A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Petra vs. Hanoi for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Petra or Hanoi?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Petra and Hanoi can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Petra or Hanoi?

Petra

Whether you're checking off the Seven Wonders of the World, or you're just a huge Indiana Jones fan, the city of Petra must be on your bucket list. The "rose red city, half as old as time," was the capital of the Nabataean kingdom in the 6th century BC. It was the center for trade and commerce until an earthquake took out buildings and destroyed their water management system. After this destruction, the city of Petra seemed to be lost to western civilization.

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 Historical Tours in Jordan, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Jordan, The Best Adventure Tours to Vietnam, and The Best Eco Tours in Vietnam.


Which place is cheaper, Hanoi or Petra?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Petra is $125, while the average daily cost in Hanoi is $49. 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 Petra and Hanoi in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Petra $59
    Hanoi $25
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Petra $118
    Hanoi $50
Compare Hotels in Petra and Hanoi

Looking for a hotel in Petra 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.

Hotels in Petra


Hotels in Hanoi


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: Petra Hotel Prices and Hanoi Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Petra $23
    Hanoi $6.89

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Petra

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Petra:

  • Petra Private Transfer to or from Aqaba: $105
  • Petra to Aqaba South Beach Hotels Private Transfer: $110
  • Petra to Madaba Private Transfer: $140
  • Petra to Sheikh Hussein Crossing Border Private Transfer: $180
  • Petra to Wadi Rum Private Transfer: $80
  • Private Departure Transfer: Petra Hotels to Amman Airport: $93
  • Private Transfer Amman Airport to Ma'in Hotel and vice versa: $73
  • Private Transfer Amman Airport to Petra or vice versa via the King's Highway: $120
  • Private Transfer From Petra to Amman or Airport With Optional : $99
  • Private Transfer Petra to/from Wadi Rum: $135
  • Private Transfer from Petra City Hotels to Aqaba Airport: $93
  • Private transfer Petra to/from Wadi Rum: $118

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hanoi

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Hanoi:


  • Taxi to Bus Station
    $1.20
  • Shuttle Bus From Airport (for Two)
    $3.20
  • Local Bus Ride (for Two)
    $0.40
  • Short Taxi Ride
    $1.36
  • Short Motorbike Ride (10 Minutes)
    $0.80

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hanoi

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hanoi:

  • Hanoi Private Car Airport Transfer To Hotel: $7.18
  • Noi Bai Airport transfer to Hanoi Center and more: $8.00
  • Noi Bai International Airport Private Transfer: $8.21
  • Hanoi City Center to Noi Bai Airport - Private Transfer: $8.43
  • Noi Bai Airport Transfer Service: $8.54
  • Hanoi Airport Departure Shared Transfer: $10
  • Private Noi Bai International Airport Transfer: $11
  • One Way Transfer From hotel to airport or vice versal: $13
  • Hanoi Airport Transfer: $13
  • HaNoi City to Noi Bai Airport transfer by private car: $13
  • Hanoi Airport: Private Transfer: $14
  • Private Noi Bai International Airport Transfer: $14

Is it cheaper to fly into Petra or Hanoi?

Prices for flights to both Hanoi and Petra 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
    Petra $38
    Hanoi $13
Typical Food Prices in Petra

Some typical examples of dining costs in Petra are as follows:


  • Dinner for Two
    $12
  • Juice
    $1.76

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Petra

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Petra.

  • Cooking outside in little Petra between the Mountains. : $45
  • Private Outdoor bedouin Dinner in Petra: $300

Typical Food Prices in Hanoi

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Hanoi:


  • High End Dinner (for Two)
    $12
  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    $4.39
  • Bowl of Pho
    $0.80
  • Italian Dinner (for Food)
    $6.19

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hanoi

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Hanoi.

  • Street Food Tour (Group/Individual): $5.13
  • (Group/Individual) HANOI STREET FOOD TOUR : $5.13
  • Hanoi Street Food Tour Visit Train Street Add Old Quarter: $19
  • Hanoi Walking Street Food Tour: $20
  • Hanoi Street Food Tour: $22
  • Hanoi Street Food Tour: $23
  • Ngon ngon & Authentic Hanoi Food Tour: $23
  • Mad Monkey Hoi An Cooking Class & Bamboo Boats: $23
  • Vietnamese Street Food Tour with a Local Guide: $24
  • Vietnamese Street Food Tour with Local Guide: $24
  • Walking Street Food Tour Small Group with Local Guide: $24
  • Guided Half-Day Hanoi Street Food Tour: $25

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Petra $47
    Hanoi $8.51
Typical Entertainment Prices in Petra

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Petra are as follows:


  • Entry to Petra for One
    $71

Tours and Activities in Petra

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Petra are as follows:

