A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bagan vs. Guangzhou for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Bagan or Guangzhou?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Bagan and Guangzhou can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Bagan or Guangzhou?

Bagan

Located in central Myanmar (formerly Burma), Bagan is an ancient city best known as the home to the largest and densest concentration of Buddhist temples, pagodas, stupas, and ruins in the world with many dating from the 11th and 12th centuries.

Guangzhou

With a population of more than 12 million, Guangzhou is the third largest city in China after Beijing and Shanghai. Though it has a long history, founded in 214 BC, the city has also many modern attractions, a mix of the old and new with temples and parks as well as skyscrapers and shopping centers. Its location on the Pearl River has contributed to this growth, making Guangzhou a major port and commercial hub.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in China, and The Best 2-Week Tours in China.


Which place is cheaper, Guangzhou or Bagan?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Bagan is $30, while the average daily cost in Guangzhou is $89. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Bagan and Guangzhou in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bagan $7.36
    Guangzhou $57
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bagan $15
    Guangzhou $114
Compare Hotels in Bagan and Guangzhou

Looking for a hotel in Bagan or Guangzhou? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Bagan


Hotels in Guangzhou


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bagan $3.57
    Guangzhou $14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bagan

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bagan:

  • From Bagan City To Mandalay Private Transfer: $150

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guangzhou

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Guangzhou:

  • Canton Fair Private Transfer between Guangzhou City Center and Pazhou Complex : $32
  • Guangzhou Airport (CAN) to Guangzhou - Arrival Private Transfer: $34
  • Guangzhou Airport (CAN) to Guangzhou Round-Trip Private Transfer: $68
  • Guangzhou Airport to Hotel: Private Transfer for up to 15 Pax: $170
  • Guangzhou Airport to Hotel: Private Transfer for up to 5 pax: $120
  • Guangzhou Airport: Private Transfer to/from Guangzhou: $70
  • Guangzhou Baiyun Airport (CAN) to Guangzhou City - Arrival Private Transfer: $34
  • Guangzhou Baiyun Airport Chauffeur Service, To Dongguan Transfer: $120
  • Guangzhou Night Pearl River Cruise VIP Seating with Private Transfer: $96
  • Guangzhou Private Transfer from Guangzhou Airport (CAN) to central Guangzhou: $86
  • Guangzhou Private Transfer from Guangzhou central to Guangzhou Airport (CAN): $86
  • Guangzhou to Guangzhou Airport (CAN) - Departure Private Transfer: $34

Is it cheaper to fly into Bagan or Guangzhou?

Prices for flights to both Guangzhou and Bagan change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Bagan $5.95
    Guangzhou $19

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bagan

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bagan.

  • Romantic Sunset Dinner At Bagan Viewing Tower: $91

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Guangzhou

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Guangzhou.

  • Guangzhou Evening Food Tour Through Local Neighborhood: $65
  • Guangzhou Night View Cruise Tour with Dinner: $90
  • Private Guangzhou Night Tour VIP Cruise and Dim-Sum Dinner Option: $146
  • 3-Hour Guangzhou Private Cooking Class with Local Market Visit : $165
  • Private Guangzhou Night Tour with Canton Tower and Dim-Sum Dinner: $176
  • Private Guangzhou Food Tour Michelin Restaurant&Local Food Market: $180
  • Private Guangzhou Food Tour Yumcha and Local Food Market Explore: $180
  • Guangzhou Private Night Tour: Lychee Bay, Beijing Road, Cruise, Dinner: $204

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bagan $57
    Guangzhou $18

Tours and Activities in Bagan

Here are a few actual costs in Bagan for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Day Cruise Bagan to Mandalay: $31
  • Mount Popa Tour: $42
  • Old Bagan Sightseeing Tour: $43
  • Old Bagan Biking Tour - Half Day (Guide included): $45
  • Private Bagan Cultural Tour : $46
  • Best Bagan One Day Tour With Tour Guide: $48
  • Visiting Mount Popa from Bagan - Private Tour: $48
  • Full Day tour In Bagan UNESCO World Heritage: $50
  • BAGAN TEMPLES FULL DAY GUIDED BY ELECTRIC BIKE ( Private Tour ): $64
  • Full day Adventure Trip to Mt. Popa & Salay: $65
  • Tuk Tuk tour to Mt. Popa : $67
  • Private Bagan day tour by car with horse cart: $70

Tours and Activities in Guangzhou

Here are a few actual costs in Guangzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Foshan Classic Old Town Tour : $15
  • Guangzhou Pearl River Night Cruise Ticket (Redemption Required): $21
  • Original Martial Arts Tour : $40
  • Discovery more Guangzhou evening foodie tour with locals : $65
  • 5-Hour Sai Kwan Walking Tour with Unique Food Tasting: $72
  • Guangzhou Self-Guided Tour with Private Car and Driver Service: $75
  • Guided Cycle Tour of Guangzhou: $75
  • Guangzhou Pearl River Night Cruise Tour: $77
  • Small Group Guangzhou Layover Tour: $87
  • Guangzhou Foodie Tour: $88
  • Guangzhou Walking Tour To Explore The Old Xiguan Area: $89
  • Walking Tour of Xiguan Ancient Town: $89

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bagan -
    Guangzhou $14


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bagan and Guangzhou, we can see that Guangzhou is more expensive. And not only is Bagan much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bagan would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bagan 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 Guangzhou would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Guangzhou than you might in Bagan.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Bagan Expensive? and Is Guangzhou Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Bagan or Guangzhou?

Guangzhou has a larger population, and is about 10510 times larger than the population of Bagan. When comparing the sizes of Bagan and Guangzhou, 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.