A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Can Tho vs. Alice Springs for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Can Tho or Alice Springs?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Can Tho and Alice Springs can help you decide which place is right for you.

Can Tho

Can Tho is a cultural, unique, and fascinating city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Can Tho travel costs.

Alice Springs

Alice Springs is a outdoorsy, charming, and friendly town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. The beauty of Alice Springs is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Alice Springs travel costs.

Can Tho and Alice Springs: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for shopping


Is there more to do in Can Tho or Alice Springs?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Can Tho. Although Can Tho and Alice Springs are both popular with visitors, Can Tho has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Can Tho is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, shopping, and big city activities, while Alice Springs is known for its hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Can Tho is popular for its colorful floating markets, fresh produce, friendly people, and intricate waterways. It is also home to Cai Rang Floating Market. Alice Springs is popular for its desert landscapes, Outback setting, and location between the East and West MacDonnell Ranges.

How is Can Tho different from Alice Springs?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Alice Springs and Can Tho. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Can Tho or Alice Springs?

Can Tho
Alice Springs

Can Tho is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Alice Springs is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Can Tho. The main attraction nearby is Cai Rang Floating Market, but visitors also enjoy seeing Binh Thuy Ancient House, the Can Tho Rice Noodle Factory, Ong pagoda, and Nam Nha Pagoda.

Alice Springs is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several wildlife centers in town that let you experience the desert animals first hand. Make sure you check out the Alice Springs Reptile Center, the Alice Springs Desert Park, and the Kangaroo Sanctuary. Another highlight of the town is a visit to the Alice Springs School of the Air.


Is the Food Better in Can Tho or Alice Springs? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Can Tho
Alice Springs

Can Tho is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Alice Springs is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Can Tho has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. It's the largest city in the Mekong Delta, and there are many restaurants with rooftop views and lively atmospheres. The food is local and fresh. Grilled meats, noodle soup, and local produce are all popular. Many visitors come to Cantho specifically to experience the nearby floating markets. You really must sample the many dishes available at the markets, which are unique to the area and offer a whole new approach to street food.

Alice Springs offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are casual eateries with local food and decent prices. While it's a small town, there are plenty of tourists passing through so you'll find enough places to eat with a decent selection.

Is Can Tho or Alice Springs Better for Nightlife?

Can Tho
Alice Springs

The vibe at night is good in both Can Tho and Alice Springs.

If you're looking for night time activities Can Tho has a few options to choose from. The city is very beautiful at night with many colorful lights. There are a number of bars and places for tourists to hang out and socialize.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Alice Springs. It's a laid back small town, but there are still places to hang out in evening. Pubs and taverns are popular with locals and tourists alike. You'll also find a couple of casinos and clubs in town.

Is Can Tho or Alice Springs Better for Hiking?

Can Tho
Alice Springs

Alice Springs is a must-visit destination for hiking. However, Can Tho is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Alice Springs specifically for its hiking. Just outside of town there are wonderful walking routes and hiking trails. You can visit gorges, waterholes, and wander through the stunning red desert landscapes. One of the most famous trails in the area is the Larapinta Trail.

Can Tho is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Can Tho or Alice Springs?

Can Tho
Alice Springs

Can Tho is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. Also, Alice Springs is not as popular, but is still a nice town for shopping.

Many people travel to Can Tho specifically to go shopping. The city is large with malls and a central market, but most visitors come specifically for the nearby floating markets. These unique markets are best visited by boat. Goods and food are sold out of vendor boats and popular food dishes include noodle soup and local fruits. Each boat has a tall bamboo stick displaying the items that it sells.

Alice Springs is a great destination for shopping. There are many shopping areas around town, particularly at the Yeperenye Shopping Centre, Alice Plaza, and Todd Mall. Prices can be a bit high, so keep that in mind as you're browsing.

Is Can Tho or Alice Springs More Beautiful?

Can Tho
Alice Springs

Alice Springs is great for its scenery and beauty. However, Can Tho is not a destination known for its beauty.

The beauty of Alice Springs is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The surrounding area is filled with beautiful landscapes and dramatic views.

Can Tho is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Can Tho or Alice Springs Better for Families?

