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

Should you visit Can Tho or Tauranga?

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

Can Tho

Can Tho is a fascinating, vibrant, and friendly 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.

Tauranga

Tauranga is a coastal, laid back, and relaxing town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking.

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


Is there more to do in Can Tho or Tauranga?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Can Tho than Tauranga, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Can Tho is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, shopping, and big city activities, while Tauranga is known for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. 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. Tauranga is popular for its sandy beaches and beautiful walking trails.

How is Can Tho different from Tauranga?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Can Tho
Tauranga

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

Can Tho offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Tauranga is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a number of historic buildings in town like the Elms Mission Station which dates back to 1847.


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

Can Tho
Tauranga

Can Tho is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Tauranga is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in Can Tho is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Tauranga. You'll find a great mix of restaurants in the town's downtown area. There are international flavors as well as seafood and other local favorites.

Is Can Tho or Tauranga Better for Nightlife?

Can Tho
Tauranga

The vibe at night is good in both Can Tho and Tauranga.

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 Tauranga. The city is known for its laid back bar scene. There are venues with casual live music as well as pubs where locals and tourists intermingle.

Is Can Tho or Tauranga Better for Beaches?

Can Tho
Tauranga

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

Tauranga is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. Families and travelers head here for the sandy beaches and water activities. Surfing, kayaking, and fishing are all popular in the area. Some of the most popular beaches include Mount Maunganui Beach, Waihī Beach, and Anzac Bay.

Can Tho is not a beach destination.


Is Can Tho or Tauranga Better for Hiking?

Can Tho
Tauranga

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

Many visitors go to Tauranga for the hiking trails. The Bay of Plenty is filled with hiking trails that run along the coast or head inland through the mountains. There are forest and bush walks that range in length and skill level and there really is something for everyone.

Can Tho is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Can Tho or Tauranga?

Can Tho
Tauranga

Can Tho is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. Also, Tauranga 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 Tauranga. You'll find all of the standard shopping malls, retail outlets, and clothing boutiques around town.

Is Can Tho or Tauranga Better for Families?

Can Tho
Tauranga

Tauranga 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.

Tauranga is one of the most popular family destinations. Check out the ropes courses at Adrenalin Forest or play in the water at Waimarino Adventure Park. There are also many different walking areas like McLaren Falls Park and Kaiate Falls. Kids will love hanging out at the beach around Mount Maunganui or Papamoa Beach. This is an affordable and kid-family destination for locals and international tourists alike.

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 Tauranga Better for Couples?

Can Tho
Tauranga

Both Can Tho and Tauranga are great 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.

Tauranga is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's a romantic destination with great beaches and beautiful waterfalls. You can enjoy a picnic in the park or dine at one of the local restaurants. Kayaking is also a popular activity in the area.

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

Can Tho
Tauranga

Tauranga is a must-visit destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Can Tho is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Tauranga is extremely popular for backpackers. This is one of the more affordable destinations in New Zealand. There are also a number of backpacker-friendly jobs that make it a great place to base yourself.

Can Tho is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

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

Can Tho
Tauranga

Tauranga 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 Tauranga offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses, trains, and ferries 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 Tauranga a more walkable city?

Can Tho
Tauranga

Can Tho and Tauranga are good when it comes to walkability.

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

Tauranga is a somewhat walkable city. There are many walking and cycling paths in the area, but you really need a car to explore the area in depth.

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

Should I spend more time in Tauranga or Can Tho?

How long in Can Tho or Tauranga?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Can Tho and Tauranga. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Tauranga than in Can Tho. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Can Tho, and 2-3 days is enough time in Tauranga.

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

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


  • How many days in Can Tho or Tauranga? Ideal Length of Stay
    Can Tho 1-2 
    Tauranga 2-3

One day in Can Tho or Tauranga?

The city of Can Tho offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Tauranga, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This 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 Tauranga?

Can Tho is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Can Tho, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

In Tauranga, 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 Tauranga has to offer.


Five days in Can Tho or Tauranga?

Can Tho is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that shopping is why people visit. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Tauranga 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 Tauranga?

Can Tho is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that shopping is why people visit. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Tauranga. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Tauranga. 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 Adventure Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Eco Tours in New Zealand.


Which place is cheaper, Tauranga 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 Tauranga is $110. 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 Tauranga in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Can Tho $28
    Tauranga $79
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Can Tho $56
    Tauranga $158
Compare Hotels in Can Tho and Tauranga

Looking for a hotel in Can Tho or Tauranga? 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 Tauranga


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 Tauranga Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Can Tho $13
    Tauranga $7.23

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: $108
  • Private Transfer from Thanh Thoi to Tan Son Nhat (SGN) Airport: $108
  • 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

Is it cheaper to fly into Can Tho or Tauranga?

Prices for flights to both Tauranga 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
    Tauranga $23
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
  • Can Tho Food Tour – “Wrap & Roll”: $31
  • 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
  • Can Tho Floating Cooking Class: $66

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Can Tho $17
    Tauranga $11
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: $8.38
  • 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: $41

Tours and Activities in Tauranga

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

  • 2-Hour Tauranga & Mount Maunganui City & Scenic Local Tour: $49
  • 2hr Tauranga City Scenic History Tour: $34
  • 4hr Shore Excursion - History and Tasting Tour FREE Kiwifruit Tasting: $59
  • 4hr Tauranga Scenic History and Tasting Tour FREE Kiwifruit Tasting: $59
  • 6hr Hobbiton Movie Set Tour - Departs Tauranga: $147
  • 6hr Rotorua Geothermal Wonderland Tour - Departs Tauranga: $149
  • 7hr Waimangu Geothermal Valley & Lake Rotomahana Tour - Departs Tauranga: $143
  • Boutique tour , Mt Maunganui, NZ farm, Rotorua lakes/geothermal : $138
  • From Dolphin and Wildlife Cruise: $91
  • From Half-Day Swimming with Dolphins Tour: $92
  • Guided Māori History and Culture Tour to Rotorua and Tauranga: $137
  • Half Day Dolphin & Wildlife Cruise - Tauranga: $109

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Can Tho $6.71
    Tauranga $11
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 Tauranga, we can see that Tauranga 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 Tauranga 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 Tauranga would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tauranga 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 Tauranga Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Can Tho or Tauranga?

Can Tho has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Tauranga. When comparing the sizes of Can Tho and Tauranga, 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.