A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Can Tho vs. Bali for Food, Nightlife, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Can Tho or Bali?

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 Bali can help you decide which place is right for you.

Can Tho

Can Tho is a vibrant, friendly, and cultural city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Bali

Bali is a cultural, stunning, and tropical island. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Can Tho and Bali: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Can Tho or Bali?

You'll generally find more things to do in Bali than Can Tho. Bali is bigger than Can Tho, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Bali is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Can Tho is more popular for its museums, shopping, and big city activities. Bali is more touristy than Can Tho and is popular for its many temples, beautiful beaches, world class scuba diving, and cultural retreats. Also, Bali is famous for Pura Lempuyang. Can Tho is well known for its colorful floating markets, fresh produce, friendly people, and intricate waterways.

How is Can Tho different from Bali?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Bali 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 Bali?

Can Tho is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Bali does not have museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Can Tho specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Bali does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Bali is a must-visit destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Can Tho is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Bali has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The food is rich and diverse with a lot of spices and complex flavors. Turmeric is a common spice and many dishes use coconut milk. Popular local dishes include Nasi Ayam (a chicken dish), Satay (grilled chicken), and Babi Guling (a pork dish).

Dining out in Can Tho is an experience not to be missed. 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.

Is Can Tho or Bali Better for Nightlife?

Bali is a must-visit destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Can Tho is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

Bali is a world class party destination. The island is known for its crazy raves and all night pool parties. There are multi-story dance clubs as well as upscale bars and beach clubs that host parties late into the night. The best nightlife areas are around Kuta, Seminyak, and Canggu.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Can Tho. 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.

Is Can Tho or Bali Better for Resorts?

Bali is a must-visit destination for its luxury resorts. However, Can Tho is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Bali is a perfect choice. The island has resorts as well as private villas that cater to everyone from celebrities to families or even budget travelers. Private villas offer a more secluded vacation while resorts usually have more amenities and the opportunity to socialize with other guests. There are also many family-friendly resorts around the island.

Can Tho is not a resort destination.

Is Can Tho or Bali Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Bali is a must-visit destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Can Tho is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The scuba diving and snorkeling in Bali is not to be missed. The waters are crystal clear and the marine life is abundant making scuba diving and snorkeling popular around the island. There are many snorkeling day trips that you can arrange and there are also dive shops that will take you out on the water.

Can Tho is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Can Tho or Bali Better for Beaches?

Bali is a must-visit destination for the beache. However, Can Tho is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Bali is a very popular vacation destination. The island is large enough that it has a diversity of beach styles. There are popular beaches with water sports as well as secluded bays where you can enjoy a more peaceful setting. Some beaches are dramatic with limestone cliffs while others are lined with palm trees.

Can Tho is not a beach destination.

Is Can Tho or Bali Better for Hiking?

Bali is great for hiking. However, Can Tho is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Bali for the hiking trails. Walking on the island is beautiful and with its varied landscapes you can explore scenic rice paddies or pristine rainforests. You'll find the most challenging hikes in West Bali National Park, where a guide is recommended, but there are many other shorter hikes on the island that can be explored independently.

Can Tho is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Can Tho or Bali?

Can Tho is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Bali is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Can Tho make it a world-class shopping destination. 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.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Bali. A big appeal of shopping on the island is the affordability. There are many local items that are fun to bring home including jewelry, handicrafts, furniture, and clothing.

Is Can Tho or Bali Better for Families?

You'll find very good kid-friendly activities in either Can Tho or Bali.

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.

Bali is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The island has countless activities that kids can enjoy. There are watersports, snorkeling, surfing lessons and beautiful beaches. You can also expose your kids to the spiritual side of the island with kid-friendly yoga classes. Animals lovers will enjoy getting to see the monkeys up close and for a unique culinary experience, you can take a family cooking class.

Is Can Tho or Bali Better for Couples?

Bali is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Can Tho is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

For those traveling as a couple, Bali has plenty to offer. This beautiful island offers stunning beaches, adventure sports, and world class snorkeling. There are beautiful resorts with spas as well as couples yoga classes impressive natural areas.

