Which place is cheaper, Sandakan or Hue?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Hue or Sandakan?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Hue and Sandakan 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: Hue or Sandakan?
Hue
Hue is a major city in central Vietnam and was historically the imperial capital. The city was the base for the imperial Nguyen Dynasty, which ruled from 1802 to 1945. During the Vietnam War the city faced many challenges. It was conquered by the Viet Cong and held for 24 days. During this time about 3,000 people were slaughtered for their political views, education level, or religious affiliation.
Sandakan
Located on the Northeast side of the state of Sabah in Borneo is the city of Sandakan, which is the 2nd largest city in the country. Sandakan was a prosperous port town in the 1800s because of its exports of tobacco, timber, pearls, and ivory. However, this booming town that was formerly the administrative capital in North Borneo was bombed practically out of existence at the end of World War II.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Vietnam, The Best Cultural Tours in Vietnam, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Malaysia, and The Best Adventure Tours to Malaysia.
-
Hue Prices
Vietnam PricesSandakan Prices
Malaysia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHue $56Sandakan $81
The average daily cost (per person) in Hue is $56, while the average daily cost in Sandakan is $81. 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 Hue and Sandakan in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHue $22Sandakan $23
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHue $44Sandakan $46
Compare Hotels in Hue and Sandakan
Looking for a hotel in Hue or Sandakan? 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: Hue Hotel Prices and Sandakan Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Hue $12Sandakan $37
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hue
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Hue:
-
Cyclo$0.45
-
Short Taxi Ride$0.83
-
Taxi Ride to Tombs$13
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hue
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hue:
- Hue Airport: Private Transfer to/or from Hue City Center: $4.72
- Phu Bai Airport to Hue City: Private Transfer: $5.90
- Privated Hue Airport Transfer - Airport to Hotels or vice versa: $6.75
- Transfer from Hue airport to Hue city center or vice versa: $6.81
- Transfer between Hue Hotels and Hue Airport: $7.11
- Airport Transfer to/from City Center: $7.68
- Private transfer from Phu Bai Airport to Hue city center: $9.30
- Hue city Airport transfer - All Inclusive : $9.60
- Shared Car Transfer from Phu Bai Airport to City Center: $9.84
- Hue Car Rental with Driver for Transfer Trip and Sightseeing: $11
- Private Transfer: Hue City Center - Hue Train Station: $11
- HUI: Transfer Phu Bai airport to Hue city center: $11
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sandakan
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Sandakan:
- Private 1Way Transfer to/from Sandakan Airport, City or Sepilok: $39
Is it cheaper to fly into Hue or Sandakan?
Prices for flights to both Sandakan and Hue 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 dayHue $25Sandakan $36
Typical Food Prices in Hue
Some typical examples of dining costs in Hue are as follows:
-
River Night Market Dinner (for Two)$7.58
-
Two Sugarcane Drinks$0.76
-
Quick Lunch (for Two)$2.08
-
Sitdown Dinner (for Two)$4.17
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hue
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Hue.
- Hue Food Tour by Walking or Cyclo or Motorbike with Driver: $21
- Hue Food Tour 5 Delicious Stops for Culinary Exploration: $25
- Walking Street Food tour in Hue: $26
- Hue Walking Street Food Tour: $27
- Hue City: Cyclo, Market Tour & Cooking Class at Madam Thu: $27
- Eat Like a Local with a Local Hue Food Tour : $30
- Hue Night Walking And Street Food Tour: $30
- Home Cooking Class and Dinner with Local Chef in Hue City: $31
- HUE : NIGHT WALKING AND STREET FOOD TOUR: $31
- Hue : Cooking Class with Local Family: $33
- Street Food Tour with a Local Guide: $33
- Hue : Night Street Food Tour with a Local Guide: $33
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sandakan
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Sandakan.
