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

Should you visit Hanoi or Guangzhou?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Hanoi and Guangzhou 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: Hanoi or Guangzhou?

Hanoi

Hanoi is the chaotic capital of Vietnam, and it serves as a great introduction to the country for many travelers. It's the second largest city in the country after Saigon and is an interesting combination of East meets West. There's traditional Vietnamese culture with subtle influences brought by the French. The city continues to grow and change rapidly and it's easy to get lost amidst the chaos.

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 Adventure Tours to Vietnam, The Best Eco Tours in Vietnam, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in China, and The Best 2-Week Tours in China.


Which place is cheaper, Guangzhou or Hanoi?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Hanoi is $49, 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 Hanoi and Guangzhou in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hanoi $25
    Guangzhou $57
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hanoi $50
    Guangzhou $114
Compare Hotels in Hanoi and Guangzhou

Looking for a hotel in Hanoi 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 Hanoi


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.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Hanoi Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hanoi $6.89
    Guangzhou $14
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hanoi

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Hanoi:


  • Taxi to Bus Station
    $1.20
  • Shuttle Bus From Airport (for Two)
    $3.20
  • Local Bus Ride (for Two)
    $0.40
  • Short Taxi Ride
    $1.36
  • Short Motorbike Ride (10 Minutes)
    $0.80

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hanoi

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hanoi:

  • 1 Day Halong Cruise Tour with Transfer and early return to Hanoi: $24
  • 1-Way Transfer between Hanoi and Ha Long via Limousine Bus: $22
  • 2 Days 1 night Ba Be Lake BEST ADVENTURE: transfer,homestay,boat,kayak,swim,cave: $153
  • 2 Days Halong Bay With Budget Cruise - Including Transfer From Hanoi: $148
  • 2-Day Adenture Pu Luong Motorbike Tour with Transfer from HANOI : $125
  • 2-Day Ninh Binh & Halong Bay With Transfer: $210
  • 3-Day Halong Bay Cruise with Round-trip Transfer From Hanoi: $285
  • 3-Day Hanoi - Ninh Binh - Halong Bay 5-Star Cruise & Transfer: $280
  • 3-Day Pu Luong Jungle Ride Motorbike Tour Transfer from Hanoi: $200
  • 3-Day Sapa Tour from Hanoi by Luxury Limousine Transfer: $201
  • 3-Day Sapa Trekking Village With Local Guide & Transfer: $150
  • 3-Night Sapa Trek and Homestay with Round Trip Transfer from Hanoi: $158

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 Hanoi or Guangzhou?

Prices for flights to both Guangzhou 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.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Hanoi $13
    Guangzhou $19
Typical Food Prices in Hanoi

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Hanoi:


  • High End Dinner (for Two)
    $12
  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    $4.39
  • Bowl of Pho
    $0.80
  • Italian Dinner (for Food)
    $6.19

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hanoi

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

  • Street Food Tour (Group/Individual): $5.13
  • (Group/Individual) HANOI STREET FOOD TOUR : $5.13
  • Hanoi Street Food Tour Visit Train Street Add Old Quarter: $19
  • Hanoi Walking Street Food Tour: $20
  • Hanoi Street Food Tour: $22
  • Hanoi Street Food Tour: $23
  • Ngon ngon & Authentic Hanoi Food Tour: $23
  • Mad Monkey Hoi An Cooking Class & Bamboo Boats: $23
  • Vietnamese Street Food Tour with a Local Guide: $24
  • Vietnamese Street Food Tour with Local Guide: $24
  • Walking Street Food Tour Small Group with Local Guide: $24
  • Guided Half-Day Hanoi Street Food Tour: $25

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.
    Hanoi $8.51
    Guangzhou $18
Typical Entertainment Prices in Hanoi

Here are a few typical costs in Hanoi for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Puppet Theater
    $1.60
  • The Hanoi Hilton Entrance
    $1.60
  • National History Museum
    $1.60
  • Puppet Theater Ticket
    $2.80

