Which place is cheaper, Beijing or Hanoi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Hanoi and Beijing 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.
Hanoi is a cultural, historical, and fascinating city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Hanoi travel costs.
Beijing is a historic, massive, and jam-packed city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. Beijing is a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Beijing travel costs.
Travelers will usually find more to do in Beijing than Hanoi, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Beijing is more popular for its food and impressive beauty, while Hanoi is known for its historical sights and shopping. Beijing is more touristy than Hanoi and is known for its rich culture, many historical landmarks, its long running history, and its world class cuisine. It is also home to The Forbidden City. Hanoi is popular for its impressive street food, historical museums, and bustling energy.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Beijing and Hanoi. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Plenty of people visit the world-class sights and museums in both Hanoi and Beijing.
The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Hanoi are among the most recognizable in the world. The city is rich in history and culture, which you can experience through its many museums and temples. Notable sights include the Temple of Literature, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, Hoa Lo Prison Museum, and the Imperial Citadel.
With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Beijing has many famous sights for visitors. The city is filled with iconic landmarks including the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and The Temple of Heaven. It's also essential that you plan a trip outside of town to the world renowned Great Wall of China. The trip takes about an hour and you can organize a tour through almost any hotel or tour company.
Beijing is renowned for its restaurant scene. Also, Hanoi is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.
Many restaurants in Beijing have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The city has a number of iconic dishes that have put it on the culinary map. The most notable dish is Peking Duck, which is a delectable crispy roast duck that is usually served with cucumber, scallions, sweet bean sauce and pancakes or other steamed buns. Hot pots are another must-try experience in the city, and, of course, you have to experience the dumplings. A huge part of a visit to Beijing is experiencing its long running culinary history.
Hanoi has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Northern Vietnamese cuisine is fresh and delicious. There are some Chinese influences, but it still has a distinct flavor that's all its own. Most notably, Hanoi is the birthplace of the famous soup, Pho. There are also many dishes that use freshwater fish and seafood. Street food and food stalls are a part of the culture, and you'll find some of the best dishes prepared right on the street.
Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Hanoi and Beijing.
Hanoi is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. There are night markets, nightclubs, and bars that are popular with backpackers and other young travelers. Some of the best streets for nightlife include Ta Hien Street, Hang Buom Street, Trang Tien Street, and Hoan Kiem Lake Walking Street.
Many people head to Beijing for the nightlife scene. Live performances are popular in the city, and range from concerts to magic shows and acrobatics. There is also an active bar scene around town. Some of the most popular nightlife areas include Sanlitun and Houhai.
Hanoi is an unbeatable place for its historic old town charm. However, Beijing does not have a historic old town.
With a famous historical old-town, Hanoi offers plenty to see. This compact and energetic area is filled with history, Vietnamese architecture, traditional food stalls, and some of the city's most interesting streets. It's also at the heart of the city's backpacker scene, and you'll find many hostels in the area.
Beijing does not have a historic old town.
Hanoi is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.
Hanoi is a world class destination for shoppers. Explore the Old Quarter where you'll find narrow shophouses and traditional markets. It's best to explore on foot and pop in to the places that look interesting. Silk Street and Silver Street are particularly fascinating.
Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Beijing. There are many unique handicrafts that you can purchase around town. Popular souvenirs include silk, pearls, and snuff bottles with pictures inside. The city has many shopping streets as well as markets and shopping malls that are worth visiting.
Beijing is a city with good options for its scenery and beauty. However, Hanoi is not a destination known for its beauty.
Beijing is a beautiful place to visit, too. The parks, gardens, palaces, and temples all offer a glimpse into the past, while also letting you enjoy the city and culture that exists today.
Hanoi is not a destination known for its beauty.
Both Hanoi and Beijing are good to visit with kids.
You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Hanoi. Some kids love the energy of the city, but others can get a bit intimidated by it. The traffic and chaotic congestion is part of the experience, but for kids it can feel overwhelming. Take a tour to help ease some of the pressure. Kids will also enjoy going to a water puppet show or visiting a museum such as the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology.
Beijing offers lots of family activities. The city offers a unique cultural immersion that kids and adults can enjoy. Wander through the Forbidden City or watch your kids be mesmerized by a Chinese acrobatics show. It's also fun to get lost in the Hutongs or test their culinary palates by visiting a snack street.
Both Hanoi and Beijing are good destinations for a couple's getaway.
Hanoi makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy adventure and exploring new cultures will love a trip to this fascinating city. If you want to get out of town, also book a trip through the stunning Halong Bay.
Beijing is a good city for couples to visit. The culture, history, and food all make this a stunning place to visit. While romance doesn't immediately spring to mind when you think of Beijing, there are shows and fine dining restaurants that couples will enjoy. There are also many luxury hotels with spas and other amenities.
Hanoi is an unbeatable place for backpackers. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.
Hanoi is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. It's a highlight for many backpackers doing the Southeast Asian circuit. It is filled with hostels and cheap places to eat, and there is no shortage of backpackers around town. Most stay in the Old Quarter, where you'll find the highest concentration of hostels and budget accommodation.
