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

Should you visit Can Tho or Ubud?

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 Ubud 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 shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Can Tho travel costs.

Ubud

Ubud is a famous, cultural, and breathtaking town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Ubud is a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Ubud travel costs.

Can Tho and Ubud: 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
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers


Is there more to do in Can Tho or Ubud?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Can Tho. Although Can Tho and Ubud are both popular with visitors, Can Tho has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Can Tho is more popular for its shopping and big city activities, while Ubud is known for its food, resorts, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Ubud is more touristy than Can Tho and is popular for its cultural and religious sites, dramatic rice paddies, and local handicrafts. 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.

How is Can Tho different from Ubud?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Can Tho
Ubud

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Can Tho and Ubud.

Many visitors head to Can Tho specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Ubud can be an interesting and educational experience. The town is filled with temples and cultural sights such as the Ubud Monkey Forest, Goa Gajah (the Elephant Cave), the Ubud Royal Palace, and the Blanco Renaissance Museum.


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

Can Tho
Ubud

Ubud is a must-visit destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Can Tho is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Ubud has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. You'll find some of the best restaurants on Bali in this town. There is everything from family-owned eateries to award winning restaurants. Dishes range from vegan to meat-filled and you'll find both local favorites and western cuisine.

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.

Is Can Tho or Ubud Better for Nightlife?

Can Tho
Ubud

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

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 Ubud. The nightlife scene is mostly focused on cultural activities and live music. Many people head here to escape the party scene that is so popular elsewhere on the island.

Is Can Tho or Ubud Better for Resorts?

Can Tho
Ubud

Ubud is a must-visit destination for its luxury resorts. However, Can Tho is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Ubud is a perfect choice. You'll find beautiful luxury resorts with impressive pools and dramatic landscapes.

Can Tho is not a resort destination.


Is Can Tho or Ubud Better for Hiking?

Can Tho
Ubud

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

Many visitors go to Ubud for the hiking trails. There are many stunning walks and hikes just outside of town. There are stunning views from Campuhan Ridge Walk, which is best enjoyed at sunrise or sunset. Jalan Subak Sok Wayah Walk will take you through the rice paddies and Kajeng Rice Field Walk is close to town but tucked away from the crowds. One of the biggest draws of the area is the Tegallalang Rice Terraces Walk.

Can Tho is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Can Tho or Ubud?

Can Tho
Ubud

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

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Ubud. Head to the Ubud shopping street for boutiques, markets, and local items. The town has grown into a shopper's paradise with many Balinese handicrafts around.

Is Can Tho or Ubud More Beautiful?

Can Tho
Ubud

Ubud is very good for its scenery and beauty. However, Can Tho is not a destination known for its beauty.

Ubud is a beautiful place to visit, too. It's a stunning setting, which makes it appealing to tourists, but to truly enjoy the beauty you'll want to get a bit outside of town.

Can Tho is not a destination known for its beauty.


Is Can Tho or Ubud Better for Families?

Can Tho
Ubud

Can Tho is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Ubud is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Ubud offers lots of family activities. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the jungles and rice paddies. There are also many great restaurants that are family-friend. Ubud is a bit cooler than the beach towns of Bali, so kids will enjoy an escape from the hotter temperatures.

Is Can Tho or Ubud Better for Couples?

Can Tho
Ubud

Ubud 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, Ubud has plenty to offer. Honeymooners flock to this small town for its stunning scenery and beautiful temples. There are luxury hotels, spas, massages, and poolside escapes that will make for the perfect honeymoon. You'll also find world class restaurants and breathtaking hikes in the area.

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 Ubud Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Can Tho
Ubud

For backpackers, both Can Tho and Ubud 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.

Ubud is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. If you need a break from the party scene on Bali, then you'll enjoy the reprieve of this small town. There are still plenty of backpackers and hostels, but the town itself offers a more relaxed setting.


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

Can Tho
Ubud

Can Tho and Ubud 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 Ubud. Many people hire a vehicle or driver to explore the area. There are also tourist shuttles around with Perama Shuttle being one of the most established.

Is Can Tho or Ubud a more walkable city?

Can Tho
Ubud

Ubud 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.

Ubud is a very walkable town. The town is generally walkable and easy to explore on foot, but you'll need other transportation if you want to get outside of town.

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 Ubud Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Ubud or Can Tho?

How long in Can Tho or Ubud?

Both Can Tho and Ubud have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Ubud than in Can Tho. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Can Tho, and 4-7 days is enough time in Ubud.

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

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


  • How many days in Can Tho or Ubud? Ideal Length of Stay
    Can Tho 1-2 
    Ubud 4-7

One day in Can Tho or Ubud?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Can Tho. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Ubud, you'll find nightlife and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the food. 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 Ubud?

Can Tho is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the shopping. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Ubud, you'll find food and shopping. 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 food. 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 Ubud?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the vibrant destination of Can Tho. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Ubud is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Ubud has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Can Tho or Ubud?

The fascinating city of Can Tho offers nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ubud. In Ubud, you'll find museums and nightlife. One reason most visitors come is for the food. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.


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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Indonesia, and The Best Budget Tours to Indonesia.


