A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hanoi vs. Cairns for Attractions, Nightlife, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Hanoi or Cairns?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Hanoi and Cairns 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.

Hanoi

Hanoi is a fascinating, high energy, and colorful city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Hanoi travel costs.

Cairns

Cairns is a outdoorsy, adventure-filled, and tropical city. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and nightlife. See Cairns travel costs.

Hanoi and Cairns: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hanoi or Cairns?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Cairns than Hanoi. While Hanoi is larger than Cairns, Cairns has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cairns is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking, while Hanoi is known for its museums and attractions, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities. Cairns is more touristy than Hanoi and is popular for its stunning beaches, nearby rainforests, and easy access to the world's largest reef system. It is also home to the Great Barrier Reef. Hanoi is popular for its impressive street food, historical museums, and bustling energy.

How is Hanoi different from Cairns?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Hanoi is terrific for its museums and history. However, Cairns is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Hanoi has many famous sights for visitors. 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.

Cairns offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most visitors spend their time exploring nature and the outdoors, but there are some interesting cultural sights around town as well. Make sure you check out the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park as well as the Cairns Aquarium.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at excellent restaurants in both Hanoi and Cairns.

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.

Cairns has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Waterfront dining with a view is what makes the restaurant scene special. Seafood is everywhere and you can enjoy the catch of the day while you relax on a beachfront terrace. There are also international restaurants that have everything from Spanish tapas to Japanese noodle bowls.

Is Hanoi or Cairns Better for Nightlife?

Cairns is renowned for nightlife and partying. Also, Hanoi is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Cairns is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. For such as small city, the nightlife scene is incredibly vibrant, particularly during the peak tourist months. Backpackers are at the heart of the action, with many bars and clubs filling up each night with a young crowd. There are dance clubs, all night parties, cocktail bars, and beach side venues that are sure to offer a good time.

Many people head to Hanoi for the nightlife scene. 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 Hanoi or Cairns Better for Resorts?

Cairns is well known for its resorts. However, Hanoi is not a resort destination.

In Cairns, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. There are many beautiful resorts that offer access to the beach and have impressive pools. There are family-friendly resorts, romantic resorts, and even some budget-friendly options.

Hanoi is not a resort destination.

Is Hanoi or Cairns Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cairns is renowned for its diving and snorkeling. However, Hanoi is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Cairns is a world class destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. It's access to the Great Barrier Reef make this one of the world's top scuba diving and snorkeling destinations. The undersea world is filled with colorful coral, diverse tropical fish, graceful sea turtles, and a truly magical setting.

Hanoi is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Hanoi or Cairns Better for Beaches?

Cairns is renowned for the beach. However, Hanoi is not a beach destination.

Cairns is considered to be a world-class beach destination. Near town you'll find stunningly beautiful beaches that range from hubs of activity to quiet coves. Cairns Esplanade Lagoon is the closest beach to the city center and it has a sandy beach and plenty of amenities. For a quieter setting, head north to Holloways Beach or to the family-friendly Yorkeys Knob Beach. Do take note that if the beach doesn't have a stinger net, then it's recommended you wear a stinger suit (to avoid jellyfish stings).

Hanoi is not a beach destination.

Is Hanoi or Cairns Better for its Old Town?

Hanoi is terrific for its historic old town charm. However, Cairns does not have a historic old town.

Hanoi has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. 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.

Cairns does not have a historic old town.

Is Hanoi or Cairns Better for Hiking?

Cairns is renowned for its hiking experiences. However, Hanoi is not a hiking destination.

Around Cairns visitors will find world-class hiking trails. Near town you'll find wonderful national parks, lush rainforest, and beautiful mountain ranges. There are countless bush walks and hiking trails in the area. Head into the countryside and you'll get lost in nature and breathtaking views.

Hanoi is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hanoi or Cairns?

Hanoi is terrific for its shopping areas. Also, Cairns is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many people travel to Hanoi specifically to go shopping. 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.

Cairns is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There's plenty of shopping around town in the form of shopping centers, markets, and boutique shops. Whether you're looking for trendy fashion or a fun souvenir, there are many places to explore.

Is Hanoi or Cairns Better for Families?

Cairns is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, Hanoi is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Cairns is an extremely popular city to visit for families. With the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest nearby, this is a playground for kids and adults alike. There are sandy beaches, rainforest walks, turtle rehabilitation centers, scenic railways, adventure sports, and so much more.

