Which place is cheaper, Sandakan or Hanoi?
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 Hanoi or Sandakan?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Hanoi and Sandakan 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: Hanoi or Sandakan?
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.
Sandakan
Located on the Northeast side of the state of Sabah in Borneo is the city of Sandakan, which is the 2nd largest city in the country. Sandakan was a prosperous port town in the 1800s because of its exports of tobacco, timber, pearls, and ivory. However, this booming town that was formerly the administrative capital in North Borneo was bombed practically out of existence at the end of World War II.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Vietnam, The Best G Adventures Tours to Vietnam, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Malaysia, and The Best Adventure Tours to Malaysia.
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Hanoi Prices
Vietnam PricesSandakan Prices
Malaysia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHanoi $57Sandakan $81
The average daily cost (per person) in Hanoi is $57, while the average daily cost in Sandakan is $81. 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 Hanoi and Sandakan in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHanoi $25Sandakan $23
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHanoi $50Sandakan $46
Compare Hotels in Hanoi and Sandakan
Looking for a hotel in Hanoi or Sandakan? 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 and Sandakan Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Hanoi $6.54Sandakan $37
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:
- Hanoi Private Transfer Taxi with Vietnam SIM Card & Internet: $6.90
- Noi Bai Airport transfer to Hanoi Center and more: $8.00
- Hanoi Private Departure Transfer: City Center Hotel to Airport: $8.00
- Noi Bai Airport Transfer Service: $8.54
- Private Hanoi Airport (HAN) Transfer to Hotel/Accommodation: $9.00
- Hanoi Airport Departure Shared Transfer: $10
- Bus Transfer Hanoi to Halong Bay and Vice Versa : $11
- Hanoi to Halong Bay Limousine Bus Transfer: $11
- Private Car Ha Noi Airport Transfer : $12
- Hanoi Private Taxi Transfer Service: $13
- Noi Bai airport to Ha Noi city transfer by private car: $13
- Private Transfer Between Hanoi Airport (han) And Hanoi City Center: $13
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sandakan
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Sandakan:
- Private 1Way Transfer to/from Sandakan Airport, City or Sepilok: $38
Is it cheaper to fly into Hanoi or Sandakan?
Prices for flights to both Sandakan and Hanoi 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 dayHanoi $23Sandakan $36
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.
- (Group/Individual) HANOI STREET FOOD TOUR : $5.13
- 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 Street Food Tour with Train Street Visit: $22
- Hanoi food tour-Local street food tour (food&guide included): $22
- Hanoi Street Food Tour: $23
- Hanoi Street Food Tour with Experience Guide & Real Foodie: $24
- Hanoi Street Food Tour with Local Delicacies (3 Hours): $24
- Best Hanoi Day Street Food Tour with Real Foodie Tastings: $24
- Hanoi Food Tours: $24
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sandakan
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Sandakan.
