Which place is cheaper, Penang or Can Tho?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Can Tho or Penang?
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 Can Tho and Penang can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Can Tho or Penang?
Can Tho
Can Tho is the largest city of Vietnam's Mekong Delta, and is best known for its canal network of floating markets, restaurants, bars, and hotels, Buddhist pagodas, and the beauty of the delta, which is illuminated in the evenings.
Penang
Just off the northwestern coast of Malaysia is the charming and diverse island state of Penang. As the link between the ancient kingdoms of Asia and Europe's colonial empire, this area is enriched with Malay, Chinese, Indian and European influences. This exciting culture is centered in George Town, the main city of the state.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Ho Chi Minh City, The Best 10-Day Tours from Hanoi, The Best 10-Day Tours in Malaysia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Malaysia.
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Can Tho Prices
Vietnam PricesPenang Prices
Malaysia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCan Tho $66Penang $144
The average daily cost (per person) in Can Tho is $66, while the average daily cost in Penang is $144. 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 Can Tho and Penang in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCan Tho $26Penang $55
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCan Tho $52Penang $110
Compare Hotels in Can Tho and Penang
Looking for a hotel in Can Tho or Penang? 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.
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.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Can Tho Hotel Prices and Penang Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Can Tho $12Penang $14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Can Tho
Also for Can Tho, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Can Tho To Ho Chi Minh Private Car Transfer: $75
- Private Transfer from Can Tho Airport to Hotel: $30
- From 3-Day Nam Du Archipelago Tour with Transfers: $278
- PRIVATE CAR: Can Tho AIRPORT <=> CanTho Hotels (one way transfer): $30
- Private Transfer from Can Tho (VCA) Airport to Can Tho City: $135
- Private Transfer from Can Tho City to Can Tho (VCA) Airport: $51
- Private Transfer from Can Tho City to Tan Son Nhat (SGN) Airport: $123
- Private Transfer: Can Tho Airport - Can Tho City Center: $35
- Private Transfer: Can Tho Airport to/from Can Tho City Center: $35
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Penang
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Penang:
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Local Bus$1.43
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Island Ferry$0.57
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Bus From Airport to George Town$0.64
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Taxi From Airport to George Town$11
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Motorbike Rental (One Day)$7.13
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Bicycle Rental (One Day)$2.38
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Penang
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Penang:
- Full-Day Private Transfer in Penang City : $277
- Penang to KUL Hotel (One Way Transfer): $237
- Private Transfer : Penang Hotel to Kuala Lumpur Hotel: $207
- Chauffeur: Penang Island to Singapore Van Transfer: $147
- Penang City to Kuala Lumpur City One-way Transfer: $140
- Penang City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur City Hotels One-way Transfer: $140
- Penang City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur Airport One-way Transfer: $140
- Private Transfer: Penang Island to or from Perak: $131
- Swettenham Cruise Port to Penang Island hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $115
- Penang City to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $107
- Penang to Kuala Lumpur 1-way Transfer: $107
- Private Half Day Tour to Penang Island with Transfer Included: $70
Is it cheaper to fly into Can Tho or Penang?
Prices for flights to both Penang and Can Tho 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
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Food Meals for one dayCan Tho $28Penang $64
Typical Food Prices in Can Tho
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Can Tho:
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Restaurant Dinner (for Two)$4.93
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Coconut$0.27
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Mango$1.02
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Hot Pot Dinner (for Two)$6.60
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Two Vietnamese Iced Coffees$0.61
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Casual Lunch (for One)$2.65
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Can Tho
For Can Tho, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Floating Market, Canals, Garden & Cooking Class: $24
- Premium Can Tho Food Tour – “Wrap & Roll”: $29
- Boat tour on Mekong river see the sunset, small canal, Vegan dinner, street food: $29
- Biking and Cooking Class in Can Tho Rural: $32
- Explore Can Tho City tour combine Local Food tour - in afternoon: $35
- Biking and cooking class in the rural tour at Can Tho: $36
- Can Tho food tour voted by local - Vegan option is available: $38
- Street food tour back of the bike in Can Tho: $39
- Authentic Vietnamese Cooking Class in Can Tho: $39
- Walking street food tour designed by local chef: $41
- Vietnamese Cooking Class with Lunch: $48
- Cooking Class - Flavors of the Delta: $52
Typical Food Prices in Penang
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Penang:
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Snack$1.90
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Dinner at The Suffolk House (for 2)$81
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Lunch at Sakae Sushi (for 2)$69
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Lassy Juice$1.66
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Dinner for 2$3.57
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Street Stall Food$0.67
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$4.52
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Italian Lunch (for Two)$11
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Penang
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Penang.
- Penang Plates Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
- Good Morning Penang Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
- Penang Food Tour - Georgetown: $62
- Local Street Food Tour in Georgetown Penang : $62
- Eat Like A Local: Penang Street Food Tour: $62
- 3-Hour Heritage on a Plate Dinner Hop in George Town Penang: $65
- 4-Hour Georgetown Food Tour: $88
- Authentic Local Food Tour with Scenic Walk: $89
- Malay Culinary Journey Cooking Class for the Adventurous Foodie: $92
- Authentic Indian Penang Cooking Class: $92
- Penang Cooking Class:Dive into Malaysian Cuisine with PenangChiak: $94
- Private Half Day Penang Tasty Local Street Food Tour: $99
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Can Tho $16Penang $55
Typical Entertainment Prices in Can Tho
For Can Tho, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Sunset Boat Ride$1.90
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Half Day Floating Market Tour$7.96
Tours and Activities in Can Tho
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Can Tho.
