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

Should you visit Can Tho or Koyasan?

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

Can Tho

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

Koyasan

Koyasan is a serene, spiritual, and traditional town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the hiking, museums, and food.

Can Tho and Koyasan: 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
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Can Tho or Koyasan?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Can Tho than Koyasan, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Can Tho is better known for its food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Koyasan is more popular for its historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Can Tho is well known for its colorful floating markets, fresh produce, friendly people, and intricate waterways. Also, Can Tho is famous for Cai Rang Floating Market. Koyasan is well known for its temple complex, spiritual history, and being the birthplace of Shingon Buddhism in Japan.

How is Can Tho different from Koyasan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Can Tho
Koyasan

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

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 Koyasan can be an interesting and educational experience. This spiritual destination is filled with temples. Some of the most notable are Okunoin Temple, Torodo Hall, Kongobuji Temple, Danjo Garan, and Daimon (the Great Gate).


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

Can Tho
Koyasan

Can Tho is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Koyasan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Can Tho. 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.

Koyasan is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are cafes in town that serve simple udon noodle dishes and other local options. If you do a temple stay, it will likely include a meal, which is usually vegetarian and prepared by Buddhist monks. A typical menu includes miso soup, soba, pickled vegetables, tofu, tempura vegetables, rice, tea, and melon. Breakfast is similar but smaller in size.

Is Can Tho or Koyasan Better for Nightlife?

Can Tho
Koyasan

Can Tho is a good destination for nightlife and partying. However, Koyasan is a town with minimal options for its evening party scene.

Can Tho has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Koyasan This spiritual town is not a place for nightlife, but it is fascinating to take a night tour of the area.

Is Can Tho or Koyasan Better for its Old Town?

Can Tho
Koyasan

Koyasan is great for its old town. However, Can Tho does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Koyasan. The town center is filled with spiritual temples and many people prefer to do a temple stay for a night.

Can Tho does not have a historic old town.


Is Can Tho or Koyasan Better for Hiking?

Can Tho
Koyasan

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

Many people include a hike when visiting Koyasan. Most people arrive by cable car, but this area has been a long running pilgrim destination and you'll find many historic pilgrimage trails that are still in the area. The Koyasan Choishi Michi trail is one of the most well known.

Can Tho is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Can Tho or Koyasan?

Can Tho
Koyasan

Can Tho is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Koyasan is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Koyasan is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Can Tho or Koyasan Better for Families?

Can Tho
Koyasan

Can Tho is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Koyasan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Can Tho is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

Koyasan offers lots of family activities. It's filled with history, so its best to recognize your kid's limits when it comes to that sort of thing. If you're planning to do a temple stay, then consider how your child might handle the situation and make sure you reach out to let them know you have a child before reserving.


Is Can Tho or Koyasan Better for Couples?

Can Tho
Koyasan

Both Can Tho and Koyasan 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.

Koyasan is a very popular place to visit for couples. A temple stay in Koyasan is a truly unique experience that immerses you in the culture and lifestyle of the area. It's a truly one-of-a-kind experience for couples who like to do things outside of the box.

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

Can Tho
Koyasan

Can Tho is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Koyasan is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Can Tho is a great city to visit for backpackers. 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Koyasan. It's not your typical backpacker destination and most visitors prefer to experience a temple stay while in the area. If that's not your style, there is a hostel nearby.

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

Can Tho
Koyasan

Koyasan 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 Koyasan offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. To get to town you'll take a cable car and then a bus (or taxi, but you can't walk). Once you're in town, almost everything is in the town center and doesn't require transit.

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 Koyasan a more walkable city?

Can Tho
Koyasan

Koyasan 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.

Koyasan is a very walkable town. Once you reach the town its relatively flat and 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 Koyasan Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Koyasan or Can Tho?

How long in Can Tho or Koyasan?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Can Tho or Koyasan to fill your time. In our opinion, Can Tho has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Can Tho than Koyasan. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Can Tho than Koyasan 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 Koyasan? Ideal Length of Stay
    Can Tho 1-2 
    Koyasan 1-2

One day in Can Tho or Koyasan?

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.

Koyasan is a small town with plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This town 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 Koyasan?

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.

Koyasan 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. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Koyasan has to offer.