Tours and Activities in Hanoi

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

  • Bus Ticket Cat Ba - Hanoi ( Bus+ Ferry ) - Best Selling: $0.02
  • Hanoi Old Quarter Half-day Private Walking Tour : $5.00
  • Private Walking City Tour in Hanoi : $5.00
  • Private Hanoi Street Food Walking Tour: $5.00
  • Hanoi Street Food Experience: $5.00
  • Half-day Private Walking Tour of Hanoi's Old Quarter: $5.00
  • Sightseeing Walking Tour in Hanoi: $5.00
  • Street Food Walking Tour in Hanoi: $5.00
  • Private Walking Tour of Hanoi City: $5.00
  • Craft Village Tour (Quang Phu Cau, Bat Trang,...): $5.13
  • Early Morning Tour | Free Private Tour Guide: $5.13
  • Culture Exchange with Free Private Tour Guide: $5.13

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
    Hanoi $7.70
    Guangzhou $14

Sample the Local Flavors in Hanoi

Also in Hanoi, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Hanoi Beer and Brewery Tour: $48
  • Half-Day Guided Tour Australian Beef with Wine Tasting & Rickshaw in Hanoi: $106


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hanoi and Guangzhou, we can see that Guangzhou 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 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 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 Guangzhou Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Hanoi or Guangzhou?

Guangzhou has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Hanoi. When comparing the sizes of Hanoi 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.


When is the best time to visit Hanoi or Guangzhou?

Guangzhou has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Hanoi experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Hanoi or Guangzhou in the Summer?

Both Guangzhou and Hanoi are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hanoi throughout the year.

In July, Hanoi is generally around the same temperature as Guangzhou. Daily temperatures in Hanoi average around 29°C (84°F), and Guangzhou fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Guangzhou. It's quite rainy in Hanoi. In July, Hanoi usually receives less rain than Guangzhou. Hanoi gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Guangzhou receives 228 mm (9 in) of rain each month for the summer. The rainy season in Hanoi is May to September.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Hanoi 29°C (84°F) 
    Guangzhou 29°C (84°F)

Should I visit Hanoi or Guangzhou in the Autumn?

Both Guangzhou 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.

Hanoi is around the same temperature as Guangzhou in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hanoi averages around 25°C (77°F) in October, and Guangzhou fluctuates around 25°C (76°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hanoi. Hanoi usually gets more rain in October than Guangzhou. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Guangzhou receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year. November to April is the dry season in Hanoi.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Hanoi 25°C (77°F) 
    Guangzhou 25°C (76°F)

Should I visit Hanoi or Guangzhou in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hanoi and Guangzhou. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hanoi year-round.

In the winter, Hanoi is a little warmer than Guangzhou. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hanoi in January average around 17°C (63°F), and Guangzhou averages at about 14°C (58°F).

In January, Hanoi usually receives less rain than Guangzhou. Hanoi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Guangzhou receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Hanoi 17°C (63°F) 
    Guangzhou 14°C (58°F)

Should I visit Hanoi or Guangzhou in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Hanoi as well as Guangzhou. Hanoi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In April, Hanoi is generally around the same temperature as Guangzhou. Daily temperatures in Hanoi average around 24°C (75°F), and Guangzhou fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

It's quite rainy in Guangzhou. Hanoi receives a lot of rain in the spring. Hanoi usually gets less rain in April than Guangzhou. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Guangzhou receives 182 mm (7.2 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.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Hanoi 24°C (75°F) 
    Guangzhou 22°C (72°F)

Typical Weather for Guangzhou and Hanoi

Hanoi Guangzhou
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 17°C (63°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 14°C (58°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 17°C (63°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 15°C (59°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Mar 21°C (70°F) 50 mm (2 in) 18°C (65°F) 85 mm (3.4 in)
Apr 24°C (75°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 22°C (72°F) 182 mm (7.2 in)
May 28°C (82°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 26°C (79°F) 284 mm (11.2 in)
Jun 29°C (84°F) 190 mm (7.5 in) 28°C (82°F) 258 mm (10.1 in)
Jul 29°C (84°F) 210 mm (8.3 in) 29°C (84°F) 228 mm (9 in)
Aug 29°C (84°F) 200 mm (7.9 in) 29°C (84°F) 221 mm (8.7 in)
Sep 28°C (82°F) 160 mm (6.3 in) 28°C (82°F) 172 mm (6.8 in)
Oct 25°C (77°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 25°C (76°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 22°C (72°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 20°C (68°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Dec 18°C (64°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 16°C (61°F) 24 mm (0.9 in)