- Immersed in Fruit Garden 2-hour Tour: $9.52
- Evening Walking Tour with Night Market Visit: $12
- Cai Rang Floating Market and Bike Tour: $23
- University Tour with Tasting & Sightseeing in CT: $24
- A Real Mekong Tour, Floating Market, Cacao & Life's: $24
- Cai Rang Floating Market Sunrise Tour: $25
- Floating Market & Hidden Canals – Small Group Morning Boat Tour: $25
- Can Tho Countryside Bike Tour with Fruit Garden Visit: $30
- Mekong Delta and Cai Rang Floating Market 5-Hours Tour: $30
- Victoria Sunset Cruise on Hau River: $35
- Group Tour: Floating Market, Rice Noodle Factory & Cacao …: $35
- Mekong Delta and Cai Rang Floating Market Tour: $36
Typical Entertainment Prices in Penang
Here are a few typical costs in Penang for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Butterfly Gardens$7.37
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Trishaw Tour (One Hour)$7.13
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Fort Cornwallis Entrance$0.48
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Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi Entrance$2.38
Tours and Activities in Penang
Here are a few actual costs in Penang for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- George Town Highlights & Upside Down Museum tours (5 Hours): $67
- Penang City Temple Tour with Penang Hill(Fast Lane) & Kek Lok Si: $147
- 4 Hour Food and Heritage Walking Tour in Penang George Town: $93
- 4-Hour Heritage Walking Tour of Georgetown: $60
- 4-Hour Private Heritage Tour in George Town: $68
- 6 Hours Highlights of Penang Shared Tour : $75
- 6-Hours Penang Private Tour: $169
- 8 Hours of Penang Tour: $60
- All-Inclusive Penang George Town Private Tour: $154
- Asia Camera Museum Admission Ticket: $6.10
- Back of the Bike Street Food Experience – Real Penang!: $88
- Best of Historical George Town Half Day Tour: $80
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCan Tho $6.26Penang $18
Typical Alcohol Prices in Can Tho
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Can Tho from other travelers:
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Beer$3.03
Typical Alcohol Prices in Penang
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Penang:
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Beer$1.90
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Can Tho and Penang, we can see that Penang is more expensive. And not only is Can Tho much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Can Tho would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Can Tho 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 Penang would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Penang than you might in Can Tho.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Can Tho Expensive? and Is Penang Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Can Tho or Penang?
Can Tho has a larger population, and is about 46% larger than the population of Penang. When comparing the sizes of Can Tho and Penang, 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.
When is the best time to visit Can Tho or Penang?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Can Tho or Penang in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Can Tho as well as Penang. Can Tho attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Penang throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Penang. Can Tho receives a lot of rain in the summer. Can Tho usually gets more rain in July than Penang. Can Tho gets 313 mm (12.3 in) of rain, while Penang receives 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Penang. In the summer, Can Tho often gets less sunshine than Penang. Can Tho gets 168 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Penang receives 211 hours of full sun.
In the summer, Can Tho is around the same temperature as Penang. Typically, the summer temperatures in Can Tho in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Penang averages at about 27°C (81°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyCan Tho 28°C (82°F)Penang 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Can Tho or Penang in the Autumn?
Both Penang and Can Tho are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Can Tho throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Penang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The dry season in Can Tho is December to April. The rainy season in Can Tho is May to November. It rains a lot this time of the year in Penang. It's quite rainy in Can Tho. In October, Can Tho usually receives around the same amount of rain as Penang. Can Tho gets 343 mm (13.5 in) of rain, while Penang receives 340 mm (13.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
In October, Can Tho is generally around the same temperature as Penang. Daily temperatures in Can Tho average around 28°C (82°F), and Penang fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberCan Tho 28°C (82°F)Penang 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Can Tho or Penang in the Winter?
Both Penang and Can Tho during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Can Tho because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Penang year-round.
Can Tho usually gets less rain in January than Penang. Can Tho gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Penang receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
Can Tho is around the same temperature as Penang in the winter. The daily temperature in Can Tho averages around 26°C (78°F) in January, and Penang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryCan Tho 26°C (78°F)Penang 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Can Tho or Penang in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Can Tho and Penang. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Can Tho year-round. Penang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
December to April in Can Tho is the dry season. Also, May to November is the rainy season in Can Tho. Penang receives a lot of rain in the spring. Can Tho gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Can Tho usually receives less rain than Penang. Can Tho gets 103 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Penang receives 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Penang this time of the year. In Can Tho, it's very sunny this time of the year. Can Tho usually receives more sunshine than Penang during spring. Can Tho gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Penang receives 218 hours of full sun in the spring.
In the spring, Can Tho is around the same temperature as Penang. Typically, the spring temperatures in Can Tho in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Penang averages at about 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilCan Tho 29°C (84°F)Penang 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Penang and Can Tho
| Can Tho | Penang | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (78°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (80°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 268 mm (10.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 332 mm (13.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 313 mm (12.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 365 mm (14.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 360 mm (14.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 330 mm (13 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 343 mm (13.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 340 mm (13.4 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (79°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.