes a metro, metrobus, and local buses.

Public transit is quite limited in Halong Bay. An organized tour is essential for exploring the bay. Most visitors arrange an overnight boat tour, often aboard a Chinese Sail Boat or 'Junk'.

Is Halong Bay or Mexico City a more walkable city?

Mexico City is a city with a few options for its high level of walkability. However, Halong Bay is not particularly known for its ease of walking around.

Mexico City is generally not very walkable. While you can walk within many neighborhoods, such as the historic city center, it's impossible to walk between neighborhoods and in many parts of the city.

Halong Bay is not a very walkable bay. This is a place that requires an organized tour to visit, as you need a boat to explore.

For even more information, also check out Is Halong Bay Worth Visiting? and Is Mexico City Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Mexico City or Halong Bay?

How long in Halong Bay or Mexico City?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Mexico City than Halong Bay 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 Mexico City.

One day in Halong Bay or Mexico City?

Visitors enjoy the food and museums when visiting the spectacular bay of Halong Bay. It's also a great beach destination, too. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

When visiting Mexico City, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Halong Bay or Mexico City?

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the dramatic destination of Halong Bay. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This bay offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

When visiting Mexico City, people usually allow for lots of time. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Halong Bay or Mexico City?

The dramatic bay of Halong Bay offers food and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Mexico City, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Halong Bay or Mexico City?

Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Halong Bay. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people come for the beaches. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Mexico City is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Vietnam, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Vietnam, The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico.

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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Halong Bay Expensive? and Is Mexico City Expensive?.