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

Should you visit Kaunas or Halong Bay?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Kaunas and Halong Bay. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Kaunas

Kaunas is a cultural, active, and young city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife and food. See Kaunas travel costs.

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.

Kaunas and Halong Bay: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kaunas or Halong Bay?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Kaunas. Although Kaunas and Halong Bay are both popular with visitors, Kaunas has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Kaunas is more popular for its nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Halong Bay is known for its museums and attractions, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Halong Bay is more touristy than Kaunas and is known for its stunning limestone mountains, dramatic water caves, peaceful fishing villages, and unique liveaboard boat trips. Kaunas is popular for its traditional Lithuanian culture and authentic old town. It is also home to The Kaunas Old Town.

How is Kaunas different from Halong Bay?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Halong Bay is a good destination for its sights and museums. However, Kaunas does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Halong Bay. 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.

Kaunas does not have museums and landmarks.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at good restaurants in both Kaunas and Halong Bay.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Kaunas area. It is a great place to try traditional Lithuanian dishes as there are a number of good restaurants and an active restaurant scene. Popular local dishes include cepelinai potato dumplings and cold beetroot soup.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around 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.

Is Kaunas or Halong Bay Better for Nightlife?

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

Kaunas has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife scene continues to improve with a growing number of bars and clubs. During the warmer months you'll find many places opening outdoor areas. The old town is one of the more lively areas in town where it's nice to enjoy a drink on a terrace.

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 Kaunas or Halong Bay Better for Beaches?

Halong Bay is notable for the beach. However, Kaunas is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Halong Bay for it's beautiful beaches. 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.

Kaunas is not a beach destination.

Is Kaunas or Halong Bay Better for its Old Town?

Kaunas is a city with good options for its old town. However, Halong Bay does not have a historic old town.

Many people head to Kaunas to see the old town. The old town has tree-lined streets with charming cafes and a number of museums. It's also where you'll find the Kaunas Castle.

Halong Bay does not have a historic old town.

Is Kaunas or Halong Bay Better for Hiking?

Halong Bay is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Kaunas is not a hiking destination.

Halong Bay is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

Kaunas is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kaunas or Halong Bay?

Kaunas is a city with a few options for its shopping opportunities. However, Halong Bay is not particularly known for its shopping areas.

If you're looking to go shopping, Kaunas has some nice offerings. The old town is the place to pick up souvenirs, but there are also shopping malls and outlets in the city.

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 Kaunas or Halong Bay More Beautiful?

Halong Bay is renowned for its scenery and beauty. However, Kaunas is not a destination known for its 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.

Kaunas is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Kaunas or Halong Bay Better for Families?

Halong Bay is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Kaunas is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Halong Bay is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Kaunas is a family-friendly city. The city has both outdoor and indoor areas that are fun for kids. Vienybės Square has fountains and splash areas that are fun for kids of all ages. Lampėdis Lake is a great place to swim or visit an adventure park. When the weather isn't great, you can head indoors to the the Kaunas Tadas Ivanauskas Zoological Museum or "CurioCity" in the Mega Mall.

Is Kaunas or Halong Bay Better for Couples?

Halong Bay is renowned for couples. However, Kaunas is a mediocre city for romance.

Halong Bay is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Kaunas is not the best destination for a couple to visit. The city has a number of historical sites as well as interesting restaurants that you can explore.

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

Halong Bay is notable for backpackers. Also, Kaunas is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Halong Bay is a very popular bay for backpackers and budget travelers. 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'.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Kaunas. It's not a popular destination, but there are enough concerts and festivals throughout the year that it does see a few tourists.

Is Kaunas or Halong Bay Better for Students?

Kaunas is a city with good options for students. However, Halong Bay is not popular with students.

Kaunas is popular with students. The city has a vibrant and young student population. It also hosts festivals, concerts, and other events that make it a fun destination for international students.

Halong Bay is not popular with students.

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

Kaunas is a city 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 Kaunas, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are both buses and trolleybuses around town.

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 Kaunas or Halong Bay a more walkable city?

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

Kaunas is a somewhat walkable place. When the weather is nice, the city is a nice place to take a walk.

Halong Bay is not a very walkable city. 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 Kaunas Worth Visiting? and Is Halong Bay Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Halong Bay or Kaunas?

How long in Kaunas or Halong Bay?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Kaunas and Halong Bay. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Halong Bay than in Kaunas. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Kaunas, and 2-3 days is enough time in Halong Bay.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Halong Bay than Kaunas 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 Halong Bay.

One day in Kaunas or Halong Bay?

With food and nightlife around the young city of Kaunas, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Kaunas, one day is sufficent for most.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Halong Bay. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Kaunas or Halong Bay?

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

Halong Bay is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Kaunas or Halong Bay?

Kaunas, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Halong Bay. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Kaunas or Halong Bay?

Kaunas 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.

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the stunning destination of Halong Bay. This bay offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Lithuania, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Vilnius, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Vietnam, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Vietnam.

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