Which place is cheaper, Lijiang or Hanoi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Hanoi or Lijiang?
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 Lijiang 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 Lijiang?
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.
Lijiang
Lijiang is a city in Southwestern China with a history of rule under the Mu family during the Ming and Qing dynasties. It played a key role along the Ancient Southern Silk Road, which started from Burma, crossed Lijiang, Shangri-La County, Tibet, journeyed through Iran, the Fertile Crescent, and ultimately to the Mediterranean Sea. The area was once a center for trade, politics, culture, and education, which is still evident in the rich culture seen today. Lijiang has also been the home of centuries to the Naxi people who still inhabit the area.
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.
-
Hanoi Prices
Vietnam PricesLijiang Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHanoi $57Lijiang $55
The average daily cost (per person) in Hanoi is $57, while the average daily cost in Lijiang is $55. 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 Lijiang in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHanoi $25Lijiang $16
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHanoi $50Lijiang $32
Compare Hotels in Hanoi and Lijiang
Looking for a hotel in Hanoi or Lijiang? 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 $6.54Lijiang $5.67
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hanoi
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Hanoi:
-
Taxi to Bus Station$1.14
-
Shuttle Bus From Airport (for Two)$3.03
-
Local Bus Ride (for Two)$0.38
-
Short Taxi Ride$1.29
-
Short Motorbike Ride (10 Minutes)$0.76
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hanoi
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hanoi:
- Wonder Bay Cruise 1 Day Trip Transfer from Hanoi by Expressway: $80
- VIP LUXURY Sapa 2D1N -TRANSFER BY LUX LIMOUSINE CAR (Stay at 5* hotel): $189
- V.I.P Halong/Lan Ha Bay Full Day With Luxury Transfer From Hanoi: $120
- Transfer Hanoi to Halong Super Limousine Morning Bus: $33
- The most Luxury Day Cruise with transfer from Ha Noi & Drink : $101
- The Best Sapa Tour 2D1N At 3 Star Hotel by sleeping BUS TRANSFER : $116
- Symphony Cruise- Luxury Day Trip From Hanoi With Express Transfer: $105
- Shuttle Bus Transfer from Hanoi to Halong Bay : $17
- Sapa Trekking 2 Days 1 Night Transfer By Sleeper Bus: $150
- Sapa Trek Tours -2D1N Stay At 3*** -TRANSFER BY SLEEPING BUS: $139
- Sapa Tours 2D1N stay At 4 stars hotel nice Sleeping Bus TRANSFER : $138
- SAPA 2 Days Trekking Tour Transfer from HANOI (Hotel Overnight): $135
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lijiang
Also for Lijiang, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Lijiang Sanyi International Airport Chauffeur Service,Lijiang Airport Transfer: $57
- Ethnic Costume Photoshoot with Hotel Transfers: $131
- Private Transfer from Lijiang hotel/airport(LJG) to Dali : $149
- Private Transfer from Lijiang to Shangri-La and Stops at Tiger Leaping Gorge: $159
- Private Transfer from Lijiang/Shuhe hotel to Dali and Stops at Shaxi Old Town: $160
Is it cheaper to fly into Hanoi or Lijiang?
Prices for flights to both Lijiang 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 $23Lijiang $30
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)$4.17
-
Bowl of Pho$0.76
-
Italian Dinner (for Food)$5.88
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hanoi
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Hanoi.
- Hanoi Cooking Class: Pho/Bun Cha/Banh Xeo...+Free Egg/Salt Coffee: $19
- Hanoi local street food tour: $20
- Hanoi food tour-Local street food tour (food&guide included): $22
- Hanoi Street Food Tour with Train Street Visit: $22
- Hanoi Street Food Tour: $23
- Hanoi Street Food Tour with Local Delicacies (3 Hours): $24
- Best Hanoi Day Street Food Tour with Real Foodie Tastings: $24
- Hanoi Food Tours: $24
- Best Seller Hanoi Street Food Tour with Train Street Visit: $25
- Hanoi Street Food Tour - Best Price: $25
- Ninh Binh Cooking Class at Buffalo Cave: $25
- Half Day Street Food Tours in Hanoi: $25
Typical Food Prices in Lijiang
For Lijiang, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
-
Lunch for Two$4.21
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lijiang
For Lijiang, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Lijiang Naxi Cuisine Cooking Class & Market Visit: $59
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Hanoi $8.07Lijiang $20
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$1.52
-
The Hanoi Hilton Entrance$1.52
-
National History Museum$1.52
-
Puppet Theater Ticket$2.65
Tours and Activities in Hanoi
Here are a few actual costs in Hanoi for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 1 Day Dia Tang Phi Lai, Cay Thi Pagoda and Trang An Complex Tour: $122
- 2 Day Private Guided Tour in Pu Luong Nature Hanoi: $169
- 2 Day Victory Cruise to Explore Halong Bay from Hanoi: $170
- 2 Days Hanoi City Bus Tour Experience: $239
- 2 Days and 1 Night Lan Ha Bay Adventure from Hanoi: $245
- 2 days 1 Night Sapa Trekking Group Tour: $126
- 2 days 1 night Sapa trekking group tour at homestay: $160
- 2-Day Ta Chi Nhu Mountain Hiking Experience: $228
- 2-day Explore Halong Bay in Caravella Cruise: $268
- 3D2N Cao Bang Ba Be Lake Experience: $190
- 3D2N Sapa Bac Ha Shared Tour: $245
- 4 Days 3 Nights Ha Giang Loop Tour from Hanoi by Sleeper Bus: $235
Tours and Activities in Lijiang
For Lijiang, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Via Ferrata with Zipline Experience in Lijiang: $42
- Biking tour&guide visit Lijiang baisha village market park: $50
- 4 Hour Private Lijiang City Highlights Walking Tour: $72
- Tiger Leaping Gorge with Lijiang Private Tour: $112
- Lijiang to Shangri-La HuXiang Road Private Scenic Tour: $116
- Lijiang：Yulong Snow Mountain Yakniuping Cableway Day Tour: $117
- Lijiang to Shangri-La Scenic Drive Tour with Tiger Leaping Gorge: $119
- Baisha, Naxi Village, Lashi Wetlands Private Tour: $120
- Ethnic-Style Travel Photoshoot Immersive Experience: $131
- 1 Day Private Tour to Shaxi Ancient Town from Lijiang or Dali: $165
- 1 Day Tiger Teaping Gorge Private Tour from Lijiang or Shangri-La: $170
- Beautiful Country road Biking tour to Xinhua village Heqing start from Lijiang: $173
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayHanoi $7.30Lijiang $7.98
When comparing the travel costs between Hanoi and Lijiang, we can see that Hanoi is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Hanoi Expensive? and Is Lijiang Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Hanoi or Lijiang?
Hanoi has a larger population, and is about 26% larger than the population of Lijiang. When comparing the sizes of Hanoi and Lijiang, 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.
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.