Which place is cheaper, Kuala Lumpur or Hanoi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Hanoi and Kuala Lumpur 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 historical, fascinating, and high energy city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.
Kuala Lumpur is a historic, modern, and welcoming city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.
Travelers will usually find more to do in Hanoi. Although Hanoi and Kuala Lumpur are popular destinations, Hanoi has more sights and attractions for tourists. Hanoi is very popular for its historical sights, while Kuala Lumpur attracts visitors for its food and impressive beauty. Hanoi is famous for its impressive street food, historical museums, and bustling energy. It is also well known for Hoan Kiem Lake. Kuala Lumpur is famous for its blend of cultures and cuisines, its mix of modern and colonial, and its bustling neighborhoods with markets and restaurants.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Kuala Lumpur and Hanoi. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Plenty of people visit the fantastic sights and museums in both Hanoi and Kuala Lumpur.
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, Kuala Lumpur has many famous sights for visitors. The most notable landmark in the city is the famed Petronas Twin Towers, but other popular sights include Merdeka Square, Kuala Lumpur Tower, and the National Museum.
Kuala Lumpur 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 Kuala Lumpur have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The food is influenced by the populations that live here and you'll find a lot of Malay, Chinese and Indian flavors. Spicy curries and noodle dishes are very common. Street food is also a mainstay in this city and it's an experience to wander the market streets and sample dishes from the different vendors.
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 Kuala Lumpur.
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 Kuala Lumpur for the nightlife scene. Rooftop bars and lounges are popular hangout spots after the sun sets. For classy pubs and clubs head to the Golden Triangle district, but if drinking and partying isn't your thing, the city's night markets are not to be missed.
Hanoi is a world-class destination for its historic old town. However, Kuala Lumpur does not have a historic old town.
The historic old town of Hanoi is revered around the world. 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.
Kuala Lumpur does not have a historic old town.
Shopping is a popular activity in both Kuala Lumpur and Hanoi.
The abundance of shops in Hanoi make it a world-class shopping destination. 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.
Many people travel to Kuala Lumpur specifically to go shopping. The city is filled with shopping malls, and a big appeal of shopping in this city is the very affordable prices. Some of the most popular shopping malls are Suria KLCC at the base of the Petronas Towers as well as the malls in the Bukit Bintang/Jalan Imbi areas.
Kuala Lumpur is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Hanoi is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.
Kuala Lumpur is a very kid-friendly city. This family-friendly city includes a surprising number of opportunities to experience wildlife. There's an aquarium, petting zoos, and places to see the wild monkeys. There are also large playgrounds including one by the Petronas Towers. Kids will also enjoy exploring the Botanical Gardens, Butterfly Park, and the Forest Eco Park.
Hanoi offers lots of family activities. 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.
Kuala Lumpur is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Hanoi is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.
Couples visit Kuala Lumpur frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. This city has diverse restaurants and a number of luxury hotels at affordable prices. For couples who enjoy romance on a budget, this is a good city.
Hanoi is a good city for couples to visit. 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.
Hanoi is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Kuala Lumpur is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.
Many backpackers frequent Hanoi. 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.
Kuala Lumpur is a great city to visit for backpackers. This is a popular stop for backpackers on the Southeast Asia circuit. It's modern and comfortable but also affordable and diverse. The city has a number of affordable hostels, but it also has a more laid back and authentic vibe than you'll find in many other Southeast Asian cities. The city also isn't as touristy as some other cities, so the people are down to Earth and helpful without being jaded by all of the vacationers.
Kuala Lumpur is renowned for students. Also, Hanoi is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.
Kuala Lumpur is a very popular city for students. It's affordability, diversity, and dynamic atmosphere make this a great city for international students.
Many students visit 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.
Kuala Lumpur is renowned for its public transit. However, Hanoi is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.
Kuala Lumpur has a great public transit system. The system is relatively easy to navigate with most signs in English. There are buses, a monorail, light rail transit and commuter trains.
Public transit is mostly limited in Hanoi. The best ways to get around town include motorbike taxis, cyclos, regular taxis, and local buses.
Kuala Lumpur is well known for its high level of walkability. Also, Hanoi is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.
Kuala Lumpur is a very walkable city. Traffic can be congested, but there are many wide sidewalks and pedestrian areas around town. The River of Life waterfront area offers nice paths that connect many tourist areas.
