A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Mandalay vs. Shenyang for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Mandalay or Shenyang?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Mandalay or Shenyang, 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 Shenyang?

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.

Shenyang

Shenyang, China is the capital, and largest, city in the Liaoning Province in northwest China which borders North Korea. Shenyang has a long, imperial, history and is the birthplace of the Qing Dynasty. The city has a blend of beautifully preserved architecture and modern buildings, creating a pleasant atmosphere for exploring!

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in China, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in China.


Which place is cheaper, Shenyang or Mandalay?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Mandalay is $15, while the average daily cost in Shenyang is $70. 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 Shenyang in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Mandalay $8.65
    Shenyang $41
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Mandalay $17
    Shenyang $82
Compare Hotels in Mandalay and Shenyang

Looking for a hotel in Mandalay or Shenyang? 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 Mandalay


Hotels in Shenyang


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.


Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Mandalay -
    Shenyang $19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mandalay

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Mandalay:

  • Private Transfer Of Mandalay To Bagan: $150
  • Private Mandalay Airport Transfer: $27
  • Private Land Transfer : Mandalay to Bagan: $139
  • Mandalay To Bagan Transfer Tour: $150
  • Inle [Heho] Airport Private Transfer : $46
  • Inle Lake Land transfer from Mandalay: $213
  • From Private Transfer to Bagan: $150
  • Around Mandalay in 2 Day and Next Day to Transfer Bagan: $200
  • Airport Transfer, Paleik Snake Pagoda, a little bit of Bagan and to AVA: $50

Is it cheaper to fly into Mandalay or Shenyang?

Prices for flights to both Shenyang 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Mandalay $5.95
    Shenyang $18

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
  • Bamboo Bike Food Tour: $42
  • Bicycle Food Tour in Mandalay: $45

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Mandalay -
    Shenyang $7.69

Tours and Activities in Mandalay

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

  • 1-night in Pyin Oo Lwin next day to Gokteik tour: $226
  • Kayah Villages Full Day Tour (Pan Pet & Hta Nee La): $260
  • 2 Days Private Tour in Mandalay: $176
  • A Little Adventure Village Explore: $17
  • Adventure Road Trip from Mandalay to Monywa – Bagan : $174
  • Amarapura,Mingun,Sagaing,Innwa Sightseeing Tour: $85
  • Ancient Capitals of Myanmar Tour: $106
  • Around Mandalay Tour in 2 Days : $100
  • Day Tour Of Mingun/Sagaing/Amarapura: $75
  • Full Day Adventure: $153
  • Half day to Mandalay city tour: $65
  • Half-Day Private Tour to Mingun: $48

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Mandalay -
    Shenyang $5.82


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mandalay and Shenyang, we can see that Shenyang 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 Shenyang would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Shenyang 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 Shenyang Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Mandalay or Shenyang?

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