The Real Cost of Spending a Weekend in Bangkok vs. Hong Kong

Hong Kong is one of the world’s most expensive cities, meanwhile, Bangkok is a delight for all strict-on-budget travellers. We decided to closely compare the two, and see how much a weekend in either city would really cost you.

Hong Kong’s always headlining the list of the world’s most expensive places, as city folks strive hard to keep themselves afloat in this luxury cosmopolitan. After almost emptying their pockets to afford the city’s lifestyle, Hongkongers often look for affordable options to satiate their wanderlust. That’s when Thailand’s capital comes to their rescue. Offering laidback street life, warm beaches, vivid nightscapes and more on a budget, Bangkok is perfect for an inexpensive weekend escape for Hong Kong folks. Hongkongers, if you’re planning to visit Bangkok for a weekend getaway, we’ve curated a detailed Hong Kong vs Bangkok guide comparing both cities’ travel costs, dining, shopping and nightlife.

Boasting lip-smacking gastronomical delights at the world’s best Michelin-star restaurants, fancy luxury retail outlets, lush abodes with skyrocketing costs and a host of other recreational joys like hotels, spas and more – Hong Kong isn’t for the weak-hearted. According to Mercer’s 2024 Cost of Living City rankings, Hong Kong is the most expensive city in the world for expats. On the other hand, Bangkok offers you a luxurious vacation without burning a hole in your pocket. According to money.co.uk, Bangkok sits atop the list of affordable luxury travel destinations with a budget score of 9.49/ 10 which factors in the cost of Michelin star meals, five-star hotel stays, luxury car hiring and spa hotel costs.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of how much it will cost to spend a weekend in Bangkok vs Hong Kong.

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The real cost of spending a weekend in Bangkok vs. Hong Kong

Bangkok vs Hong Kong: Dining scene

Hong Kong: From local street fare to Michelin-star dining

Understanding the price range of Michelin-star outlets

If a person’s bored of Hong Kong’s dining scene, they’re bored of life. Hong Kong’s culinary scene screams supremacy. Awash with tantalising local street food markets and opulent Michelin-star dining experiences, the city’s exotic gastronomical flare appeals to everyone. Did you know Hong Kong has more than 200 Michelin-starred restaurants as of 2024? From brunch spots like Porterhouse, Zuma, Casa Lisboa and whisk to rooftop bars like Cardinal Point, Aqua, Ozone, Kaboom, Wav and more, there are plenty of options to indulge in over the weekend.

For those unversed, the latest reports reveal that Hong Kong is the third-most expensive city in the world for Michelin-star dining. The median price of Hong Kong’s costliest tasting menus is USD 266 or about HKD2,080.

Here’s a tentative cost of dining at Hong Kong’s Michelin-star restaurants, from lowest to highest:

1. Lowest price: HKD 100 or less

2. Lower-mid price: Between HKD 100 TO HKD 800

3. Upper-mid price: Between HKD 800 to HKD 1,600

4. Highest price: Above HKD 1,600 

Hong Kong’s street food markets and prices

However, if you want to experience Hong Kong’s local food culture and experience the vibrant street food scene, visiting the city’s renowned food markets is a must. Temple Street Night Market, Sai Kung Seafood Street, Sham Shui Po Cooked Food Centre, Mong Kok Night Market, and Graham Street Market among others are Hong Kong’s best night markets.

Some of the popular street delicacies include skewers of bacon-wrapped meat, fried chicken, dim sums, wontons, steamed fish balls, ban bao (steamed buns), deep-fried tofu, fresh sushi, roasted duck and sweet Hong Kong egg waffles and the list goes on. While the quality and cost of food varies from market to market, the prices generally start around HKD 20 a dish and go no higher than HKD 100.

Moreover, there are multiple hole-in-the-wall restaurants offering rice or noodle dishes that can cost around HKD 25 to HKD 30.

Where to go drinking in Hong Kong (and how much it costs)

From craft beer bars and speakeasies to Spanish gin joints,  Italian cocktail digs and elegant hotel bars – Hong Kong has the finest drinking scenes. A weekend in Hong Kong is incomplete without trying out delightful concoctions or sharing hearty laughs over beers. You can either visit the city’s best bars where cocktail connoisseurs churn out the most interesting amalgamations. Or, you can visit hole-in-the-wall local spots while witnessing the city come alive at night.

