Bangkok vs Hanoi: Which Southeast Asian City Should You Visit First?
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Hanoi and Bangkok are often contenders for the most memorable Southeast Asian cities. Despite their striking differences, both are lively, flavorful, and daring.
The towering temples, crazy nightlife, and tumultuous energy of Bangkok somehow lure travelers. As tuk-tuks race by golden temples and street food sizzles nonstop, this city seems like it can go on forever.
But Hanoi is a mood—deeper and quieter. Lakes and alleys in the Old Quarter give off an air of nostalgic affection for the past.
Picking between Hanoi and Bangkok isn't a picnic. One sparkles, while the other whispers. Chaos of the present day and the allure of the past. In this piece, we'll give you the lowdown on where to land your next flight based on price, culture, cuisine, and vibes.
Before You Touch Down: Essentials to Nail Your Trip
Visa and Entry Requirements
Don’t stress — while entry to both Vietnam and Thailand is generally straightforward, the rules do differ.
Many passport holders can enter Thailand visa-free for up to 30 days, while Vietnam has become more stringent, now requiring eVisa applications for most nationalities. These eVisas are valid for 90 days and allow multiple entries.
Before booking your trip, double-check your country’s eligibility and keep proof of onward travel handy at all times.
Best times to land, depending on your vibe.
The months of November through February are when Bangkok really comes into its own: it's bright, dry, and a little cooler than usual (just right for rooftop bars and touring). Hanoi has its most pleasant weather from October to April, with the addition of a moody winter's cold mists.
Unless you like unexpected downpours, stay away from both cities during their monsoon months.
Money, language, and safety basics.
Thailand = Thai baht. Vietnam = Vietnamese dong. Keep some cash on hand; not everybody accepts cards.
Although English is more often used in Bangkok than Hanoi, even the simplest of local expressions may warm someone's heart. Watch out for biker craziness and petty theft, but other than that, you should be okay in any city.
Cultural dos and don’ts.
Take off your shoes before entering, and dress respectfully at the temples by covering your shoulders and legs. Please refrain from touching anyone's head since it is considered sacred. The act of pointing one's foot toward another person, a holy item, or an elderly person is considered impure or insulting.
Keep your cool; becoming angry or raising your voice gets you nothing in any city. Some levels of public displays of affection are considered inappropriate, particularly in more traditional communities.
Politeness opens many doors, and locals are welcoming, so it goes a long way with a courteous tone, a kind smile, and some cultural understanding.
First Glance Feels: What Hits You Instantly
The adrenaline is real for first-timers in Bangkok; it's exciting yet overwhelming all at once. Feel the heat, hear the noise, and be overwhelmed by the magnitude of it.
Upon landing in Bangkok, you will be greeted by a flurry of activity. There are blazing neon signs, tuk-tuks zip past cars, and the aroma of incense and hot street food fills the air.
It's wildly chaotic, full of life, and proudly energetic. Temples are dwarfed by malls, and street vendors set up shop just outside the lobbies of skyscrapers. The city moves at an exuberant pace, mesmerizing visitors with its tireless vitality.
Charm and a laid-back aura draw tourists to Hanoi, but the city's traffic patterns—or lack thereof—can make even the most experienced traveler freeze up at the sight of a single intersection.
However, Hanoi gently hooks you in. Though the streets are still lively, the mood is more intricate. In the Old Quarter, motorbikes maneuver along small roads, whizzing past colonial homes painted a sunny yellow, and street merchants huddle over bowls of hot phở.
There's a mystical quality to it - foggy mornings, walks by the lake, and a slow rhythm that allows you to catch your breath amid sounds.
Your Wallet vs the City: What You’ll Really Spend
Bangkok and Hanoi are both affordable, however, it all depends on how you want to spend your money.
In Hanoi, you can get by on $25–30 AUD a day, but in Bangkok, you'll need $30–40 AUD.
That includes transportation inside the area, street food, and hostels. In both cities, you can get by on $60-90 AUD a day at modest hotels, casual cafes, and a few tourist sites.
