A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Koh Tarutao vs. Halong Bay for Beaches, Couples, Hiking, and Families

Should you visit Koh Tarutao 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 Koh Tarutao 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.

Koh Tarutao

Koh Tarutao is a beautiful, undiscovered, and secluded island. The beauty of Koh Tarutao is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the beaches and hiking. See Koh Tarutao travel costs.

Halong Bay

Halong Bay is a dramatic, spectacular, and breathtaking bay. Halong Bay is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the beaches, hiking, and museums. See Halong Bay travel costs.

Koh Tarutao and Halong Bay: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Tarutao or Halong Bay?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Halong Bay. Although Koh Tarutao and Halong Bay are both popular with visitors, Halong Bay has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Halong Bay is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, and impressive beauty, while Koh Tarutao is known for its resorts and beaches. Halong Bay is more touristy than Koh Tarutao and is popular for its stunning limestone mountains, dramatic water caves, peaceful fishing villages, and unique liveaboard boat trips. It is also home to Cat Ba Island. Koh Tarutao is popular for its secluded beauty and undiscovered paradise setting.

How is Koh Tarutao different from Halong Bay?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Halong Bay is a good destination for its museums and history. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for its 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.

Koh Tarutao offers a few options for museum-goers. This island is all about remote natural settings that will take your breath away, but you won't find anything in the form of temples or museums.

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

Halong Bay is a good destination for its restaurants. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Halong Bay is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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.

Koh Tarutao offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are three restaurants on the island that have limited hours so, if possible, it's best to arrive with some snacks. The food is simple and can get repetitive if you eat the same meals several days in a row.

Is Koh Tarutao or Halong Bay Better for Nightlife?

Neither Koh Tarutao or Halong Bay offer decent nightlife.

Koh Tarutao doesn't offer many options. There's a good chance you'll have this island almost completely to yourself. The few restaurants on the island close early and you'll likely head to bed early after taking in the stunning night sky.

Things get quiet in the evenings 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 Koh Tarutao or Halong Bay Better for Resorts?

Koh Tarutao is not so good for its resorts. However, Halong Bay is not a resort destination.

There isn't the widest selection of resorts in Koh Tarutao, but you'll find a few options to choose from. You won't find luxury resorts (or any resorts) on the island. What you will find is simple bungalows, or tents available for rent at the ranger stations.

Halong Bay is not a resort destination.

Is Koh Tarutao or Halong Bay Better for Beaches?

Koh Tarutao is an amazing island to visit for the beach. Also, Halong Bay is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beach.

Koh Tarutao is considered to be a world-class beach destination. A true island paradise, you'll find isolated beaches here that are so remote that you'll likely have them to yourself for large parts of the day.

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.

Is Koh Tarutao or Halong Bay Better for Hiking?

Hiking trails can be found around both Koh Tarutao and Halong Bay, and they are very good.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Koh Tarutao. There are hiking trails through mangrove coves, inland through the dramatic vegetation, and up cliffs to impressive viewpoints.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Tarutao or Halong Bay?

Neither Koh Tarutao or Halong Bay offer decent shopping options.

Shopping in Koh Tarutao can be found for those interested. There's a small shop at the visitor center where you can pick up simple drinks and snacks.

Halong Bay has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. 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 Koh Tarutao or Halong Bay More Beautiful?

Halong Bay is an unbeatable place for its scenery and beauty. Also, Koh Tarutao is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its scenery and beauty.

Halong Bay is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. 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.

Koh Tarutao is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Beautiful undeveloped beaches and stunning natural environments make this a truly unique destination.

Is Koh Tarutao or Halong Bay Better for Families?

Halong Bay is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Koh Tarutao is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Koh Tarutao. For families who want seclusion, this beautiful island is the place to spend a night or two. There are great beaches, interesting hikes, and kayaks available to visitors.

Is Koh Tarutao or Halong Bay Better for Couples?

Halong Bay is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Koh Tarutao is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Couples visit Koh Tarutao frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. For a truly remote experience, couples will enjoy this often overlooked island. There are hikes and isolated beaches that offer romance in its most simple form.

Is Koh Tarutao or Halong Bay Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Halong Bay is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Koh Tarutao is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

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'.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Koh Tarutao. Most backpackers overlook this beautiful island for the more party-oriented destinations of Thailand, but those who spend a night or two here will be rewarded with a truly unique and authentic experience.

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

Koh Tarutao is a island with a few options for its public transit. However, Halong Bay is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit is generally limited in Koh Tarutao. There are shuttle taxis that travel around the island at fixed times. You can also rent a mountain bike at the ranger stations.

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 Koh Tarutao or Halong Bay a more walkable city?

Koh Tarutao is a island with a few options for its high level of walkability. However, Halong Bay is not particularly known for its ease of walking around.

Koh Tarutao is generally not very walkable. The island is quite large and difficult to explore on foot alone.

Halong Bay is not a very walkable island. 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 Koh Tarutao Worth Visiting? and Is Halong Bay Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Halong Bay or Koh Tarutao?

How long in Koh Tarutao or Halong Bay?

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

Families should spend more time in Halong Bay than Koh Tarutao. 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 Koh Tarutao. 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 Koh Tarutao 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 Koh Tarutao or Halong Bay?

With around the beautiful island of Koh Tarutao, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and museums when visiting the breathtaking bay of Halong Bay. It's also a great beach destination, too. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Koh Tarutao or Halong Bay?

With around the destination of Koh Tarutao, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this island.

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the breathtaking destination of Halong Bay. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This bay offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Koh Tarutao or Halong Bay?

Koh Tarutao, a popular island, 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.

The stunning bay of Halong Bay offers food and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Koh Tarutao or Halong Bay?

Koh Tarutao is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. 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.

Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Halong Bay. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people come for the beaches. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Thailand, The Best Cultural Tours in Thailand, 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 Koh Tarutao and Halong Bay, we can see that Koh Tarutao is more expensive. And not only is Halong Bay much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Koh Tarutao would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Koh Tarutao 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 Koh Tarutao Expensive? and Is Halong Bay Expensive?.