Which place is cheaper, Hanoi or Mandalay?
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 Mandalay or Hanoi?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Mandalay or Hanoi, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Mandalay or Hanoi?
Mandalay
Located in Myanmar (formerly known as Burma) on the banks of the Irawaddy River, Mandalay is the nation's second largest city behind Yangon. It is centered on the restored Royal Palace and has a large population of Buddhist monks who frequent the city's many temples and monasteries.
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Vietnam, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Vietnam.
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Mandalay Prices
Myanmar PricesHanoi Prices
Vietnam Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMandalay $19Hanoi $57
The average daily cost (per person) in Mandalay is $19, while the average daily cost in Hanoi is $57. 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 Mandalay and Hanoi in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMandalay $8.65Hanoi $25
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMandalay $17Hanoi $50
Compare Hotels in Mandalay and Hanoi
Looking for a hotel in Mandalay or Hanoi? 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: Hanoi Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Mandalay -Hanoi $6.54
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mandalay
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Mandalay:
- 2 Days in Mandalay Region, 3 Night in Monywa and 4 Days to transfer Bagan: $260
- Airport Transfer, Paleik Snake Pagoda, a little bit of Bagan and to AVA: $50
- Around Mandalay in 2 Day and Next Day to Transfer Bagan: $200
- Bagan Land Transfer form Mandalay: $103
- From Mandalay To Kalaw-NyaungShwe-Inle Lake Private Transfer: $200
- Inle Lake Land transfer from Mandalay: $213
- Inle [Heho] Airport Private Transfer : $46
- Mandalay Airport Private Transfer : $55
- Mandalay To Bagan Transfer Tour: $150
- Private Land Transfer : Mandalay to Bagan: $139
- Private Mandalay Airport Transfer: $27
- Private Transfer Of Mandalay To Bagan: $150
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hanoi
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Hanoi:
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Taxi to Bus Station$1.14
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Shuttle Bus From Airport (for Two)$3.03
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Local Bus Ride (for Two)$0.38
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Short Taxi Ride$1.29
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Short Motorbike Ride (10 Minutes)$0.76
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hanoi
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hanoi:
- Deluxe Cabin Doris Cruise 2days1night with roundtrip transfer : $250
- Private Transfer From Hanoi to Mai Chau: $100
- 1 Day Halong Cruise Tour with Transfer and early return to Hanoi: $36
- 1 Day Tour to Halong Bay Cruise from 3 - 5 star Cruise & Transfer: $38
- 1-Way Transfer between Hanoi and Ha Long via Limousine Bus: $22
- 2 Days Halong Bay With Budget Cruise - Including Transfer From Hanoi: $148
- 2 Days Sapa Trekking Transfer by Limousine from/to Hanoi: $150
- 2-Day Adenture Pu Luong Motorbike Tour with Transfer from HANOI : $125
- 2-Day Halong Bay & Ninh Binh Tour With Transfer - Best Seller: $120
- 2-Day Hanoi - Ninh Binh - Ha Long Bay With Transfer: $190
- 2-Day Ninh Binh & Halong Bay With Transfer: $210
- 25 Minutes Scenic Halong Seaplane from Hanoi Transfer Expressway: $280
Is it cheaper to fly into Mandalay or Hanoi?
Prices for flights to both Hanoi and Mandalay 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 dayMandalay $10Hanoi $23
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Mandalay
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Mandalay.
- Myanmar traditional cooking class with local: $26
- Bicycle Food Tour in Mandalay: $45
Typical Food Prices in Hanoi
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Hanoi:
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High End Dinner (for Two)$11
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$4.17
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Bowl of Pho$0.76
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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.
- 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 food tour-Local street food tour (food&guide included): $22
- Hanoi Street Food Tour with Train Street Visit: $22
- Hanoi Street Food Tour: $23
- Best Hanoi Day Street Food Tour with Real Foodie Tastings: $24
- Hanoi Street Food Tour with Local Delicacies (3 Hours): $24
- Ninh Binh Cooking Class at Buffalo Cave: $25
- Hanoi Street Food Tour with Small Group and Expert Local Guide: $25
- Street Food Tour Hanoi By Walking: $25
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Mandalay -Hanoi $8.07
Tours and Activities in Mandalay
Here are a few actual costs in Mandalay for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- A Little Adventure Village Explore: $17
- Private Tour in Mandalay and Amarapura: $41
- Mandalay Half-Day Tour: $45
- Mandalay Half-Day Sightseeing: $53
- Mandalay Full-Day Tour: $60
- Full day Adventure Trip in Mandalay & Amarapura : $61
- Mandalay Fullday Sightseeing: $65
- Ancient City Tour in Mandalay : $70
- Day Tour Of Mingun/Sagaing/Amarapura: $75
- Amarapura,Sagging,Innwa/Ava Sightseeing : $75
- Private Tour for Amarapura, Mingun, Sagaing and Inwa (AVA): $77
- Private Full Day Mandalay City Tour With Professional Guide: $80
Typical Entertainment Prices in Hanoi
Here are a few typical costs in Hanoi for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Puppet Theater$1.52
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The Hanoi Hilton Entrance$1.52
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National History Museum$1.52
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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:
- Hanoi Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $4.52
- Ho Chi Minh Complex & Temple of Literature Tour (half day): $5.00
- Street Food Walking Tour in Hanoi: $5.00
- Small-group Hanoi Highlights Weekend Walking Tour: $5.00
- Hanoi Street Food Experience: $5.00
- Hanoi Old Quarter Private Half Day Walking Tour : $5.00
- Hanoi Old Quarter Private Walking Tour Half Day: $5.00
- Half Day Hanoi Old Quarter Private Walking Tour in Vietnam: $5.00
- Half Day Hanoi Old Quarter Private Walking Tour : $5.00
- Private Walking City Tour in Hanoi : $5.00
- Hanoi Old Quarter Private Daily Street Food Experience: $5.00
- Vietnam Tour Package: Tailored Experiences, No Upfront Payment: $5.00
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMandalay -Hanoi $7.30
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mandalay and Hanoi, we can see that Hanoi is more expensive. And not only is Mandalay much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Mandalay would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Mandalay 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 Hanoi would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hanoi than you might in Mandalay.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Mandalay Expensive? and Is Hanoi Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Mandalay or Hanoi?
Hanoi has a larger population, and is about 18% larger than the population of Mandalay. When comparing the sizes of Mandalay and Hanoi, 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.
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.