Which place is cheaper, Manila or Hoi An?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Hoi An or Manila?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Hoi An and Manila. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Hoi An or Manila?
Hoi An
Located just south of the city of Da Nang, Hoi An is famous for it's beautiful old town. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Unfortunately, since its designation as a World Heritage Site in 1999, mass tourism has grown and the city has felt the growing pains. Most of the homes and shops in the old town are now used for commercial purposes. The city is still quaint, but the old town is lined with tailor shops, souvenir stores, and restaurants. Foreigners are required to purchase a ticket to enter the old town of Hoi An (120,000 VND, about $5).
Manila
A sprawling metropolis that is home to more than 12 million people, Manila is one huge, misunderstood concrete jungle, full of diverse cultures, traffic, pollution, restaurants, shopping malls, noise and nightlife. If you're looking to soak in culture and feel the vibe of a place rather than seeking a city that specifically caters to tourists, Manila is the place to be. Capital of the Philippines, Manila is also the center for education, business, and transportation.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Vietnam, The Best Tours Under $1000 in Vietnam, The Best Eco Tours in Philippines, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Philippines.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHoi An $46Manila $94
The average daily cost (per person) in Hoi An is $46, while the average daily cost in Manila is $94. 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 Hoi An and Manila in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHoi An $21Manila $55
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHoi An $42Manila $110
Compare Hotels in Hoi An and Manila
Looking for a hotel in Hoi An or Manila? 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: Hoi An Hotel Prices and Manila Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Hoi An $19Manila $14
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hoi An
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Hoi An are as follows:
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Taxi From Danang to Hoi An$8.79
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Bus From Hoi An Bus Station to Town$0.60
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hoi An
Also for Hoi An, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private transfer to Da Nang Hotels or to Hoi An City: $4.10
- Hoi An and Da Nang Airport/City Shuttle Transfer Service: $6.00
- Da Nang Airport : transfer to Da Nang center / to Hoi An: $7.06
- Da Nang Airport : transfer to Da Nang center / to Hoi An: $7.06
- From One-Way Shared Bus Transfer to Da Nang: $8.82
- From Hoi An/Da Nang: Shuttle Bus Transfer to My Son: $9.00
- Hue: Transfer to/from Airport, Hoi An, Danang by Private Car: $10
- Basket Boat Ticket & Transfer in Cam Thanh Village: $14
- Hoi An : Cam Thanh Basket Boat Riding W Two-way Transfers: $14
- Hoi An Bamboo Basket Boat Tour with Two-way Transfers: $14
- Hoi An : Cam Thanh Basket Boat Riding W Two-way Transfers: $14
- Hoi An Basket Boat Ride Includes Two-way Transfers: $14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Manila
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Manila:
- ⭐ Manila International Airport Car Transfer To & From City⭐: $72
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Manila APT-HTL (MNL) : $30
- Transfers from Manila, Makati, Taguig and Pasay Hotel to Airport: $50
- Round-trip Coron Airport Transfer + Town Tour (Shared): $31
- Puerto Princesa Airport to El Nido Transfer: $25
- Private Transfer from Manila Airport (MNL) to Manila Cruise Port: $22
- Private Transfer from Clark Airport (CRK) to Subic Bay Port: $46
- Private One-way Airport Transfer(Manila Airport To/From Manila): $22
- Private Departure Airport Transfer in Manila Bay and Makati Area: $23
- Private Arrival Transfer: Ninoy Aquino International Airport to Manila: $68
- Private Arrival Airport Transfer: All Hotels in Ortigas: $41
- Ninoy Aquino International Airport to Paranaque Private Transfer: $120
Is it cheaper to fly into Hoi An or Manila?
Prices for flights to both Manila and Hoi An 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 dayHoi An $9.95Manila $18
Typical Food Prices in Hoi An
For Hoi An, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Dinner at Bamboo Village (for Two)$14
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$3.99
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Casual Dinner (for Two)$7.99
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hoi An
For Hoi An, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Bamboo Basket Boat Tour with Optional Lunch/Dinner: $14
- Hoi An:Traditional Cooking Class with Cam Thanh Local Family: $21
- Traditional Cooking Class & meal w Cam Thanh Family: $21
- Hoi An/Da Nang: Vietnamese Cooking Class with Transportation: $22
- From Cooking Class at Organic Farm: $22
- Mad Monkey Hoi An Cooking Class & Bamboo Boats: $23
- Traditional Vietnamese Cooking Class in Leina Cookery: $23
- Evening Tra Que Cooking Class with Locals in Herb Village: $24
- Hoi An : Basket Boat Ride & Cooking Class with Market Tour: $24
- Vietnamese Cooking Class with Local Family in Hoi An: $24
- Cooking Class with Traditional Vietnamese Meals: $24
- Hoi An : Cooking Class W Optional Basket Boat & Market Tour: $25
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Manila
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Manila.
