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

Should you visit Can Tho or Picton?

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 Picton 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. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Picton

Picton is a picturesque, scenic, and quaint town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and food.

Can Tho and Picton: 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
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping


Is there more to do in Can Tho or Picton?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Can Tho. Although Can Tho and Picton are both popular with visitors, Can Tho has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Can Tho is more popular for its museums & sights, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Picton is known for its beaches, hiking, and small town charm. 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. Picton is popular for its picturesque scenery, laid back setting, and beautiful walking trails.

How is Can Tho different from Picton?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Can Tho
Picton

Can Tho is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Picton is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

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.

Picton is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a few local museums around town that are fun to visit with the weather isn't cooperating. Edwin Fox Ship is the world's oldest merchant ship. You can also learn about the town's whaling past at the Picton Heritage and Whaling Museum.


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

Can Tho
Picton

Both Can Tho and Picton 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 Picton is an experience not to be missed. The town is filled with restaurants that stay true to New Zealand's culinary traditions. Mussels and salmon are common on menus, and there are many bakeries and waterfront cafes to try.

Is Can Tho or Picton Better for Nightlife?

Can Tho
Picton

Can Tho is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Picton is not a good town for nightlife.

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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Picton. It's a small town with a quiet and calm atmosphere.

Is Can Tho or Picton Better for Beaches?

Can Tho
Picton

Picton is great for the beache. However, Can Tho is not a beach destination.

Picton is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. There are four beaches in the area. Picton Beach is by the town center and near many restaurants and cafes. About a ten minute walk from town is Shelley Beach and if you're up for more walking, Bob's Bay is secluded and nice. If you have a car you can make it to Governer's Bay.

Can Tho is not a beach destination.


Is Can Tho or Picton Better for Hiking?

Can Tho
Picton

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

Many visitors go to Picton for the hiking trails. There are many nice walking paths in the area and this is a great way to explore, reach beaches, and see the surrounding landscapes. If you're up for a longer trip, Queen Charlotte Track is a popular trail.

Can Tho is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Can Tho or Picton?

Can Tho
Picton

Can Tho is very popular for its shopping areas. Also, Picton is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for shopping.

Can Tho is a world class destination for shoppers. 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Picton. There are a few galleries and local shops around town.

Is Can Tho or Picton Better for Families?

Can Tho
Picton

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

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.

Picton is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy taking a boat cruise to Motuara Island. You can see dolphins, birds, and other wildlife. There are also wildlife centers in the area, family-friendly walking trails, museums, aquariums, and kayaking opportunities.


Is Can Tho or Picton Better for Couples?

Can Tho
Picton

Both Can Tho and Picton 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.

Picton is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are romantic and quaint bed and breakfasts, beautiful walking paths, wildlife encounters, and many more fun activities for couples. Kayak trips, vineyard tours, and local spas make this a great couple's getaway destination.

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

Can Tho
Picton

For backpackers, both Can Tho and Picton 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.

Picton is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. There are plenty of hostels in the area as well as great transportation links, making this a great spot for backpackers.

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

Can Tho
Picton

Picton 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 Picton offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are water taxis but no buses around town.

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 Picton a more walkable city?

Can Tho
Picton

Picton 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.

Picton is a very walkable town. It's a quaint and compact town that's 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 Picton Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Picton or Can Tho?

How long in Can Tho or Picton?

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

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

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

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


  • How many days in Can Tho or Picton? Ideal Length of Stay
    Can Tho 1-2 
    Picton 1-2

One day in Can Tho or Picton?

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 Picton, you'll find museums and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 Picton?

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 Picton, you'll find food and shopping. 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 Picton has to offer.


Five days in Can Tho or Picton?

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.

Picton is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 Picton?

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 Picton. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Picton. 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, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Wildlife Tours to New Zealand.


Which place is cheaper, Picton 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 Picton is $93. 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 Picton in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Can Tho $28
    Picton $40
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Can Tho $56
    Picton $80
Compare Hotels in Can Tho and Picton

Looking for a hotel in Can Tho or Picton? 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 Picton


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 Picton Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Can Tho $13
    Picton -

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: Can Tho Airport - Can Tho City Center: $35
  • Private Transfer: Can Tho Airport to/from Can Tho City Center: $37
  • Private Transfer from Can Tho City to Can Tho (VCA) Airport: $48
  • 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 (VCA) Airport to Can Tho City: $126

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Picton

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Picton:

  • Private Transfer from Picton Port to Blenheim Airport (BHE): $47
  • Private Transfer from Picton Cruise Port to Blenheim City Hotels: $39
  • Private Transfer from Blenheim city hotels to Picton Cruise Port: $39

Is it cheaper to fly into Can Tho or Picton?

Prices for flights to both Picton 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
    Picton $21
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
    Picton $117
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.