Can Tho is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Is Can Tho or Bali Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bali is a must-visit destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Can Tho is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Bali is extremely popular for backpackers. Backpackers flock to this beautiful island for its stunning setting and affordable accommodation. There are many nice places where backpackers can hang out and get to know other travelers. If you want to get off the beaten path, it's best to head into the countryside and away from the main tourist hubs.

Can Tho is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

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

Bali is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Can Tho is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Bali offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are minibuses and tourist shuttle buses around the island. You can also hire a taxi or rent a car, scooter, or bicycle.

Public transit is generally 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.

Is Can Tho or Bali a more walkable city?

Can Tho is very good for its high level of walkability. However, Bali is not a good island for its ease of walking around.

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

Bali is generally not a very walkable city. There are some walkable towns and cities on the island, but many areas can be challenging to navigate on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Bali or Can Tho?

How long in Can Tho or Bali?

Both Can Tho and Bali have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Bali than in Can Tho. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Can Tho, and 5-7 days is enough time in Bali.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bali than Can Tho 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 Bali.

One day in Can Tho or Bali?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Can Tho. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Bali, you'll find nightlife and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This island 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 Bali?

Can Tho is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the shopping. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Bali, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Can Tho or Bali?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural destination of Can Tho. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Bali is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bali has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Can Tho or Bali?

The unique city of Can Tho offers nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bali. In Bali, you'll find shopping and nightlife. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in Vietnam, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Vietnam, The Best Tours for Seniors to Indonesia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Indonesia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Can Tho and Bali, we can see that Bali is more expensive. And not only is Can Tho much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Bali would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bali 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 Bali Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Can Tho or Bali?

Bali has a larger population, and is about 56% larger than the population of Can Tho. When comparing the sizes of Can Tho and Bali, 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 Can Tho or Bali?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.

Should I visit Can Tho or Bali in the Summer?

Both Bali and Can Tho during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Can Tho because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bali year-round.

April to September is the dry season in Bali. It rains a lot this time of the year in Can Tho. Can Tho usually gets more rain in July than Bali. Can Tho gets 313 mm (12.3 in) of rain, while Bali receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

In Bali, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Can Tho often gets less sunshine than Bali. Can Tho gets 168 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bali receives 253 hours of full sun.

Can Tho is around the same temperature as Bali in the summer. The daily temperature in Can Tho averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Bali fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

Should I visit Can Tho or Bali in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Can Tho and Bali. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Can Tho year-round. Bali attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

December to April in Can Tho is the dry season. Also, May to November is the rainy season in Can Tho. Also, October to March is the rainy season in Bali. Can Tho gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Can Tho usually receives more rain than Bali. Can Tho gets 343 mm (13.5 in) of rain, while Bali receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bali this time of the year. Can Tho usually receives less sunshine than Bali during autumn. Can Tho gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Bali receives 266 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In the autumn, Can Tho is around the same temperature as Bali. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Can Tho in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Bali averages at about 27°C (81°F).

Should I visit Can Tho or Bali in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Can Tho as well as Bali. Can Tho attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bali throughout the year.

October to March in Bali is the rainy season. Can Tho usually gets less rain in January than Bali. Can Tho gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Bali receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Can Tho this time of the year. In the winter, Can Tho often gets more sunshine than Bali. Can Tho gets 240 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bali receives 170 hours of full sun.

In January, Can Tho is generally around the same temperature as Bali. Daily temperatures in Can Tho average around 26°C (78°F), and Bali fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

Should I visit Can Tho or Bali in the Spring?

Both Bali and Can Tho are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Can Tho throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Bali because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

The dry season in Can Tho is December to April. The rainy season in Can Tho is May to November. The dry season in Bali is April to September. It's quite rainy in Can Tho. In April, Can Tho usually receives more rain than Bali. Can Tho gets 103 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Bali receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

It's quite sunny in Bali. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Can Tho. Can Tho usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bali during spring. Can Tho gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Bali receives 226 hours of full sun in the spring.

Can Tho is around the same temperature as Bali in the spring. The daily temperature in Can Tho averages around 29°C (84°F) in April, and Bali fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

Typical Weather for Bali and Can Tho