- Mangrove Cruise with Fireflies Tour Including Dinner from Sandakan: $64
- Sandakan : Fireflies and Mangrove Cruise with Dinner: $193
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Hue $11Sandakan $8.15
Typical Entertainment Prices in Hue
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Hue are as follows:
-
Boat Ride$7.39
-
Bicycle Rental (One Day)$1.06
-
Imperial Citadel Entrance$3.03
-
Massage at Institute for the Blind$1.52
Tours and Activities in Hue
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Hue are as follows:
- Eat like a local with a local - Walking Tour: $2.00
- Hue Imperial Ancient City Walking Tour: $2.00
- Traditional Singing on Huong River Ticket: $4.03
- Private City Tour By Car - English Speaking Driver: $4.72
- Palaces, Pagodas, and Train Tracks: A Hidden Huế Audio Tour: $5.00
- Vietnam Song Lab Digital Art Center Entry Ticket: $7.68
- Hue Imperial City 3 Hour Walking Tour for Budget Travelers: $8.00
- City Tour with Driver - Customized Your Own Itinerary: $8.66
- Experience Paper Flower Making in Hue for a Cause: $10
- Private City Tour by Car with English-Speaking Driver: $10
- Imperial City Walk, Motorbike Tour & Private Car Options: $10
- Hue Royal Tombs Tour Visit 3 Best Tombs & Pagoda: $13
Tours and Activities in Sandakan
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Sandakan are as follows:
- Private Tour: Half Day Sandakan City Tour Including Local Lunch: $60
- Private Sandakan City Must See 6 Highlights Tour with Guide & Car: $64
- From 7 Unmissable Local Stops Private Tour: $75
- Sukau Rainforest Wildlife and Dawn Cruises Tour in Sandakan: $87
- Borneo Kinabatangan River Cruise Day Trip: $88
- Sandakan Private City Tour Orangutan Sun Bears and Rainforest: $89
- Kinabatangan River Cruise from Sandakan: $90
- Sukau Rainforest Wildlife Journey & Dawn Cruises: $90
- Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre & Sepilok Orang Utan Rehab Centre Tour: $112
- Day Trip Sepilok Orang-utan And City Tour (Flight Excluded): $119
- Private Full Day Sepilok Orang Utan, Bornean Sun Bear and Rainforest Discovery Center Tour: $125
- Labuk Proboscis, Sepilok, Sun Bear, Sandakan City Tour & Lunch: $147
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayHue $5.49Sandakan $7.47
Typical Alcohol Prices in Hue
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Hue:
-
Beer$0.95
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hue and Sandakan, we can see that Sandakan is more expensive. And not only is Hue much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hue would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hue 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 Sandakan would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sandakan than you might in Hue.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Hue Expensive? and Is Sandakan Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Hue or Sandakan?
Sandakan has a larger population, and is about 37% larger than the population of Hue. When comparing the sizes of Hue and Sandakan, 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 Hue or Sandakan?
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 Hue or Sandakan in the Summer?
Both Sandakan and Hue are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hue throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Sandakan because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The dry season in Hue is March to August. The rainy season in Hue is September to December. It rains a lot this time of the year in Sandakan. In July, Hue usually receives less rain than Sandakan. Hue gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Sandakan receives 195 mm (7.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
It's quite sunny in Sandakan. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hue. Hue usually receives more sunshine than Sandakan during summer. Hue gets 242 hours of sunny skies, while Sandakan receives 221 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Hue is generally around the same temperature as Sandakan. Daily temperatures in Hue average around 29°C (85°F), and Sandakan fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyHue 29°C (85°F)Sandakan 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Hue or Sandakan in the Autumn?
Both Sandakan and Hue during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Hue because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Sandakan year-round.
September to December is the rainy season in Hue. Sandakan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Hue. Hue usually gets more rain in October than Sandakan. Hue gets 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain, while Sandakan receives 253 mm (10 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the autumn, Hue often gets less sunshine than Sandakan. Hue gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sandakan receives 191 hours of full sun.
Hue is around the same temperature as Sandakan in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hue averages around 25°C (78°F) in October, and Sandakan fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHue 25°C (78°F)Sandakan 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Hue or Sandakan in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hue and Sandakan. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hue year-round. Sandakan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
March to August in Hue is the dry season. Sandakan receives a lot of rain in the winter. Hue gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Hue usually receives less rain than Sandakan. Hue gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Sandakan receives 437 mm (17.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
Hue usually receives less sunshine than Sandakan during winter. Hue gets 136 hours of sunny skies, while Sandakan receives 156 hours of full sun in the winter.
In the winter, Hue is cooler than Sandakan. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hue in January average around 22°C (71°F), and Sandakan averages at about 26°C (80°F).
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHue 22°C (71°F)Sandakan 26°C (80°F)
Should I visit Hue or Sandakan in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Hue as well as Sandakan. Hue attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Sandakan throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Sandakan. Hue usually gets less rain in April than Sandakan. Hue gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Sandakan receives 107 mm (4.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sandakan. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hue this time of the year. In the spring, Hue often gets less sunshine than Sandakan. Hue gets 210 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sandakan receives 247 hours of full sun.
In April, Hue is generally around the same temperature as Sandakan. Daily temperatures in Hue average around 26°C (80°F), and Sandakan fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilHue 26°C (80°F)Sandakan 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Sandakan and Hue
| Hue | Sandakan | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 22°C (71°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 437 mm (17.2 in) |
| Feb | 23°C (73°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 268 mm (10.6 in) |
| Mar | 24°C (75°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (80°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (85°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 200 mm (7.9 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (85°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 195 mm (7.7 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 213 mm (8.4 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 331 mm (13 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (78°F) | 613 mm (24.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 253 mm (10 in) |
| Nov | 24°C (76°F) | 376 mm (14.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 344 mm (13.5 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 223 mm (8.8 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 462 mm (18.2 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.