In Bangkok, where a penchant for extravagance is rampant, a day for a splashy visitor seeking rooftop bars, spa treatments, and boutique accommodations may easily cost $150+ AUD.
Both towns offer very affordable street food — a large bowl of phở or a stir-fry with Thai basil will only cost $2-3 AUD. Entrees cost from $5 to 10 AUD when eaten in a seated restaurant. Prices for local beers range from $1 to 2 AUD, while drinks at hipper bars start at around $6.
Short journeys cost between $2–5 AUD on average, whether using Grab or a local cab. Hanoi is often a little less expensive than other cities, particularly when it comes to lodging. Budget hotels in Hanoi start at $10–20 AUD per night, whereas in Bangkok, you can expect to pay roughly $15–25 AUD.
Can't-Miss Experiences: Sights That Define Each City
With its dazzling mosaics, golden-tipped roofs, and overwhelming grandeur, the Grand Palace is an absolute must-see while in Bangkok. Proximity to the enormous reclining Buddha at Wat Pho makes it an ideal location for picture ops.
Make the short journey over the river to Wat Arun to see the skyline illuminated by the setting sun. After that, visit a rooftop bar, like the iconic Sky Bar or Vertigo, to take in the panoramic views of the city below.
Charm and history are the main attractions of Hanoi. Early morning strolls around Hoàn Kiếm Lake, particularly when you happen upon residents doing tai chi, have an almost cinematic quality.
One breathtaking example of old Vietnamese culture is the Temple of Literature, which served as the country's first university. As a somber glimpse into Vietnam's contemporary history, Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum provides an amazing experience despite its stringent rules.
Intense sensory adventures await in Bangkok's Chatuchak Weekend Market and floating markets. You won't soon forget the thrill of cramming into a small seat at a phở shop on the street or drinking strong egg coffee in Hanoi. Anyone who jumps in, no matter how clumsy it may be at first, will be rewarded in both cities.
Street Food to Fine Feasts: Eating Like a Local
For the people of Bangkok, street food is more than simply a way of life. Indulge on fiery pad kra pao straight from a corner wok, slurp some boat noodles in a bowl so rich it will linger in your dreams, or have grilled pig skewers (moo ping) first thing in the morning. Even though Yaowarat (Chinatown) is the place to go for street food, you shouldn't miss the local treasures at Ratchawat Market and the Victory Monument.
When in Hanoi, keep things close and intense. The aroma of a hot bowl of phò bò with lime and herbs is prominent in the crisp morning air. The crispy, golden delight of bánh xèo and the grilled pork with rice noodles, known as bún chả, should not be missed. Every corner kiosk in the Old Quarter has its special recipe for magic, best enjoyed seated on plastic stools.
Dare the out-there—in Hanoi, it may be duck embryos, in Bangkok, it could be bugs. Eat like a native and follow the crowds to the busiest stands. To find out about hidden gems, ask the locals. Both towns provide tales that will leave you with a taste in your mouth—whether you like your food spicy, sweet, savory, or just plain daring.
Easy Moves: How to Get Around Without the Drama
Clean, air-conditioned, and unaffected by Bangkok's infamous traffic, the BTS Skytrain and MRT subway are lifesavers. As much fun as tuk-tuks are, they're too expensive for regular use. Grab, the Southeast Asian equivalent of Uber, is a cheap and dependable option for shorter trips. Get below ground or up high if you're in a hurry; traffic is terrible.
There are a lot of motorcycles in Hanoi since the metro isn't yet operational. Choose either GrabBike (faster, cheaper) or GrabCar. The Old Quarter is best explored on foot, but be prepared to continuously dodge and weave traffic. For more pricing transparency and less bother, use a trusted app instead of relying on random taxis.
Download Grab before you come to both places; it's necessary. Unless you like being stuck in traffic, avoid rush hour (between 7 and 9 in the morning and between 5 and 7 in the afternoon). Never ride without a helmet, and don't hire scooters unless you're experienced with them.
