Which place is cheaper, Suzhou or Hoi An?
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 Hoi An or Suzhou?
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 Suzhou. 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 Suzhou?
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).
Suzhou
Suzhou is a city in Jiangsu province famed for its beautiful gardens and traditional waterside architecture, featuring elaborate canals and bridges. Located on the Yangtze Delta, the city consists largely of waterways making Suzhou a kind of 'Venice of the Orient.' It is also a hub for scholars, artists, and skilled craftsmen.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Vietnam, The Best Historical Tours in Vietnam, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Shanghai, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing.
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Hoi An Prices
Vietnam PricesSuzhou Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHoi An $51Suzhou $127
The average daily cost (per person) in Hoi An is $51, while the average daily cost in Suzhou is $127. 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 Suzhou in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHoi An $20Suzhou $39
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHoi An $40Suzhou $78
Compare Hotels in Hoi An and Suzhou
Looking for a hotel in Hoi An or Suzhou? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Hoi An $18Suzhou $58
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$8.34
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Bus From Hoi An Bus Station to Town$0.57
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hoi An
Also for Hoi An, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Hue Private Car with Driver for Customizable Trip & Transfer: $7.09
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Suzhou
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Suzhou:
- Suzhou to Beijing Bullet Train Ticket with Local Private Transfer : $178
- Suzhou Private Transfer to Zhouzhuang Water Town with Shanghai Drop-off Option: $84
- Suzhou Private Transfer to Tongli Water Town with Shanghai Drop-off Option: $84
- Suzhou Gardens Entry Ticket with Optional Guide&Transfer Services: $8.00
- Shanghai Pudong International Airport Private Departure Transfer from Suzhou: $87
- Shanghai Private Transfer from Suzhou with Stop-over at Zhouzhuang Water Town : $81
- Shanghai Private Transfer from Suzhou with Stop-over at Tongli Water Town : $90
- Shanghai Hongqiao Airport to Suzhou Chauffeur Service, Shanghai Airport Transfer: $240
- Private Round-Trip Transfer between Zhouzhuang Water Town and Suzhou City: $58
- Private Round Trip Transfer to Tianping Mountain from Suzhou: $51
- Private Round Trip Transfer from Suzhou to Luzhi Water Town: $64
- Private Day Tour: Gardens and Old Street in Suzhou with Hotel or Railway Station Transfer: $277
Is it cheaper to fly into Hoi An or Suzhou?
Prices for flights to both Suzhou 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 $16Suzhou $57
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)$13
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$3.79
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Casual Dinner (for Two)$7.58
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Suzhou
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Suzhou.
- Suzhou Alleyway Walking Food Tour: $55
- Suzhou Alleyway Food Tour: $63
- Half-Day Private Customized Suzhou Highlights with Lunch or Dinner Option: $123
- Private Suzhou Night Tour:Master of the Nets Garden, Ancient Canal with Dinner: $145
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Hoi An $12Suzhou $9.47
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)$140
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Short Boat Ride$1.52
Tours and Activities in Hoi An
For Hoi An, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Hue : Shuttle bus from Hue to Hoi An and sightseeing: $16
- Hue-Da Nang-Hoi An Bus Tour with English Guide & Sightseeing: $22
- Hue: Half-Day Tour with Optional Dragon Boat Perfume River: $28
- Phu Quoc: 3 Islands Snorkeling/ Cable Car Adventure: $45
- Hoi An Experience 3 Hours Wood Carving Class with Local Artist: $47
- My Son Sanctuary Private Tour - Early Morning or Half Day Tour: $50
- My Son - Hoi An Full Day Private Tour With Meals: $75
- My Son - Danang from Tien Sa cruise harbor: $150
- Cruiseship Trip from TIEN SA or CHAN MAY Port to MY SON HOLYLAND & HOI AN City: $154
- Cruiseship Trip from TIEN SA or CHAN MAY Port to MY SON HOLYLAND & DA NANG City: $154
- Cruiseship Tour to MY SON HOLYLAND - DA NANG CITY From Chan May or Tien Sa Port: $179
- My Son - Danang from Tien Sa cruise harbor: $180
Tours and Activities in Suzhou
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Suzhou are as follows:
- 1 Day Suzhou Private Tour - Create the Tour You Want: $300
- 4-Hour Flexible Suzhou City Highlights Private Tour: $114
- 4-Hour Suzhou Private Customized Tour: $80
- 4-Hour Suzhou Private Flexible Tour with Garden and Boat Ride Option: $125
- 4-Hour Suzhou Private Tour: Humble Administrator’s Garden,Tiger Hill and Canal : $134
- 4-Hour Tongli Water Town Private Tour from Suzhou with Boat Ride : $128
- 4-Hour Zhouzhuang Water Town Private Tour from Suzhou with Boat Ride: $145
- Classic Suzhou Tour with Hotel or Railway Station Pickup: $269
- Essential Suzhou City Sightseeing Private Day Tour: $296
- Flexible Suzhou City Highlights Private Day Tour with Authentic Lunch: $167
- Full Day Luzhi Water Town Day Tour From Suzhou: $178
