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

Should you visit Can Tho or Paihia?

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 Paihia 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. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums. See Can Tho travel costs.

Paihia

Paihia is a relaxing, fun-filled, and beautiful coastal town. Visitors also love the beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Paihia travel costs.

Can Tho and Paihia: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Can Tho or Paihia?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Paihia than Can Tho, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Paihia is better known for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking, while Can Tho is more popular for its museums and attractions, shopping, and big city activities. Paihia is more touristy than Can Tho and is known for its warm year round climate, impressive beaches, and world class snorkeling and scuba diving. Also, Paihia is famous for the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. Can Tho is well known for its colorful floating markets, fresh produce, friendly people, and intricate waterways.

How is Can Tho different from Paihia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Can Tho is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Paihia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Paihia. There are some interesting cultural sights in the area like the Waitangi Treaty Grounds and the Museum of Waitangi.

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

Both Can Tho and Paihia offer a number of high quality 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 Paihia is an experience not to be missed. Local seafood, regional produce, and fresh ingredients make dining in the area a rewarding experience. You'll find fine dining restaurants, pizzerias, and local cafes to choose from.

Is Can Tho or Paihia Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is notable in both Can Tho and Paihia.

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 Paihia. As a holiday spot, there are a number of clubs and bars that cater to tourists in the area.

Is Can Tho or Paihia Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Paihia is great for its diving and snorkeling. However, Can Tho is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in Paihia. There are scuba diving and snorkel shops available around town where you can organize trips and excursions to experience the undersea world.

Can Tho is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Can Tho or Paihia Better for Beaches?

Paihia is a must-visit destination for the beach. However, Can Tho is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Paihia is a very popular vacation destination. There are stunning beaches both in Paihia and throughout the Bay of Islands. Paihia Beach is in town. It's small but nice and makes a great picnic spot. For a more secluded spot head to Matauri Bay Beach or Takou Bay.

Can Tho is not a beach destination.

Is Can Tho or Paihia Better for Hiking?

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

Many visitors go to Paihia for the hiking trails. The Bay of Islands is filled with coastal walks and peaceful hikes. This is a great way to soak up the area's atmosphere and take in some spectacular views.

Can Tho is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Can Tho or Paihia?

Can Tho is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Paihia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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 Paihia to go shopping. There are plenty of retail stores around town where you can pick up clothes or enjoy some souvenir shopping.

Is Can Tho or Paihia Better for Families?

Paihia 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.

Paihia is one of the most popular family destinations. Beaches, dolphin spotting, ice cream, and chocolate factories make the Bay of Islands the perfect place for a family vacation. There are amazing walking trails like the Manginangina Kauri Walk and opportunities to learn about the Maori culture. There are also adventure spots and great beaches.

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 Paihia Better for Couples?

Paihia is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Can Tho is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

For those traveling as a couple, Paihia has plenty to offer. You can enjoy sunset boat cruises, sip wine with a waterfront view, or walk through pristine natural areas. For thrill seekers there are adrenaline filled activities like parasailing or scuba diving.

Can Tho is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

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

For backpackers, both Can Tho and Paihia 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.

Paihia is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. There are a handful of hostels around town as well as many great activities for backpackers like scuba diving or parasailing.

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

Paihia 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 Paihia offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are ferries and some intercity buses through the Bay of Islands.

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 Paihia a more walkable city?

Can Tho and Paihia are notable when it comes to walkability.

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

Paihia is a somewhat walkable city. It's possible to explore parts of the town on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Paihia or Can Tho?

How long in Can Tho or Paihia?

In either Can Tho or Paihia, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Paihia than Can Tho because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Can Tho, and 3-5 days is enough time in Paihia.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Paihia 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 Paihia.

One day in Can Tho or Paihia?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Can Tho. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Paihia, you'll find shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. This coastal 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 Paihia?

Can Tho is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

In Paihia, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Can Tho or Paihia?

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. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Paihia is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Paihia has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Can Tho or Paihia?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the friendly destination of Can Tho. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Paihia. Many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting Paihia. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand, and The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand.

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

Which is Bigger, Can Tho or Paihia?

Can Tho has a larger population, and is about 130 times larger than the population of Paihia. When comparing the sizes of Can Tho and Paihia, 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.