Which place is cheaper, Halong Bay or Xigatse?
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 Xigatse or Halong Bay?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Xigatse and Halong Bay 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: Xigatse or Halong Bay?
Xigatse
The second largest city in Tibet behind Lhasa, Xigatse, commonly known as Shigatse, is home to sights and attractions like the Tashilhunpo Monastery, plenty of markets, and the ruins of Shigatse temple. All places of interest are fairly walkable, though auto-rickshaws are also available.
Halong Bay
Halong Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the north of Vietnam, near the Chinese border. Known for its thousands of beautiful limestone karsts and stalactite-filled caves, it is one of the most visited destinations in Vietnam. If you appreciate natural scenery and want an adventure at sea, you'll love cruising among more than 1,900 islands in Ha Long Bay.
For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in China, The Best Adventure Tours to China, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Ho Chi Minh City, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Hanoi.
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Xigatse Prices
China PricesHalong Bay Prices
Vietnam Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayXigatse $84Halong Bay $66
The average daily cost (per person) in Xigatse is $84, while the average daily cost in Halong Bay is $66. 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 Xigatse and Halong Bay in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personXigatse $30Halong Bay $27
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomXigatse $60Halong Bay $54
Compare Hotels in Xigatse and Halong Bay
Looking for a hotel in Xigatse or Halong Bay? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Xigatse $13Halong Bay $13
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Halong Bay
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Halong Bay:
- Premium 2-Day Halong & Lan Ha Bay Cruise with Meals & Transfer: $299
- Halong Bay 2D1N 5-Star Cruise–Transfer, Food & Island Adventures: $239
- Classic 2D1N Halong Bay Cruise from Hanoi with Bus Transfer: $218
- PRIVATE TRANSFER BETWEEN HANOI and HAI PHONG CITY(DCAR LIMOUSINE): $200
- 2 Day Halong Bay Cruise from Hanoi by Expressway Transfer: $199
- Dragon 5Star HaLong Cruise 2D1N Included Transfer from Hanoi: $195
- Oasis Bay Party Cruise for Young Travelers with Transfer Included: $185
- 2D/1N at 5 STAR CRUISES: Transfer,Meals, Cave, Island & Beach: $185
- 2D/1N at AQUAMARINE CRUISES: Transfer,Meals, Cave, Island & Beach: $170
- Private Transfer: From Ha Long Bay to Ninh Binh: $110
- Hanoi Private Transfer from Tuan Chau Island to Hanoi (HAN) airport: $103
- Hai Phong airport transfer to Halong Bay with private car 7 seat from Hai Phong: $100
Is it cheaper to fly into Xigatse or Halong Bay?
Prices for flights to both Halong Bay and Xigatse 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 dayXigatse $44Halong Bay $26
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Halong Bay
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Halong Bay.
- Sunset and Bioluminescent Kayaking Tour in Lan Ha Bay with Dinner: $37
- Catherine Horizon - Top Luxury - The Best Day & Dinner Cruise: $70
- Halong Bay Luxury Dinner Cruise - Ambassador: $79
- Cooking class on floating village: $100
- Best 2D1N Lan Ha Bay Cruise: BBQ dinner, Viet Hai Ancient Village: $210
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Xigatse $14Halong Bay $16
Tours and Activities in Halong Bay
Here are a few actual costs in Halong Bay for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 07 Hours Explore Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay on HERA DAY CRUISE: $80
- 07 Hours Explore Halong Bay on La Casta Cruises: $62
- 1 Day Ha Long & Ti Top Island on 3* Cruise: $39
- 2 Day Horror Cruise from Halong city: $214
- 2 Days 1 Night Lan Ha Bay Adventure: $138
- 2 Days 1 Night Lan Ha, Ha Long Bay Tour With Licensed Guide: $129
- 2 Days 1 Night on Lan Ha Bay at Daiichi Boutique Cruise: $131
- 2 Days Arcady Cruise Halong Bay from Hanoi: $237
- 2 Days Bai Tu Long bay luxury cruise with kayaking and swimming: $210
- 2 Days Cruise Tour in Halong Bay from Halong: $180
- 2 Days Explore Halong Bay Cruise Tour from Hanoi: $228
- 2 Days Exploring Bai Tu Long Bay on Cruise: $221
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayXigatse $3.38Halong Bay $12
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Xigatse and Halong Bay, we can see that Xigatse is more expensive. And not only is Halong Bay much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Halong Bay would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Halong Bay 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 Xigatse would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Xigatse than you might in Halong Bay.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Xigatse Expensive? and Is Halong Bay Expensive?.
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.