Which place is cheaper, Guilin or Hanoi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Hanoi or Guilin?
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 Guilin 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 Guilin?
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.
Guilin
Guilin is a city in Southern China situated on the west bank of the Li River with Hunan to the north. Its name means, "Forest of Sweet Osmanthus," owing to the large number of fragrant Sweet Osmanthus trees located in the city. Products like tea, sugar, and wine, can be made from the tree and are found in many shops throughout Guilin. A popular tourist destination, the city is renowned for its scenery of karst topography with unique mountains jutting out of the urban landscape.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Vietnam, The Best G Adventures Tours to Vietnam, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in China, and The Best Historical Tours in China.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHanoi $49Guilin $68
The average daily cost (per person) in Hanoi is $49, while the average daily cost in Guilin is $68. 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 Guilin in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHanoi $25Guilin $35
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHanoi $50Guilin $70
Compare Hotels in Hanoi and Guilin
Looking for a hotel in Hanoi or Guilin? 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: Hanoi Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Hanoi $7.01Guilin $5.87
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hanoi
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Hanoi:
-
Taxi to Bus Station$1.22
-
Shuttle Bus From Airport (for Two)$3.25
-
Local Bus Ride (for Two)$0.41
-
Short Taxi Ride$1.38
-
Short Motorbike Ride (10 Minutes)$0.81
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hanoi
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hanoi:
- Hanoi Airport Private Transfer (Danny Phan Travel): $15
- Shared Transfer Hanoi - Halong (And Vice Versa) By Limousine Car: $17
- ( Deluxe & Small Group ) Bai Dinh Trang An Mua Cave Tour with Limousine Transfer: $54
- 1 Day Halong Cruise Tour with Transfer and early return to Hanoi: $36
- 1 day Halong Bay with Superior Wego Cruise with Lunch & Transfer: $36
- 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-Day Adenture Pu Luong Motorbike Tour with Transfer from HANOI : $125
- 2-Day Hanoi - Ninh Binh - Ha Long Bay With Transfer: $190
- 2-Day Ninh Binh & Halong Bay With Transfer: $210
- 2-day Ha Long Bay Cruise included Transfer, Kayking and Swimming: $180
- 2-day Mai Chau and Pu Luong with round trip transfer from Hanoi: $168
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Guilin
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Guilin are as follows:
-
Taxi$2.82
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guilin
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Guilin:
- 2-hours Yangshuo Yulong Bamboo Boat Tour with the Round-way Private Transfers: $83
- Guilin Airport to Yangshuo: Private Transfer for up to 15 Pax: $190
- Guilin Private Transfer (English-speaking) Between Guilin Hotels & Yangshuo: $93
- Guilin Railway stations Transfer Service: $37
- Guilin Transfer Services: Airport,train station & hotel: $59
- Guilin liangjiang Airport Chauffeur Service,Guilin Airport Transfer: $57
- Four Lakes Night Cruise with Round-trip Transfer: $59
- Haikou Meilan Airport Chauffeur Service, Haikou Airport Transfer, Pick up: $75
- Haikou Meilan International Airport Chauffeur Service ,Haikou Airport Transfer: $56
- Haikou Meilan International Airport Chauffeur Service, Haikou Airport Transfer: $50
- Live Show of Impression Liu San Jie including the Transfer Services: $102
- Private Airport Transfer:Guilin Hotel to Guilin Liangjiang International Airport: $35
Is it cheaper to fly into Hanoi or Guilin?
Prices for flights to both Guilin 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 dayHanoi $13Guilin $23
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)$4.47
-
Bowl of Pho$0.81
-
Italian Dinner (for Food)$6.30
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hanoi
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Hanoi.
- Private Traditional Vietnamese Food Cooking Class in Hanoi : $5.00
- (Group/Individual) HANOI STREET FOOD TOUR : $5.13
- Street Food Tour (Group/Individual): $5.29
- Street Food Tour with Train Street and Old Quarter: $14
- Best Hanoi Food Tour Visit Train Street Add Old Quarter: $18
- Guided Street Food Tour with Train Street Experience: $19
- Hanoi Walking Street Food Tour: $20
- Hanoi Food Tour with Train Street Visit: $20
- Hanoi food tour-Local street food tour (food&guide included): $21
- Hanoi street food tour small group tour: $22
- Ngon ngon & Authentic Hanoi Food Tour: $23
- Hanoi Street Food Tour: $23
Typical Food Prices in Guilin
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Guilin:
-
Fresh Coconut Drink$1.41
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Guilin
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Guilin.