Can Tho
Alice Springs

You'll find superb kid-friendly activities in either Can Tho or Alice Springs.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Can Tho is very family-friendly. Kids and adults alike will be fascinated by the floating markets and the beautiful Mekong Delta. Most visitors use this growing city as a base for exploring the area, which has a fascinating culture and interesting sights.

Alice Springs is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy the beautiful setting as much as adults. There are desert animals that you can see at Alice Springs Desert Park or the Kangaroo Sanctuary. The Earth Sanctuary has telescopes and unbeatable views of the night sky. In the area you'll also be able to take a camel ride or visit the National Road Transport Hall of Fame.


Is Can Tho or Alice Springs Better for Couples?

Can Tho
Alice Springs

Both Can Tho and Alice Springs are superb destinations to visit as a couple.

Can Tho is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Couples can take a romantic evening boat ride on the Mekong Delta. During the morning hours, the floating markets are one of Vietnam's most interesting destinations. You can sample local dishes and experience a completely different way of life.

Alice Springs is a very popular place to visit for couples. The red desert and stunning landscapes make for a truly one-of-a-kind romantic getaway. In addition to the area's natural beauty, there are hot air balloon rides and camel treks. Hiking and exploring is also at the top of many visitor's lists.

Is Can Tho or Alice Springs Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Can Tho
Alice Springs

For backpackers, both Can Tho and Alice Springs are superb places to visit.

Many backpackers visit Can Tho. This is a large city with a number of hostels and many backpackers who pass through during their trip to the floating markets and through the Mekong Delta.

Alice Springs is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. Many backpackers stop off here during their Australian adventure. There a few hostels in town as well as a laid back and friendly environment that is perfect for backpacking.

Is Can Tho or Alice Springs Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Can Tho
Alice Springs

Can Tho and Alice Springs both offer decent public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Can Tho. There are local buses, but many visitors come to this area as part of an organized tour because transportation can be a bit a tricky.

Public transit is generally limited in Alice Springs. Public transit options are limited but you will find buses that leave from the Yeperenye Shopping Center on Hartley Street. There are also taxis in town.


Is Can Tho or Alice Springs a more walkable city?

Can Tho
Alice Springs

Can Tho and Alice Springs are good when it comes to walkability.

Can Tho is a somewhat walkable place. The city center is relatively walkable.

Alice Springs is a somewhat walkable city. The downtown area can be explored on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Can Tho Worth Visiting? and Is Alice Springs Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Alice Springs or Can Tho?

How long in Can Tho or Alice Springs?

It's fun to spend time in either Can Tho or Alice Springs. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Alice Springs due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Can Tho, and 2-4 days is enough time in Alice Springs.

Families should spend more time in Can Tho than Alice Springs. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Can Tho, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Can Tho than Alice Springs. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Can Tho that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Can Tho than Alice Springs if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Can Tho.


  • How many days in Can Tho or Alice Springs? Ideal Length of Stay
    Can Tho 1-2 
    Alice Springs 2-4

One day in Can Tho or Alice Springs?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the friendly destination of Can Tho. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Alice Springs is a small town with plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Can Tho or Alice Springs?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Can Tho. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Alice Springs might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Alice Springs has to offer.


Five days in Can Tho or Alice Springs?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the friendly destination of Can Tho. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

Alice Springs is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Can Tho or Alice Springs?

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Can Tho. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Alice Springs. Since Alice Springs is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Ho Chi Minh City, The Best 10-Day Tours from Hanoi, The Best 2-Week Tours in Australia, and The Best 3-Week Tours in Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Alice Springs or Can Tho?

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 Can Tho is $66, while the average daily cost in Alice Springs is $113. 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 Can Tho and Alice Springs in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Can Tho $26
    Alice Springs $50
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Can Tho $52
    Alice Springs $100
Compare Hotels in Can Tho and Alice Springs

Looking for a hotel in Can Tho or Alice Springs? 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 Can Tho


Hotels in Alice Springs


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: Can Tho Hotel Prices and Alice Springs Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Can Tho $12
    Alice Springs $20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Can Tho

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

  • Private Transfer from Can Tho (VCA) Airport to Can Tho City: $135
  • Private Transfer from Can Tho City to Tan Son Nhat (SGN) Airport: $123
  • Private Transfer from Vinh Long to Tan Son Nhat (SGN) Airport: $116
  • Can Tho To Ho Chi Minh Private Car Transfer: $75
  • Private Transfer from Can Tho City to Can Tho (VCA) Airport: $51
  • Private Transfer: Can Tho Airport to/from Can Tho City Center: $35
  • PRIVATE CAR: Can Tho AIRPORT <=> CanTho Hotels (one way transfer): $30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Alice Springs

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

  • Alice Springs to Uluru (Ayers Rock) Coach Transfer: $171
  • Uluru to Alice Springs or Alice to Uluru 1-Way Luxe Transfer: $168

Is it cheaper to fly into Can Tho or Alice Springs?