Which place is cheaper, Ubud 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 Ubud is $153. 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 Ubud in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Can Tho $26
    Ubud $128
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Can Tho $52
    Ubud $256
Compare Hotels in Can Tho and Ubud

Looking for a hotel in Can Tho or Ubud? 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 Ubud


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 Ubud Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Can Tho $12
    Ubud $1.75

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Can Tho

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

  • Can Tho To Ho Chi Minh Private Car Transfer: $75
  • Private Transfer from Can Tho Airport to Hotel: $30
  • From 3-Day Nam Du Archipelago Tour with Transfers: $278
  • PRIVATE CAR: Can Tho AIRPORT <=> CanTho Hotels (one way transfer): $30
  • Private Transfer from Can Tho (VCA) Airport to Can Tho City: $135
  • Private Transfer from Can Tho City to Can Tho (VCA) Airport: $51
  • Private Transfer from Can Tho City to Tan Son Nhat (SGN) Airport: $123
  • Private Transfer: Can Tho Airport - Can Tho City Center: $35
  • Private Transfer: Can Tho Airport to/from Can Tho City Center: $35

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ubud

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ubud:

  • From Bali: With transfer Paragliding private experience: $245
  • Bali New Kuta Golf Package with Private Transfer: $205
  • Bali Private Tour Packages 5 Days with AIRPORT OR HOTEL Transfer: $193
  • Actively enjoy marine sports / Seawalker + Selectable marine sports (parasailing, etc.) / Round trip hotel transfer included: $171
  • Private Tour: Amazing 3 Days Bali Sightseeing Tour Package with Airport Transfer: $170
  • Bali Package Tour: 3 Days with AIRPORT or HOTEL TRANSFER: $133
  • Kaura: Bike to Beach & Choose Optional Tour with Private Transfer: $128
  • Bali Airport Transfer Check in or Check out with VIP Luxury Car: $125
  • 240 Minutes Romantic Healing Spa Treatment - Free Transfer: $115
  • Kaura Waterfall Hike & Choose Optional Tour with Private Transfer: $112
  • Batur Volcano Trekking with Hot-spring, Breakfast and Hotel Transfer: $110
  • Seminyak 4-Hour Spa Treatment with Hotel or Airport Transfer: $105

Is it cheaper to fly into Can Tho or Ubud?

Prices for flights to both Ubud 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
    Ubud $20
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:

  • Floating Market, Canals, Garden & Cooking Class: $24
  • Premium Can Tho Food Tour – “Wrap & Roll”: $29
  • 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
  • Biking and cooking class in the rural tour at Can Tho: $36
  • Can Tho food tour voted by local - Vegan option is available: $38
  • Street food tour back of the bike in Can Tho: $39
  • Authentic Vietnamese Cooking Class in Can Tho: $39
  • Walking street food tour designed by local chef: $41
  • Vietnamese Cooking Class with Lunch: $48
  • Cooking Class - Flavors of the Delta: $52

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ubud

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Ubud.

  • Ubud Mystic Dinner at Oracle of Spice Lemuria The Lost City: $17
  • Uluwatu Sunset & Romantic Dinner: $20
  • Cooking Class and Dinner in Traditional House by Food Lover Tour: $25
  • Ubud Cooking Class by Lemon Grass Cooking Class: $26
  • Afternoon Cooking Class & Making Bali Offering with Dinner: $29
  • Uluwatu Sunset Trip with Kecak Dance Show and Jimbaran Dinner: $30
  • Amazing Half-Day Uluwatu Sunset Tour with Jimbaran Seafood Dinner: $30
  • Be a real Balinese with Traditional Balinese Cooking Class: $30
  • Private Traditional Bali Cooking Class in Sidemen: $31
  • Cultural Evening Dinner: $31
  • Uluwatu Sunset Experience: Kecak Dance and Dinner at Jimbaran: $34
  • Ubud Cooking : All Inclusive Cooking Class: $35

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Can Tho $16
    Ubud $9.84
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.

  • Immersed in Fruit Garden 2-hour Tour: $9.52
  • Evening Walking Tour with Night Market Visit: $12
  • Cai Rang Floating Market and Bike Tour: $23
  • University Tour with Tasting & Sightseeing in CT: $24
  • A Real Mekong Tour, Floating Market, Cacao & Life's: $24
  • Cai Rang Floating Market Sunrise Tour: $25
  • Floating Market & Hidden Canals – Small Group Morning Boat Tour: $25
  • Can Tho Countryside Bike Tour with Fruit Garden Visit: $30
  • Mekong Delta and Cai Rang Floating Market 5-Hours Tour: $30
  • Victoria Sunset Cruise on Hau River: $35
  • Group Tour: Floating Market, Rice Noodle Factory & Cacao …: $35
  • Mekong Delta and Cai Rang Floating Market Tour: $36

Tours and Activities in Ubud

Here are a few actual costs in Ubud for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Balaji Adventure Bali Quad Bike 350cc and Ayung Rafting: $48
  • Bali Rafting and ATV Private Tour Adventure: $105
  • Barong Dance and Waterfall tour in Bali: $35
  • Best Ubud Tours -All inclusive with private driver: $35
  • Explore Bali with Private ATV Ride + Tour with VW Car: $80
  • Full Day Private Tour from Tegenungan Waterfall to Tanah Lot: $55
  • Full Day Ubud Tour: $95
  • Lembongan Snorkeling Swim With Manta Rays and Island Tour: $55
  • Mount Batur Jeep Tour and Hot Spring: $24
  • Mount Batur Sunrise Jeep Tour & Natural Hot Spring: $40
  • Nusa Penida Island West Tour - All Inclusive: $37
  • One Day Tour Nusa Penida East & West Part : $49

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Can Tho $6.26
    Ubud $6.62
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 Ubud, we can see that Ubud 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 Ubud would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ubud 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 Ubud Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Can Tho or Ubud?

Can Tho has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Ubud. When comparing the sizes of Can Tho and Ubud, 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.