As for the best bars in Hong Kong, we recommend you try places like the Penicillin, Aqua, The Diplomat, The Savoury Project and Terracotta. Hong Kong is also home to bars that have made it to the World’s 50 Best Bars list. Alcohol in proper bars here is quite expensive so it’s poor value for budget Travelers. A cocktail can easily cost anywhere from 150-200 HKD or more on average. However, some bars can serve very expensive cocktails like a Negroni for HKD 1,250 and a Sazerac for HKD 1,800.

As for beer, a pint of domestic beer (0.5 litre draught) can cost HKD 60. Even the imported Beer (0.33 litre bottle) costs more or less the same.

That’s Hong Kong’s dining scene for you in a nutshell.

Bangkok: Explore the city’s countless street food spots to high-end restaurants

A city inextricable linked with street food

The best part about walking the streets of Bangkok is blessing your gluttonous souls with countless carts, stalls and hole-in-the-wall places serving flavoursome dishes. Bangkok street food is the heart and soul of the city’s culinary culture, and the most popular local dishes include pad thai, mango sticky rice, tom yum goong, khao tom pla, boat noodles, crab omelette, cha yen and pla pao.

If you’re a tourist navigating the Bangkok streets for the first time, let’s acquaint you with our top favourite street food spots. Yaowarat Road, Wanglang Market, Victory Monument, Banthat Thong Road and Silom Soi 20 are non-negotiables when it comes to Bangkok’s local dining scene.

As for pricing, most famous street foods cost anywhere around 30 to 100 baht. If you’re a food enthusiast wanting to try out a variety of local delicacies, we suggest you consider allocating around 300 to 400 baht per day. This will cover everything from snacks, and main dishes to even desserts.

Bangkok’s 7-Eleven: A go-to for cheap food for tourists and locals

We’re sure you must’ve heard of the famed 7-Eleven stores spread across Bangkok, offering budget snacking and beverage options. It’s not just a convenience store, but rather an important part of everyday life and a part of Thai culture. You’ll get delicious onigiri (rice balls) for around 20 baht,  toasted cheese sandwiches for 30 baht, simple rice meals for around 40 baht as well as local beers for 50 baht.

A guide to Michelin star and high-end restaurants in Bangkok

From homesick expats and wandering tourists to curious locals – Bangkok satiates everyone’s appetite with its exquisite bites. The city has an incredible fine dining scene and some of the best Michelin-star restaurants in the world. Do you know there are over 30 restaurants that have received Michelin stars in Bangkok? But which ones are the best? Find out below:

• Le Normandie: A famous French fine dining restaurant in Mandarin Oriental Bangkok.

Price: 2,900 – 7,000 baht for set menu

• Mezzaluna: An amazing Japanese-French fusion cuisine outlet in the iconic Lebua Hotel. 

Price: 9,000 – 12,000 baht for set menu

• Sühring: Known for traditional German recipes in a contemporary way. It is located in the Yan Nawa district.

Price: 5, 500+ baht onwards

• Sorn: Southern Thai restaurant with Malaysian and Javanese influences. Located at Klongton Khlong Toei, Bangkok. 

Price: 6,500 baht onwards

• 80/20 Eighty Twenty:  A hai fine dining restaurant known for churning local food into world-class gourmet. Located at Bang Rak, Bangkok.

Price: 5,000 baht onwards

If you’re looking to enjoy luxury on a budget, there are a host of affordable Michelin-star dining options as well. These include Blue by Alain Ducasse, Maison Dunand, Nahm and Côte by Mauro Colagreco. The average price range of these restaurants is about 2,000 to 5,000 baht.

Hong Kong vs Bangkok Dining Scene: Verdict

If you take into consideration the Michelin-star restaurants in both Hong Kong and Bangkok, the latter is slightly cheaper in price. While the most expensive Michelin eateries in Hong Kong are priced at HKD 1600 and above, the ones in Bangkok can be afforded at 5000 to 6000 baht (which is around HKD 1,100 to HKD 1,400).