Five days in Can Tho or Koyasan?

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.

Koyasan is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Koyasan?

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 Koyasan. Since Koyasan is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in Japan, and The Best Historical Tours in Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Koyasan 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 Koyasan is $78. 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 Koyasan in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Can Tho $27
    Koyasan $39
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Can Tho $54
    Koyasan $78
Compare Hotels in Can Tho and Koyasan

Looking for a hotel in Can Tho or Koyasan? 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 Koyasan


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 Koyasan Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Can Tho $13
    Koyasan $33

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Can Tho or Koyasan?

Prices for flights to both Koyasan 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
    Koyasan $19
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
    Koyasan $13
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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Can Tho $6.59
    Koyasan $4.89
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 Koyasan, we can see that Koyasan 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 Koyasan would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Koyasan 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 Koyasan Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Can Tho or Koyasan?

Koyasan 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 Koyasan in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Can Tho as well as Koyasan. Can Tho attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Koyasan for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

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

In the summer, Can Tho often gets less sunshine than Koyasan. Can Tho gets 168 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koyasan receives 183 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Koyasan. Can Tho receives a lot of rain in the summer. Can Tho usually gets more rain in July than Koyasan. Can Tho gets 313 mm (12.3 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Can Tho 28°C (82°F) 
    Koyasan 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Can Tho or Koyasan in the Autumn?

Both Koyasan and Can Tho are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Can Tho throughout the year. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Koyasan because of the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Can Tho is a little warmer than Koyasan. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Can Tho in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Koyasan averages at about 19°C (65°F).

Can Tho usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Koyasan during autumn. Can Tho gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Koyasan receives 159 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Koyasan. It's quite rainy in Can Tho. In October, Can Tho usually receives more rain than Koyasan. Can Tho gets 343 mm (13.5 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 105 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Can Tho is December to April. The rainy season in Can Tho is May to November.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Can Tho 28°C (82°F) 
    Koyasan 19°C (65°F)

Should I visit Can Tho or Koyasan in the Winter?

Both Koyasan and Can Tho during the winter 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, the museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Koyasan this time of year.

In January, Can Tho is generally much warmer than Koyasan. Daily temperatures in Can Tho average around 26°C (78°F), and Koyasan fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

It's quite sunny in Can Tho. In the winter, Can Tho often gets more sunshine than Koyasan. Can Tho gets 240 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koyasan receives 140 hours of full sun.

Can Tho usually gets less rain in January than Koyasan. Can Tho gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Can Tho 26°C (78°F) 
    Koyasan 6°C (42°F)

Should I visit Can Tho or Koyasan in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Can Tho and Koyasan. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Can Tho year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Koyasan for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Can Tho is much warmer than Koyasan in the spring. The daily temperature in Can Tho averages around 29°C (84°F) in April, and Koyasan fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

In Can Tho, it's very sunny this time of the year. Can Tho usually receives more sunshine than Koyasan during spring. Can Tho gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Koyasan receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.

Koyasan receives a lot of rain in the spring. Can Tho gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Can Tho usually receives less rain than Koyasan. Can Tho gets 103 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain each month for the spring. December to April in Can Tho is the dry season. Also, May to November is the rainy season in Can Tho.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Can Tho 29°C (84°F) 
    Koyasan 15°C (59°F)

Typical Weather for Koyasan and Can Tho

Can Tho Koyasan
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (78°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 6°C (42°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Feb 27°C (80°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 6°C (42°F) 57 mm (2.3 in)
Mar 28°C (82°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 9°C (47°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Apr 29°C (84°F) 103 mm (4.1 in) 15°C (59°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)
May 29°C (84°F) 268 mm (10.6 in) 19°C (67°F) 139 mm (5.5 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 332 mm (13.1 in) 23°C (74°F) 208 mm (8.2 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 313 mm (12.3 in) 27°C (81°F) 156 mm (6.1 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 365 mm (14.4 in) 29°C (84°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
Sep 28°C (82°F) 360 mm (14.2 in) 25°C (76°F) 162 mm (6.4 in)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 343 mm (13.5 in) 19°C (65°F) 105 mm (4.1 in)
Nov 27°C (81°F) 163 mm (6.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Dec 26°C (79°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)


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