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

Should you visit Can Tho or Mashiko?

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

Can Tho

Can Tho is a friendly, cultural, and unique city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Can Tho travel costs.

Mashiko

Mashiko is a rural, quaint, and charming town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. Visitors also love the museums, food, and hiking. See Mashiko travel costs.

Can Tho and Mashiko: 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
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Can Tho or Mashiko?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Can Tho. Although Can Tho and Mashiko are both popular with visitors, Can Tho has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Can Tho is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Mashiko is known for its hiking, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere. Can Tho is popular for its colorful floating markets, fresh produce, friendly people, and intricate waterways. It is also home to Cai Rang Floating Market. Mashiko is popular for its local sake, rural farms, and longstanding tradition in pottery making.

How is Can Tho different from Mashiko?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Can Tho
Mashiko

Can Tho is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Mashiko is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

Mashiko is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a couple of museums around town that are focused on the local activities such as pottery. You can check out the Shoji Hamada Memorial Mashiko Sankokan Museum, the Mashiko Museum of Ceramic Art, and the Entsuji Temple.


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

Can Tho
Mashiko

Can Tho is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Mashiko is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Can Tho has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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.

Mashiko offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants around town that serve udon, soba, and other Japanese favorites that use local ingredients.

Is Can Tho or Mashiko Better for Nightlife?

Can Tho
Mashiko

Can Tho is a nice place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Mashiko is not known for nightlife.

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.

Most people don't head to Mashiko specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. There are a couple of bars and pubs around town, but not a huge nightlife scene.

Is Can Tho or Mashiko Better for Hiking?

Can Tho
Mashiko

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

Many people include a hike when visiting Mashiko. There are three mountains in the area with hiking trails that let you experience the Japanese countryside and natural beauty. These mountains are Mt. Amamakisan, Mt.Mitsudoyasan, and Mt. Takadateyama.

Can Tho is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Can Tho or Mashiko?

Can Tho
Mashiko

Can Tho is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. Also, Mashiko is not as popular, but is still a nice town for shopping.

Many people travel to Can Tho specifically to go shopping. 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.

Mashiko is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Local pottery is the main purchase in town, and there are many shops and local vendors who sell locally made pottery.

Is Can Tho or Mashiko Better for Families?

Can Tho
Mashiko

You'll find excellent kid-friendly activities in either Can Tho or Mashiko.

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.

Mashiko is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Pottery is the claim to fame in this small town, and kids will thoroughly enjoy taking a children's pottery class. Its the perfect way to immerse them in the local culture in a fun and hands-on way. Farm life, and fruit picking are also popular here.

Is Can Tho or Mashiko Better for Couples?

Can Tho
Mashiko

Both Can Tho and Mashiko 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.

Mashiko is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's a charming town with local farms, pottery, and sake. Many couples enjoy spending a few days soaking up the local atmosphere and enjoying the simple pleasures.


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

Can Tho
Mashiko

Can Tho is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Mashiko is not known for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and 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.

Mashiko is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most backpackers don't venture to this community, but its seeped in quaint culture and small town atmosphere.

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

Can Tho
Mashiko

Mashiko 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 Mashiko offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are local trains that stop by the strawberry picking farms. There are also local buses in the area.

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 Mashiko a more walkable city?

Can Tho
Mashiko

Mashiko 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.

Mashiko is a very walkable town. Many people choose to walk around town and the pottery area is about a 20 minute walk from Mashiko Station.

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 Mashiko Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Mashiko or Can Tho?

How long in Can Tho or Mashiko?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Can Tho or Mashiko 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 Mashiko. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

One day in Can Tho or Mashiko?

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.

Mashiko is a small town with plenty to do. 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 Mashiko?

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.

Mashiko 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. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Mashiko has to offer.

Five days in Can Tho or Mashiko?

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.

Mashiko 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 Mashiko?

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 Mashiko. Since Mashiko is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Ho Chi Minh City, The Best 10-Day Tours from Hanoi, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Japan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Mashiko or Can Tho?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Can Tho is $66, while the average daily cost in Mashiko is $83. 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 Mashiko in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Can Tho $26
    Mashiko $34
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Can Tho $52
    Mashiko $68
Compare Hotels in Can Tho and Mashiko

Looking for a hotel in Can Tho or Mashiko? 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 Mashiko


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Can Tho $12
    Mashiko $12

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 (VCA) Airport to Can Tho City: $135
  • Private Transfer from Can Tho City to Tan Son Nhat (SGN) Airport: $123
  • Can Tho To Ho Chi Minh Private Car Transfer: $75
  • Private Transfer from Can Tho City to Can Tho (VCA) Airport: $51
  • Private Transfer: Can Tho Airport to/from Can Tho City Center: $35
  • PRIVATE CAR: Can Tho AIRPORT <=> CanTho Hotels (one way transfer): $30

Is it cheaper to fly into Can Tho or Mashiko?