As for local food joints, even relatively expensive street food dishes in Bangkok cost 100 baht (which is around 23 HKD). This is more affordable than the starting price range of Hong Kong street food at HKD 30. Now that’s a massive difference.

So, you’ll definitely save a lot of bucks while exploring Bangkok’s culinary scene as compared to Hong Kong.

Bangkok vs Hong Kong: Transport

Hong Kong: MTR, buses, ferry, trams and more

How to travel hassle-free in Hong Kong: All about the Octopus Card

Before diving into the various modes of public transport and their fares, let’s introduce you to the Octopus Card – the ultimate travel card used for nearly all public transit. You can buy this card at the train ticket counter at the airport. The card already comes with a balance of HKD 50 HKD, making it even more convenient. You can use it across various modes of transportation, including the MTR, trams, and even at convenience stores.

So, prepare your octopus cards in advance for a comfortable public transport experience.

MTR

MTR is the pulsing beat of Hong Kong’s public transport system, without which the city’s commute will be impaired. The MTR (Mass Transit Railway) is spread across multiple rail lines across Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and the New Territories. Services typically commence around 6 am and run until midnight or 1 am. One can expect the trains to arrive every 2 to 4 minutes during peak hours or every 4 to 6 minutes otherwise. There’s a dedicated MTR Mobile app as well as an MTR website for one’s perusal.

Fares: Starting from HKD 4.5 for 1 station and HKD 22 for all stations. Check the Hong Kong Travel map first and ensure there’s enough balance in your Octopus card to reach the destination.

Airport Buses

The double-decker buses that take you right into the city centre in about an hour, Airport buses are a cheaper alternative to enjoy Hong Kong’s scenery while Travelling.

Fares: Around HKD 40 to HKD 50.

Tram Ding-Ding

If you want to parade around the city in a fun way, this special rail bus should be your pick. It has two decks, upper and lower. It’s one of the oldest modes of transport in Hong Kong, dating back to 1904. As of now, the tram runs from east to west and west to east on Hong Kong Island.

Fare: Starting from HKD 3 to HKD 22 depending on the distance.

Taxi

If you want to explore places not in the vicinity of MTR or bus stations, taxis are a comfortable bet (however, it does cost a lot more). Taxis cover almost all the nooks and crannies of Hong Kong quickly.

Fares: Starting fares for urban taxis are around HKD 29, as well as HKD 25.50 for New Territories taxis and HKD 24 for Lantau taxis. There are also incremental charges beyond the first two kilometres after flag-fall.

Other modes of transport also include Star Ferries, bikes and rickshaws.

Bangkok: BTS Skytrain, MRT subway systems, and more

Once you understand how the city’s extensive public transport system works, Travelling will be a cakewalk. While BTS Skytrain and MRT subway systems dominate the public transport systems, app-operated services like Grab Taxis and Go Bikes have also garnered massive popularity. Let’s familiarise you with each one:

BTS Skytrain

Skytrain is an easy and efficient way to move between busy areas, including the jam-packed Sukhumvit Road.  Siam Station is the heart of the Skytrain system, connecting  Sukhumvit (light green on maps) and Silom (dark green on maps) BTS lines.  The BTS trains operate from 5 am to 12 am, running every 5 to 10 minutes.

Fares: Range from 17 to 62 baht depending on the distance. You can purchase a one-day pass for 24 hours of unlimited rides for 150 baht.

 MRT subway systems

The traditional subway in Bangkok is more often used by locals than tourists, as it doesn’t give access to popular tourist destinations. It currently operates on two lines, the busiest Blue Line and the Purple Line. Yellow and Purple monorails are also available. MRT runs from 6 am until midnight, arriving every 5 to 10 minutes.

Fares: Range from 14-42 baht depending on the distance.

Taxis

Whizzing through the highways across the city, Bangkok has a well-kept network of air-conditioned taxis. Keep in mind to always travel by taxi metre and refuse to take the ride if the driver asks for a random amount.

Fares:  The price starts from 35 baht for the first two kilometres, followed by 5 baht for every additional kilometre. A ride around the city can cost anywhere between 80 to 200 baht.

Tuk Tuk

To have a quintessential Thailand experience, you have to hop on a tuk-tuk. Bargain your way to get a cheap ride that’ll give you all the Bangkok feels in its element.

