Which place is cheaper, Phnom Penh or Hanoi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Hanoi or Phnom Penh?
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 Phnom Penh 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 Phnom Penh?
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.
Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh is the capital and largest city in the country of Cambodia. It is located at the edge of the Mekong and the Tonle Sap rivers and is the nation's center of economics and industry. The metropolitan area has a population of about 2.2 million.
Phnom Penh was once called the "Pearl of Asia." In the 1920s it was one of the most impressive French built cities in the region and was an important tourist destination. During the Vietnam War, refugees fled to the city and by 1975 the city's population was between 2 and 3 million, most of them being refugees. The city fell to the Khmer Rouge in 1975 and they cut off supplies to the population for over a year. Journalists reported torture and mutilation of the trapped civilians and the Khmer Rouge forcibly evacuated the city in what is known as the death march. The Khmer Rouge was driven from the city by the Vietnamese in 1979 and reconstruction began.
Today, tourism continues to grow in the city and those who visit are greeted by a welcoming and friendly population, a rich culture, and truly rewarding travel experience.
Phnom Penh has a tropical wet and dry climate. It is hot year around with very little temperature variation. Lows are usually in the low 70s Fahrenheit and highs are in the mid to high 90s Fahrenheit. The southwest monsoon brings rains between May and October and the northeast monsoon brings the dry season from November to March.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Vietnam, The Best Eco Tours in Vietnam, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Cambodia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Cambodia.
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Hanoi Prices
Vietnam PricesPhnom Penh Prices
Cambodia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHanoi $58Phnom Penh $50
The average daily cost (per person) in Hanoi is $58, while the average daily cost in Phnom Penh is $50. 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 Phnom Penh in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHanoi $25Phnom Penh $12
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHanoi $50Phnom Penh $24
Compare Hotels in Hanoi and Phnom Penh
Looking for a hotel in Hanoi or Phnom Penh? 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 Phnom Penh Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Hanoi $6.68Phnom Penh $7.78
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$1.16
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Shuttle Bus From Airport (for Two)$3.10
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Local Bus Ride (for Two)$0.39
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Short Taxi Ride$1.32
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Short Motorbike Ride (10 Minutes)$0.77
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hanoi
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hanoi:
- 1 Day Halong Bay Tour on Alova Cruise with Transfer & Lunch: $63
- 1 Day Halong Cruise Tour with Transfer and early return to Hanoi: $43
- 2 Days 1 night Ba Be Lake BEST ADVENTURE: transfer,homestay,boat,kayak,swim,cave: $153
- 2 Days Halong Bay Luxury Cruise with Hanoi Transfer: $255
- 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 Halong Bay Cruise from Hanoi with Transfers & Kayaking: $179
- 2-Day Hanoi - Ninh Binh - Ha Long Bay With Transfer: $190
- 2-Day Ninh Binh & Ha Long Bay With Transfer, Meals, Guide: $210
- 2-Day Sapa Package Tours & Limousine Transfer: $150
- 2-day Ha Long Bay Cruise included Transfer, Kayking and Swimming: $180
- 25 Minutes Scenic Halong Seaplane from Hanoi Transfer Expressway: $280
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Phnom Penh
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Phnom Penh:
- Battambang: Transfer From/To Sihanoukville & Hidden Gems: $50
- From Private Transfer To/From Siem Reap: $58
- From Sihanouk: Private Taxi Transfer to Phnom Penh City: $73
- Intercity Transfer Siem Reap-Phnom Penh/Phnom Penh-Siem Reap: $95
- PHN Airport Transfer Plus Killing Field, Toul Sleng Museum: $65
- Phnom Penh - Battambang Transfer Plus Stop Sightseeing: $118
- Phnom Penh - Siem Reap One-Way Private Transfer: $120
- Phnom Penh - Siem Reap Oudongk Sambor Prei Kuk Transfer Day Trip: $105
- Phnom Penh - Siem Reap Road Transfer Plus Sightseeing: $99
- Phnom Penh Airport Transfers: $30
- Phnom Penh International Airport Transfers: $65
- Phnom Penh to Battambang Private Transfer: $65
Is it cheaper to fly into Hanoi or Phnom Penh?
Prices for flights to both Phnom Penh 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 $23Phnom Penh $22
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)$11
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$4.26
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Bowl of Pho$0.77
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Italian Dinner (for Food)$6.00
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hanoi
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Hanoi.
