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

Should you visit Can Tho or Katoomba?

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

Can Tho

Can Tho is a unique, fascinating, and vibrant city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Katoomba

Katoomba is a peaceful, serene, and natural town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Can Tho and Katoomba: 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
  • 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 Katoomba?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Can Tho. Although Can Tho and Katoomba are popular destinations, Can Tho has more sights and attractions for tourists. Can Tho is very popular for its museums, food, shopping, and big city activities, while Katoomba attracts visitors for its hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Can Tho is famous for its colorful floating markets, fresh produce, friendly people, and intricate waterways. It is also well known for Cai Rang Floating Market. Katoomba is famous for its natural scenery, beautiful hikes, and its location in the Blue Mountains.

How is Can Tho different from Katoomba?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Can Tho
Katoomba

Can Tho is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Katoomba is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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.

Katoomba offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. For many, the town is used as a base for exploring the Blue Mountains. Scenic World is a great way to take in the highlights. It's also fun to check out the local street art.


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

Can Tho
Katoomba

Can Tho is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Katoomba is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Can Tho makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Katoomba has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Many of the restaurants work hard to support local farmers and suppliers. You'll find local ingredients and homemade meals. The restaurant scene is growing, but many restaurants are still affiliated with hotels and tourist attractions.

Is Can Tho or Katoomba Better for Nightlife?

Can Tho
Katoomba

The vibe at night is nice in both Can Tho and Katoomba.

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 Katoomba. It's not known for its nightlife scene, but there are some relaxed places where you can enjoy craft beer or see a show. Katoomba is the hub of nightlife in the Blue Mountains.

Is Can Tho or Katoomba Better for Hiking?

Can Tho
Katoomba

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

Many people visit Katoomba specifically for its hiking. Surrounded by the Blue Mountains, this town offers access to some of the area's best hikes. You'll see waterfalls, scenic viewpoints, and lush landscapes.

Can Tho is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Can Tho or Katoomba?

Can Tho
Katoomba

Can Tho is a world-class destination for shopping. Also, Katoomba is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Can Tho is a famous shopping destination with plenty of 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Katoomba. There are local markets and boutiques where you can pick up local items and handicrafts.

Is Can Tho or Katoomba Better for Families?

Can Tho
Katoomba

Katoomba is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Can Tho is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Katoomba is one of the most popular family destinations. The surrounding Blue Mountains are filled with activities for the whole family. Scenic World is a highlight with its cable cars and skyway. There are also gardens, hiking trails, and cultural centers. Kids who love trains will enjoy Valley Heights Locomotive Depot Heritage Museum.

Can Tho is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Is Can Tho or Katoomba Better for Couples?

Can Tho
Katoomba

Both Can Tho and Katoomba are high quality 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.

Katoomba is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are world class gardens like the Everglades Gardens, restaurants where you can enjoy high tea with a view, as well as hikes that will take your breath away. For the truly adventurous, there are also helicopter tours.


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

Can Tho
Katoomba

For backpackers, both Can Tho and Katoomba are high quality 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.

Katoomba is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. There are hostels in the area, as well as camping opportunities. Backpackers will appreciate the scenic beauty and natural setting.

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

Can Tho
Katoomba

Katoomba 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 Katoomba offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are public buses through the Blue Mountains but it's easier to explore in depth if you have your own car.

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 Katoomba a more walkable city?

Can Tho
Katoomba

Can Tho and Katoomba are nice when it comes to walkability.

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

Katoomba is a somewhat walkable city. The town itself is relatively walkable.


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

Should I spend more time in Katoomba or Can Tho?

How long in Can Tho or Katoomba?

It's fun to spend time in either Can Tho or Katoomba. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Katoomba 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 Katoomba.

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

Couples should spend more time in Can Tho than Katoomba. 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 Katoomba 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 Katoomba? Ideal Length of Stay
    Can Tho 1-2 
    Katoomba 2-4

One day in Can Tho or Katoomba?

The city of Can Tho offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Katoomba 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 Katoomba?

Can Tho is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Can Tho, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Katoomba 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 Katoomba has to offer.

Five days in Can Tho or Katoomba?

Can Tho is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that shopping is why people visit. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Katoomba 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 Katoomba?

Can Tho is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that shopping is why people visit. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Katoomba. Since Katoomba 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 Bicycle Tours in Vietnam, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Vietnam, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Australia, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Katoomba 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 Katoomba is $134. 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 Katoomba in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Can Tho $27
    Katoomba $77
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Can Tho $54
    Katoomba $154
Compare Hotels in Can Tho and Katoomba

Looking for a hotel in Can Tho or Katoomba? 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 Katoomba


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 Katoomba Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Can Tho $13
    Katoomba $50

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Can Tho or Katoomba?

