A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Can Tho vs. Milford Sound for Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Can Tho or Milford Sound?

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 Milford Sound can help you decide which place is right for you.

Can Tho

Can Tho is a unique, fascinating, and vibrant city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Milford Sound

Milford Sound is a iconic, breathtaking, and world renowned fiord. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the skiing and hiking.

Can Tho and Milford Sound: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Can Tho or Milford Sound?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Can Tho. Although Can Tho and Milford Sound are both popular with visitors, Can Tho has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Can Tho is more popular for its museums & sights, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Milford Sound is known for its skiing, hiking, and impressive beauty. Can Tho is more touristy than Milford Sound and is known for its colorful floating markets, fresh produce, friendly people, and intricate waterways. It is also home to Cai Rang Floating Market. Milford Sound is popular for its iconic hiking trails, stunning boat tours, and dramatic mountains.

How is Can Tho different from Milford Sound?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Milford Sound and Can Tho. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Can Tho or Milford Sound Better for Skiing?

Can Tho
Milford Sound

Milford Sound is great for skiing. However, Can Tho is not a skiing destination.

Visitors travel far to experience snow skiing in Milford Sound. Many locals head to the snow-capped peaks to enjoy skiing, but if you're unfamiliar with the area, a ski tour is your best option.

Can Tho is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Can Tho or Milford Sound?

Can Tho
Milford Sound

Can Tho is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Milford Sound does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Milford Sound does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Can Tho
Milford Sound

Can Tho is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

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.

While Milford Sound is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. You'll find a restaurant or two in the small town of Milford Sound. Your best option is the Milford Sound Lodge. In the park you'll want to come prepared with your own food. Many organized tours include a picnic lunch.

Is Can Tho or Milford Sound Better for Nightlife?

Can Tho
Milford Sound

Can Tho is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Milford Sound. Things get quiet at night and there's little in the form of nightlife.


Is Can Tho or Milford Sound Better for Hiking?

Can Tho
Milford Sound

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

Many people visit Milford Sound specifically for its hiking. The Milford Track has long been considered one of the world's best hikes. It's also, arguably, the most famous hike in New Zealand. The 53 kilometer trek takes you from Lake Te Anau through stunning scenery, alpine settings, and across spectacular suspension bridges.

Can Tho is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Can Tho or Milford Sound?

Can Tho
Milford Sound

Can Tho is an amazing city to visit for its shopping areas. However, Milford Sound is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Milford Sound is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Can Tho or Milford Sound Better for Families?

Can Tho
Milford Sound

You'll find high quality kid-friendly activities in either Can Tho or Milford Sound.

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.

Milford Sound is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The outdoor wonders will impress the kids as much as the adults. There are shorter walks that are family-friendly and the boat rides are also fun for the whole family. You can take a scenic flight or visit the stunning Mirror Lakes. This really is a playground for both kids and adults.


Is Can Tho or Milford Sound Better for Couples?

Can Tho
Milford Sound

Both Can Tho and Milford Sound 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.

Milford Sound is a very popular place to visit for couples. This is one of the most stunning natural areas in the world, and the romance comes from the spectacular beauty, world class hikes, and breathtaking surroundings that will leave you awed and inspired.

Is Can Tho or Milford Sound Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Can Tho
Milford Sound

Can Tho is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Milford Sound is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Milford Sound. The area's remoteness and high price tag make it a bit challenging for backpackers and budget travelers. If you have plenty of time and enough money, it is truly a not to be missed destination.

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

Can Tho
Milford Sound

Can Tho and Milford Sound both offer decent 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 Milford Sound. There are buses in the area, but private vehicles or organized tours are your best option for getting around.


Is Can Tho or Milford Sound a more walkable city?

Can Tho
Milford Sound

Can Tho is a good destination for its ease of walking around. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for its walkability.

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

Milford Sound is not a walkable city. This is one of the most remote places in New Zealand so you really must have a car or organized transportation to get around.

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

Should I spend more time in Milford Sound or Can Tho?

How long in Can Tho or Milford Sound?

Can Tho and Milford Sound both offer a nice selection of activities for visitors. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Milford Sound than Can Tho because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Can Tho, and 2-6 days is enough time in Milford Sound.

