Which place is cheaper, Penang or Halong Bay?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Halong Bay or Penang?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Halong Bay and Penang can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Halong Bay or Penang?
Halong Bay
Halong Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the north of Vietnam, near the Chinese border. Known for its thousands of beautiful limestone karsts and stalactite-filled caves, it is one of the most visited destinations in Vietnam. If you appreciate natural scenery and want an adventure at sea, you'll love cruising among more than 1,900 islands in Ha Long Bay.
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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Vietnam, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Vietnam, The Best Budget Tours to Malaysia, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Malaysia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHalong Bay $59Penang $114
The average daily cost (per person) in Halong Bay is $59, while the average daily cost in Penang is $114. 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 Halong Bay and Penang in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHalong Bay $29Penang $53
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHalong Bay $58Penang $106
Compare Hotels in Halong Bay and Penang
Looking for a hotel in Halong Bay 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: Penang Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Halong Bay $14Penang $14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Halong Bay
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Halong Bay:
- 2 Day Halong Bay Cruise from Hanoi by Expressway Transfer: $175
- 2 Days and 1 Night Halong Bay 5 Star Cruise with Transfer: $250
- 2-Day Ninh Binh - Halong Bay With Transfer: $210
- 2D/1N at 5 STAR CRUISES: Transfer,Meals, Cave, Island & Beach: $185
- 2D/1N at AQUAMARINE CRUISES: Transfer,Meals, Cave, Island & Beach: $170
- 6 Hours Sailing on Dragon King Cruise From Halong with Transfer: $50
- Alova Premium Cruise to Halong Bay 1 Day Trip by Highway Transfer: $50
- Amethyst - Luxury 5 Star Cruise From Halong Bay with Transfer: $75
- Amethyst Cruise Luxury Day Tour from Halong Bay Included Transfer: $70
- Amethyst Luxury 5 Star Cruise From Halong Bay with Transfer: $65
- Amethyst Luxury 5 Star Cruise From Halong Bay with Transfer: $85
- Bhaya 2-Day Halong Bay Tour with Optional Hanoi Transfer by Bus: $150
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$1.39
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Island Ferry$0.55
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Bus From Airport to George Town$0.62
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Taxi From Airport to George Town$11
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Motorbike Rental (One Day)$6.93
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Bicycle Rental (One Day)$2.31
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Penang
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Penang:
- Chauffeur: Penang Island to Singapore Van Transfer: $144
- Full-Day Private Transfer in Penang City : $217
- Penang Airport (PEN) to Penang Island - Arrival Private Transfer : $39
- Penang Airport (PEN) to Penang Island - Arrival Private transfer: $44
- Penang Airport (PEN) to Swettenham Cruise Port - Arrival Private Transfer: $41
- Penang Airport (PEN): Transfer to Swettenham Cruise Port: $120
- Penang Airport PEN to Penang Island - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $88
- Penang Airport Transfer ( 24/7): $32
- Penang Airport Transfer to Georgetown/City Hotel or Resort/Beach Hotel: $14
- Penang Airport to Swettenham Cruise Port - Round Trip Transfer: $79
- Penang Airport(PEN) to Penang Island -Round-Trip Private Transfer: $79
- Penang City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur City Hotels One-way Transfer: $140
Is it cheaper to fly into Halong Bay or Penang?
Prices for flights to both Penang and Halong Bay 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 dayHalong Bay $16Penang $36
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Halong Bay
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Halong Bay.
- Best 2D1N Lan Ha Bay Cruise: BBQ dinner, Viet Hai Ancient Village: $175
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$1.85
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Dinner at The Suffolk House (for 2)$79
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Lunch at Sakae Sushi (for 2)$67
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Lassy Juice$1.62
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Dinner for 2$3.46
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Street Stall Food$0.65
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$4.39
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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.
- Good Morning Penang Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
- Penang Plates Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
- Penang Food Tour - Georgetown: $62
- Eat Like A Local: Penang Street Food Tour: $62
- Local Street Food Tour in Georgetown Penang : $62
- 3-Hour Heritage on a Plate Dinner Hop in George Town Penang: $70
- 4-Hour Georgetown Food Tour: $88
- Penang Cooking Class:Dive into Malaysian Cuisine with PenangChiak: $92
- Private Half Day Penang Tasty Local Street Food Tour: $96
- Dinner at Penang Hill: $102
- Private Dinner at THE TOP with Skywalk Experience from Penang: $103
- Chef Samuel's Private Malaysian Cooking Class with Wet Market Tour: $116
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Halong Bay $17Penang $54
Tours and Activities in Halong Bay
Here are a few actual costs in Halong Bay for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Lan Ha Bay-Ha Long Bay 1 Day Boat trip from Cat Ba, less touristy: $16
- City Sightseeing Ha Long Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour : $19
- Most favorite full day boat tour with kayaking in Lan Ha bay, Ha Long bay: $27
- Half-Day Lan Ha Bay Adventure: Boat Jumping, Kayaking, Sunset : $27
- From Cat Ba Island: Amazing Sunset Tour in Lan Ha Bay, Kayaking: $27
- Majestic Sunset Boat Tour Explore the Stunning Lan Ha Bay, Cat Ba: $27
- From Cat Ba: Explore Lan Ha Bay with Amazing Sunset Boat Tour: $28
- 1 Day Boat Tour: HaLong Bay, Lan Ha Bay, Natural Beach and Full Moon Party: $29
- Ha Long Bay Day Tour with Lunch, Cave Explore & Titop Island: $29
- Best love - Full Day Boat Tour to Lan Ha Bay and Ha Long Bay: $29
- Top Lan Ha Bay Sunset Tours 2024 Departing from Cat Ba Island: $32
- Cruise and kayak on Lan Ha bay Ha Long bay with local experts: $32
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$7.16
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Trishaw Tour (One Hour)$6.93
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Fort Cornwallis Entrance$0.46
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Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi Entrance$2.31
Tours and Activities in Penang
Here are a few actual costs in Penang for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Straits and Oriental Museum Ticket: $5.92
- Asia Camera Museum Admission Ticket: $5.92
- Malaysia: The Blue Mansion - Daily Tour: $5.94
- Guided Tour of Cheong Fatt Tze's Blue Mansion in George Town: $6.35
- Tech Dome Entrance Ticket: $6.71
- Glass Museum Standard Admission Ticket: $7.19
- Penang : DE'8000 Mini Golf Café Ticket: $7.19
- Penang Hill Funicular Ticket: $8.35
- Wonderfood Museum in Penang Admission Ticket: $8.54
- TeddyVille Museum Penang Malaysia Entry Ticket: $8.65
- Tropical Fruit Farm Ticket: $8.73
- Penang Street Food in Georgetown and History Walking Audio Tour: $11
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHalong Bay $13Penang $17
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$1.85
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Halong Bay and Penang, we can see that Penang 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 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 Halong Bay.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Halong Bay Expensive? and Is Penang Expensive?.
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.