Prices for flights to both Alice Springs and Can Tho 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
    Can Tho $28
    Alice Springs $42
Typical Food Prices in Can Tho

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Can Tho:


  • Restaurant Dinner (for Two)
    $4.93
  • Coconut
    $0.27
  • Mango
    $1.02
  • Hot Pot Dinner (for Two)
    $6.60
  • Two Vietnamese Iced Coffees
    $0.61
  • Casual Lunch (for One)
    $2.65

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Can Tho

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

  • Boat tour on Mekong river see the sunset, small canal, Vegan dinner, street food: $29
  • Biking and Cooking Class in Can Tho Rural: $32
  • Explore Can Tho City tour combine Local Food tour - in afternoon: $35
  • Can Tho food tour voted by local - Vegan option is available: $38
  • Street food tour back of the bike in Can Tho: $39
  • Full-Day Experience in Mekong Cycling and Authentic Home Cooking: $60

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Alice Springs

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

  • From Day Trip to Uluru with BBQ Dinner: $242
  • Ayers Rock Day Trip from Alice Springs Including BBQ Dinner: $246

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Can Tho $16
    Alice Springs $14
Typical Entertainment Prices in Can Tho

For Can Tho, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Sunset Boat Ride
    $1.90
  • Half Day Floating Market Tour
    $7.96

Tours and Activities in Can Tho

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

  • Private ecotour in floating market-nature reserved: $93
  • Victoria Sunset Cruise on Hau River: $35
  • 1 day-Tra Su cajuput forest tour pick up from Chau Doc or Can Tho: $155
  • Bicycle Tour Through Peaceful Villages: $37
  • Boat tour visit 3 pagodas, Ancient house, see sunset on mekong river: $59
  • CASA Authentic Bicycle Tour: $89
  • CASA Authentic Mekong Motorbike Tour: $89
  • Cai Rang Floating Market - My Tho & Ben Tre - VIP Private Tour: $125
  • Cai Rang Floating Market Tour & Rural Cycling: $63
  • Cai Rang Floating Market Tour -Amazing Can Tho : $78
  • Cai Rang Floating Market Tour with Lung Ngoc Hoang Nature Reserve: $92
  • Can Tho Countryside Bike Tour with Fruit Garden Visit: $30

Tours and Activities in Alice Springs

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

  • A Town Like Alice: Half-Day Tour of Alice Springs: $118
  • Alice Springs Airport to West MacDonnell Half-Day Tour : $107
  • Alice Springs Desert Park General Entry Ticket: $27
  • Alice Springs Desert Park Nocturnal Tour: $28
  • Alice Springs Tour to West MacDonnell Ranges with Lunch: $116
  • Desert Park Entry Ticket: $26
  • Larapinta Hiking Trail 5 Day Adventure Safari: $2,067
  • Red Centre Journey Tour with Morning Tea: $114
  • West MacDonnell Ranges & Standley Chasm Tour: $129
  • Alice Town And Country Half Day Sunset Tour - Small Group: $127
  • Alice Town and Country Half Day Sunset Tour -Small Group: $129
  • Art Centre Tour in Alice Springs: $50

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Can Tho $6.26
    Alice Springs $17
Typical Alcohol Prices in Can Tho

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Can Tho from other travelers:


  • Beer
    $3.03

Typical Alcohol Prices in Alice Springs

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Alice Springs:


  • Glass of Wine in Alice Springs
    $4.58


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Can Tho and Alice Springs, we can see that Alice Springs is more expensive. And not only is Can Tho much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Can Tho is in Asia and Alice Springs is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Can Tho would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Can Tho 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 Alice Springs would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Alice Springs than you might in Can Tho.

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


Which is Bigger, Can Tho or Alice Springs?

Can Tho has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Alice Springs. When comparing the sizes of Can Tho and Alice Springs, 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.