Families should spend more time in Can Tho than Milford Sound. 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 Milford Sound. 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 Milford Sound 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 Milford Sound? Ideal Length of Stay
    Can Tho 1-2 
    Milford Sound 2-6

One day in Can Tho or Milford Sound?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the fascinating destination of Can Tho. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

In Milford Sound, you'll find skiing. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This fiord 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 Milford Sound?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Can Tho. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Milford Sound, you'll find skiing. 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 Milford Sound has to offer.


Five days in Can Tho or Milford Sound?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the vibrant destination of Can Tho. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

Milford Sound is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Milford Sound has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Can Tho or Milford Sound?

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Can Tho. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Milford Sound. Many people enjoy the skiing when visiting Milford Sound. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Ho Chi Minh City, The Best 10-Day Tours from Hanoi, The Best 10-Day Tours in New Zealand, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in New Zealand.


Which place is cheaper, Milford Sound or Can Tho?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Can Tho is $58, while the average daily cost in Milford Sound is $125. 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 Milford Sound in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Can Tho $28
    Milford Sound $71
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Can Tho $56
    Milford Sound $142
Compare Hotels in Can Tho and Milford Sound

Looking for a hotel in Can Tho or Milford Sound? 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 Milford Sound


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 $13
    Milford Sound $14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Can Tho

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

  • Private Transfer: Can Tho Airport to/from Can Tho City Center: $37
  • Private Transfer: Can Tho Airport - Can Tho City Center: $35
  • Private Transfer from Vinh Long to Tan Son Nhat (SGN) Airport: $109
  • Private Transfer from Thanh Thoi to Tan Son Nhat (SGN) Airport: $109
  • Private Transfer from Can Tho City to Tan Son Nhat (SGN) Airport: $115
  • Private Transfer from Can Tho City to Can Tho (VCA) Airport: $48
  • Private Transfer from Can Tho (VCA) Airport to Can Tho City: $126
  • PRIVATE CAR: Can Tho AIRPORT <=> CanTho Hotels (one way transfer): $30

Is it cheaper to fly into Can Tho or Milford Sound?

Prices for flights to both Milford Sound 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
    Milford Sound $36
Typical Food Prices in Can Tho

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


  • Restaurant Dinner (for Two)
    $5.28
  • Coconut
    $0.28
  • Mango
    $1.10
  • Hot Pot Dinner (for Two)
    $7.07
  • Two Vietnamese Iced Coffees
    $0.65
  • Casual Lunch (for One)
    $2.84

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
  • Local Food Tour: $33
  • Explore Can Tho City tour combine Local Food tour - in afternoon: $35
  • Biking and cooking class in the rural tour at Can Tho: $36
  • 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: $48
  • Discover Local Cuisine: Walking Food Tour in Can Tho: $49
  • Mekong Delta Cooking Class with Lunch: $69
  • Can Tho Cooking Class - Motorbike trip in the countryside: $69

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Can Tho $17
    Milford Sound $41
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
    $2.03
  • Half Day Floating Market Tour
    $8.53

Tours and Activities in Can Tho

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

  • 'Cai Rang' Floating Market 2-Day Tour With Biking & Boating: $155
  • 1 day-Tra Su cajuput forest tour pick up from Chau Doc or Can Tho: $155
  • 3-DAY CA MAU CAPE TOUR IN MEKONG DELTA FROM SAI GON: $166
  • A unique tour of the floating market includes a cacao plantation.: $39
  • Bicycle Tour Through Peaceful Villages: $35
  • 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 Famous Floating Market in Can Tho - Private tour: $176
  • Cai Rang Floating Market - My Tho & Ben Tre - VIP Private Tour: $135
  • Cai Rang Floating Market Tour: $42
  • Cai Rang Floating Market Tour -Amazing Can Tho : $72

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Can Tho $6.71
    Milford Sound $14
Typical Alcohol Prices in Can Tho

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Can Tho from other travelers:


  • Beer
    $3.25


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


Which is Bigger, Can Tho or Milford Sound?

Can Tho has a larger population, and is about 600 times larger than the population of Milford Sound. When comparing the sizes of Can Tho and Milford Sound, 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.

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