A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kathmandu vs. Nha Trang for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Kathmandu or Nha Trang?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Kathmandu and Nha Trang can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Kathmandu or Nha Trang?

Kathmandu

Kathmandu is the capital and largest city in the country of Nepal. Its metropolitan area forms one large urban area that includes the area of Patan to the south. As of 2011 there were 2.5 million residents in the Kathmandu metropolis and over 3 million in the entire metropolitan area. Kathmandu is likely to be your entry point into Nepal and is a great place to pick up supplies and arrange the details for any treks you hope to do. Many travelers rush through Kathmandu, turned off by the pollution and crowds, but to skip Kathmandu is to miss a major cultural, financial, and influential part of what defines the country of Nepal. The city itself is quite fun to explore if you allow it enough time and an open mind.

Nha Trang

For the relaxation of a small beach town, plus the energy of a young city, consider Nha Trang, Vietnam. As the most famous seaside town in Vietnam, Nha Trang is certainly livelier than many other beach resort towns. Visiting this part of Vietnam is not for the faint of heart. These people know the meaning of nightlife - and make the night last as long as they can.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Nepal, The Best 10-Day Tours in Nepal, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Ho Chi Minh City, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Hanoi.


Which place is cheaper, Nha Trang or Kathmandu?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Kathmandu Prices
    Nepal Prices
    Nha Trang Prices
    Vietnam Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Kathmandu $54
    Nha Trang $48

The average daily cost (per person) in Kathmandu is $54, while the average daily cost in Nha Trang is $48. 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 Kathmandu and Nha Trang in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kathmandu $35
    Nha Trang $13
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kathmandu $70
    Nha Trang $26
Compare Hotels in Kathmandu and Nha Trang

Looking for a hotel in Kathmandu or Nha Trang? 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 Kathmandu


Hotels in Nha Trang


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: Kathmandu Hotel Prices and Nha Trang Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kathmandu $6.04
    Nha Trang $13
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Kathmandu

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Kathmandu:


  • Taxi Ride
    $1.30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kathmandu

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kathmandu:

  • Lukla Flight Ticket with Sharing Transfer Service: $270
  • Private Transfer: Kathmandu to Pokhara Hotels: $244
  • Private Transfer by Car from Kathmandu to Pokhara: $210
  • Private Transfer: Kathmandu to Chitwan Hotels: $210
  • Kathmandu to Chitwan Transfer by Luxury Private Car: $200
  • Kathmandu to Pokhara Transfer by Luxury Private Car: $200
  • Mount Everest Flight with Guaranteed Window Seat & Transfers: $190
  • Mount Everest Scenic Flight by Buddha Air with Free Transfers: $180
  • Private Transfer to Syabrubesi from Kathmandu or Pokhara: $170
  • Private Sunrise or Sunset Tour of Nagarkot with return transfers from Kathmandu: $158
  • Yoga Experience Day Trip with Private Transfer From Kathmandu: $152
  • Kathmandu VIP Airport Arrival Meet & Greet with Private Transfer: $150

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Nha Trang

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Nha Trang:


  • Local Bus Ticket
    $0.11
  • Taxi From Airport
    $15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nha Trang

Also for Nha Trang, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer: Cam Ranh Airport to Nha Trang City Hotels: $13
  • Private Departure Transfer: Nha Trang City Hotels to Cam Ranh Airport: $13
  • Private Transfer: Nha Trang City Center to Cau Da/Vinpearl Port: $18
  • Nha Trang to Mia Resort - Private Transfer: $20
  • Nha Trang to The Anam Resort - Private Transfer: $20
  • Mia Resort to Nha Trang - Private Transfer: $20
  • Nha Trang to Swandor Resort - Private Transfer: $20
  • Nha Trang to Golden Peak Resort - Private Transfer: $20
  • Nha Trang to Vinpearl Resort & Spa Long Beach - Private Transfer: $20
  • Nha Trang to Cam Ranh Riviera Beach Resort - Private Transfer: $20
  • Nha Trang to Fusion Resort - Private Transfer: $20
  • Private Transfer from or to Cam Ranh Airport and Nha Trang City: $20

Is it cheaper to fly into Kathmandu or Nha Trang?

