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

Should you visit Hanoi or Havana?

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 Havana 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 Havana?

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.

Havana

The city of Havana is at the top of most peoples' bucket list - mostly because of the allure of a forbidden land. Before the Communist revolution, Cuba was a popular tourist destination. Since it has reopened in the 1990s, it has drawn tourists from all over the world (except the US).

This capital city is a land trapped in the past. With 50 years of neglect, when you step off the plane, prepare to step back in time. A trip to Havana is meant for those with truly open minds - and when they arrive they'll be swept away.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Vietnam, and The Best Eco Tours in Vietnam.


Which place is cheaper, Havana or Hanoi?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Hanoi is $48, while the average daily cost in Havana is $65. 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 Havana in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hanoi $25
    Havana $40
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hanoi $50
    Havana $80
Compare Hotels in Hanoi and Havana

Looking for a hotel in Hanoi or Havana? 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 Havana


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 $6.79
    Havana $19
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hanoi

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


  • Taxi to Bus Station
    $1.18
  • Shuttle Bus From Airport (for Two)
    $3.15
  • Local Bus Ride (for Two)
    $0.39
  • Short Taxi Ride
    $1.34
  • Short Motorbike Ride (10 Minutes)
    $0.79

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hanoi

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hanoi:

  • ( 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: $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 Hanoi - Ninh Binh - Ha Long Bay With Transfer: $190
  • 2-Day In Halong Bay Cruise With Transfer From Hanoi: $180
  • 2-Day Ninh Binh & Halong Bay With Transfer: $210
  • 2-day Ha Long Bay Cruise included Transfer, Kayking and Swimming: $180
  • 25 Minutes Scenic Halong Seaplane from Hanoi Transfer Expressway: $280
  • 3-Day Halong Bay Cruise with Round-trip Transfer From Hanoi: $285

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Havana

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Havana:


  • Short Taxi Ride
    $0.68

Is it cheaper to fly into Hanoi or Havana?

Prices for flights to both Havana 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
    Havana $10
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)
    $11
  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    $4.33
  • Bowl of Pho
    $0.79
  • Italian Dinner (for Food)
    $6.10

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
  • Hanoi free food tour - Old Quarter food walking tour: $5.00
  • Street Food Tour (Group/Individual): $5.11
  • (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
  • Street Food Tour By Walking: $21
  • Walking Street Food Tour Small Group with Local Guide: $22
  • Hanoi Street Food Tour: $22
  • Hanoi street food tour small group tour: $22
  • Hanoi Street Food Tour: $23
  • Mad Monkey Hoi An Cooking Class & Bamboo Boats: $23

Typical Food Prices in Havana

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


  • Pizza
    $0.03

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hanoi $8.38
    Havana $11
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
    $1.57
  • The Hanoi Hilton Entrance
    $1.57
  • National History Museum
    $1.57
  • Puppet Theater Ticket
    $2.75

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
  • Hanoi Old Quarter Free walking tour: $5.00
  • Private Walking Tour of Hanoi City: $5.00
  • Half Day Hanoi Old Quarter Private Walking Tour: $5.00
  • Skip the line: Thang Long Water Puppet Theater Entrance Tickets: $5.00
  • Street Food Walking Tour in Hanoi: $5.00
  • Sightseeing Walking Tour in Hanoi: $5.00
  • Half-day Private Walking Tour of Hanoi's Old Quarter: $5.00
  • Hanoi Street Food Experience: $5.00
  • Half Day Hanoi Old Quarter Private Walking Tour : $5.00
  • Private Hanoi Street Food Walking Tour: $5.00

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hanoi $7.58
    Havana $5.76

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

Typical Alcohol Prices in Havana

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Havana:


  • Mojito
    $0.15


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hanoi and Havana, we can see that Havana is more expensive. And not only is Hanoi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Hanoi is in Asia and Havana is in Caribbean Islands, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Havana would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Havana 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 Havana Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Hanoi or Havana?

Havana has a larger population, and is about 51% larger than the population of Hanoi. When comparing the sizes of Hanoi and Havana, 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 Havana?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.

Should I visit Hanoi or Havana in the Summer?

Both Havana and Hanoi are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hanoi throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Havana because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

The rainy season in Hanoi is May to September. It's quite rainy in Hanoi. In July, Hanoi usually receives more rain than Havana. Hanoi gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Havana receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

In the summer, Hanoi is around the same temperature as Havana. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hanoi in July average around 29°C (84°F), and Havana averages at about 27°C (81°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Hanoi 29°C (84°F) 
    Havana 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Hanoi or Havana in the Autumn?

Both Havana 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Havana year-round.

November to April is the dry season in Hanoi. It rains a lot this time of the year in Hanoi. Hanoi usually gets more rain in October than Havana. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Havana receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

In October, Hanoi is generally around the same temperature as Havana. Daily temperatures in Hanoi average around 25°C (77°F), and Havana fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).


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

Should I visit Hanoi or Havana in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hanoi and Havana. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hanoi year-round. Havana attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In January, Hanoi usually receives less rain than Havana. Hanoi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Havana receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Hanoi is cooler than Havana in the winter. The daily temperature in Hanoi averages around 17°C (63°F) in January, and Havana fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Hanoi 17°C (63°F) 
    Havana 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Hanoi or Havana in the Spring?

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

Also, November to April in Hanoi is the dry season. May to September in Hanoi is the rainy season. Hanoi receives a lot of rain in the spring. Hanoi usually gets more rain in April than Havana. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Havana receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the spring, Hanoi is around the same temperature as Havana. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hanoi in April average around 24°C (75°F), and Havana averages at about 24°C (75°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Hanoi 24°C (75°F) 
    Havana 24°C (75°F)

Typical Weather for Havana and Hanoi

Hanoi Havana
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 17°C (63°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 21°C (70°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Feb 17°C (63°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Mar 21°C (70°F) 50 mm (2 in) 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Apr 24°C (75°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 24°C (75°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
May 28°C (82°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 26°C (79°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jun 29°C (84°F) 190 mm (7.5 in) 27°C (81°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Jul 29°C (84°F) 210 mm (8.3 in) 27°C (81°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Aug 29°C (84°F) 200 mm (7.9 in) 27°C (81°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 28°C (82°F) 160 mm (6.3 in) 26°C (79°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Oct 25°C (77°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 25°C (77°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 22°C (72°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Dec 18°C (64°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 22°C (72°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)