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

Should you visit Can Tho or Dunedin?

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

Can Tho

Can Tho is a fascinating, vibrant, and friendly city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Dunedin

Dunedin is a hilly, cultural, and vibrant city. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking.

Can Tho and Dunedin: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students


Is there more to do in Can Tho or Dunedin?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Can Tho than Dunedin, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Can Tho is more popular for its food, shopping, and big city activities, while Dunedin is known for its nightlife, beaches, and hiking. Can Tho is more touristy than Dunedin and is popular for its colorful floating markets, fresh produce, friendly people, and intricate waterways. It is also home to Cai Rang Floating Market. Dunedin is popular for its wildlife and proximity to the Otago Peninsula.

How is Can Tho different from Dunedin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Can Tho
Dunedin

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Can Tho and Dunedin.

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.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Dunedin can be an interesting and educational experience. The city has cultural scene that is centered around both Scottish and Maori heritage. Top sights around town include the Larnach Castle, the Dunedin Railway Station, Toitu Otago Settlers Museum, and the Otago Museum.


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

Can Tho
Dunedin

Can Tho is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Dunedin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Dunedin. The culinary scene in town continues to grow and improve. There are local eateries that have charm and character and serve interesting and local dishes.

Is Can Tho or Dunedin Better for Nightlife?

Can Tho
Dunedin

Dunedin is great for nightlife and partying. Also, Can Tho is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

Many people head to Dunedin for the nightlife scene. The town has eclectic bars and a diverse club scene that is fun to experience. It has a lively nightlife scene that is driven, in part, by the large student population.

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 Dunedin Better for Beaches?

Can Tho
Dunedin

Dunedin is very good for the beache. However, Can Tho is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Dunedin to enjoy the beach. Many of the beaches are just a short drive from the city center. The surf is surprisingly good and the beaches are fun during the warmer summer months.

Can Tho is not a beach destination.


Is Can Tho or Dunedin Better for Hiking?

Can Tho
Dunedin

Dunedin is very good for hiking. However, Can Tho is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Dunedin. There are biking and hiking trails that travel around town and through the surrounding landscapes.

Can Tho is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Can Tho or Dunedin?

Can Tho
Dunedin

Can Tho is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. Also, Dunedin is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Can Tho is a world class destination for shoppers. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Dunedin. The shopping scene is diverse and eclectic with everything from vintage shops to fashion boutiques. Some of the most popular shopping areas are Edinburgh Way, Octagon Entertainment Precinct, Moray Place, and the Warehouse Precinct.

Is Can Tho or Dunedin Better for Families?

Can Tho
Dunedin

You'll find great kid-friendly activities in either Can Tho or Dunedin.

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.

Dunedin is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. It's one of the largest cities on the South Island, and there are many educational opportunities and unique experiences available to kids. You can visit the Otago Museum or the Toitu Otago Settlers Museum, take a wildlife cruise, or visit the Larnach Castle. You can also take a ride on the Inlander or simply hang out at a playground.


Is Can Tho or Dunedin Better for Couples?

Can Tho
Dunedin

Can Tho is well known for couples. Also, Dunedin is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Can Tho frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Dunedin is a nice destination for couples. You can wander through the castle or explore one of the city's markets. There are also romantic restaurants and many opportunities to see wildlife.

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

Can Tho
Dunedin

For backpackers, both Can Tho and Dunedin are great 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.

Dunedin is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. There are many hostels around town and plenty of activities that keep backpackers entertained.

Is Can Tho or Dunedin Better for Students?

Can Tho
Dunedin

Dunedin is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Can Tho is not popular with students.

Dunedin is very popular with students. This is a large student city that is welcoming to international students and a popular place to study.

Can Tho is not popular with students.


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

Can Tho
Dunedin

Dunedin 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 Dunedin offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There a relatively decent bus system that travels through town.

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 Dunedin a more walkable city?

Can Tho
Dunedin

Dunedin is great for its high level of walkability. Also, Can Tho is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its ease of walking around.

Dunedin is a very walkable city. Parts of the town are easy to explore on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Dunedin or Can Tho?

