A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Halong Bay vs. Tauranga for Families, Couples, Backpackers, and Beaches

Should you visit Halong Bay or Tauranga?

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 Tauranga 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 stunning, dramatic, and spectacular bay. You'll find world class beauty in Halong Bay as well. Other popular activities here include food, beaches, and hiking. See Halong Bay travel costs.

Tauranga

Tauranga is a nature-filled, coastal, and laid back town. The beauty of Tauranga is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Tauranga travel costs.

Halong Bay and Tauranga: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Halong Bay or Tauranga?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Tauranga. Although Halong Bay and Tauranga are both popular with visitors, Tauranga has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Tauranga is more popular for its nightlife and shopping, while Halong Bay is known for its impressive beauty. Halong Bay is popular for its stunning limestone mountains, dramatic water caves, peaceful fishing villages, and unique liveaboard boat trips. Tauranga is popular for its sandy beaches and beautiful walking trails. It is also home to Mount Maunganui.

How is Halong Bay different from Tauranga?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Plenty of people visit the good sights and museums in both Halong Bay and Tauranga.

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 for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Tauranga. There are a number of historic buildings in town like the Elms Mission Station which dates back to 1847.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Halong Bay and Tauranga can be difficult as they are each good in their own way.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in 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.

Tauranga is becoming an appealing option for foodies. You'll find a great mix of restaurants in the town's downtown area. There are international flavors as well as seafood and other local favorites.

Is Halong Bay or Tauranga Better for Nightlife?

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

Tauranga has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city is known for its laid back bar scene. There are venues with casual live music as well as pubs where locals and tourists intermingle.

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 Tauranga Better for Beaches?

Both Halong Bay and Tauranga are considered to be excellent beach destinations.

The beaches at Halong Bay attract visitors from all over. 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.

Many people visit Tauranga for it's beautiful beaches. Families and travelers head here for the sandy beaches and water activities. Surfing, kayaking, and fishing are all popular in the area. Some of the most popular beaches include Mount Maunganui Beach, Waihī Beach, and Anzac Bay.

Is Halong Bay or Tauranga Better for Hiking?

Both Halong Bay and Tauranga 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 Tauranga for the hiking trails. The Bay of Plenty is filled with hiking trails that run along the coast or head inland through the mountains. There are forest and bush walks that range in length and skill level and there really is something for everyone.

Is the Shopping Better in Halong Bay or Tauranga?

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

Tauranga offers some nice shopping areas. You'll find all of the standard shopping malls, retail outlets, and clothing boutiques around town.

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 Tauranga More Beautiful?

Halong Bay is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Tauranga is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its scenery and beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Halong Bay as well. 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.

Tauranga is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. A mix of beaches, mountains, waterfalls, and other natural environments make this a beautiful destination for travelers.

Is Halong Bay or Tauranga Better for Families?

Tauranga 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.

Tauranga is an extremely popular town to visit for families. Check out the ropes courses at Adrenalin Forest or play in the water at Waimarino Adventure Park. There are also many different walking areas like McLaren Falls Park and Kaiate Falls. Kids will love hanging out at the beach around Mount Maunganui or Papamoa Beach. This is an affordable and kid-family destination for locals and international tourists alike.

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 Tauranga Better for Couples?

Halong Bay is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Tauranga is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit 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.

Tauranga makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a romantic destination with great beaches and beautiful waterfalls. You can enjoy a picnic in the park or dine at one of the local restaurants. Kayaking is also a popular activity in the area.

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

Tauranga 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 Tauranga. This is one of the more affordable destinations in New Zealand. There are also a number of backpacker-friendly jobs that make it a great place to base yourself.

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 Tauranga Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Tauranga 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 Tauranga, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses, trains, and ferries in the area.

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 Tauranga a more walkable city?

Tauranga 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.

Tauranga is a somewhat walkable place. There are many walking and cycling paths in the area, but you really need a car to explore the area in depth.

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 Tauranga Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Tauranga or Halong Bay?

How long in Halong Bay or Tauranga?

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

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

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

One day in Halong Bay or Tauranga?

The beautiful bay of Halong Bay offers museums and food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

With museums and nightlife around the nature-filled town of Tauranga, 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. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Halong Bay or Tauranga?

Halong Bay is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this bay makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Halong Bay, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Tauranga, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Five days in Halong Bay or Tauranga?

Halong Bay is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Tauranga, 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 Tauranga?

Halong Bay is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This bay offers something for everyone.

Tauranga 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 Adventure Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Eco Tours in New Zealand.

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