Prices for flights to both Nha Trang and Kathmandu 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
    Kathmandu $13
    Nha Trang $25
Typical Food Prices in Kathmandu

Some typical examples of dining costs in Kathmandu are as follows:


  • Dessert
    $1.17
  • Dinner for Two
    $2.61

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kathmandu

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

  • Saturday Hidden Kathmandu Walk and Food Tour: $10
  • Local Foodie Food Tour around Durbar Square: $15
  • Cultural Stay in Kathmandu and experience dinner with family: $18
  • Home Made Authentic Nepali Dinner (veg/non vegg): $18
  • Local Women Lead Nepali Cooking & Momo-Making Class: $20
  • Authentic Private Nepali Cooking Class in Kathmandu: $23
  • Cook and Eat: Cooking Class in Kathmandu near Thamel: $24
  • Best Nepali Cooking Class in Thamel with Local Market Trip: $30
  • Local Women Lead Nepali Cooking Class: $30
  • Patan Food Tour Walking and Food Testing: $35
  • Secret Food Tour - Food Bites and Sights Kathmandu 14+ Tastings: $35
  • Walking Food Tour in Hidden Local Eateries of Kathmandu: $36

Typical Food Prices in Nha Trang

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Nha Trang:


  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    $5.36

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nha Trang

For Nha Trang, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Seafood Buffet Dinner at The Square Restaurant Novotel Nha Trang: $25
  • Nha Trang Cooking Class (visiting local market & countryside): $67
  • Street Food Tour With Chef Dat: $67
  • Crossing: Sunset Cruise Live Music, Buffet Dinner & DJ Party: $79
  • Nha Trang Special Sunset River Cruise for sightseeing and nice dinner: $82
  • Nha Trang Sunset Cocktails and Dinner Cruise: $90
  • Experience Countryside Private Cooking Class in Nha Trang City: $95
  • Private Half-Day Cooking Class in Nha Trang with Pick Up: $97
  • Premium Nha Trang Bay Yacht Sunset Tour and Gourmet Dinner: $105
  • Nha Trang Bay Dinner Cruise Luxury Sunset Experience: $119
  • Nha Trang Luxury Sunset Cruise with Cocktail, Dinner & Live Music: $119
  • Nha Trang Bay Sunset Luxury Cruise – Dinner, Cocktails & Transfer: $119

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kathmandu $6.98
    Nha Trang $9.12
Typical Entertainment Prices in Kathmandu

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Kathmandu are as follows:


  • Monkey Temple for Two
    $1.30
  • Patan Durbar Square Entrance for Two
    $3.26
  • Swayambhunath Stupa
    $1.30

Tours and Activities in Kathmandu

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

  • 1 Day Gay Tour Nepal: $155
  • 1 Day Kathmandu 7 UNESCO Heritage Tour: $70
  • 1 Day Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing Tour: $35
  • 1 Day Valley Rim Biking Tour in Kathmandu: $160
  • 1 Night 2 Days Chitwan Jungle Safari Tour from Pokhara or Kathmandu: $141
  • 1 Night 2 Days Daman Tour: $215
  • 1 Nights 2 Days Private Nagarkot Tour Package from Kathmandu: $150
  • 2 Day Kathmandu City with Nagarkot Sunrise, Changu Narayan and Bhaktapur Tour: $236
  • 2 Day Poon Hill Trek with 2 Day Chitwan Jungle Safari Tour: $731
  • 2 Days Hindu Pilgrimage Tour in Nepal: $146
  • 2 Days and 1 Night Chitwan Safari Tour: $125
  • 2 Night 3 Days Chitwan Jungle Safari Tour from Kathmandu: $235

Typical Entertainment Prices in Nha Trang

For Nha Trang, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Po Ngar Cham Entrance (for Two)
    $1.22
  • Two Rental Lounge Chairs on Beach
    $2.68
  • Vinpearl Land Amusement Park
    $17
  • Fairy Spring Waterfall Entrance
    $0.38
  • Thap Ba Mud Bath
    $3.83
  • Cyclo Tour of City (One Day)
    $9.57

Tours and Activities in Nha Trang

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Nha Trang.

  • Vietnam I-Resort Nha Trang Experience: $4.68
  • Nha Trang Mini Open-Top Bus Sightseeing Tour: $4.71
  • Thap Ba Mud Bath Experience in Nha Trang, Vietnam: $5.00
  • I Resort Nha Trang Mud Bath Experience: $8.25
  • Experience Nha Trang Cai River Basket Boat Eco Tour: $10
  • Vietnam: Life Puppets Show for Đó Theatre Ticket: $11
  • I-Resort Hot Springs and Spa Packages Ticket Nha Trang: $14
  • Life Puppets show - Đó Theatre Ticket: $19
  • Private Car 4s / 7s in Nha Trang Airport or City tour: $25
  • Nha Trang Snorkeling Tour-Vuongland Travel: $27
  • Vietnam: Nha Trang Half-day City Tour: $28
  • Amazing Snorkeling at Mun Island ( Group Tour ): $29

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kathmandu $4.97
    Nha Trang $18

Sample the Local Flavors in Kathmandu

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

  • Bar Tour & Pub Crawl -Sip, Stroll, Repeat Thamel's Night: $75


When comparing the travel costs between Kathmandu and Nha Trang, we can see that Kathmandu is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Kathmandu Expensive? and Is Nha Trang Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Kathmandu or Nha Trang?

Kathmandu has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Nha Trang. When comparing the sizes of Kathmandu and Nha Trang, 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.