- Full-Day Suzhou Gardens Private Tour with Local Guide: $298
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHoi An $8.59Suzhou $6.50
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$9.10
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hoi An and Suzhou, we can see that Suzhou 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 Suzhou would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Suzhou 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 Suzhou Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Hoi An or Suzhou?
Suzhou has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Hoi An. When comparing the sizes of Hoi An and Suzhou, 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 Suzhou?
Suzhou has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Hoi An experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Hoi An or Suzhou in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Hoi An as well as Suzhou. Hoi An attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Hoi An is around the same temperature as Suzhou in the summer. The daily temperature in Hoi An averages around 29°C (85°F) in July, and Suzhou fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Suzhou. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hoi An this time of the year. In the summer, Hoi An often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Suzhou. Hoi An gets 242 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Suzhou receives 232 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Suzhou. Hoi An usually gets less rain in July than Suzhou. Hoi An gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Suzhou receives 128 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, February to July in Hoi An is the dry season. September to January in Hoi An is the rainy season.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyHoi An 29°C (85°F)Suzhou 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Hoi An or Suzhou in the Autumn?
Both Suzhou 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.
In the autumn, Hoi An is a little warmer than Suzhou. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hoi An in October average around 25°C (78°F), and Suzhou averages at about 19°C (65°F).
Hoi An usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Suzhou during autumn. Hoi An gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Suzhou receives 162 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It's quite rainy in Hoi An. In October, Hoi An usually receives more rain than Suzhou. Hoi An gets 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain, while Suzhou receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHoi An 25°C (78°F)Suzhou 19°C (65°F)
Should I visit Hoi An or Suzhou in the Winter?
Both Suzhou 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.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Suzhou. In January, Hoi An is generally much warmer than Suzhou. Daily temperatures in Hoi An average around 22°C (71°F), and Suzhou fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).
In the winter, Hoi An often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Suzhou. Hoi An gets 136 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Suzhou receives 135 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Hoi An. Hoi An usually gets more rain in January than Suzhou. Hoi An gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Suzhou receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year. February to July is the dry season in Hoi An. September to January is the rainy season in Hoi An.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHoi An 22°C (71°F)Suzhou 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Hoi An or Suzhou in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Hoi An and Suzhou. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hoi An year-round.
Hoi An is much warmer than Suzhou in the spring. The daily temperature in Hoi An averages around 26°C (80°F) in April, and Suzhou fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).
In Hoi An, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hoi An usually receives more sunshine than Suzhou during spring. Hoi An gets 210 hours of sunny skies, while Suzhou receives 153 hours of full sun in the spring.
Suzhou receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Hoi An usually receives less rain than Suzhou. Hoi An gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Suzhou receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilHoi An 26°C (80°F)Suzhou 15°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Suzhou and Hoi An
| Hoi An | Suzhou | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 22°C (71°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | 23°C (73°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Mar | 24°C (75°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (80°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 102 mm (4 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 113 mm (4.5 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (85°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (85°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 128 mm (5 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 331 mm (13 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (78°F) | 613 mm (24.1 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 24°C (76°F) | 376 mm (14.8 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 223 mm (8.8 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 35 mm (1.4 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.