- Mangrove Cruise with Fireflies Tour Including Dinner from Sandakan: $64
- Sandakan : Fireflies and Mangrove Cruise with Dinner: $193
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Hanoi $8.07Sandakan $8.15
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
- Vietnam 7 Day 30GB Tourist SIM Rental: $4.66
- Hanoi Old Quarter Street Food Experience: $5.00
- Hanoi Old Quarter Private Daily Street Food Experience: $5.00
- Private Walking City Tour in Hanoi : $5.00
- Hanoi Old Quarter Half-day Private Walking Tour : $5.00
- Hanoi Old Quarter Private Walking Tour Half Day: $5.00
- Small-group Hanoi Highlights Weekend Walking Tour: $5.00
- Half Day Hanoi Old Quarter Private Walking Tour in Vietnam: $5.00
- Craft Village Tour (Quang Phu Cau, Bat Trang, Chuong Conical,...): $5.00
- Hanoi Street Food Experience: $5.00
- Half Day Hanoi Old Quarter Private Walking Tour : $5.00
Tours and Activities in Sandakan
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Sandakan are as follows:
- Private Tour: Half Day Sandakan City Tour Including Local Lunch: $60
- Private Sandakan City Must See 6 Highlights Tour with Guide & Car: $63
- From 7 Unmissable Local Stops Private Tour: $82
- Sukau Rainforest Wildlife and Dawn Cruises Tour in Sandakan: $83
- Sukau Rainforest Wildlife Journey & Dawn Cruises: $87
- Borneo Kinabatangan River Cruise Day Trip: $88
- Sandakan Private City Tour Orangutan Sun Bears and Rainforest: $89
- Kinabatangan River Cruise from Sandakan: $90
- Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre & Sepilok Orang Utan Rehab Centre Tour: $112
- Day Trip Sepilok Orang-utan And City Tour (Flight Excluded): $119
- Private Full Day Sepilok Orang Utan, Bornean Sun Bear and Rainforest Discovery Center Tour: $125
- Labuk Proboscis, Sepilok, Sun Bear, Sandakan City Tour & Lunch: $147
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHanoi $7.30Sandakan $7.47
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hanoi and Sandakan, we can see that Sandakan is more expensive. And not only is Hanoi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Sandakan would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sandakan 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 Hanoi Expensive? and Is Sandakan Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Hanoi or Sandakan?
Hanoi has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Sandakan. When comparing the sizes of Hanoi and Sandakan, 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 Hanoi or Sandakan?
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 Hanoi or Sandakan in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Hanoi and Sandakan. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hanoi year-round. Sandakan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Also, May to September is the rainy season in Hanoi. Sandakan receives a lot of rain in the summer. Hanoi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Hanoi usually receives around the same amount of rain as Sandakan. Hanoi gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Sandakan receives 195 mm (7.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
Hanoi is around the same temperature as Sandakan in the summer. The daily temperature in Hanoi averages around 29°C (84°F) in July, and Sandakan fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyHanoi 29°C (84°F)Sandakan 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Hanoi or Sandakan in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Hanoi as well as Sandakan. Hanoi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Sandakan throughout the year.
Also, November to April in Hanoi is the dry season. It's quite rainy in Sandakan. Hanoi receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Hanoi usually gets less rain in October than Sandakan. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Sandakan receives 253 mm (10 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the autumn, Hanoi is around the same temperature as Sandakan. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hanoi in October average around 25°C (77°F), and Sandakan averages at about 28°C (82°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHanoi 25°C (77°F)Sandakan 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Hanoi or Sandakan in the Winter?
Both Sandakan and Hanoi are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hanoi throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Sandakan because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Sandakan. In January, Hanoi usually receives less rain than Sandakan. Hanoi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Sandakan receives 437 mm (17.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
In January, Hanoi is generally much colder than Sandakan. Daily temperatures in Hanoi average around 17°C (63°F), and Sandakan fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHanoi 17°C (63°F)Sandakan 26°C (80°F)
Should I visit Hanoi or Sandakan in the Spring?
Both Sandakan and Hanoi during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Hanoi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Sandakan year-round.
November to April is the dry season in Hanoi. May to September is the rainy season in Hanoi. Sandakan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Hanoi. Hanoi usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Sandakan. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Sandakan receives 107 mm (4.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
Hanoi is cooler than Sandakan in the spring. The daily temperature in Hanoi averages around 24°C (75°F) in April, and Sandakan fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilHanoi 24°C (75°F)Sandakan 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Sandakan and Hanoi
| Hanoi | Sandakan | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 17°C (63°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 437 mm (17.2 in) |
| Feb | 17°C (63°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 268 mm (10.6 in) |
| Mar | 21°C (70°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) |
| Apr | 24°C (75°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (84°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 200 mm (7.9 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (84°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 195 mm (7.7 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 200 mm (7.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 213 mm (8.4 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (77°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 253 mm (10 in) |
| Nov | 22°C (72°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 344 mm (13.5 in) |
| Dec | 18°C (64°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 462 mm (18.2 in) |
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.