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

Should you visit Can Tho or Koh Tao?

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 Koh Tao can help you decide which place is right for you.

Can Tho

Can Tho is a friendly, cultural, and unique city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Koh Tao

Koh Tao is a tropical, popular, and laid back 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 Koh Tao: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Can Tho or Koh Tao?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Koh Tao than Can Tho, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Koh Tao is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Can Tho is more popular for its museums, shopping, and big city activities. Can Tho is well known for its colorful floating markets, fresh produce, friendly people, and intricate waterways. Koh Tao is well known for its affordable scuba diving courses, laid-back island vibe, popularity with backpackers, and stunning island hikes. Also, Koh Tao is famous for Mango Bay Viewpoint.

How is Can Tho different from Koh Tao?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Can Tho is great for its historical sights. However, Koh Tao is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Can Tho can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Koh Tao offers a few options for museum-goers. It's a small island that is all about beachfront beauty. Most visitors enjoy the island's outdoor paradise setting, but on those rainy afternoons, there really are very few indoor activities or temples to visit.

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

Both Can Tho and Koh Tao offer a number of excellent restaurants to choose from.

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.

Dining out in Koh Tao is an experience not to be missed. You'll find a huge ex-pat community on the island, and with them they bring a variety of international cuisines. There are also local establishments that sell the typical Thai dishes with lots of seafood, curries, and noodle dishes. It's fun to enjoy a beachside restaurant that lets you sit right by the water looking off into a tropical paradise.

Is Can Tho or Koh Tao Better for Nightlife?

Koh Tao 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 Koh Tao for the nightlife scene. While most people head for the island for its scuba diving, when the sun goes down everyone heads to the beach to party. The island has a very active nightlife scene with its own Full Moon Parties, dance clubs, beachside bars, and more. Head to Sairee Beach for the most active nightlife and entertainment options.

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 Koh Tao Better for Resorts?

Koh Tao is great for its luxury resorts. However, Can Tho is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Koh Tao. While it's mostly famous as a diving destination, there are also a diversity of resorts, from luxury to affordable, available on the island. The beaches are beautiful and many resorts offer scuba diving packages as well.

Can Tho is not a resort destination.

Is Can Tho or Koh Tao Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Koh Tao 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 Koh Tao is not to be missed. The island is Thailand's most famous scuba diving destination for it's affordable certifications and prolific dive shops. There are a variety of dive sites near the island, but with fame and popularity come challenges. The coral and sealife is feeling the pressure of the high number of tourists, and the reefs show their damage. But the training you receive here is affordable and well-established.

Can Tho is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Can Tho or Koh Tao Better for Beaches?

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

With world-famous beaches, Koh Tao is a very popular vacation destination. The white sand beaches have a mellow vibe with beautiful blue waters. This is a true tropical paradise with beachside cafes, easy snorkeling, and warm water. The beaches range from quiet and isolated to high energy and vibrant.

Can Tho is not a beach destination.

Is Can Tho or Koh Tao Better for Hiking?

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

Many visitors go to Koh Tao for the hiking trails. Hiking is the best way to enjoy the inland beauty of the island. There are paths that take you through the jungle covered land to viewpoints and remote areas. Many paths are rustic and not always well maintained so it's helpful to ask a local for directions beforehand.

Can Tho is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Can Tho or Koh Tao?

Can Tho is an unbeatable place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Koh Tao is not as popular, but is still a nice island 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.

Many visitors go to Koh Tao to go shopping. The main beach areas of Mae Haad, Sairee, and Chalok Baan Kao have the highest concentration of clothing and dive equipment shops. Because it's an island with limited access, prices can be a bit high.

Is Can Tho or Koh Tao Better for Families?

Can Tho is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Koh Tao is not as popular, but is still a nice island 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.

Koh Tao is a family-friendly place to visit. The island is popular for its affordable scuba diving certifications, so there are a number of options for families with older kids who'd like to get certified. It's also a more laid back and smaller island than some nearby places, so it's possible to find quiet beaches where your family can relax. Some of the quieter beaches include Sai Nuan and Ao Luek. You'll still find a large number of backpackers on the island, but there's a more chill atmosphere with most visitors focused on scuba diving and exploring.

Is Can Tho or Koh Tao Better for Couples?

Both Can Tho and Koh Tao are excellent 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.