Beijing is very popular with the backpacker crowd. The city has many hostels and budget-friendly options. There isn't the backpacker community vibe that you may get in other Asian cities, but if you organize an excursion through your hostel, you're sure to make a few friends along the way.
Hanoi and Beijing are great places to visit for students.
Students come from all over to stay in Hanoi. It's affordability, fascinating culture, and accessibility make it a great study abroad destination. The food and plethora of cultural opportunities are a highlight for many international students.
Many students visit Beijing. Students will enjoy the culture, food, and academic opportunities that the universities offer. There is also a decent nightlife scene and affordable places where students can live.
Beijing is well known for its public transit. However, Hanoi is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.
The public transit in Beijing can get you around easily. The system can be crowded and confusing at first, but it's one of the most convenient and affordable ways to get around town. There's a subway system as well as buses, trolleybuses, and suburban rail.
Public transit is mostly limited in Hanoi. The best ways to get around town include motorbike taxis, cyclos, regular taxis, and local buses.
Hanoi is a city with good options for its ease of walking around. However, Beijing is a city with minimal options for its walkability.
Hanoi is a somewhat walkable city. There are parts of the city that are best explored on foot, but you'll also find crowded areas with motorbikes, food stalls, and cars, so come prepared for a bit of a thrill. Most visitors spend the majority of their time in the Old Quarter, which is compact and dense.
Beijing is generally not a very walkable city. While parts of the city are fun to explore on foot, the city itself is very large with long blocks that aren't pedestrian-friendly.
For even more information, also check out Is Hanoi Worth Visiting? and Is Beijing Worth Visiting?.
Both Hanoi and Beijing have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Beijing than in Hanoi. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Hanoi, and 3-7 days is enough time in Beijing.
Families should spend more time in Hanoi than Beijing. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Hanoi, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Hanoi than Beijing. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Hanoi that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Hanoi than Beijing if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Hanoi.
Because Hanoi is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.
In Beijing, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this jam-packed big city offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.
Because Hanoi is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Beijing. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.
Hanoi is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Hanoi has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.
Beijing is a fun place to experience. In Beijing, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this big city destination offers. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hanoi. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Hanoi. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.
In Beijing, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this cultural big city offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Vietnam, The Best G Adventures Tours to Vietnam, The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
The average daily cost (per person) in Hanoi is $59, while the average daily cost in Beijing 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 Hanoi and Beijing in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Hanoi or Beijing? 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.
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Hanoi:
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hanoi:
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Beijing:
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Beijing:
Prices for flights to both Beijing and Hanoi 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.
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Hanoi:
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Hanoi.
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Beijing:
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Beijing.
Here are a few typical costs in Hanoi for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
Here are a few actual costs in Hanoi for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
Here are a few typical costs in Beijing for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
Here are a few actual costs in Beijing for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
Also in Hanoi, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Beijing:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hanoi and Beijing, we can see that Beijing is more expensive. And not only is Hanoi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hanoi would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hanoi 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 Beijing would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Beijing than you might in Hanoi.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Hanoi Expensive? and Is Beijing Expensive?.
Beijing has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Hanoi. When comparing the sizes of Hanoi and Beijing, 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.
Beijing has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Hanoi experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Both Beijing and Hanoi are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hanoi throughout the year. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Beijing this time of year.
In the summer, Hanoi is around the same temperature as Beijing. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hanoi in July average around 29°C (84°F), and Beijing averages at about 27°C (80°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Beijing. It's quite rainy in Hanoi. In July, Hanoi usually receives more rain than Beijing. Hanoi gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain each month for the summer. The rainy season in Hanoi is May to September.
Both Beijing and Hanoi during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Hanoi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Beijing for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Hanoi is generally much warmer than Beijing. Daily temperatures in Hanoi average around 25°C (77°F), and Beijing fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Hanoi. Hanoi usually gets more rain in October than Beijing. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year. November to April is the dry season in Hanoi.
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hanoi and Beijing. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hanoi year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Beijing in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Beijing can get quite cold in the winter. Hanoi is much warmer than Beijing in the winter. The daily temperature in Hanoi averages around 17°C (63°F) in January, and Beijing fluctuates around -4°C (26°F).
In January, Hanoi usually receives more rain than Beijing. Hanoi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
The spring brings many poeple to Hanoi as well as Beijing. Hanoi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Beijing for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.
In the spring, Hanoi is much warmer than Beijing. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hanoi in April average around 24°C (75°F), and Beijing averages at about 14°C (57°F).
Hanoi receives a lot of rain in the spring. Hanoi usually gets more rain in April than Beijing. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, November to April in Hanoi is the dry season. May to September in Hanoi is the rainy season.
Hanoi | Beijing | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
Jan | 17°C (63°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | -4°C (26°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
Feb | 17°C (63°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | -1°C (30°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
Mar | 21°C (70°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
Apr | 24°C (75°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
May | 28°C (82°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
Jun | 29°C (84°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
Jul | 29°C (84°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) |
Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 200 mm (7.9 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 182 mm (7.2 in) |
Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
Oct | 25°C (77°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 14°C (56°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) |
Nov | 22°C (72°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
Dec | 18°C (64°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | -1°C (29°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |