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

Should you visit Can Tho or Dewa Sanzan?

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 Dewa Sanzan 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. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Dewa Sanzan

Dewa Sanzan is a traditional, religious, and sacred religious site. Visitors also love the hiking and museums.

Can Tho and Dewa Sanzan: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Can Tho or Dewa Sanzan?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Can Tho than Dewa Sanzan, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Can Tho is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Dewa Sanzan is more popular for its hiking. Can Tho is more touristy than Dewa Sanzan and is known for its colorful floating markets, fresh produce, friendly people, and intricate waterways. Also, Can Tho is famous for Cai Rang Floating Market. Dewa Sanzan is well known for its traditional religion, three sacred mountains, and the Shukubo Pilgrim Lodges.

How is Can Tho different from Dewa Sanzan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Can Tho
Dewa Sanzan

Can Tho is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. Also, Dewa Sanzan is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Dewa Sanzan. This is a sacred religious site that is at the heart of the Shugendo folk religion. The religion combines Buddhist and Shinto traditions and there are several temples in the area including the most sacred sights at Yudono-san, Haguro-san, and Gas-san, as well as the Churenji and Dainichibo Temples.


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

Can Tho
Dewa Sanzan

Can Tho is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

Can Tho has a huge number of terrific 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.

Dewa Sanzan may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. In your guesthouse you'll be given "Shojin cuisine", which is the traditional cuisine that has been handed down through the generations. It is strictly vegetarian and is heavily influenced by whatever vegetable is currently in season in the area. Traditionally, the cuisine focused on sustenance and not taste, but for the purposes of hospitality, the dishes are more flavorful than is typical in the traditional cuisine.

Is Can Tho or Dewa Sanzan Better for Nightlife?

Can Tho
Dewa Sanzan

Can Tho is very good for nightlife and partying. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in options for its evening party scene.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Dewa Sanzan. This is a religious site that is remote and focused on mountain worship and devotion. Nightlife is non-existent in the area.

Is Can Tho or Dewa Sanzan Better for Hiking?

Can Tho
Dewa Sanzan

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

Many visitors go to Dewa Sanzan for the hiking trails. Experienced hikers can climb Mt. Gassan and Mt. Yudono in one day and do Mt. Haguro separately. For Mt. Gassan, you'll want to take the bus to the 8th station and climb from there.

Can Tho is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Can Tho or Dewa Sanzan?

Can Tho
Dewa Sanzan

Can Tho is an unbeatable place for its shopping opportunities. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in options for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Can Tho draws large crowds to its stores. 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.

Dewa Sanzan has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. This is a sacred sight that is devoted to worship and a simple life. As such, shopping in not available in the area with the exception of a couple of convenience stores.

Is Can Tho or Dewa Sanzan Better for Families?

Can Tho
Dewa Sanzan

Can Tho is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in options for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Dewa Sanzan is not such a family-friendly city. The remote location make this a challenging place to access. It's a religious destination and its sacred and historic past is often lost to children. Out of respect for the strict religion, this site is best visited as an adult.

Is Can Tho or Dewa Sanzan Better for Couples?

Can Tho
Dewa Sanzan

Can Tho is an excellent place to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Dewa Sanzan is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Can Tho makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Dewa Sanzan is a good city for couples to visit. Couples who want to do something that's a bit different from mainstream Japan will appreciate a visit to this religious site.


Is Can Tho or Dewa Sanzan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Can Tho
Dewa Sanzan

Can Tho is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Dewa Sanzan is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Dewa Sanzan. This is an off-the-beaten-path destination for backpackers, and it can be difficult to reach by public transit. Once you're there, if you want a traditional experience, you can stay at a Shukubo Pilgrim Lodge.

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

Can Tho
Dewa Sanzan

Can Tho and Dewa Sanzan both offer respectable 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 Dewa Sanzan. There is public transit from Tsuruoka Station to Mt. Haguro and the accommodation in the area. There are also buses to the top of Mt. Haguro, Mt. Yudono, and Mt. Gassan 8th Station.

Is Can Tho or Dewa Sanzan a more walkable city?

Can Tho
Dewa Sanzan

Can Tho is very good for its high level of walkability. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in options for its ease of walking around.

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

Dewa Sanzan is generally not very walkable. Everything is very spread out so walking can be challenging. Experienced hikers will enjoy hiking to each of the three shrines.


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

Should I spend more time in Dewa Sanzan or Can Tho?

