A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Lombok vs. Hongcun for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Lombok or Hongcun?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Lombok and Hongcun. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Lombok or Hongcun?

Lombok

Lombok is an island east of the well-tread Bali and west of lesser-developed Sumbawa. While Lombok is not as popular as its neighbor to the west, it is a great place to visit for that very reason. Less popularity means lower prices for accommodations, food, activities, and less-inundated tourist spots. Nonetheless, Lombok is rapidly developing in tourism, and the government is naming it and Sumbawa the number two tourism spots, following Bali.

Hongcun

When you picture ancient China, you likely picture old cobblestone streets, white homes with pointed black roofs and a slight air of mysticism in the surroundings. This is Hongcun.

The backdrop for Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is not usually on the top of many traveler's lists. This isn't a bustling tourist town with guides offering to show you the sights or carts peddling the latest tacky souvenir. It's a quiet village where you'll see the real Chinese culture. The homes along the complex water canals air their fish in their windows to preserve it for their family dinners. There is no bowing to tourism here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to Indonesia, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Indonesia, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in China, and The Best Adventure Tours to China.


Which place is cheaper, Hongcun or Lombok?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Lombok is $59, while the average daily cost in Hongcun is $67. 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 Lombok and Hongcun in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Lombok $28
    Hongcun $23
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Lombok $56
    Hongcun $46
Compare Hotels in Lombok and Hongcun

Looking for a hotel in Lombok or Hongcun? 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 Lombok


Hotels in Hongcun


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: Lombok Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Lombok $11
    Hongcun $12

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lombok

Also for Lombok, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Kuta Lombok Transfer: $12
  • Private Transfer International Airport Lombok (LOP) To Hotel: $17
  • Gili Trawangan, Air, or 1-Way Boat Transfer to Bali: $28
  • Private Transfer from Lombok Airport (LOP) to Lombok Cruise Port: $29
  • Private Transfer from Lombok Cruise Port to Lombok island hotels: $29
  • Private Transfer from Lombok Island Hotels to Lombok Cruise Port: $29
  • Private Transfer from Lombok Airport (LOP) to Koeta : $29
  • Private Transfer from Lombok Airport (LOP) to Batu Payung: $30
  • Private Airport Lombok Transfers to or from Gili Islands: $32
  • Private Transfer from Mataram to Lombok Airport (LOP): $35
  • Private Transfer from Lombok Airport (LOP) to Mangsit: $35
  • Private Transfer from Lombok Airport (LOP) to Bintaro: $35

Is it cheaper to fly into Lombok or Hongcun?

Prices for flights to both Hongcun and Lombok 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
    Lombok $20
    Hongcun $33

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lombok

For Lombok, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Anggrek Putih Lombok Cooking Class : $25
  • Kids Cooking Class at Tugu Hotel Lombok: $63
  • Love and Legends: The Ultimate Romantic Dinner on the beach : $65
  • Amazing Lombok BBQ Beach Sunset Dinner: $86
  • Lombok Cooking Class at Tugu Hotel Lombok: $100
  • Royal Dinner Experience in Lombok at Royal Tugudom: $119

Typical Food Prices in Hongcun

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


  • Lunch for Two
    $4.91
  • Breakfast of Dumplings
    $2.10

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Lombok $9.90
    Hongcun $17

Tours and Activities in Lombok

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Lombok.

  • Gili T Island: The Thrilling Sunset Snorkeling Adventure: $17
  • Lombok Private Tour-Car Hire With Full day Customize Trip: $33
  • Lombok Customize Tour with Private Driver: $35
  • Lombok Private Custom Tour - Lombok Car Hire with Driver : $36
  • Half-Day Mataram City Tour: $45
  • Lombok Private Customize Tour: $45
  • Lombok Customize Tour: $45
  • Lombok White Water Rafting and Pura Lingsar Private Full Day Tour: $48
  • Gili Nanggu Snorkeling Tour to a Tropical Paradise: $49
  • Mataram Lombok Historical City tour: $49
  • Lombok City Tour combination With Temple Tour : $49
  • Benang Stokel, Benang Kelambu, Culture, & Beach Tour: $49

Typical Entertainment Prices in Hongcun

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


  • Two Entrance Tickets
    $29

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Lombok $7.84
    Hongcun $14


When comparing the travel costs between Lombok and Hongcun, we can see that Hongcun is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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



When is the best time to visit Lombok or Hongcun?

Hongcun has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Lombok experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Lombok or Hongcun in the Summer?

Both Hongcun and Lombok during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Lombok because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the summer, Lombok is cooler than Hongcun. Typically, the summer temperatures in Lombok in July average around 26°C (79°F), and Hongcun averages at about 29°C (85°F).

Hongcun gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Lombok usually gets less rain in July than Hongcun. Lombok gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Hongcun receives 185 mm (7.3 in) of rain this time of the year. May to September is the dry season in Lombok.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Lombok 26°C (79°F) 
    Hongcun 29°C (85°F)

Should I visit Lombok or Hongcun in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Lombok and Hongcun. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Lombok year-round.

In October, Lombok is generally much warmer than Hongcun. Daily temperatures in Lombok average around 28°C (82°F), and Hongcun fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).

Lombok gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Lombok usually receives more rain than Hongcun. Lombok gets 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Hongcun receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn. Also, November to April is the rainy season in Lombok.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Lombok 28°C (82°F) 
    Hongcun 19°C (65°F)

Should I visit Lombok or Hongcun in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Lombok as well as Hongcun. Lombok attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Hongcun. Lombok is much warmer than Hongcun in the winter. The daily temperature in Lombok averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Hongcun fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

Lombok usually gets more rain in January than Hongcun. Lombok gets 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Hongcun receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Lombok 28°C (82°F) 
    Hongcun 4°C (40°F)

Should I visit Lombok or Hongcun in the Spring?

Both Hongcun and Lombok are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Lombok throughout the year.

In the spring, Lombok is much warmer than Hongcun. Typically, the spring temperatures in Lombok in April average around 28°C (82°F), and Hongcun averages at about 17°C (62°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hongcun. In April, Lombok usually receives less rain than Hongcun. Lombok gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Hongcun receives 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the spring. The dry season in Lombok is May to September. The rainy season in Lombok is November to April.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Lombok 28°C (82°F) 
    Hongcun 17°C (62°F)

Typical Weather for Hongcun and Lombok

Lombok Hongcun
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°C (82°F) 97 mm (3.8 in) 4°C (40°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 122 mm (4.8 in) 6°C (42°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Mar 28°C (82°F) 135 mm (5.3 in) 10°C (51°F) 117 mm (4.6 in)
Apr 28°C (82°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 17°C (62°F) 170 mm (6.7 in)
May 28°C (82°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 22°C (71°F) 189 mm (7.4 in)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 26°C (78°F) 235 mm (9.2 in)
Jul 26°C (79°F) 18 mm (0.7 in) 29°C (85°F) 185 mm (7.3 in)
Aug 26°C (79°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 29°C (84°F) 121 mm (4.7 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 24°C (75°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 109 mm (4.3 in) 19°C (65°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Nov 28°C (82°F) 216 mm (8.5 in) 13°C (55°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Dec 28°C (82°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 7°C (44°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)


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