Fares: A short ride can cost around 100 baht and is upwards of 500 baht for longer journeys, depending on how many people

Online taxi services

Grab Taxi

You can now worry less about commuting in Bangkok if you have a smartphone. Grab Taxis works the same way as Uber, and you can also opt to pay in cash. Just add your pickup and drop locations on the application and embark on a smooth ride. Please know that ridesharing drivers often get targeted by the local taxi mafia. So, the drivers might want to pick you up from a location more discreet than your front door. Some of them might not even have a sign on their car.

Fares: The price for short Grab car rides within Bangkok is around 100 to 200 baht. Longer trips will be closer to 300 to 600 baht. Longer trips (like to the airport) cost upwards of 500 baht on the Grab app, and over 2,000 baht if you’re going out of town, for example, to Pattaya. The price can also fluctuate depending on the time of day and demand

Go Bike

The Thai government is said to have introduced this mode for travellers’ convenience. Bikers in orange uniforms will come pick you up and drop you at the mentioned location.

Fares: The charge for a passenger ride is usually 10 to 20 baht, depending on the distance.

Hong Kong vs Bangkok transport: Verdict

Evidently, Bangkok is relatively cheaper than Hong Kong when it comes to public transport. Let’s compare the cities’ most popular transport modes: MTR vs BTS Skyline. While MTR’s base fare stands around HKD 4.50, BTS Skyline’s starting price is 17 baht (which is 3.9 HKD).

Bangkok gets an edge over Hong Kong as the latter doesn’t have Grab service or its alternate that eases travellers’ commute worries on a budget. You can ride a Go Bike for 20 km for less than HKD 60, which is amazing. Most prices are one-fourth to one-fifth of the cost of Hong Kong. 

Hong Kong vs Bangkok: Hotels and accommodation

While accommodation costs vary depending on the type of hotel, neighbourhood and the month of the year, here’s a rough idea of how much it can cost to stay in the two cities.

Hong Kong accommodation costs

Accommodation in Hong Kong comes at skyrocketing prices. Adding to it is the high population density, which makes accommodation in the city on a smaller side. And if you’re on a tight budget, you might have to settle for cramped spaces.

Luxury hotels

If we talk about the luxe segment, hotels like Four Seasons, JW Marriot, Mandarin Oriental, The Peninsula, St. Regis, The Fullerton Ocean Park and Shangri La are a few names which take the lion’s share. These hotels start from HKD 1,500 and go up to HKD 6,000 a night or more.

Mid-range hotels

Coming to mid-range hotels, one must definitely check out spaces like Kerry Hotel Hong Kong, Marco Polo Hotel Hong Kong, InterContinental Grand Stanford, New World Millennium, The Pottinger and more. As for their pricing, you can expect to shelve at least HKD 900 or more.

Budget hotels

Lastly, there are some bargain beds available at (relatively) reasonable prices for budget-friendly explorers. Places like Chelsea Hotel, Best Western Hotel Harbour View, Cosco Hotel, Grand City Hotel, and Grand Inn are a few options to try out. Generally, hotels on the lower end of the cost spectrum cost around HKD 400.

Airbnbs

Some of the world’s best things (in this case Hong Kong Airbnbs), come in all prices and sizes. Coming to some of the best Airbnbs in Hong Kong,  the city has a host of good options starting from HKD 500 and going up to HKD 30,000 per day and more. Of course, you can get a great deal if you’re coming in a large group. For solo travellers, a decent Airbnb can cost around HK 100 per day.

Airbnbs are very popular among travellers, especially because they offer swanky, creative spaces in a city where living conditions are (uncomfortably) cosy.

Bangkok accommodation costs

In Bangkok, it’s best to stay along or near Sukhumvit Rd from Soi 1 and as far east as Soi 65. That’s because the area is home to some of the best bars, nightclubs, restaurants and massage shops. However, this privilege comes with a price tag. Some of the other popular tourist areas in Bangkok are Pratunam, Riverside, Khaosan, Siam, Nana Plaza, Silom, Lumphini, and Sathon.

Luxury hotels

Bangkok has a host of luxury hotels for luxury travellers including Mandarin Oriental, Shangri La, Four Seasons, Banyan Tree and more. On average, a 5-star hotel in Bangkok can easily cost around 10,000 baht per night. For premium hotels, expect to pay 5,800 baht a night.

