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

Should you visit Hanoi or Toronto?

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 Toronto 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 cultural, historical, and fascinating city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Hanoi travel costs.

Toronto

Toronto is a diverse, vibrant, and cultural 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 Toronto travel costs.

Hanoi and Toronto: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hanoi or Toronto?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Hanoi than Toronto. While Toronto is larger than Hanoi, Hanoi has more sights and attractions for tourists. Hanoi is very popular for its historical sights, while Toronto attracts visitors for its nightlife. Hanoi is famous for its impressive street food, historical museums, and bustling energy. It is also well known for Hoan Kiem Lake. Toronto is famous for its art and culture, diverse cuisine, and multi-cultural population.

How is Hanoi different from Toronto?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Plenty of people visit the world-class sights and museums in both Hanoi and Toronto.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Hanoi are among the most recognizable in the world. 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.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Toronto has many famous sights for visitors. The city is filled with landmarks and museums such as the CN Tower and the Royal Ontario Museum. Ripley's Aquarium is a highlight for many visitors. It's near the CN Tower and has an underwater tunnel. The city is also filled with art galleries and cultural sights. Another must is a visit to Casa Loma and, of course, the Toronto Zoo.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at great restaurants in both Hanoi and Toronto.

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.

Toronto has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The food scene is as diverse as the city itself. You'll find classic Canadian favorites like peameal bacon sandwiches and beavertails, as well as almost any international cuisine you could want. Make sure you try the dim sum, roti, and street hot dogs.

Is Hanoi or Toronto Better for Nightlife?

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

Toronto is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. It's a diverse nightlife scene, with upscale lounges, dive bars, live music, and high energy nightclubs. Popular areas for nightlife include King Street, the Ossington Strip, College Street, and Kensington Market.

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 Toronto Better for its Old Town?

Hanoi is terrific for its historic old town. However, Toronto 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.

Toronto does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Hanoi or Toronto?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Toronto and Hanoi.

The abundance of shops in Hanoi make it a world-class shopping destination. 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.

Many people travel to Toronto specifically to go shopping. Shopping is huge here, with plenty of options available that range from large malls to vintage stores or flea markets. Eaton Center on Yonge Street is a major shopping area. Yonge Street is also home to more than 600 retail stores.

Is Hanoi or Toronto Better for Families?

Toronto is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Hanoi is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Toronto is a very kid-friendly city. Kids will enjoy the city's many family-friendly museums like the Royal Ontario Museum or the Ontario Science Center. Younger kids will have fun playing at the Centreville Theme Park while all ages will love a day at Canada's Wonderland. Black Creek Pioneer Village is a highlight for many families as well.

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 Toronto Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Toronto frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. This city is full of energy, and couples can enjoy amazing meals, impressive shows, and romantic outings. You can picnic at a park or check out the view from CN Tower. There are also dinner cruises and live theater.

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 Toronto Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hanoi is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Toronto is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent 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.

Toronto is a great city to visit for backpackers. There are a number of hostels around town and there's often a good crowd of backpackers.

Is Hanoi or Toronto Better for Students?

Toronto is renowned for students. Also, Hanoi is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Toronto is a very popular city for students. The city has a good number of universities that attract students from around the globe. This is a very livable city with a lot of diversity and plenty of entertainment options.

Many students visit Hanoi. 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.

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

Toronto is renowned for its public transit. However, Hanoi is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

Toronto has a great public transit system. Union Station is the hub of the city's transportation system, which includes subways, buses and streetcars.

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 Toronto a more walkable city?

Toronto is well known for its high level of walkability. Also, Hanoi is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Toronto is a very walkable city. It's a pedestrian-friendly city that is great for exploring on foot. The waterfront area has a walkway and there are cycling trails around town as well.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Toronto or Hanoi?

How long in Hanoi or Toronto?

Both Hanoi and Toronto have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Toronto than in Hanoi. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Hanoi, and 3-7 days is enough time in Toronto.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Hanoi than Toronto 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 Hanoi.

One day in Hanoi or Toronto?

Because Hanoi is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Toronto, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this vibrant big city offers. 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 Toronto?

Because Hanoi is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Toronto. 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 Toronto?

Hanoi is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Hanoi has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Toronto is a fun place to experience. In Toronto, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this big city destination offers. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Hanoi or Toronto?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hanoi. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Hanoi. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

In Toronto, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this diverse big city offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Vietnam, The Best G Adventures Tours to Vietnam, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Canada, and The Best Luxury Tours to Canada.

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

Which is Bigger, Hanoi or Toronto?

Toronto has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Hanoi. When comparing the sizes of Hanoi and Toronto, 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 Toronto?

Toronto 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 Toronto in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Hanoi as well as Toronto. Hanoi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Toronto this time of year.

In July, Hanoi is generally a little warmer than Toronto. Daily temperatures in Hanoi average around 29°C (84°F), and Toronto fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

Hanoi receives a lot of rain in the summer. Hanoi usually gets more rain in July than Toronto. Hanoi gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Toronto receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year. May to September in Hanoi is the rainy season.

Should I visit Hanoi or Toronto in the Autumn?

Both Toronto 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, many travelers come to Toronto for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Hanoi is much warmer than Toronto in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hanoi averages around 25°C (77°F) in October, and Toronto fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

It's quite rainy in Hanoi. In October, Hanoi usually receives more rain than Toronto. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Toronto receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Hanoi is November to April.

Should I visit Hanoi or Toronto in the Winter?

Both Toronto 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. Also, many visitors come to Toronto in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Toronto can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Hanoi is much warmer than Toronto. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hanoi in January average around 17°C (63°F), and Toronto averages at about -4°C (25°F).

Hanoi usually gets less rain in January than Toronto. Hanoi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Toronto receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hanoi or Toronto in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Hanoi and Toronto. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hanoi year-round. Also, most visitors come to Toronto for the activities around the city during these months.

In April, Hanoi is generally much warmer than Toronto. Daily temperatures in Hanoi average around 24°C (75°F), and Toronto fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Hanoi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Hanoi usually receives more rain than Toronto. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Toronto receives 63 mm (2.5 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.

Typical Weather for Toronto and Hanoi