Prices for flights to both Mashiko 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 $28
    Mashiko $41
Typical Food Prices in Can Tho

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


  • Restaurant Dinner (for Two)
    $4.93
  • Coconut
    $0.27
  • Mango
    $1.02
  • Hot Pot Dinner (for Two)
    $6.60
  • Two Vietnamese Iced Coffees
    $0.61
  • Casual Lunch (for One)
    $2.65

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
  • Biking and Cooking Class in Can Tho Rural: $32
  • Explore Can Tho City tour combine Local Food tour - in afternoon: $35
  • Can Tho food tour voted by local - Vegan option is available: $38
  • Street food tour back of the bike in Can Tho: $39
  • Full-Day Experience in Mekong Cycling and Authentic Home Cooking: $60

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Can Tho $16
    Mashiko $9.17
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
    $1.90
  • Half Day Floating Market Tour
    $7.96

Tours and Activities in Can Tho

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

  • Private ecotour in floating market-nature reserved: $93
  • Victoria Sunset Cruise on Hau River: $35
  • 1 day-Tra Su cajuput forest tour pick up from Chau Doc or Can Tho: $155
  • Bicycle Tour Through Peaceful Villages: $37
  • 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 - My Tho & Ben Tre - VIP Private Tour: $125
  • Cai Rang Floating Market Tour & Rural Cycling: $63
  • Cai Rang Floating Market Tour -Amazing Can Tho : $78
  • Cai Rang Floating Market Tour with Lung Ngoc Hoang Nature Reserve: $92
  • Can Tho Countryside Bike Tour with Fruit Garden Visit: $30

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Can Tho $6.26
    Mashiko $5.31
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
    $3.03


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


Which is Bigger, Can Tho or Mashiko?

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

Mashiko 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 Mashiko in the Summer?

Both Mashiko 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. Also, many travelers come to Mashiko for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Can Tho is a little warmer than Mashiko. Typically, the summer temperatures in Can Tho in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Mashiko averages at about 24°C (75°F).

Can Tho usually receives more sunshine than Mashiko during summer. Can Tho gets 168 hours of sunny skies, while Mashiko receives 130 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Mashiko. It's quite rainy in Can Tho. In July, Can Tho usually receives more rain than Mashiko. Can Tho gets 313 mm (12.3 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Can Tho 28°C (82°F) 
    Mashiko 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Can Tho or Mashiko in the Autumn?

Both Mashiko 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. Furthermore, many visitors come to Mashiko in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere.

In October, Can Tho is generally much warmer than Mashiko. Daily temperatures in Can Tho average around 28°C (82°F), and Mashiko fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Can Tho often gets more sunshine than Mashiko. Can Tho gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mashiko receives 133 hours of full sun.

Mashiko 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 Mashiko. Can Tho gets 343 mm (13.5 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 145 mm (5.7 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.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Can Tho 28°C (82°F) 
    Mashiko 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Can Tho or Mashiko in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Can Tho and Mashiko. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Can Tho year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Mashiko for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Mashiko can be very cold during winter. Can Tho is much warmer than Mashiko in the winter. The daily temperature in Can Tho averages around 26°C (78°F) in January, and Mashiko fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In Can Tho, it's very sunny this time of the year. Can Tho usually receives more sunshine than Mashiko during winter. Can Tho gets 240 hours of sunny skies, while Mashiko receives 181 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Can Tho usually receives less rain than Mashiko. Can Tho gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Can Tho 26°C (78°F) 
    Mashiko 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Can Tho or Mashiko in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Can Tho as well as Mashiko. Can Tho attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Mashiko because of the small town charm.

In the spring, Can Tho is much warmer than Mashiko. Typically, the spring temperatures in Can Tho in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Mashiko averages at about 12°C (53°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Can Tho this time of the year. In the spring, Can Tho often gets more sunshine than Mashiko. Can Tho gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mashiko receives 160 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Mashiko. Can Tho receives a lot of rain in the spring. Can Tho usually gets less rain in April than Mashiko. Can Tho gets 103 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 118 mm (4.6 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.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Can Tho 29°C (84°F) 
    Mashiko 12°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Mashiko and Can Tho

Can Tho Mashiko
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (78°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 3°C (38°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 27°C (80°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 4°C (38°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Mar 28°C (82°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 6°C (44°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
Apr 29°C (84°F) 103 mm (4.1 in) 12°C (53°F) 118 mm (4.6 in)
May 29°C (84°F) 268 mm (10.6 in) 17°C (62°F) 139 mm (5.5 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 332 mm (13.1 in) 20°C (68°F) 175 mm (6.9 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 313 mm (12.3 in) 24°C (75°F) 117 mm (4.6 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 365 mm (14.4 in) 26°C (78°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)
Sep 28°C (82°F) 360 mm (14.2 in) 22°C (71°F) 163 mm (6.4 in)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 343 mm (13.5 in) 16°C (60°F) 145 mm (5.7 in)
Nov 27°C (81°F) 163 mm (6.4 in) 11°C (51°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Dec 26°C (79°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 6°C (42°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)


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