  • FREE FOOT TOUR- ENJOY LOCAL FOOD: $8.40
  • Mekong Delta and Cai Rang Floating Market 5-Hours Tour: $32
  • The hidden Fabulous Floating Market and small canal (Non-tourist small canal): $33
  • Bicycle Tour Through Peaceful Villages: $35
  • Discover Can Tho Floating Market and Small Canal Adventure: $35
  • Private Half Day Tour - Sơn Islet: $36
  • Mekong Delta and Cai Rang Floating Market Tour: $36
  • Can Tho Sunset Tour : $38
  • A unique tour of the floating market includes a cacao plantation.: $39
  • Private Half Day Tour - Cái Răng Floating Market: $40
  • Sunset Experience on Mekong River and Explore Brilliant City: $40
  • Cai Rang Floating Market and Fruit Garden Tour: $42

Tours and Activities in Picton

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Picton are as follows:

  • 1-Day Cruise in Queen Charlotte Track & Kupes Trail Walk: $123
  • 2 hour Dolphin Viewing Eco-Tour from Picton: $94
  • 3.5 Hour Marlborough Sounds Delivery Cruise: $70
  • Bird Watching and Dolphin Eco-Tour from Picton: $94
  • CRUISE SHIP DAY Marlborough Hop On Hop Off Tours: $63
  • Captain Cook and Dolphin Cruise: $94
  • Cruise Excursion - Wines of Marlborough Tour: $133
  • Cruise and Lunch at Furneaux Lodge: $95
  • Day Cruise & Lunch at Punga Cove Resort: $95
  • Discover Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • Dolphin Swimming and Watching E-Ko-Tour from Picton: $114
  • Early Bird Eco Cruise: $85

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Can Tho $6.71
    Picton $37
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

Sample the Local Flavors in Picton

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Picton:

  • Self-Guided Biking Wine Tour (full day) in the Marlborough Region.: $44
  • Self-Guided Wine Tours by Bike with Lorelle & Greg : $44
  • Marlborough: Hop On Hop Off Wine, Brewery, and Wonders Tour: $55
  • Hop on Hop off Wine Tours Marlborough: $57
  • Marlborough Afternoon Wine Tour with Tastings: $79
  • 1/2day Marlborough Wine Tour no lunch 4hrs Blenheim-Renwick: $101
  • Half-Day Wine Tour from Picton: $101
  • Half-Day Wine Tour from Blenheim: $101
  • Discover Marlborough Wine - Afternoon Marlborough Wine Tour : $104
  • Taste the Valley Wine Tour in Marlborough with Wine Tasting: $104
  • Marlborough Discovery Sampler Wine Tour - 1/2Day Blenheim: $104
  • Morning Guided with Afternoon Self-Guided Biking Wine Tour: $108


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


Which is Bigger, Can Tho or Picton?

Can Tho has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Picton. When comparing the sizes of Can Tho and Picton, 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 Picton?

Picton 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 Picton in the Summer?

Both Picton and Can Tho during the summer 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, most visitors come to Picton for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Can Tho is much warmer than Picton. Typically, the summer temperatures in Can Tho in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Picton averages at about 18°C (64°F)in January.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Can Tho. Can Tho usually gets more rain in July than Pictonin January. Can Tho gets 313 mm (12.3 in) of rain, while Picton receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Can Tho 28°C (82°F) 
    Picton 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Can Tho or Picton in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Can Tho and Picton. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Can Tho year-round. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Picton because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere.

In October, Can Tho is generally much warmer than Pictonin April. Daily temperatures in Can Tho average around 28°C (82°F), and Picton fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

Can Tho gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Can Tho usually receives more rain than Pictonin April. Can Tho gets 343 mm (13.5 in) of rain, while Picton receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn. December to April in Can Tho is the dry season. Also, May to November is the rainy season in Can Tho.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Can Tho 28°C (82°F) 
    Picton 15°C (58°F)

Should I visit Can Tho or Picton in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Can Tho as well as Picton. Can Tho attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Picton this time of year.

Can Tho is much warmer than Picton in the winter. The daily temperature in Can Tho averages around 26°C (78°F) in January, and Picton fluctuates around 10°C (49°F)in July.

It's quite rainy in Picton. Can Tho usually gets less rain in January than Pictonin July. Can Tho gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Picton receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Can Tho 26°C (78°F) 
    Picton 10°C (49°F)

Should I visit Can Tho or Picton in the Spring?

Both Picton and Can Tho are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Can Tho throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Picton for the beaches and the small town charm.

In the spring, Can Tho is much warmer than Picton. Typically, the spring temperatures in Can Tho in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Picton averages at about 13°C (55°F)in October.

It's quite rainy in Can Tho. In April, Can Tho usually receives more rain than Pictonin October. Can Tho gets 103 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Picton receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the spring. The dry season in Can Tho is December to April. The rainy season in Can Tho is May to November.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Can Tho 29°C (84°F) 
    Picton 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Picton and Can Tho

Can Tho Picton
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (78°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 18°C (64°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 27°C (80°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 18°C (64°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Mar 28°C (82°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Apr 29°C (84°F) 103 mm (4.1 in) 15°C (58°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
May 29°C (84°F) 268 mm (10.6 in) 12°C (54°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 332 mm (13.1 in) 10°C (51°F) 113 mm (4.4 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 313 mm (12.3 in) 10°C (49°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 365 mm (14.4 in) 10°C (50°F) 98 mm (3.9 in)
Sep 28°C (82°F) 360 mm (14.2 in) 12°C (53°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 343 mm (13.5 in) 13°C (55°F) 93 mm (3.7 in)
Nov 27°C (81°F) 163 mm (6.4 in) 15°C (58°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Dec 26°C (79°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 17°C (62°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)