How long in Can Tho or Dewa Sanzan?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Can Tho and Dewa Sanzan. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Dewa Sanzan than in Can Tho. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Can Tho, and 2-3 days is enough time in Dewa Sanzan.

Families should spend more time in Can Tho than Dewa Sanzan. 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 Dewa Sanzan. 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 Dewa Sanzan 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 Dewa Sanzan? Ideal Length of Stay
    Can Tho 1-2 
    Dewa Sanzan 2-3

One day in Can Tho or Dewa Sanzan?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the unique city of Can Tho. Most people visit for the shopping. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Dewa Sanzan, you'll find museums. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This religious site 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 Dewa Sanzan?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the vibrant destination of Can Tho. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

In Dewa Sanzan, you'll find museums. 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. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Dewa Sanzan has to offer.

Five days in Can Tho or Dewa Sanzan?

The cultural city of Can Tho offers shopping and museums. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Dewa Sanzan 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 Dewa Sanzan?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Can Tho. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people visit for the shopping. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dewa Sanzan. Many people enjoy the museums when visiting Dewa Sanzan. 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 Bicycle Tours in Vietnam, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Vietnam, The Best Contiki Tours to Japan, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Dewa Sanzan or Can Tho?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Can Tho is $57, while the average daily cost in Dewa Sanzan is $65. 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 Dewa Sanzan in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Can Tho $27
    Dewa Sanzan $28
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Can Tho $54
    Dewa Sanzan $56
Compare Hotels in Can Tho and Dewa Sanzan

Looking for a hotel in Can Tho or Dewa Sanzan? 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 Dewa Sanzan


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 Dewa Sanzan Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Can Tho $13
    Dewa Sanzan $22

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Can Tho

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

  • Private Transfer: Can Tho Airport to/from Can Tho City Center: $43
  • Private Transfer: Can Tho Airport - Can Tho City Center: $40
  • Private Transfer from Vinh Long to Tan Son Nhat (SGN) Airport: $105
  • Private Transfer from Thanh Thoi to Tan Son Nhat (SGN) Airport: $106
  • Private Transfer from Can Tho City to Tan Son Nhat (SGN) Airport: $112
  • Private Transfer from Can Tho City to Can Tho (VCA) Airport: $25
  • Private Transfer from Can Tho (VCA) Airport to Ho Chi Minh: $112
  • Private Transfer from Can Tho (VCA) Airport to Can Tho City: $25
  • PRIVATE CAR: Can Tho AIRPORT <=> CanTho Hotels (one way transfer): $30

Is it cheaper to fly into Can Tho or Dewa Sanzan?

Prices for flights to both Dewa Sanzan 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 $17
    Dewa Sanzan $24
Typical Food Prices in Can Tho

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


  • Restaurant Dinner (for Two)
    $5.19
  • Coconut
    $0.28
  • Mango
    $1.08
  • Hot Pot Dinner (for Two)
    $6.95
  • Two Vietnamese Iced Coffees
    $0.64
  • Casual Lunch (for One)
    $2.80

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
  • Explore Can Tho City tour combine Local Food tour - in afternoon: $35
  • Can Tho food tour designed by local chef: $38
  • Street food tour back of the bike in Can Tho: $39
  • Eco Cooking Class and Market Tour: $47
  • Walking street food tour designed by local chef: $47
  • Full-Day Experience in Mekong Cycling and Authentic Home Cooking: $60
  • Can Tho Cooking Class - Motorbike trip in the countryside: $69
  • 2 Days Tour in Can Tho with Boat Trip and Cooking Class : $139

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Can Tho $17
    Dewa Sanzan $9.23
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
    $2.00
  • Half Day Floating Market Tour
    $8.39

Tours and Activities in Can Tho

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

  • 'Cai Rang' Floating Market 2-Day Tour With Biking & Boating: $140
  • 3-DAY CA MAU CAPE TOUR IN MEKONG DELTA FROM SAI GON: $166
  • A unique tour of the floating market includes a cacao plantation.: $48
  • An Giang Full Day tour visit Tra Su bird sanctuary From Can Tho: $155
  • Bicycle Tour Through Peaceful Villages: $40
  • 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 One Day Private Tour from Ho Chi Minh City: $145
  • Cai Rang Floating Market Tour -Amazing Can Tho : $45
  • Can Tho Sunset Tour : $35
  • Cycling in the village in Can Tho - countryside bike tour: $55

Tours and Activities in Dewa Sanzan

For Dewa Sanzan, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Tsuruoka & Dewa-Sanzan Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide: $228

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Can Tho $6.59
    Dewa Sanzan $7.27
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
    $3.20


When comparing the travel costs between Can Tho and Dewa Sanzan, we can see that Dewa Sanzan 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 Can Tho Expensive? and Is Dewa Sanzan Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Can Tho or Dewa Sanzan?

