A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Jinghong vs. Matsue for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Jinghong or Matsue?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Jinghong and Matsue 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: Jinghong or Matsue?

Jinghong

Located in the southernmost part of the Yunnan Province, Jinghong is a city that attracts visitors each year with its rich culture and folklore, Buddhist temples, and tropical rainforest scenery of palms and mango trees amongst others. It is also an area popular with backpackers as well as a waypoint for travelers passing between China and Laos.

Matsue

Matsue, Japan is located on the scenic shores of Lake Shinji in the Shimane Prefecture. Matsue is the capital city of the prefecture and is known as the water city due to being located between Lake Shinji, Lake Nakaumi, and the Sea of Japan. This historically rich city is famous for being a laid back samurai village with stunning sunsets and traditional confectioneries.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Beijing, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Lhasa, The Best Contiki Tours to Japan, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Matsue or Jinghong?

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

  • Jinghong Prices
    China Prices
    Matsue Prices
    Japan Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Jinghong $83
    Matsue $88

The average daily cost (per person) in Jinghong is $83, while the average daily cost in Matsue is $88. 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 Jinghong and Matsue in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Jinghong $20
    Matsue $27
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Jinghong $40
    Matsue $54
Compare Hotels in Jinghong and Matsue

Looking for a hotel in Jinghong or Matsue? 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 Jinghong


Hotels in Matsue


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: Matsue Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Jinghong $25
    Matsue $20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Matsue

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Matsue:

  • Private Transfer Yonago Airport: $62

Is it cheaper to fly into Jinghong or Matsue?

Prices for flights to both Matsue and Jinghong 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
    Jinghong $48
    Matsue $49

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Jinghong $9.31
    Matsue $9.13

Tours and Activities in Jinghong

Here are a few actual costs in Jinghong for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Best of Dai Villages | 20km E-Bike Tour: $41

Tours and Activities in Matsue

Here are a few actual costs in Matsue for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Tour around Matsue Horikawa: $11
  • Private Kimono Elegant Experience in the Castle Town of Matsue: $38
  • Matsue 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide: $104
  • Sakaiminato Private Tour for Shore Excursion: $300

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Jinghong $5.41
    Matsue $7.10


When comparing the travel costs between Jinghong and Matsue, we can see that Matsue is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Jinghong Expensive? and Is Matsue Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Jinghong or Matsue?

Matsue has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Jinghong. When comparing the sizes of Jinghong and Matsue, 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.

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