Compare
Bangkok vs Hanoi: which is better, and when to go
Bangkok is at its best in January and Hanoi in October. Below, the two cities side by side: weather, crowds and prices in every month, and what each does better across the year.
By Daan · Last reviewed October 2026
Bangkok and Hanoi
At a glance
| Bangkok | Hanoi | |
|---|---|---|
| Best month | January (9/10) | October (10/10) |
| Warmest month | April, 36°C | June, 35°C |
| Coolest month | December, 32°C | January, 20°C |
| Quietest month | September (Very Low) | June (Low) |
| Busiest month | January (High) | January (Moderate) |
| Cheapest month | September ($$) | August ($) |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Bangkok for
- a milder coolest month (December highs around 32°C, against 20°C)
Little difference between them in: how hot the warmest month gets, crowds across the year, prices across the year, events through the year.
Month by month
Average high, crowds and prices for each month, and which city comes out ahead overall. Open a month for the full comparison.
| Month | Bangkok | Hanoi | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 33°C · High · $$$$ | 20°C · Moderate · $$$ | Bangkok |
| February | 34°C · High · $$$$ | 22°C · Low–Moderate · $$$ | Bangkok |
| March | 35°C · Moderate · $$$ | 26°C · Low–Moderate · $$$ | Hanoi |
| April | 36°C · Moderate-High · $$$ | 28°C · Moderate · $$$ | Hanoi |
| May | 35°C · Low · $$ | 33°C · Low · $$ | Hanoi |
| June | 34°C · Low · $$ | 35°C · Low · $$ | Bangkok |
| July | 34°C · Low · $$ | 34°C · Low · $$ | Bangkok |
| August | 33°C · Low · $$ | 33°C · Low · $ | Bangkok |
| September | 33°C · Very Low · $$ | 32°C · Low–Moderate · $$ | Hanoi |
| October | 33°C · Low · $$ | 30°C · Moderate · $$$ | Hanoi |
| November | 33°C · Moderate · $$$ | 27°C · Low–Moderate · $$$ | Hanoi |
| December | 32°C · High · $$$$ | 21°C · Low–Moderate · $$$ | Bangkok |
FAQ
Bangkok or Hanoi?
Is Bangkok or Hanoi better?
It depends on when you go. Bangkok is at its best in January and Hanoi in October. The month-by-month table shows which city comes out ahead in each month.
When is the best time to visit Bangkok and Hanoi?
Bangkok: January. Hanoi: October–November.
Which is cheaper, Bangkok or Hanoi?
Prices are similar across the year. Check each month for the difference.
More comparisons