Dewa Sanzan has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Can Tho experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Can Tho or Dewa Sanzan in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Can Tho and Dewa Sanzan. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Can Tho year-round. Also, the hiking are the main draw to Dewa Sanzan this time of year.

Can Tho is a little warmer than Dewa Sanzan in the summer. The daily temperature in Can Tho averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Dewa Sanzan fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

Can Tho usually receives more sunshine than Dewa Sanzan during summer. Can Tho gets 168 hours of sunny skies, while Dewa Sanzan receives 124 hours of full sun in the summer.

Dewa Sanzan receives a lot of rain in the summer. Can Tho gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Can Tho usually receives more rain than Dewa Sanzan. Can Tho gets 313 mm (12.3 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 191 mm (7.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Can Tho 28°C (82°F) 
    Dewa Sanzan 23°C (74°F)

Should I visit Can Tho or Dewa Sanzan in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Can Tho as well as Dewa Sanzan. Can Tho attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Dewa Sanzan for the hiking trails.

In the autumn, Can Tho is much warmer than Dewa Sanzan. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Can Tho in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Dewa Sanzan averages at about 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Can Tho often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Dewa Sanzan. Can Tho gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dewa Sanzan receives 149 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Dewa Sanzan. Can Tho receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Can Tho usually gets more rain in October than Dewa Sanzan. Can Tho gets 343 mm (13.5 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, December to April in Can Tho is the dry season. May to November in Can Tho is the rainy season.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Can Tho 28°C (82°F) 
    Dewa Sanzan 13°C (56°F)

Should I visit Can Tho or Dewa Sanzan in the Winter?

Both Dewa Sanzan and Can Tho are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Can Tho throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Dewa Sanzan in the winter for the museums and the cuisine.

Dewa Sanzan can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Can Tho is generally much warmer than Dewa Sanzan. Daily temperatures in Can Tho average around 26°C (78°F), and Dewa Sanzan fluctuates around -1°C (30°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Can Tho. Can Tho usually receives more sunshine than Dewa Sanzan during winter. Can Tho gets 240 hours of sunny skies, while Dewa Sanzan receives 149 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Dewa Sanzan. In January, Can Tho usually receives less rain than Dewa Sanzan. Can Tho gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Can Tho 26°C (78°F) 
    Dewa Sanzan -1°C (30°F)

Should I visit Can Tho or Dewa Sanzan in the Spring?

Both Dewa Sanzan and Can Tho during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Can Tho because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Can Tho is much warmer than Dewa Sanzan in the spring. The daily temperature in Can Tho averages around 29°C (84°F) in April, and Dewa Sanzan fluctuates around 9°C (47°F).

It's quite sunny in Can Tho. In the spring, Can Tho often gets more sunshine than Dewa Sanzan. Can Tho gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dewa Sanzan receives 188 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Can Tho. Can Tho usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Dewa Sanzan. Can Tho gets 103 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year. December to April is the dry season in Can Tho. May to November is the rainy season in Can Tho.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Can Tho 29°C (84°F) 
    Dewa Sanzan 9°C (47°F)

Typical Weather for Dewa Sanzan and Can Tho

Can Tho Dewa Sanzan
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (78°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) -1°C (30°F) 206 mm (8.1 in)
Feb 27°C (80°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) -1°C (30°F) 151 mm (6 in)
Mar 28°C (82°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 2°C (35°F) 116 mm (4.6 in)
Apr 29°C (84°F) 103 mm (4.1 in) 9°C (47°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
May 29°C (84°F) 268 mm (10.6 in) 15°C (59°F) 96 mm (3.8 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 332 mm (13.1 in) 20°C (67°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 313 mm (12.3 in) 23°C (74°F) 191 mm (7.5 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 365 mm (14.4 in) 25°C (77°F) 174 mm (6.8 in)
Sep 28°C (82°F) 360 mm (14.2 in) 20°C (68°F) 154 mm (6.1 in)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 343 mm (13.5 in) 13°C (56°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Nov 27°C (81°F) 163 mm (6.4 in) 7°C (44°F) 207 mm (8.1 in)
Dec 26°C (79°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 2°C (35°F) 231 mm (9.1 in)


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