Mid-range hotels

Travellers with flexible budgets who don’t mind spending reasonably on accommodations can check out mid-range hotels. These include Mode Sathorn, Galleria 10 Hotel Bangkok, Bangkok Treehouse or Loy La Long. These quirky and comfy stays range anywhere from 1,500 to 3,500 baht. 

Budget hotels

Travelling tight on budget doesn’t really mean you have to compromise on comfort, style or amenities. Try out hotels like Lub D, Star Sukhumvit, Moji Don Mueang Airport Hotel or The Atrium Ratchada 13. These are available for pocket-friendly prices starting from 500/600 to 1200 baht.

Airbnbs

 Bangkok has some of the coolest Airbnbs, from romantic cottages to modern high-rises with sweeping city views. Some of the coolest neighbourhoods that offer amazing Airbnbs include Kudi Chin & Talat Phlu, Talat Noi

and Wang Doem. While there’s no limit to how much you can splurge on an Airbnb, a decent apartment costs around 800 to 2,500 baht.

Hong Kong vs Bangkok hotels and accommodation: Verdict

Luxury hotels: The average cost of a five-star hotel in Bangkok is 10,000 baht (or around HKD 2,300). Meanwhile, luxury accommodations in Hong Kong can cost around HKD 6,000 which is close to three times Bangkok’sprice.

Mid-range hotels: Here’s another startling difference in the price range. Mid-range hotels in Hong Kong cost at least HKD 900, which is more than the upper limit of mid-range hotels in Bangkok at 3,500 baht (around HKD 800).

Budget hotels: As for the pocket-friendly accommodations, you can expect to spend around HKD 400 in Hong Kong. Whereas, the budget hotels in Bangkok cost around 850 baht (HKD 200) on average.

Therefore, Bangkok is way cheaper than Hong Kong when it comes to accommodation.

Hong Kong vs Bangkok: Shopping

Shopping in Hong Kong: From luxe malls to lively street markets

For luxury shoppers

A shopper’s paradise housing brands of every luxury shopper’s dream, boasting an array of high-street brands as well as street corners filled with local hidden gems – Hong Kong is a one-stop destination for everything. If you’re in the city, you have to shop for clothes, food, spices, skincare and beauty products, electronics and sneakers. You’ll get unimaginable deals and discounts on these items.

For luxury or high-end shoppers, malls like Airside, Times Square, Harbour City, K11 Musea and Landmark are nothing less than paradise. Browse through different luxury stores, dine at Michelin-star restaurants, treat yourself to a cinematic experience or browse through the several cultural and art events happening outdoors.

As Hong Kong has a duty-free import policy and no VAT or sales tax, luxury goods are cheaper than elsewhere in the region and even globally.

For budget shoppers

As for street shopping, Ladies Market, Sneaker Street, Fashion Walk, Granville Road, Canton Road and Stanley Market are our top picks for scouring the best in the city.

You can also check out our Hong Kong shopping guide which lists the best malls and street markets for every kind of product.

While there’s no limit to one’s shopping expenditure, here are some budget-friendly options in the city:

• Citygate outlets: To get great discounts on designer labels.
• Golden Computer Centre: Best deals on electronics
• GU: Best for high-street fashion. An offspring of Uniqlo, this Japanese retailer offers Japanese-influenced fashion pieces for as cheap as HKD 50.
• Kwai Chung Plaza: Perfect for bargain seekers. Apart from wallet-friendly food outlets, this neighbourhood mall has many tiny boutiques offering vintage accessories, everyday clothes and footwear. If you’re good at bargaining, you’ll be able to curate an entire outfit for less than HKD 200.
• Mee & Gee: Boasts amazing winter apparel. If vintage and retro are your thing, you must visit this second-hand store for some unique and inspiring finds for as cheap as HKD 20 to HKD 50.

Overall, retail therapy in Hong Kong is unmatched!

Shopping in Bangkok: A retail paradise for bargainers

Thailand, especially Bangkok, has gained a reputation as one of Asia’s best shopping hubs, and for a good reason. Low prices, high quality and wide range and variety of everything from silks, gemstones, handicrafts and clothes to ceramics, jewellery, home decor and artwork.