- Half day Yangshuo Cooking lesson Small Group Tour: $62
- Full-Day Li-River with the 4 Star Luxury Boat VIP Room and Yangshuo Cooking Tour: $286
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Hanoi $8.65Guilin $28
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$1.63
-
The Hanoi Hilton Entrance$1.63
-
National History Museum$1.63
-
Puppet Theater Ticket$2.84
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 Vegan Street Food & Train Street Tour: $0.03
- Hanoi Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $4.20
- Street Food Walking Tour in Hanoi: $5.00
- Hanoi Old Quarter Private Half Day Walking Tour : $5.00
- Half Day Hanoi Old Quarter Private Walking Tour in Vietnam: $5.00
- Half-day Private Walking Tour of Hanoi's Old Quarter: $5.00
- Skip the line: Thang Long Water Puppet Theater Entrance Tickets: $5.00
- Hanoi Street Food Experience: $5.00
- Private Walking City Tour in Hanoi : $5.00
- Hanoi Old Quarter Street Food Experience: $5.00
- Private Early Morning Tour in Hanoi City: $5.00
Typical Entertainment Prices in Guilin
Here are a few typical costs in Guilin for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
-
Entrance to the Caves$17
Tours and Activities in Guilin
Here are a few actual costs in Guilin for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Guilin Four lakes night cruise with the English speaking driver from Guilin hotel: $47
- Guilin City Center Walking Group Tour at Night for Three Hours: $50
- Kayaking Adventure with Local Guide: $51
- One Day Private Longji Rice Terraces with Minority village tour: $52
- Half-Day Self-Guided Yangshuo Xianggong Hill Sunrise Tour: $52
- Guilin Classic Li River Day Tour with Xianggong Hill : $55
- Private Full-Day City Tour with Fubo Hill: $61
- Full-Day Guilin Essence and Lifestyle Walking Tour: $69
- 1-DAY Private Longji Rice Terraces and Minority Villages Tour: $70
- 1-DAy Private Guilin -Li River Cruise-Yangshuo Highlights tour: $70
- Yangshuo Old Town and 3 star Li River Cruise from Guilin: $72
- Private Bike Tour: Yangshuo Countryside: $73
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayHanoi $7.83Guilin $5.83
Sample the Local Flavors in Hanoi
Also in Hanoi, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Guided Bar Crawl with Drinks and Nightclub Entry: $63
- Half-Day Guided Tour Australian Beef with Wine Tasting & Rickshaw in Hanoi: $109
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hanoi and Guilin, we can see that Guilin 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 Guilin would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Guilin 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 Guilin Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Hanoi or Guilin?
Hanoi has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Guilin. When comparing the sizes of Hanoi and Guilin, 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 Guilin?
Guilin 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 Guilin in the Summer?
Both Guilin 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 Guilin. Daily temperatures in Hanoi average around 29°C (84°F), and Guilin fluctuates around 30°C (86°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Guilin. It's quite rainy in Hanoi. In July, Hanoi usually receives around the same amount of rain as Guilin. Hanoi gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Guilin receives 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain each month for the summer. The rainy season in Hanoi is May to September.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyHanoi 29°C (84°F)Guilin 30°C (86°F)
Should I visit Hanoi or Guilin in the Autumn?
Both Guilin 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 a little warmer than Guilin in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hanoi averages around 25°C (77°F) in October, and Guilin fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Hanoi. Hanoi usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Guilin. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Guilin receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year. November to April is the dry season in Hanoi.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHanoi 25°C (77°F)Guilin 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Hanoi or Guilin in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hanoi and Guilin. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hanoi year-round.
In the winter, Hanoi is much warmer than Guilin. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hanoi in January average around 17°C (63°F), and Guilin averages at about 10°C (49°F).
In January, Hanoi usually receives less rain than Guilin. Hanoi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Guilin receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHanoi 17°C (63°F)Guilin 10°C (49°F)
Should I visit Hanoi or Guilin in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Hanoi as well as Guilin. Hanoi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In April, Hanoi is generally a little warmer than Guilin. Daily temperatures in Hanoi average around 24°C (75°F), and Guilin fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).
It's quite rainy in Guilin. Hanoi receives a lot of rain in the spring. Hanoi usually gets less rain in April than Guilin. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Guilin receives 263 mm (10.3 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 AprilHanoi 24°C (75°F)Guilin 20°C (68°F)
Typical Weather for Guilin and Hanoi
| Hanoi | Guilin | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 17°C (63°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Feb | 17°C (63°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Mar | 21°C (70°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) |
| Apr | 24°C (75°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 263 mm (10.3 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 334 mm (13.2 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (84°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 320 mm (12.6 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (84°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 206 mm (8.1 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 200 mm (7.9 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 168 mm (6.6 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (77°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) |
| Nov | 22°C (72°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | 18°C (64°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 47 mm (1.9 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.