Which place is cheaper, Penang or Hanoi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Hanoi or Penang?
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 Penang 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 Penang?
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.
Penang
Just off the northwestern coast of Malaysia is the charming and diverse island state of Penang. As the link between the ancient kingdoms of Asia and Europe's colonial empire, this area is enriched with Malay, Chinese, Indian and European influences. This exciting culture is centered in George Town, the main city of the state.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Vietnam, The Best G Adventures Tours to Vietnam, The Best 10-Day Tours in Malaysia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Malaysia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHanoi $49Penang $114
The average daily cost (per person) in Hanoi is $49, while the average daily cost in Penang is $114. 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 Penang in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHanoi $25Penang $53
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHanoi $50Penang $106
Compare Hotels in Hanoi and Penang
Looking for a hotel in Hanoi or Penang? 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 and Penang Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Hanoi $7.01Penang $14
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hanoi
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Hanoi:
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Taxi to Bus Station$1.22
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Shuttle Bus From Airport (for Two)$3.25
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Local Bus Ride (for Two)$0.41
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Short Taxi Ride$1.38
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Short Motorbike Ride (10 Minutes)$0.81
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hanoi
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hanoi:
- Luxury Halong Bay Day Tour - 6 hours cruising - Limousine transfers: $119
- Private Transfer Between Hanoi Airport and Hanoi Old Quarter CTS: $14
- 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-Way Transfer between Hanoi and Ha Long via Limousine Bus: $22
- 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
- 25 Minutes Scenic Halong Seaplane from Hanoi Transfer Expressway: $280
- 2D1N Ha Long Bay by Calypso Cruise, Caves, Meals, Transfer : $160
- 3-Day Pu Luong Jungle Ride Motorbike Tour Transfer from Hanoi: $200
- 3-Day Sapa Tour from Hanoi by Luxury Limousine Transfer: $201
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Penang
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Penang:
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Local Bus$1.39
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Island Ferry$0.55
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Bus From Airport to George Town$0.62
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Taxi From Airport to George Town$11
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Motorbike Rental (One Day)$6.93
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Bicycle Rental (One Day)$2.31
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Penang
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Penang:
- Chauffeur: Penang Island to Singapore Van Transfer: $145
- Full-Day Private Transfer in Penang City : $219
- Penang Airport (PEN) to Penang Island - Arrival Private Transfer : $40
- Penang Airport (PEN) to Penang Island - Arrival Private transfer: $44
- Penang Airport (PEN) to Swettenham Cruise Port - Arrival Private Transfer: $41
- Penang Airport (PEN): Transfer to Swettenham Cruise Port: $120
- Penang Airport Transfer ( 24/7): $33
- Penang Airport Transfer to Georgetown/City Hotel or Resort/Beach Hotel: $14
- Penang Airport Transfer to Penang Beach Hotel/Resort or vice versa: $23
- Penang Airport to Swettenham Cruise Port - Round Trip Transfer: $80
- Penang City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur Airport One-way Transfer: $140
- Penang City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur City Hotels One-way Transfer: $140
Is it cheaper to fly into Hanoi or Penang?
Prices for flights to both Penang 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
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Food Meals for one dayHanoi $13Penang $36
Typical Food Prices in Hanoi
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Hanoi:
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High End Dinner (for Two)$12
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$4.47
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Bowl of Pho$0.81
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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.
- Hanoi Street Food Tour: $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
- Guided Street Food Tour with Train Street Experience: $19
- Hanoi Street Food Tour with Train Street Visit Experience: $19
- Hanoi local street food tour: $20
- Hanoi Food Tour with Train Street Visit: $20
- Hanoi street food tour small group tour: $22
- Street Food Tour Hanoi By Walking: $23
- Best Hanoi Day Street Food Tour with Real Foodie Tastings: $24
- Hanoi Maya Kitchen: Traditional Cooking Class & Market Tour: $24
Typical Food Prices in Penang
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Penang:
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Snack$1.85
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Dinner at The Suffolk House (for 2)$79
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Lunch at Sakae Sushi (for 2)$67
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Lassy Juice$1.62
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Dinner for 2$3.46
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Street Stall Food$0.65
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$4.39
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Italian Lunch (for Two)$11
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Penang
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Penang.