How long in Can Tho or Dunedin?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Can Tho than Dunedin. 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 Dunedin 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 Dunedin.


  • How many days in Can Tho or Dunedin? Ideal Length of Stay
    Can Tho 1-2 
    Dunedin 1-3

One day in Can Tho or Dunedin?

In Can Tho, you'll find nightlife and food. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

In Dunedin, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.


A weekend in Can Tho or Dunedin?

In Can Tho, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Can Tho has to offer.

In Dunedin, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Dunedin has to offer.

Five days in Can Tho or Dunedin?

Can Tho is a great place to explore. 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.

Dunedin is a great place to explore. 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 Dunedin?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Can Tho. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Can Tho. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dunedin. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Dunedin. 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, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand, and The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand.


Which place is cheaper, Dunedin 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 Dunedin is $102. 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 Dunedin in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Can Tho $27
    Dunedin $52
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Can Tho $54
    Dunedin $104
Compare Hotels in Can Tho and Dunedin

Looking for a hotel in Can Tho or Dunedin? 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 Dunedin


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 Dunedin Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Can Tho $13
    Dunedin $27

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Can Tho

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

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dunedin

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dunedin:

  • ONE WAY MOMONA: Transfer from /to Dunedin Airport: $125
  • Momona Airport: One-Way Private Transfer to Momona: $90
  • Dunedin Int Airport(DUD) to Dunedin - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $72
  • Private Transfer from Chalmers Cruise Port to Dunedin City Hotels: $44
  • Private Transfer from Chalmers Port to Dunedin Airport (DUD): $44

Is it cheaper to fly into Can Tho or Dunedin?

Prices for flights to both Dunedin 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
    Dunedin $29
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
    Dunedin $17
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.

  • Mekong Delta and Cai Rang Floating Market 5-Hours Tour: $32
  • The hidden Fabulous Floating Market and small canal (Non-tourist small canal): $33
  • Half-Day Private Cai Rang Floating Market & Small Canal Boat Tour: $33
  • Mekong Delta and Cai Rang Floating Market 5-Hours Tour: $33
  • Discover Can Tho Floating Market and Small Canal Adventure: $35
  • Can Tho Sunset Tour : $35
  • From Cai Rang Floating Market Group tour: $39
  • Private Half Day Tour - Cái Răng Floating Market: $39
  • Private Half Day Tour - Sơn Islet: $39
  • Bicycle Tour Through Peaceful Villages: $40
  • Cai Rang Floating Market Tour -Amazing Can Tho : $45
  • Rural and Tropical Island Tour at Can Tho: $48

Tours and Activities in Dunedin

Here are a few actual costs in Dunedin for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Shore Excursion: V8 Trike, Peninsula and City Tour: $48
  • A 2 hour Small Group Dunedin City Highlights Tour: $57
  • Albatross, Wildlife and Harbour Cruise: $97
  • All in Dunedin - Nature & City Tour: $520
  • Brews and Views: Private Tour of Dunedin’s Craft Beer Scene: $1,035
  • Captivating Side of Dunedin Walking Tour for Couples: $273
  • Castle, Coast & City Small Group Tour (8 pax max): $120
  • Clearwater Wildlife - Small Guided Tours (10 max) Otago Peninsula: $106
  • Cruise Dunedin City and Castle Tour: $112
  • Dunedin Adventure: Family Heritage & Nature Walk: $174
  • Dunedin Adventure: Family Heritage & Nature Walk: $339
  • Dunedin City & Coast Views 3-Hour Small-Group Tour: $74

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Can Tho $6.59
    Dunedin $14
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

Sample the Local Flavors in Dunedin

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Dunedin:

  • Speight Brewery Small Group Guided Tour from Dunedin: $21
  • Emerson's Brewery Tour: $24


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Can Tho and Dunedin, we can see that Dunedin 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 Dunedin 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 Dunedin would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dunedin 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 Dunedin Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Can Tho or Dunedin?

Can Tho has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Dunedin. When comparing the sizes of Can Tho and Dunedin, 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.