  • 3-hour Private Guided Tour In Petra with hotel pick up.: $75
  • Private Indiana-Jones Archeological Trail Tour: $90
  • Private Half-Day Tour of Petra with Lunch: $120
  • Wadi Rum Day Tour from Petra ending in Aqaba: $138
  • Private Petra Back Entrance Tour with Guide .: $140
  • 3 Hour Horse Riding Adventure around the Petra Area: $145
  • Wadi Rum Private Tour from Petra with Martian and Star Wars Film Site: $173
  • Petra Back Entrance Private Walking Tour: $215
  • Private Full-Day Tour to Petra and Wadi Rum from Dead Sea: $269
  • Private Back Trail Tour of Petra starting from the Monastery : $276

Typical Entertainment Prices in Hanoi

Here are a few typical costs in Hanoi for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Puppet Theater
    $1.60
  • The Hanoi Hilton Entrance
    $1.60
  • National History Museum
    $1.60
  • Puppet Theater Ticket
    $2.80

Tours and Activities in Hanoi

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

  • Bus Ticket Cat Ba - Hanoi ( Bus+ Ferry ) - Best Selling: $0.02
  • Hanoi Old Quarter Half-day Private Walking Tour : $5.00
  • Private Walking City Tour in Hanoi : $5.00
  • Private Hanoi Street Food Walking Tour: $5.00
  • Hanoi Street Food Experience: $5.00
  • Half-day Private Walking Tour of Hanoi's Old Quarter: $5.00
  • Sightseeing Walking Tour in Hanoi: $5.00
  • Street Food Walking Tour in Hanoi: $5.00
  • Private Walking Tour of Hanoi City: $5.00
  • Craft Village Tour (Quang Phu Cau, Bat Trang,...): $5.13
  • Early Morning Tour | Free Private Tour Guide: $5.13
  • Culture Exchange with Free Private Tour Guide: $5.13

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Petra $15
    Hanoi $7.70

Sample the Local Flavors in Hanoi

Also in Hanoi, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Hanoi Beer and Brewery Tour: $48
  • Half-Day Guided Tour Australian Beef with Wine Tasting & Rickshaw in Hanoi: $106


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Petra and Hanoi, we can see that Petra is more expensive. And not only is Hanoi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Petra is in Middle East and Hanoi is in Asia, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Hanoi would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hanoi 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 Petra would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Petra than you might in Hanoi.

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


Which is Bigger, Petra or Hanoi?

Hanoi has a larger population, and is about 100 times larger than the population of Petra. When comparing the sizes of Petra 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.


When is the best time to visit Petra or Hanoi?

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 Petra or Hanoi in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Petra and Hanoi. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Petra year-round. Hanoi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Also, May to September is the rainy season in Hanoi. Hanoi receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Petra usually receives less rain than Hanoi. Petra gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Hanoi receives 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Petra can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Petra is generally a little warmer than Hanoi. Daily temperatures in Petra average around 33°C (91°F), and Hanoi fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Petra 33°C (91°F) 
    Hanoi 29°C (84°F)

Should I visit Petra or Hanoi in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Petra as well as Hanoi. Petra attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hanoi throughout the year.

Also, November to April in Hanoi is the dry season. It's quite rainy in Hanoi. Petra usually gets less rain in October than Hanoi. Petra gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Hanoi receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Petra is around the same temperature as Hanoi in the autumn. The daily temperature in Petra averages around 27°C (80°F) in October, and Hanoi fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Petra 27°C (80°F) 
    Hanoi 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Petra or Hanoi in the Winter?

Both Hanoi and Petra are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Petra throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Hanoi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In January, Petra usually receives more rain than Hanoi. Petra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Hanoi receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

In the winter, Petra is cooler than Hanoi. Typically, the winter temperatures in Petra in January average around 15°C (59°F), and Hanoi averages at about 17°C (63°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Petra 15°C (59°F) 
    Hanoi 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Petra or Hanoi in the Spring?

Both Hanoi and Petra during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Petra because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hanoi year-round.

November to April is the dry season in Hanoi. May to September is the rainy season in Hanoi. Hanoi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Petra usually gets less rain in April than Hanoi. Petra gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Hanoi receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

In April, Petra is generally around the same temperature as Hanoi. Daily temperatures in Petra average around 25°C (76°F), and Hanoi fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Petra 25°C (76°F) 
    Hanoi 24°C (75°F)

Typical Weather for Hanoi and Petra

Petra Hanoi
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 15°C (59°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 17°C (63°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Feb 17°C (62°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 17°C (63°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Mar 20°C (68°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 21°C (70°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Apr 25°C (76°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 24°C (75°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
May 28°C (83°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 28°C (82°F) 150 mm (5.9 in)
Jun 31°C (88°F) 0 mm (0 in) 29°C (84°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Jul 33°C (91°F) 0 mm (0 in) 29°C (84°F) 210 mm (8.3 in)
Aug 32°C (90°F) 0 mm (0 in) 29°C (84°F) 200 mm (7.9 in)
Sep 30°C (87°F) 0 mm (0 in) 28°C (82°F) 160 mm (6.3 in)
Oct 27°C (80°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 25°C (77°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Nov 21°C (70°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 22°C (72°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Dec 16°C (62°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 18°C (64°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)