A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Halong Bay vs. Taupo for Families, Couples, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit Halong Bay or Taupo?

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 Taupo 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 spectacular, breathtaking, and stunning bay. The famous beauty of Halong Bay is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the hiking, museums, and food. See Halong Bay travel costs.

Taupo

Taupo is a stunning, otherworldly, and striking town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. Taupo is a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the skiing, nightlife, and food. See Taupo travel costs.

Halong Bay and Taupo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Halong Bay or Taupo?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Taupo than Halong Bay, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Taupo is better known for its skiing, food, nightlife, shopping, and small town charm, while Halong Bay is more popular for its museums and attractions, beaches, and impressive beauty. Halong Bay is well known for its stunning limestone mountains, dramatic water caves, peaceful fishing villages, and unique liveaboard boat trips. Taupo is well known for its thermal hot springs, dramatic landscapes, and world class hikes. Also, Taupo is famous for the Craters of the Moon reserve.

How is Halong Bay different from Taupo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Halong Bay or Taupo Better for Skiing?

Taupo is an amazing town to visit for winter skiing. However, Halong Bay is not a skiing destination.

Visitors will find world class skiing in Taupo. Nearby Mount Ruapehu offers access to the longest running ski season in both Australia and New Zealand. From June until October you can enjoy the largest commercial ski areas around. There are options for everyone from young beginners to experts. The two main ski resorts in the area are Whakapapa Ski Area and Tūroa Ski Area.

Halong Bay is not a skiing destination.

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

Halong Bay is a popular place for its museums and landmarks. However, Taupo is a town with minimal options for its historical sights.

Halong Bay offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Taupo. Stunning natural beauty and adventure-filled activities are what Taupo is all about, but you won't find much in the form of museums.

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

Taupo is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Halong Bay is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Taupo. The town is filled with local restaurants that make use of local ingredients such as fresh caught trout, local produce, and wild game. The town also has many farmers markets and a strong cafe culture.

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 Taupo Better for Nightlife?

Taupo is a town with good options for nightlife and partying. However, Halong Bay is not particularly known for its evening party scene.

Taupo has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. It's a small resort town that is active during the day and night. There are low key activities in the evening like soaking in the thermal hot pools or grabbing a drink at a bar.

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 Taupo Better for Beaches?

Halong Bay is a great destination for the beach. However, Taupo 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.

Taupo is not a beach destination.

Is Halong Bay or Taupo Better for Hiking?

Both Halong Bay and Taupo 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 Taupo for the hiking trails. The area is filled with beautiful hikes that take you through the natural beauty. During the fall season you can enjoy the fall foliage and during the summer months the wildlife and waterfront setting is at a peak.

Is the Shopping Better in Halong Bay or Taupo?

Taupo is a town with good options for its shopping opportunities. However, Halong Bay is not particularly known for its shopping areas.

Taupo offers some nice shopping areas. The lakefront town has a nice, pedestrian-friendly stretch with boutique shops, fashion outlets, and souvenir vendors.

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 Taupo More Beautiful?

Halong Bay is a must-visit destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Taupo is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

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.

Taupo offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Set against the lake, there is stunning natural beauty in the area and many breathtaking views.

Is Halong Bay or Taupo Better for Families?

Taupo is an amazing town to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Halong Bay is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Taupo is an extremely popular town to visit for families. Set on the edge of Lake Taupo, there are many family-friendly activities in the area like swimming, boating, and hiking. There are also thermal hot springs and in the winter months skiing. Families who enjoy outdoor adventures will find no shortage of options year round.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Halong 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.

Is Halong Bay or Taupo Better for Couples?

Both Halong Bay and Taupo are terrific destinations for a couple's getaway.

Halong Bay is a great bay for couples, as it has plenty to offer. 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.

Taupo is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Honeymooners and couples who enjoy romantic scenery, beautiful sunsets, and outdoor adventure will fall in love with this area. You can soak in thermal hot springs and picnic next to beautiful waterfalls. There are also breathtaking hikes and great water activities.

Is Halong Bay or Taupo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Taupo is an amazing town to visit for backpackers. Also, Halong Bay is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Taupo. There's plenty of backpacker and hostel accommodation in the area. There are also free outdoor activities and adrenaline-filled adventures that backpackers will enjoy.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Halong Bay. 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'.

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

Taupo is a town with good options for its public transit. However, Halong Bay is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Taupo, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are local bus service, the Taupo Connector, that travels around the town center. If you want to get outside of town, you'll need to have a car.

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 Taupo a more walkable city?

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

Taupo is a somewhat walkable place. The town is fairly compact, but if you want to efficiently get around and experience everything that the area has to offer, you'll want to have a car.

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 Taupo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Taupo or Halong Bay?

How long in Halong Bay or Taupo?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Halong Bay and Taupo. In our opinion, Taupo has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Taupo than Halong Bay. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Taupo 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 Taupo.

One day in Halong Bay or Taupo?

In Halong Bay, many people enjoy the food and museums that this stunning destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This bay 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.

With shopping and skiing around the otherworldly town of Taupo, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the skiing. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Halong Bay or Taupo?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Halong Bay. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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.

With skiing and nightlife around the destination of Taupo, 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. One of the main draws to the area is the skiing. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Five days in Halong Bay or Taupo?

Halong Bay is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the destination of Halong Bay. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Taupo, a popular town, 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 Taupo?

You'll find museums and food around the stunning destination of Halong Bay. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Taupo is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the skiing. 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 G Adventures Tours to New Zealand, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Auckland.

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