- Manila Night Market and food tour Experience: $58
- Makati Street Food Tour Experience: $63
- ⭐ Manila Street Food Tour in the Downtown, Eat and Drink⭐: $63
- Manila Food Tour: Explore World's Oldest Chinatown: $65
- Manila Food Tour: Introduction to Philippine Street Food: $65
- Food Tour at the World's Oldest Chinatown: $75
- Manila Chinatown Food Tour Experience with Mari: $81
- Cultural Dance Show with Dinner in Manila: $120
- Cultural Dinner and Show in Manila: $145
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Hoi An $13Manila $20
Typical Entertainment Prices in Hoi An
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Hoi An's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Golf (for Two)$148
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Short Boat Ride$1.60
Tours and Activities in Hoi An
For Hoi An, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Hoi An Ancient Town - Free Walking Tour: $2.05
- Hoi An Ancient Town- Free Walking Tour with Local Guide: $2.05
- Experience Kim Bong Carpentry with Local Artisans: $6.57
- Experience Bamboo Basket Boat on Coconut village w Locals: $6.89
- Da Nang/Hoi An:Experience Basket Boat ride in Coconut Forest: $7.18
- Hoi An Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.65
- Bus to My Son Sanctuary with Entrance ticket: $8.00
- Experience the Art of Vietnamese Coffee Making: $11
- Mad Monkey Hoi An Bicycle Tour: $12
- Cam Thanh Tour with Bamboo Basket Boat: $12
- Hoi An : Bamboo Basket Boat Tour: $12
- Basket Boat Experience: $13
Tours and Activities in Manila
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Manila are as follows:
- Active Taal Volcano Sightseeing & Pagsanjan Falls Day Tour (2in1): $135
- Bataan Death March Memorial Historical Tour : $188
- Club Crawl and Party Experience at BGC: $72
- Corregidor daytour Via Manila to Bataan: $298
- Discover Tagaytay's Countryside: Half-Day Sightseeing Tour : $80
- Experience Intramuros with Bamboo Bicycle - Ecotours: $37
- From 4-Day Sagada and Banaue Rice Terraces Tour: $338
- From Day Tour to Enchanting Hidden Valley: $160
- From Majestic Pagsanjan Falls Adventure: $160
- From Pagsanjan Falls Day Tour: $106
- From Panoramic Tagaytay Ridge Tour: $150
- From Taal Volcano Island & Pagsanjan Falls Day Tour: $135
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHoi An $9.06Manila $9.97
Typical Alcohol Prices in Hoi An
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Hoi An are as follows:
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Bottle of Wine$9.59
Sample the Local Flavors in Hoi An
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Hoi An:
- Pub Crawl by Bus with Shots at Each Bar: $8.21
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hoi An and Manila, we can see that Manila is more expensive. And not only is Hoi An much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hoi An would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hoi An 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 Manila would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Manila than you might in Hoi An.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Hoi An Expensive? and Is Manila Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Hoi An or Manila?
Manila has a larger population, and is about 320 times larger than the population of Hoi An. When comparing the sizes of Hoi An and Manila, 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 Hoi An or Manila?
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.
Should I visit Hoi An or Manila in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Hoi An as well as Manila. Hoi An attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Manila throughout the year.
Also, February to July in Hoi An is the dry season. September to January in Hoi An is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Manila. Hoi An usually gets less rain in July than Manila. Hoi An gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Manila receives 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
In July, Hoi An is generally around the same temperature as Manila. Daily temperatures in Hoi An average around 29°C (85°F), and Manila fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyHoi An 29°C (85°F)Manila 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Hoi An or Manila in the Autumn?
Both Manila and Hoi An are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hoi An throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Manila because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Manila. It's quite rainy in Hoi An. In October, Hoi An usually receives more rain than Manila. Hoi An gets 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain, while Manila receives 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
Hoi An is around the same temperature as Manila in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hoi An averages around 25°C (78°F) in October, and Manila fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHoi An 25°C (78°F)Manila 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Hoi An or Manila in the Winter?
Both Manila and Hoi An during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Hoi An because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Manila year-round.
February to July is the dry season in Hoi An. September to January is the rainy season in Hoi An. It rains a lot this time of the year in Hoi An. Hoi An usually gets more rain in January than Manila. Hoi An gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Manila receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the winter, Hoi An is cooler than Manila. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hoi An in January average around 22°C (71°F), and Manila averages at about 24°C (76°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHoi An 22°C (71°F)Manila 24°C (76°F)
Should I visit Hoi An or Manila in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Hoi An and Manila. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hoi An year-round. Manila attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In April, Hoi An usually receives more rain than Manila. Hoi An gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Manila receives 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
In April, Hoi An is generally around the same temperature as Manila. Daily temperatures in Hoi An average around 26°C (80°F), and Manila fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilHoi An 26°C (80°F)Manila 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Manila and Hoi An
| Hoi An | Manila | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 22°C (71°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Feb | 23°C (73°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Mar | 24°C (75°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (80°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (85°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 303 mm (11.9 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (85°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 452 mm (17.8 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 331 mm (13 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 357 mm (14.1 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (78°F) | 613 mm (24.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) |
| Nov | 24°C (76°F) | 376 mm (14.8 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 223 mm (8.8 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 50 mm (2 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.