You can buy quirky sunglasses for 500 baht or less, denim for around 250 baht, accessories of all kinds for as cheap as 20 baht, and a myriad of stylish clothing items starting from 100 baht. Get bags for as low as 150 baht and sneakers for around 400 baht or less. Don’t miss out on souvenirs, as Bangkok markets and malls have hands-down the most diverse collection to take home for your loved ones.

However, you must try your luck at bargaining to get these for even cheaper rates. Another tip while shopping in Bangkok is to buy local brands rather than international ones as there are a lot of fake/ dupes popping the market with sub-standard quality.

Here are the must-visit shopping spots in Bangkok for all kinds of shoppers:

• Siam Square: A prime shopping location offering irresistible fashion products to tourists at great deals. It’s a hub for international brands, offering branded items for high-end outlets. Mahboonkrong (MBK) Mall, Bonanza Mall, and Siam Centre are the must-visit malls.
• Chatuchak Weekend Market: It has more than 8000 stalls, displaying products of every kind, every budget and every grade. We recommend you come here for antiques, handicrafts and clothes.
• Icon Siam Mall: With over 7000 shops and brands like Uniqlo, H&M, Dior, Hermes, Louis Vuitton, Apple and more, Icon Siam Mall is bustling with visitors. Don’t miss the Siam Sook floating market while you’re here.
• Asiatique: The Riverfront: If you’re a nocturnal being, this night market will soothe your soul. It has many unusual brands that attract locals and tourists. Shop at the authentic Thai brands to take a bit of the city with you.
• Pratunam Market: If you want cheap shirts, jackets, dresses, jeans, shorts and accessories, then work your way to jam-packed narrow lanes of Pratunam market. If you really want a feel of Thailand life, you can also buy embroidered costumes and traditional dresses.
• Pantip Plaza: If you’re a gadget geek, this electronics market is for you. Laptops, tablets, printers, computers, memory cards and more, you’ll find everything. A good bargain will land you steal deals, however, stay cautious of counterfeit products.

Hong Kong vs Bangkok shopping: Verdict

While Hong Kong is a utopia for luxury shoppers, Thailand is nothing less than a nirvana for thrift shoppers. In Bangkok, you can get really great clothing items for less than 120 baht (around HKD 30), whereas accessories are priced at 20 baht (HKD 4) or less. This stands in contrast with budget shopping in Hong Kong, which starts at at least HKD 50. Give your bank balance a breather and satiate your shopping needs on your next trip to Bangkok.

Hong Kong vs Bangkok: Spas, salons, gyms and more

Hong Kong

Bangkok

One of the many reasons that makes tourists revisit Thailand time and again is the relaxing Thai massages and spas. Traditional Thai massage, also known as Nuad Thai, is a therapeutic technique that combines acupressure, Ayurvedic principles, and yoga-like stretches to balance the body’s energy lines and nourish your soul and body. While some locations offer traditional Thai massages for as little as 200 baht, you can easily expect posh places and hotels to charge 600 baht or more.

Some of the best spa and wellness destinations in Bangkok include Yunomori Onsen & Spa, Oasis Spa, HARNN Heritage Spa, AWAY SPA and Infinity Wellbeing among others.

In salons, a men’s haircut can cost anywhere between 350 and 1,400 baht. However, a traditional Thai barber shop offers haircuts for as low as 100 baht.

Lastly, gym memberships can also vary depending on where you enrol. If the gym is located on the more expensive side of the city, chances are the rates are on the higher end, too. However, you’ll mostly find great programs that’ll meet your needs and fit your budget. The price of one month of gym membership in a business district in Bangkok is around 1,900 baht. The more expensive ones can easily cost 4,500 baht or more.

Hong Kong vs Bangkok spas, salons, gyms: Verdict

Clearly, Bangkok snatches the affordability factor here as well. Did you know, that some Hongkongers purposely grow their hair out to get haircuts in Bangkok? That’s because the city has a great reputation for offering great haircuts on a budget. Even facials and spas in Bangkok are at around one fourth the price in Hong Kong at really good service. 

This story first appeared on Lifestyle Asia Bangkok