Koh Tao is a very popular place to visit for couples. This laid back island offers a relaxing honeymoon destination for couples who want to learn to scuba dive and enjoy a bit of tropical paradise. There are beachside restaurants, beautiful blue waters, white sand, and everything you need for your own piece of paradise.

Is Can Tho or Koh Tao Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Koh Tao 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, Koh Tao is extremely popular for backpackers. The island is an oasis for backpackers who want to enjoy the mellow island life, learn to scuba dive cheaply, and have fun at a beachside party. There are plenty of affordable places to stay and countless opportunities to meet other backpackers. The island is also well connected to other nearby islands.

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 Koh Tao Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Can Tho and Koh Tao 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 Koh Tao. You can rent a motorbike or bicycle to explore the island. There are also taxis and taxi boats available.

Is Can Tho or Koh Tao a more walkable city?

Koh Tao 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.

Koh Tao is a very walkable island. The island is smaller than many islands in Thailand, and the small towns are usually no more than 5 kilometers apart. It's also possible to walk around most of the small towns.

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 Koh Tao Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Koh Tao or Can Tho?

How long in Can Tho or Koh Tao?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Koh Tao 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 Koh Tao.

One day in Can Tho or Koh Tao?

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 Koh Tao, 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 Koh Tao?

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 Koh Tao, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. 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 Koh Tao has to offer.

Five days in Can Tho or Koh Tao?

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.

Koh Tao 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 Koh Tao has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Can Tho or Koh Tao?

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 Koh Tao. In Koh Tao, 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 Thailand, and The Best Contiki Tours to Thailand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Can Tho and Koh Tao, we can see that Can Tho is more expensive. And not only is Koh Tao much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Koh Tao would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Koh Tao 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 Can Tho would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Can Tho than you might in Koh Tao.

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 Koh Tao Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Can Tho or Koh Tao?

Can Tho has a larger population, and is about 190 times larger than the population of Koh Tao. When comparing the sizes of Can Tho and Koh Tao, 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 Koh Tao?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.

Should I visit Can Tho or Koh Tao in the Summer?

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

It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Tao. It's quite rainy in Can Tho. In July, Can Tho usually receives more rain than Koh Tao. Can Tho gets 313 mm (12.3 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Can Tho usually receives less sunshine than Koh Tao during summer. Can Tho gets 168 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Tao receives 195 hours of full sun in the summer.

Can Tho is a little warmer than Koh Tao in the summer. The daily temperature in Can Tho averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Koh Tao fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).

Should I visit Can Tho or Koh Tao in the Autumn?

Both Koh Tao and Can Tho during the autumn 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 Koh Tao year-round.

December to April is the dry season in Can Tho. May to November is the rainy season in Can Tho. October and November is the rainy season in Koh Tao. Koh Tao 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 October than Koh Tao. Can Tho gets 343 mm (13.5 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 276 mm (10.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the autumn, Can Tho often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Koh Tao. Can Tho gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Tao receives 167 hours of full sun.

In the autumn, Can Tho is a little warmer than Koh Tao. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Can Tho in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Koh Tao averages at about 24°C (76°F).

Should I visit Can Tho or Koh Tao in the Winter?

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

February to June in Koh Tao is the dry season. In January, Can Tho usually receives less rain than Koh Tao. Can Tho gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Koh Tao this time of the year. In Can Tho, it's very sunny this time of the year. Can Tho usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Koh Tao during winter. Can Tho gets 240 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Tao receives 255 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Can Tho is generally a little warmer than Koh Tao. Daily temperatures in Can Tho average around 26°C (78°F), and Koh Tao fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

Should I visit Can Tho or Koh Tao in the Spring?

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

Also, December to April in Can Tho is the dry season. May to November in Can Tho is the rainy season. Also, February to June in Koh Tao is the dry season. Can Tho receives a lot of rain in the spring. Can Tho usually gets more rain in April than Koh Tao. Can Tho gets 103 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Koh Tao. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Can Tho this time of the year. In the spring, Can Tho often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Koh Tao. Can Tho gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Tao receives 239 hours of full sun.

Can Tho is a little warmer than Koh Tao in the spring. The daily temperature in Can Tho averages around 29°C (84°F) in April, and Koh Tao fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

Typical Weather for Koh Tao and Can Tho