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

Should you visit Hanoi or Shenzhen?

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 Shenzhen 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 Shenzhen?

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.

Shenzhen

Located in the Guangdong Province of southeastern China, Shenzhen is a metropolis that connects Hong Kong to China's mainland. It is one of China's most populous cities, inhabited by vast array of people from other Chinese regions.  It is perhaps best known for it shopping, collection of amusement parks, green parks, museums and galleries, and a few historic sites. It is on UNESCO's Creative Cities list.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Vietnam, The Best G Adventures Tours to Vietnam, The Best Sightseeing Tours in China, and The Best Cultural Tours in China.


Which place is cheaper, Shenzhen or Hanoi?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Hanoi is $57, while the average daily cost in Shenzhen is $140. 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 Shenzhen in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hanoi $25
    Shenzhen $91
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hanoi $50
    Shenzhen $182
Compare Hotels in Hanoi and Shenzhen

Looking for a hotel in Hanoi or Shenzhen? 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 Shenzhen


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 $6.54
    Shenzhen $15
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:

  • Vietnam Airport Transfer and Visa On Arrival: $55
  • 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
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Ha Noi HTL-APT (HAN): $14
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Ha Noi APT-HTL (HAN): $14
  • Transfer to or from Sapa in a Sleeper Bus from Hanoi: $30
  • Transfer Hanoi to Halong Super Limousine Morning Bus: $33
  • Top-Rated Luxury Halong Bay 2-Day Cruise Including Hanoi Transfer: $285
  • The most Luxury Day Cruise with transfer from Ha Noi & Drink : $101
  • The Best Sapa Tour 2D1N Stay At 3* Hotel -Transfer by Sleep BUS : $159
  • Symphony Cruise- Luxury Day Trip From Hanoi With Express Transfer: $105
  • Small Group Halong Islands, Cave, Kayak. Seafood Lunch. Transfers: $142

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Shenzhen

Also for Shenzhen, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • A One-Way Disneyland Pick-Up Transfer to Hong Kong Hotel: $33
  • A One-Way Hotel Pick-Up Transfer to Hong Kong Disneyland: $36
  • HK Airport to Cruise Terminal Rounded-Trip Private Transfer by Lexus Luxury Car: $141
  • HK Local Transfer in City, Cruise Terminal and Train Station: $88
  • Hong Kong Airport (HKG) to Hong Kong - Arrival Private Transfer: $45
  • Hong Kong Airport (HKG) to Hong Kong - Arrival Private Transfer: $53
  • Hong Kong Airport Transfer: $119
  • Hong Kong Airport Transfer Sevice With Classic Car : $66
  • Hong Kong City to Kai Tak Cruise Terminal - Departure Private Transfer : $62
  • Hong Kong Hassle free Airport Transfers in Tesla or Benz: $138
  • Hong Kong Private Transfer — Victoria Peak ⇄ Tian Tan Big Buddha: $148
  • Hong Kong Private Transfer from Hong Kong Chek Lap Kok Airport to Hong Kong: $84

Is it cheaper to fly into Hanoi or Shenzhen?

Prices for flights to both Shenzhen 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 $23
    Shenzhen $35
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.

  • (Group/Individual) HANOI STREET FOOD TOUR : $5.13
  • Hanoi Old Quarter Cooking Class Tour With Local Market Shopping : $9.71
  • Hanoi Walking Street Food Tour with Train-Street Visit: $18
  • Hanoi Cooking Class: Pho/Bun Cha/Banh Xeo...+Free Egg/Salt Coffee: $19
  • Hanoi local street food tour: $20
  • Hanoi Street Food Tour with Train Street Visit: $22
  • Hanoi food tour-Local street food tour (food&guide included): $22
  • Hanoi Street Food Tour: $23
  • Hanoi Street Food Tour with Experience Guide & Real Foodie: $24
  • 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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Shenzhen

For Shenzhen, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Hong Kong Street Food Tour with Locals - Dim Sum, Wonton & more: $53
  • Wet market tour & cooking class with local mum: $98
  • Explore Hong Kong: Mid-Autumn Festival Food Tour: $103
  • Discover Hong Kong’s Hidden Eats on a Tin Hau Food Tour: $109
  • Small-Group Hong Kong Island Food Tour: $116
  • Traditional Chinese Pun Choi cooking class in Hong Kong: $146
  • Private Food Tour in Hong Kong: $148
  • Hong Kong Street Food Tour with Local Guide: $149
  • The 10 Tastings of Hong Kong With Locals: Private Street Food Tour : $176
  • Hong Kong Private & Personalized Food Tour with a Local: $177
  • Asian Favorites Cooking Class in Hong Kong (4-Course Meal): $184
  • Hong Kong Style Noodles Cooking Class (Includes 4-Course Meal): $184

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hanoi $8.07
    Shenzhen $17
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:

