A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Halong Bay vs. Mount Bromo for Couples, Hiking, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Halong Bay or Mount Bromo?

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 Mount Bromo 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 breathtaking, stunning, and dramatic bay. Many visitors also come to Halong Bay because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include museums, food, and beaches. See Halong Bay travel costs.

Mount Bromo

Mount Bromo is a spectacular, breathtaking, and scenic volcano. The famous beauty of Mount Bromo is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the hiking. See Mount Bromo travel costs.

Halong Bay and Mount Bromo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Halong Bay or Mount Bromo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Halong Bay. Although Halong Bay and Mount Bromo are popular destinations, Halong Bay has more sights and attractions for tourists. Halong Bay is famous for its stunning limestone mountains, dramatic water caves, peaceful fishing villages, and unique liveaboard boat trips. It is also well known for Cat Ba Island. Mount Bromo is famous for its sunrise views and scenic setting.

How is Halong Bay different from Mount Bromo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Mount Bromo 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 Mount Bromo?

Halong Bay is a popular place for its historical sights. However, Mount Bromo does not have museums and landmarks.

Halong Bay is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.

Mount Bromo does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Halong Bay or Mount Bromo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Halong Bay is a popular place for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Mount Bromo is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Halong Bay. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Mount Bromo. You'll find cheap noodle and rice dishes at the warungs in Cemoro Lawang. Some hotels have breakfast and you should pick up some food and water for the hike at a grocery store in town. There are also some stalls along the route, some that are open even at 3am to accommodate early hikers.

Is Halong Bay or Mount Bromo Better for Nightlife?

Neither Halong Bay or Mount Bromo offer decent nightlife.

Things get quiet in the evenings 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.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Mount Bromo The stars and the early morning hike are the only nightlife you'll find here.

Is Halong Bay or Mount Bromo Better for Beaches?

Halong Bay is a great bay for its beaches. However, Mount Bromo 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.

Mount Bromo is not a beach destination.

Is Halong Bay or Mount Bromo Better for Hiking?

Both Halong Bay and Mount Bromo are destinations which offer excellent hiking.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around 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.

Many visitors go to Mount Bromo for the hiking trails. The setting is beautiful, and best experienced at sunrise, which means most people hike through the night. Some people take horses and most people organized guided tours.

Is the Shopping Better in Halong Bay or Mount Bromo?

Halong Bay is mediocre for shopping. However, Mount Bromo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Mount Bromo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Halong Bay or Mount Bromo More Beautiful?

Halong Bay and Mount Bromo are somewhat similar when it comes to the terrific scenery.

The famous beauty of Halong Bay is one of the main draws. 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.

Many visitors also come to Mount Bromo because of it's amazing beauty. The setting and landscapes are spectacular, particularly at sunrise when most visitors make the trip.

Is Halong Bay or Mount Bromo Better for Families?

Halong Bay is a great bay for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Mount Bromo is not as popular, but is still a nice volcano for its family-friendly activities.

Halong Bay is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Mount Bromo is a family-friendly place to visit. It really depends on the age of your kids and their personality and adaptability as to whether this is a good trip for them. Many of the tours start in the middle of the night so you can see the spectacular sunrise. The trip can be a bit uncomfortable, but everyone is guaranteed an adventure!

Is Halong Bay or Mount Bromo Better for Couples?

Halong Bay is an unbeatable place for romance. Also, Mount Bromo is not as popular, but is still a nice volcano for its romantic activities.

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.

Mount Bromo is a very popular place to visit for couples. Romantic sunrises and stunning views make this a wonderful destination for couples. The surroundings are surreal and you will long remember the experience.

Is Halong Bay or Mount Bromo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Halong Bay is a great bay for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Mount Bromo is not as popular, but is still a nice volcano for backpackers.

Halong Bay is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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'.

Mount Bromo is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Some backpackers choose to go without a guided tour, and this will let you save money. Cemoro Lawang is the closest town to the volcano.

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

Mount Bromo is a volcano with a few options for its public transit. However, Halong Bay is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit is generally limited in Mount Bromo. Most people visit with a guided tour because this saves a lot of time and allows you to see the sunrise.

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 Mount Bromo a more walkable city?

Mount Bromo is a volcano with good options for its high level of walkability. However, Halong Bay is not particularly known for its ease of walking around.

Mount Bromo is a somewhat walkable place. The walk takes you across the sand and up some stairs. It's usually less than an hour.

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 Mount Bromo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Mount Bromo or Halong Bay?

How long in Halong Bay or Mount Bromo?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Halong Bay or Mount Bromo to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Halong Bay than Mount Bromo because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Halong Bay, and 1-2 days is enough time in Mount Bromo.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Halong Bay than Mount Bromo 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 Halong Bay.

One day in Halong Bay or Mount Bromo?

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.

With around the scenic volcano of Mount Bromo, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Mount Bromo, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Halong Bay or Mount Bromo?

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.

With around the destination of Mount Bromo, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this volcano.

Five days in Halong Bay or Mount Bromo?

The spectacular 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.

Mount Bromo, a popular volcano, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Halong Bay or Mount Bromo?

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.

Mount Bromo 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 Budget Tours to Indonesia, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Indonesia.

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

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 Mount Bromo Expensive?.