FindYourStay
🎒Backpackers

Where to Stay in Haikou

Cheapest areas, hostel districts, and budget tips

🛡️ Safe💰 Budget: CNY 250/day🚇 Good Transit☀️ Best: Jan, Feb, Dec

Our pick for backpackers

Stay in Haikou Old Town (Haidong)

Provides the most affordable accommodation and food options, along with a more local, less touristy atmosphere.

Best Neighborhoods for Backpackers

Ranked by relevance for backpackers visiting Haikou

1

Haikou Old Town (Haidong)

Budget

The historic heart of Haikou, characterized by traditional architecture, local markets, and a slower pace of life.

culturefoodiesbudgetsolo travelers
  • +Authentic local experience
  • +Historic charm and architecture
  • +Affordable food and accommodation
  • -Can be quite run-down in parts
  • -Limited modern amenities and fewer hotel choices
🏨 Haikou Old Town Boutique Hotel🏨 Home Inn Plus Haikou Guomao🏨 Haikou Hostel
2

Haikou City Center

Mid-range

The bustling administrative and commercial heart of Haikou, offering a mix of modern amenities and local life.

first-timersfoodiesculturenightlife
  • +Excellent access to public transport
  • +Wide variety of dining and shopping options
  • +Central location for sightseeing
  • -Can be very crowded and noisy
  • -Air quality can be poor at times
🏨 Haikou Marriott Hotel🏨 Hilton Haikou🏨 Mei Hua Hotel
3

Haikou West Coast

Mid-range

A newer, more modern district with wide avenues, parks, and residential areas, offering a more relaxed atmosphere.

familiescouplesdigital nomadsbeach lovers
  • +Quieter and less congested than the city center
  • +Closer proximity to the coast
  • +Modern infrastructure and amenities
  • -Can feel a bit sterile and less authentic
  • -Further from some historical attractions
🏨 Shangri-La Qiongshan, Haikou🏨 InterContinental Haikou🏨 Hainan University Hotel

Daily Budget (Budget)

CNY 250/day

Haikou Yizhan Youth Hostel dorm bedCNY 50
Local breakfast of Baozi and Soy Milk from a street vendor, Lunch at a small local eatery for Hainanese Noodles, Dinner of street food skewersCNY 80
Local bus rides to attractionsCNY 20
Explore Haikou People's Park, Visit the Hainan Provincial Museum (free entry)CNY 30
Walk along the Haikou Bay waterfrontCNY 0
Visit the Qilou Old Street for atmosphere and photosCNY 0
Enjoy a local tea house experienceCNY 70
See all budget tiers

Hidden Gems in Haikou

Lesser-known spots the locals love

🛍️

Haixiu Street Night Market

FREE

Experience the vibrant local food scene at this bustling night market, famous for its delicious seafood, local snacks, and lively atmosphere. It's the perfect place to sample authentic Hainanese street food.

marketLonghua District
🚶

Qilou Old Street

FREE

Wander through this historic street lined with unique Nanyang-style architecture, a blend of Chinese and European influences. It's a fantastic area for photography and enjoying local cafes and shops.

streetLonghua District
🍜

Baimajing Street

FREE

Known for its authentic local eateries and traditional Hainanese cuisine, this street offers a genuine taste of the island's culinary heritage. Come here to try dishes you won't find in tourist restaurants.

foodMeilan District
⚠️

2 areas to be cautious about

Read our full safety guide for Haikou

More Haikou Guides

Full Haikou guideAreas to avoid👩 Solo Female Travellers💑 Couples👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Families💻 Digital Nomads✨ Luxury Travellers🎉 Nightlife Seekers