- Private Sapa Cooking Class With Ethnic Minorities Chef From Sapa: $1.91
- Private Hanoi Old Quarter Street Food Tour with Student Guide: $1.91
- Private Hanoi Cycling Sightseeing & Street Food Tour By Bike: $1.91
- (Group/Individual) HANOI STREET FOOD TOUR: $5.13
- Hanoi Street Food Tour with egg coffee making: $20
- Hanoi Street Food Tour with Train Street Visit: $20
- Hanoi local street food tour: $20
- Hanoi Walking Street Food Tour with Train-Street Visit: $21
- Hanoi Street Food Tour: Hidden Local Eats & Full Meal Experience: $21
- Hanoi food tour-Local street food tour (food&guide included): $23
- Hanoi Street Food Tour with Train Street Visit: $23
- Hanoi Street Food Tour: $23
Typical Food Prices in Phnom Penh
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Phnom Penh:
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Dinner for Two$10
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Breakfast for Two$4.78
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Phnom Penh
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Phnom Penh.
- Mekong Sunset Dinner Cruise with Live Music: $9.90
- Sunset Cruise with BBQ Buffet Dinner, Unlimited Beer & Tour Guide: $9.90
- Sunset Dinner Cruise with English Speaking Guide: $10
- Nightlife three hours food tours: $27
- Evening City Tour by Tuk Tuk with 1 Dinner: $29
- Cooking Class in Phnom Penh: $31
- Street Art & Food Tour by Tuk-Tuk: $35
- Phnom Penh’s Hands-On Khmer Cooking Class in the Countryside: $35
- Khmer Cooking Class Half Day (AM or PM): $36
- Penh Plates Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $36
- Street Art and Food Tour by Tuk-Tuk: $39
- Street Art and Food Tour with Pickup and Beer: $39
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Hanoi $8.24Phnom Penh $7.56
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$1.55
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The Hanoi Hilton Entrance$1.55
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National History Museum$1.55
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Puppet Theater Ticket$2.71
Tours and Activities in Hanoi
Here are a few actual costs in Hanoi for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Hanoi Old Quarter Customized City Sightseeing Private Tour: $1.91
- Ha Giang Loop Motorbike Adventure with Easy Rider, Round-Trip Bus: $1.91
- Hanoi City Cycling Tour: West Lake, Old Quarter & Cultural Sights: $1.91
- 2-4 Day Ha Giang Loop Motorbike Tour with Easy Rider, Sleeper Bus: $1.91
- Hanoi City Private Tour With Street Food Experience & Aquarium: $1.91
- From Sapa Trek, Cat Cat Village & Fansipan Summit Tour: $1.91
- Private Hanoi City Sightseeing Shore Excursion From Halong Port: $1.91
- Hanoi Highlights: History, Heritage & Egg Coffee Experience Tour: $1.91
- 2-Day Ninh Binh Adventure: Trang An, Tam Coc, Hoa Lu & Mua Cave: $1.91
- Hanoi Highlights & Shopping Shore Excursion Tour from Halong Port: $1.91
- Ninh Binh Tràng An Boat Trip, Bai Dinh Pagoda, Mua Cave Tour: $1.91
- Full-Day Mai Chau Valley Tour from Hanoi with Cycling, Culture: $1.91
Tours and Activities in Phnom Penh
Here are a few actual costs in Phnom Penh for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Riverside Walking Tour with Snack, Drinks & Local Ferry Ride: $7.20
- Sunset Cruise-"Unlimited BBQ Buffet-Beers, Sodas & Fruit Platter": $7.45
- Sunset Cruise on the Mekong with Kanika Boat: $8.00
- Phnom Penh Sunset Cruise with Unlimited Beer & BBQ Buffet: $8.00
- Sunset Cruise on Kanika Boat: $8.60
- Sunset Cruise with Unlimited Beers & BBQ Buffet: $9.16
- Sunset Cruise with freeflow beers & BBQ buffet: $9.16
- Sunset Cruise: Your Cruise You Choose, 3 wonderful options: $9.16
- Sunset Cruise with Unlimited Beer &Fruit platter: $9.35
- Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Ticket Free Mekong Cruise: $12
- Silk Island Tour: $12
- Hidden Gems Walking Tour with Local Guide: $15
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHanoi $7.46Phnom Penh $4.28
Sample the Local Flavors in Hanoi
Also in Hanoi, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Hanoi Night Bar Crawl with Local Guide & Free Shots: $45
Sample the Local Flavors in Phnom Penh
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Phnom Penh:
- Phnom Penh Pub Crawl with Free Mad Monkey Singlet: $12
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hanoi and Phnom Penh, we can see that Hanoi is more expensive. And not only is Phnom Penh much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Phnom Penh would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Phnom Penh 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 Hanoi would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hanoi than you might in Phnom Penh.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Hanoi Expensive? and Is Phnom Penh Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Hanoi or Phnom Penh?
Phnom Penh has a larger population, and is about 10% larger than the population of Hanoi. When comparing the sizes of Hanoi and Phnom Penh, 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.