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.
For even more information, also check out Is Hanoi Worth Visiting? and Is Kuala Lumpur Worth Visiting?.
In either Hanoi or Kuala Lumpur, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Kuala Lumpur has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Kuala Lumpur than Hanoi. In general, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Hanoi, and 1-5 days is enough time in Kuala Lumpur.
Families should spend more time in Kuala Lumpur than Hanoi. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Kuala Lumpur, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Kuala Lumpur than Hanoi. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Kuala Lumpur that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Hanoi than Kuala Lumpur 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.
Each neighborhood in Hanoi has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.
In Kuala Lumpur, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this diverse big city offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.
Hanoi is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kuala Lumpur. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.
Each neighborhood in Hanoi has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.
Kuala Lumpur is a fun place to experience. In Kuala Lumpur, 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.
Hanoi is a popular place to visit. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.
You'll find food and shopping around the diverse big city of Kuala Lumpur. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.
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 Kuala Lumpur is $60. 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 Kuala Lumpur in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Hanoi or Kuala Lumpur? 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:
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Kuala Lumpur are as follows:
Also for Kuala Lumpur, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Prices for flights to both Kuala Lumpur 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.
For Kuala Lumpur, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
For Kuala Lumpur, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
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:
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Kuala Lumpur's activities, tours, and tickets:
For Kuala Lumpur, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
Also in Hanoi, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Kuala Lumpur are as follows:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hanoi and Kuala Lumpur, we can see that Kuala Lumpur 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 Kuala Lumpur would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kuala Lumpur 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 Kuala Lumpur Expensive?.
Kuala Lumpur has a larger population, and is about 2% larger than the population of Hanoi. When comparing the sizes of Hanoi and Kuala Lumpur, 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.
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
The summer brings many poeple to Hanoi as well as Kuala Lumpur. Hanoi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kuala Lumpur throughout the year.
May to September in Hanoi is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Kuala Lumpur. Hanoi receives a lot of rain in the summer. Hanoi usually gets more rain in July than Kuala Lumpur. Hanoi gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Kuala Lumpur receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
In July, Hanoi is generally around the same temperature as Kuala Lumpur. Daily temperatures in Hanoi average around 29°C (84°F), and Kuala Lumpur fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
Both Kuala Lumpur and Hanoi are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hanoi throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Kuala Lumpur because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The dry season in Hanoi is November to April. It rains a lot this time of the year in Kuala Lumpur. It's quite rainy in Hanoi. In October, Hanoi usually receives less rain than Kuala Lumpur. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Kuala Lumpur receives 280 mm (11 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
Hanoi is around the same temperature as Kuala Lumpur in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hanoi averages around 25°C (77°F) in October, and Kuala Lumpur fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
Both Kuala Lumpur and Hanoi during the winter 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 Kuala Lumpur year-round.
Kuala Lumpur gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Hanoi usually gets less rain in January than Kuala Lumpur. Hanoi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Kuala Lumpur receives 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the winter, Hanoi is much colder than Kuala Lumpur. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hanoi in January average around 17°C (63°F), and Kuala Lumpur averages at about 27°C (81°F).
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Hanoi and Kuala Lumpur. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hanoi year-round. Kuala Lumpur attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
November to April in Hanoi is the dry season. Also, May to September is the rainy season in Hanoi. Kuala Lumpur receives a lot of rain in the spring. Hanoi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Hanoi usually receives less rain than Kuala Lumpur. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Kuala Lumpur receives 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
In April, Hanoi is generally cooler than Kuala Lumpur. Daily temperatures in Hanoi average around 24°C (75°F), and Kuala Lumpur fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
Hanoi | Kuala Lumpur | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
Jan | 17°C (63°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 239 mm (9.4 in) |
Feb | 17°C (63°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 200 mm (7.9 in) |
Mar | 21°C (70°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) |
Apr | 24°C (75°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) |
May | 28°C (82°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
Jun | 29°C (84°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) |
Jul | 29°C (84°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 200 mm (7.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) |
Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 200 mm (7.9 in) |
Oct | 25°C (77°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 280 mm (11 in) |
Nov | 22°C (72°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 290 mm (11.4 in) |
Dec | 18°C (64°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 250 mm (9.8 in) |