Hanoi offers lots of family activities. 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 Hanoi or Cairns Better for Couples?

Cairns is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Hanoi is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Cairns frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's a beautiful tropical setting with world class beaches and diverse marine life. Couples who enjoy the outdoors and adventure will love this amazing destination. You can experience the area's wildlife, relax on sandy beaches, or pamper yourself with a spa treatment. There is plenty of luxury, but also adventure-filled activities to choose from.

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 Hanoi or Cairns Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hanoi and Cairns are terrific places 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.

A large number of backpackers visit Cairns, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. Backpackers flock to this coastal town for its easy access to the Great Barrier Reef and its many activities and vibrant energy. There are adventure sports, wild nightclubs, and no shortage of places to hang out with other backpackers.

Is Hanoi or Cairns Better for Students?

Hanoi is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Cairns is not popular with students.

Hanoi is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. 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.

Cairns is not popular with students.

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

Cairns 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 Cairns, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Sunbus operates a public bus service that travels through the city center and to many beaches. Most routes start at Cairns City Mall.

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

Is Hanoi or Cairns a more walkable city?

Hanoi is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Cairns is lacking in options for its walkability.

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.

Cairns is generally not very walkable. While you can walk around many parts of the city center, most visitors want to head into the rainforest or experience the nearby day trips, which require a vehicle.

For even more information, also check out Is Hanoi Worth Visiting? and Is Cairns Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cairns or Hanoi?

How long in Hanoi or Cairns?

In either Hanoi or Cairns, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Cairns has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Cairns than Hanoi. However, 3-5 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

One day in Hanoi or Cairns?

Hanoi is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Cairns, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this idyllic destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This city 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.

A weekend in Hanoi or Cairns?

Hanoi is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cairns. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Hanoi or Cairns?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hanoi. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Cairns is a fun place to experience. In Cairns, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Hanoi or Cairns?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the colorful big city of Hanoi. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the idyllic destination of Cairns. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Vietnam, The Best G Adventures Tours to Vietnam, The Best 4-Week (1-Month) Tours in Australia, and The Best Budget Tours to Australia.

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

Which is Bigger, Hanoi or Cairns?

Hanoi has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Cairns. When comparing the sizes of Hanoi and Cairns, 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 Hanoi or Cairns?

Cairns 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 Hanoi or Cairns in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Hanoi as well as Cairns. Hanoi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Cairns in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Hanoi is around the same temperature as Cairns. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hanoi in July average around 29°C (84°F), and Cairns averages at about 29°C (84°F)in January.

It's quite rainy in Cairns. Hanoi receives a lot of rain in the summer. Hanoi usually gets less rain in July than Cairnsin January. Hanoi gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Cairns receives 429 mm (16.9 in) of rain this time of the year. May to September in Hanoi is the rainy season. November to March in Cairns is the rainy season.

Should I visit Hanoi or Cairns in the Autumn?

Both Cairns and Hanoi are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hanoi throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Cairns for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Hanoi is generally around the same temperature as Cairnsin April. Daily temperatures in Hanoi average around 25°C (77°F), and Cairns fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cairns. It's quite rainy in Hanoi. In October, Hanoi usually receives less rain than Cairnsin April. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Cairns receives 273 mm (10.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Hanoi is November to April. The dry season in Cairns is April to October.

Should I visit Hanoi or Cairns in the Winter?

Both Cairns and Hanoi during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Hanoi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Cairns because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Hanoi is cooler than Cairns in the winter. The daily temperature in Hanoi averages around 17°C (63°F) in January, and Cairns fluctuates around 23°C (73°F)in July.

Hanoi usually gets less rain in January than Cairnsin July. Hanoi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Cairns receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hanoi or Cairns in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Hanoi and Cairns. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hanoi year-round. Furthermore, the beaches are the main draw to Cairns this time of year.

In the spring, Hanoi is cooler than Cairns. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hanoi in April average around 24°C (75°F), and Cairns averages at about 27°C (80°F)in October.

Hanoi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Hanoi usually receives more rain than Cairnsin October. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Cairns receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring. November to April in Hanoi is the dry season. Also, May to September is the rainy season in Hanoi. April to October in Cairns is the dry season. Also, November to March is the rainy season in Cairns.

Typical Weather for Cairns and Hanoi