Navigating Hanoi's streets? Proceed with caution and confidence; vehicles are going to move around you. Overpasses are your best bet in Bangkok. For fares, have some small change on hand, and get out of there if anything doesn't seem right.
Both cities are surprisingly simple to navigate with the correct tools, and the journey itself is half the experience.
Crash Pads: Where to Stay (and Why It Matters)
Sukhumvit is a fantastic area for first-timers to Bangkok since it is well-connected, bustling with restaurants, bars, and shops. The quintessential backpacker mecca, Khao San Road, is all bustle and revelry. Find peace, coffee shops, and culture in riverfront Thonburi or Ari if you're looking for a more local experience.
Historic, pedestrian-friendly, and bursting with delicious street cuisine, Hanoi's Old Quarter is the place to be. Anyone, from foodies to first-timers, will love it. Do you want something more tranquil? Tây Hồ (West Lake) offers a more relaxed atmosphere, perfect for expats, with cafes around the lake and plenty of space to relax.
Expect to pay $10–20 AUD for a nice bed and pleasant vibes at one of the many vibrant hostels in both towns. It's not hard to discover mid-range hotels that provide decent comfort without being too expensive. Stylish French-colonial flats may be found in unexpected lanes in Hanoi, making Airbnb a great choice for anyone seeking solitude or local living.
Night Moves: What Happens After Dark
Rooftop bars in Bangkok, such as Octave and Sky Bar, come alive after dark, serving drinks with views of the city skyline. For a wild night out on the town, check out RCA or Thonglor, or for some backpacker mayhem and buckets of liquor, go down to Khao San Road. Night markets, such as Talad Rot Fai, are great for snack crawls since they are open late and include a wide variety of vintage goods and street foods.
Although Hanoi begins to wind down early, the energy remains. The best places to people-watch in Bia Hơi are the nooks where folks sit on plastic chairs and drink fresh draft beer. There is street music, vendors selling food and knick-knacks, and a relaxed vibe in the Old Quarter's weekend night market. If you want something more serene, you can find more low-key pubs and places to drink by West Lake.
If nightclubs aren't your style, each city has plenty of pubs with live music or quiet cafes. For when you'd rather have a quiet chat than a wild one, try one of Bangkok's jazz bars or one of Hanoi's indie cafés.
Quick Escapes: Day Trips That Are Totally Worth It
The historic city of Ayutthaya, with its ruined temples and UNESCO aura, is just 1.5 hours away from Bangkok by bus or rail. Looking for some beach sand? Although it isn't the most picturesque beach, Pattaya is the nearest. Set off early toward the little island of Koh Larn offshore if you're hoping for calmer seas.
In contrast, Hanoi offers visitors a taste of both nature and history. Ninh Binh is known as "Halong Bay on land" due to its tranquil river landscapes and spectacular limestone karsts, which are accessible after a short ride outside of the city. If you're looking for a tranquil escape from the bustle of the city, try one of the boat cruises in Tam Coc or one of the old temples in one of the neighboring historic villages.
Both cities are perfect for day trips—they're quick, efficient, and memorable, so you can make the most of every minute.
Final Call: Which City Wins for You?
Bangkok is a modern-meets-ancient behemoth; tuk-tuks zoom past temples, skyscrapers loom above street vendors, and the merrymaking never ends. It's well-organized mayhem, perfect for every kind of tourist.
Hanoi, a city of foggy lakes, winding alleyways, and leisurely sips of robust coffee, is more enigmatic and reflective. Soul is more important than show. Hanoi isn't something you capture; it's something you absorb.
Paradise found, a night on the town, or a little opulence with your noodles? Bangkok is at your fingertips. Intrigued by the past, love stories, and leisurely explorations captured with a camera? You will be captivated by Hanoi.
The facts? You just cannot go wrong. Bangkok is great for quick thrills, but Hanoi leaves a more lasting impression. In quite different ways, each provides flavor, personality, and a stir. Choose the one that suits your mood right now, or even better, jump into one and ride the wave of contrast to the other.
