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

Should you visit Hanoi or Torquay?

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 Torquay 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 colorful, cultural, and historical city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food. See Hanoi travel costs.

Torquay

Torquay is a casual, laid back, and hip surf town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. Torquay is a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Torquay travel costs.

Hanoi and Torquay: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hanoi or Torquay?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Hanoi than Torquay, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Hanoi is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Torquay is more popular for its beaches, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Hanoi is more touristy than Torquay and is popular for its impressive street food, historical museums, and bustling energy. Also, Hanoi is famous for Hoan Kiem Lake. Torquay is well known for its world renowned surfing scene and its relaxed atmosphere.

How is Hanoi different from Torquay?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Hanoi is renowned for its historical sights. Also, Torquay is not as popular, but is still a nice surf town for its sights and museums.

The museums and tourist attractions in Hanoi are world-renowned. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Torquay. Surfing enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the Australian National Surfing Museum, which goes into the sports history and influence on the region.

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

Hanoi is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Torquay is not as popular, but is still a nice surf town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Hanoi has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Torquay area. You'll find all of the classic beach town options. There are pizza places, international restaurants, and seafood. All kinds of styles are available ranging from modern, upscale, and trendy to casual and affordable.

Is Hanoi or Torquay Better for Nightlife?

Hanoi is great for nightlife and partying. Also, Torquay is not as popular, but is still a nice surf town for its evening party scene.

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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Torquay. There's a laid back vibe with several great pubs, breweries, and clubs where people hang out.

Is Hanoi or Torquay Better for Beaches?

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

Torquay is considered to be a world-class beach destination. The town is along the Great Ocean Road, and there are a huge number of beaches that are popular for surfing. There are also nudist beaches as well as family-friendly areas. The most convenient beach is Torquay Surf Beach, which is popular with surfers. For calmer water, check out Torquay Front Beach, and for the most iconic surfing beach in the area, visit Bells Beach.

Hanoi is not a beach destination.

Is Hanoi or Torquay Better for its Old Town?

Hanoi is renowned for its old town. However, Torquay does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Hanoi is one of the most recognized in the world. 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.

Torquay does not have a historic old town.

Is Hanoi or Torquay Better for Hiking?

Torquay is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Hanoi is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Torquay. There are many coastal walks in the area that range from a few hours to several days. One of the more well known ones is the Surf Coast Walk, which goes on for days and passes by stunning viewpoints and beautiful landscapes.

Hanoi is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hanoi or Torquay?

Hanoi is renowned for its shopping opportunities. Also, Torquay is not as popular, but is still a nice surf town for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Hanoi draws large crowds to its stores. 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 visitors go to Torquay to go shopping. You'll find the standard shopping centers with everything from boutiques to major brands.

Is Hanoi or Torquay More Beautiful?

Torquay is a surf town with good options for its scenery and beauty. However, Hanoi is not a destination known for its beauty.

Torquay is a beautiful place to visit, too. There's a beautiful coastline with sandy beaches and nice coastal walks.

Hanoi is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Hanoi or Torquay Better for Families?

Both Hanoi and Torquay are notable to visit with kids.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Hanoi. 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.

Torquay offers lots of family activities. Most people think of great surf when they think of this town, but there are some secluded places like Cozy Corner, which is good for kids. There are also many outdoor activities like walks and snorkeling at Point Danger Marine Sanctuary.

Is Hanoi or Torquay Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Torquay frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. With its amazing beaches, popular surfing, and countless outdoor activities, there's plenty for couples to enjoy around town. You can also head to the vineyards at Bellbrae Estate, check out the local breweries, or take a long walk along the coast.

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 Torquay Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hanoi is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Torquay is not as popular, but is still a nice surf town for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Hanoi is extremely popular for backpackers. 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.

Torquay is a good city to visit for backpackers. Surfing is the big draw for backpackers to the area. There are a handful of hostels and excellent beaches that make this a great stop off for anyone in the area.

Is Hanoi or Torquay Better for Students?

Hanoi is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Torquay is not popular with students.

Hanoi is a great city to visit as a student. 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.

Torquay is not popular with students.

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

Torquay is a surf town 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 Torquay, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses that travel to town from the surrounding areas.

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 Torquay a more walkable city?

Torquay 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.

Torquay is a very walkable surf town. The Torquay Promenade Walk offers a great place to stroll along the waterfront. You'll pass by view points and many restaurants and cafes.

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 Torquay Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Torquay or Hanoi?

How long in Hanoi or Torquay?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Hanoi and Torquay. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Hanoi than in Torquay. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Hanoi, and 2-3 days is enough time in Torquay.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Hanoi than Torquay 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 Torquay?

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 Torquay, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this thriving destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. Lots of people come for the beaches. This surf town 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 Torquay?

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 Torquay. 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.

Five days in Hanoi or Torquay?

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.

Torquay is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Torquay. Lots of people come for the beaches. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Hanoi or Torquay?

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.

You'll find food and shopping around the outdoorsy destination of Torquay. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the beaches. 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 10-Day Tours in Australia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Australia.

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

Which is Bigger, Hanoi or Torquay?

Hanoi has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Torquay. When comparing the sizes of Hanoi and Torquay, 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 Torquay?

Torquay 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 Torquay in the Summer?

Both Torquay and Hanoi during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Hanoi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Torquay because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Hanoi is a little warmer than Torquay in the summer. The daily temperature in Hanoi averages around 29°C (84°F) in July, and Torquay fluctuates around 26°C (78°F)in January.

Torquay gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Hanoi. Hanoi usually gets more rain in July than Torquayin January. Hanoi gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Torquay receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year. May to September is the rainy season in Hanoi.

Should I visit Hanoi or Torquay in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Hanoi and Torquay. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hanoi year-round. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Torquay this time of year.

In the autumn, Hanoi is a little warmer than Torquay. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hanoi in October average around 25°C (77°F), and Torquay averages at about 22°C (72°F)in April.

Hanoi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Hanoi usually receives more rain than Torquayin April. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Torquay receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn. November to April in Hanoi is the dry season.

Should I visit Hanoi or Torquay in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Hanoi as well as Torquay. Hanoi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Torquay for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Hanoi is generally a little warmer than Torquayin July. Daily temperatures in Hanoi average around 17°C (63°F), and Torquay fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

Hanoi usually gets less rain in January than Torquayin July. Hanoi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Torquay receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hanoi or Torquay in the Spring?

Both Torquay and Hanoi are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hanoi throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Torquay in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

Hanoi is a little warmer than Torquay in the spring. The daily temperature in Hanoi averages around 24°C (75°F) in April, and Torquay fluctuates around 21°C (71°F)in October.

It's quite rainy in Hanoi. In April, Hanoi usually receives more rain than Torquayin October. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Torquay receives 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the spring. The dry season in Hanoi is November to April. The rainy season in Hanoi is May to September.

Typical Weather for Torquay and Hanoi