- Good Morning Penang Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
- Penang Plates Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
- Penang Food Tour - Georgetown: $62
- Eat Like A Local: Penang Street Food Tour: $62
- Local Street Food Tour in Georgetown Penang : $62
- 3-Hour Heritage on a Plate Dinner Hop in George Town Penang: $70
- 4-Hour Georgetown Food Tour: $88
- Penang Cooking Class:Dive into Malaysian Cuisine with PenangChiak: $92
- Private Half Day Penang Tasty Local Street Food Tour: $97
- Dinner at Penang Hill: $102
- Private Dinner at THE TOP with Skywalk Experience from Penang: $103
- Chef Samuel's Private Malaysian Cooking Class with Wet Market Tour: $116
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Hanoi $8.65Penang $54
Typical Entertainment Prices in Hanoi
Here are a few typical costs in Hanoi for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Puppet Theater$1.63
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The Hanoi Hilton Entrance$1.63
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National History Museum$1.63
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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
- Skip the Line: Thang Long Water Puppet Entrance Tickets: $4.00
- Skip the Line: Thang Long Water Puppet Theater Entrance Tickets: $4.00
- Skip the Line: Thang Long Water Puppet Theater Entrance Tickets: $4.00
- Skip the Line: Thang Long Water Puppet Theater Entrance Tickets: $4.00
- Skip the line: Thang Long Water Puppet Theater Entrance Tickets: $4.00
- Hanoi Old Quarter Private Daily Street Food Experience: $5.00
- Hanoi Private Walking Tour inside Old Quarter: $5.00
- Hanoi Old Quarter Street Food Experience: $5.00
- Half-day Private Walking Tour of Hanoi's Old Quarter: $5.00
- Street Food Walking Tour in Hanoi: $5.00
Typical Entertainment Prices in Penang
Here are a few typical costs in Penang for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Butterfly Gardens$7.16
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Trishaw Tour (One Hour)$6.93
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Fort Cornwallis Entrance$0.46
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Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi Entrance$2.31
Tours and Activities in Penang
Here are a few actual costs in Penang for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Malaysia: The Blue Mansion - Daily Tour: $5.98
- Straits and Oriental Museum Ticket: $6.07
- Asia Camera Museum Admission Ticket: $6.07
- Guided Tour of Cheong Fatt Tze's Blue Mansion in George Town: $6.35
- Tech Dome Entrance Ticket: $6.77
- Penang : DE'8000 Mini Golf Café Ticket: $7.25
- Glass Museum Standard Admission Ticket: $7.25
- Penang Hill Funicular Ticket: $8.35
- Wonderfood Museum in Penang Admission Ticket: $8.54
- Wonderfood Museum in Penang Admission Ticket: $8.71
- TeddyVille Museum Penang Malaysia Entry Ticket: $8.72
- Penang Street Food in Georgetown and History Walking Audio Tour: $11
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHanoi $7.83Penang $17
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: $111
Typical Alcohol Prices in Penang
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Penang:
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Beer$1.85
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hanoi and Penang, we can see that Penang 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 Penang would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Penang 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 Penang Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Hanoi or Penang?
Hanoi has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Penang. When comparing the sizes of Hanoi and Penang, 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 Penang?
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 Penang in the Summer?
Both Penang 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 Penang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The rainy season in Hanoi is May to September. It rains a lot this time of the year in Penang. It's quite rainy in Hanoi. In July, Hanoi usually receives around the same amount of rain as Penang. Hanoi gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Penang receives 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
In the summer, Hanoi is around the same temperature as Penang. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hanoi in July average around 29°C (84°F), and Penang averages at about 27°C (81°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyHanoi 29°C (84°F)Penang 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Hanoi or Penang in the Autumn?
Both Penang 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 Penang year-round.
November to April is the dry season in Hanoi. Penang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Hanoi. Hanoi usually gets less rain in October than Penang. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Penang receives 340 mm (13.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
In October, Hanoi is generally around the same temperature as Penang. Daily temperatures in Hanoi average around 25°C (77°F), and Penang fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHanoi 25°C (77°F)Penang 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Hanoi or Penang in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hanoi and Penang. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hanoi year-round. Penang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Hanoi usually receives less rain than Penang. Hanoi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Penang receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.
Hanoi is much colder than Penang in the winter. The daily temperature in Hanoi averages around 17°C (63°F) in January, and Penang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHanoi 17°C (63°F)Penang 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Hanoi or Penang in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Hanoi as well as Penang. Hanoi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Penang throughout the year.
Also, November to April in Hanoi is the dry season. May to September in Hanoi is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Penang. Hanoi receives a lot of rain in the spring. Hanoi usually gets less rain in April than Penang. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Penang receives 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the spring, Hanoi is cooler than Penang. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hanoi in April average around 24°C (75°F), and Penang averages at about 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilHanoi 24°C (75°F)Penang 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Penang and Hanoi
| Hanoi | Penang | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 17°C (63°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Feb | 17°C (63°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | 21°C (70°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 120 mm (4.7 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) | 240 mm (9.4 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (84°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (84°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 200 mm (7.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 330 mm (13 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (77°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 340 mm (13.4 in) |
| Nov | 22°C (72°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) |
| Dec | 18°C (64°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 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.