  • 2 Day Private Guided Tour in Pu Luong Nature Hanoi: $169
  • 2 Days Hanoi City Bus Tour Experience: $239
  • 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
  • 5 Days Motorbike Tour in Ha Giang Loop From Hanoi: $265
  • All-Inclusive 2D/1N 5star Cruises: Meals-Kayak-Cave-Accommodation : $175
  • Ambassador Day Cruise: Discover The Beauty of Halong Bay: $101
  • Bai Dinh Pagoda Trang An and Eco Hang Mua Cave Heritage Day Tour: $53
  • Beautiful Female Riders Vespa Red River Countryside Tour 5 Hours: $59

Tours and Activities in Shenzhen

For Shenzhen, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Introduction to Hong Kong: Central Tip Based Walking Tour: $2.64
  • Day in the life of a Hong Konger: Kowloon Tip Based Walking Tour: $2.64
  • Between Two Systems: Hong Kong's Living History Tip Based Tour: $2.64
  • Hong kong City Tour w/ Entry Fees & Lunch (2024) | 150+ booked: $2.64
  • Hong Kong Observation Wheel Ticket: $5.45
  • Hong Kong Airport Express Ticket: $10
  • Hong Kong Peak Tram and Sky Terrace 428 Tickets (Optional): $13
  • Monopoly Dreams Hong Kong Entry Ticket: $13
  • Hong Kong Airport Express Train Tickets(Avoid Heavy Traffic): $15
  • Hong Kong Airport Express E-Ticket : $15
  • The Victoria Peak Tram Ticket | Hong Kong: $15
  • Hong Kong Palace Museum Ticket: $17

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hanoi $7.30
    Shenzhen $19

Sample the Local Flavors in Shenzhen

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Shenzhen:

  • Hong Kong Pub Crawl at Lan Kwai Fong (LKF): $46


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hanoi and Shenzhen, we can see that Shenzhen 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 Shenzhen would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Shenzhen 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 Shenzhen Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Hanoi or Shenzhen?

Hanoi has a larger population, and is about 43% larger than the population of Shenzhen. When comparing the sizes of Hanoi and Shenzhen, 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 Shenzhen?

Shenzhen has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Hanoi experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Hanoi or Shenzhen in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Hanoi as well as Shenzhen. Hanoi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the summer, Hanoi is around the same temperature as Shenzhen. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hanoi in July average around 29°C (84°F), and Shenzhen averages at about 30°C (85°F).

It's quite rainy in Shenzhen. Hanoi receives a lot of rain in the summer. Hanoi usually gets less rain in July than Shenzhen. Hanoi gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Shenzhen receives 323 mm (12.7 in) of rain this time of the year. May to September in Hanoi is the rainy season.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Hanoi 29°C (84°F) 
    Shenzhen 30°C (85°F)

Should I visit Hanoi or Shenzhen in the Autumn?

Both Shenzhen and Hanoi are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hanoi throughout the year.

In October, Hanoi is generally around the same temperature as Shenzhen. Daily temperatures in Hanoi average around 25°C (77°F), and Shenzhen fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Shenzhen. It's quite rainy in Hanoi. In October, Hanoi usually receives less rain than Shenzhen. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Shenzhen receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Hanoi is November to April.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Hanoi 25°C (77°F) 
    Shenzhen 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Hanoi or Shenzhen in the Winter?

Both Shenzhen 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.

Hanoi is around the same temperature as Shenzhen in the winter. The daily temperature in Hanoi averages around 17°C (63°F) in January, and Shenzhen fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Hanoi usually gets less rain in January than Shenzhen. Hanoi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Shenzhen receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Hanoi 17°C (63°F) 
    Shenzhen 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Hanoi or Shenzhen in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Hanoi and Shenzhen. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hanoi year-round.

In the spring, Hanoi is around the same temperature as Shenzhen. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hanoi in April average around 24°C (75°F), and Shenzhen averages at about 23°C (73°F).

Shenzhen 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 Shenzhen. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Shenzhen receives 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the spring. November to April in Hanoi is the dry season. Also, May to September is the rainy season in Hanoi.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Hanoi 24°C (75°F) 
    Shenzhen 23°C (73°F)

Typical Weather for Shenzhen and Hanoi

Hanoi Shenzhen
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 17°C (63°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 16°C (60°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Feb 17°C (63°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 16°C (61°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 21°C (70°F) 50 mm (2 in) 19°C (66°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Apr 24°C (75°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 23°C (73°F) 154 mm (6.1 in)
May 28°C (82°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 27°C (80°F) 325 mm (12.8 in)
Jun 29°C (84°F) 190 mm (7.5 in) 29°C (83°F) 382 mm (15 in)
Jul 29°C (84°F) 210 mm (8.3 in) 30°C (85°F) 323 mm (12.7 in)
Aug 29°C (84°F) 200 mm (7.9 in) 29°C (85°F) 393 mm (15.5 in)
Sep 28°C (82°F) 160 mm (6.3 in) 28°C (83°F) 300 mm (11.8 in)
Oct 25°C (77°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 26°C (78°F) 143 mm (5.6 in)
Nov 22°C (72°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 21°C (70°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Dec 18°C (64°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 17°C (63°F) 27 mm (1.1 in)