Prices for flights to both Katoomba 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
    Katoomba $17
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
    Katoomba $53
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 Katoomba

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Katoomba are as follows:

  • 4Hrs at Wolgan Valley Birdwatching Experience: $129
  • Army Truck Adventures - 3 Hour Guided Tour: $98
  • Army Truck Adventures - 90 Minute Guided Tour: $66
  • Blue Labyrinth PRIVATE Tour: Sydney Blue Mountains by E-Bike : $248
  • Blue Mountains 1-Hour Trike Tour of Three Sisters: $107
  • Blue Mountains 3 Hour Army Truck Adventures: $97
  • Blue Mountains 90 Minute Army Truck Adventures: $65
  • Blue Mountains BarNSW Local Produce Tasting Experience: $37
  • Blue Mountains Full Day Guided Tour : $192
  • Blue Mountains Hop On Hop Off Tour: $32
  • Blue Mountains Private Tour From Sydney, & Featherdale Aussie Animal Park Option: $248
  • Blue Mountains: Private Scenic Tour with Optional Stops: $245

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Can Tho $6.59
    Katoomba -
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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Can Tho and Katoomba, we can see that Katoomba 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 Katoomba 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 Katoomba would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Katoomba 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 Katoomba Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Can Tho or Katoomba?

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

Katoomba 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 Katoomba in the Summer?

Both Katoomba 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. Furthermore, most visitors come to Katoomba for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Can Tho is generally a little warmer than Katoombain January. Daily temperatures in Can Tho average around 28°C (82°F), and Katoomba fluctuates around 24°C (74°F).

In Katoomba, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Can Tho often gets less sunshine than Katoombain January. Can Tho gets 168 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Katoomba receives 236 hours of full sun.

Katoomba gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Can Tho. Can Tho usually gets more rain in July than Katoombain January. Can Tho gets 313 mm (12.3 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 105 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Can Tho 28°C (82°F) 
    Katoomba 24°C (74°F)

Should I visit Can Tho or Katoomba in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Can Tho and Katoomba. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Can Tho year-round. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Katoomba because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Can Tho is much warmer than Katoomba in the autumn. The daily temperature in Can Tho averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Katoomba fluctuates around 18°C (65°F)in April.

Can Tho usually receives less sunshine than Katoomba during autumn. Can Tho gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Katoomba receives 195 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Can Tho gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Can Tho usually receives more rain than Katoombain April. Can Tho gets 343 mm (13.5 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn. December to April in Can Tho is the dry season. Also, May to November is the rainy season in Can Tho.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Can Tho 28°C (82°F) 
    Katoomba 18°C (65°F)

Should I visit Can Tho or Katoomba in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Can Tho as well as Katoomba. Can Tho attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Katoomba this time of year.

In the winter, Can Tho is much warmer than Katoomba. Typically, the winter temperatures in Can Tho in January average around 26°C (78°F), and Katoomba averages at about 11°C (51°F)in July.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Katoomba. 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 Katoombain July. Can Tho gets 240 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Katoomba receives 208 hours of full sun.

Can Tho usually gets less rain in January than Katoombain July. Can Tho gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Can Tho 26°C (78°F) 
    Katoomba 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Can Tho or Katoomba in the Spring?

Both Katoomba 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. Also, many travelers come to Katoomba for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In April, Can Tho is generally much warmer than Katoombain October. Daily temperatures in Can Tho average around 29°C (84°F), and Katoomba fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Katoomba. 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 Katoomba during spring. Can Tho gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Katoomba receives 240 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Can Tho. In April, Can Tho usually receives more rain than Katoombain October. Can Tho gets 103 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring. The dry season in Can Tho is December to April. The rainy season in Can Tho is May to November.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Can Tho 29°C (84°F) 
    Katoomba 18°C (64°F)

Typical Weather for Katoomba and Can Tho

Can Tho Katoomba
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (78°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 24°C (74°F) 105 mm (4.1 in)
Feb 27°C (80°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 23°C (74°F) 96 mm (3.8 in)
Mar 28°C (82°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 22°C (71°F) 96 mm (3.8 in)
Apr 29°C (84°F) 103 mm (4.1 in) 18°C (65°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
May 29°C (84°F) 268 mm (10.6 in) 14°C (58°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 332 mm (13.1 in) 12°C (53°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 313 mm (12.3 in) 11°C (51°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 365 mm (14.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Sep 28°C (82°F) 360 mm (14.2 in) 15°C (59°F) 42 mm (1.6 in)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 343 mm (13.5 in) 18°C (64°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Nov 27°C (81°F) 163 mm (6.4 in) 20°C (68°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Dec 26°C (79°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)