A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Koh Tarutao vs. Can Tho for Food, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Koh Tarutao or Can Tho?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Koh Tarutao and Can Tho. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Koh Tarutao

Koh Tarutao is a undiscovered, secluded, and remote island. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the beaches and hiking.

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. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Koh Tarutao and Can Tho: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Tarutao or Can Tho?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Can Tho. Although Koh Tarutao and Can Tho are both popular with visitors, Can Tho has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Can Tho is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Koh Tarutao is known for its resorts, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Can Tho is more touristy than Koh Tarutao and is known for its colorful floating markets, fresh produce, friendly people, and intricate waterways. It is also home to Cai Rang Floating Market. Koh Tarutao is popular for its secluded beauty and undiscovered paradise setting.

How is Koh Tarutao different from Can Tho?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Can Tho and Koh Tarutao. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Koh Tarutao or Can Tho?

Can Tho is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options 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.

Koh Tarutao offers a few options for museum-goers. This island is all about remote natural settings that will take your breath away, but you won't find anything in the form of temples or museums.

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

Can Tho is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Can Tho has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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.

Koh Tarutao offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are three restaurants on the island that have limited hours so, if possible, it's best to arrive with some snacks. The food is simple and can get repetitive if you eat the same meals several days in a row.

Is Koh Tarutao or Can Tho Better for Nightlife?

Can Tho is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Koh Tarutao. There's a good chance you'll have this island almost completely to yourself. The few restaurants on the island close early and you'll likely head to bed early after taking in the stunning night sky.

Is Koh Tarutao or Can Tho Better for Resorts?

Koh Tarutao is mediocre for its luxury resorts. However, Can Tho is not a resort destination.

There isn't the widest selection of resorts in Koh Tarutao, but you'll find a few options to choose from. You won't find luxury resorts (or any resorts) on the island. What you will find is simple bungalows, or tents available for rent at the ranger stations.

Can Tho is not a resort destination.

Is Koh Tarutao or Can Tho Better for Beaches?

Koh Tarutao is a must-visit destination for the beache. However, Can Tho is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Koh Tarutao is a very popular vacation destination. A true island paradise, you'll find isolated beaches here that are so remote that you'll likely have them to yourself for large parts of the day.

Can Tho is not a beach destination.

Is Koh Tarutao or Can Tho Better for Hiking?

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

Many visitors go to Koh Tarutao for the hiking trails. There are hiking trails through mangrove coves, inland through the dramatic vegetation, and up cliffs to impressive viewpoints.

Can Tho is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Tarutao or Can Tho?

Can Tho is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for shopping.

Many people travel to Can Tho specifically to go shopping. 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.

Koh Tarutao has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There's a small shop at the visitor center where you can pick up simple drinks and snacks.

Is Koh Tarutao or Can Tho Better for Families?

Can Tho is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Koh Tarutao is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Can Tho. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Koh Tarutao. For families who want seclusion, this beautiful island is the place to spend a night or two. There are great beaches, interesting hikes, and kayaks available to visitors.

Is Koh Tarutao or Can Tho Better for Couples?

Koh Tarutao and Can Tho both high quality destinations for a couple.

Koh Tarutao makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. For a truly remote experience, couples will enjoy this often overlooked island. There are hikes and isolated beaches that offer romance in its most simple form.

Couples visit Can Tho frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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 Koh Tarutao or Can Tho Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Can Tho is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Koh Tarutao is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Koh Tarutao. Most backpackers overlook this beautiful island for the more party-oriented destinations of Thailand, but those who spend a night or two here will be rewarded with a truly unique and authentic experience.

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

Visitors will find decent public transit in both Koh Tarutao and Can Tho.

Public transit is mostly limited in Koh Tarutao. There are shuttle taxis that travel around the island at fixed times. You can also rent a mountain bike at the ranger stations.

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 Koh Tarutao or Can Tho a more walkable city?

Can Tho is a good destination for its ease of walking around. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for its walkability.

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

Koh Tarutao is generally not very walkable. The island is quite large and difficult to explore on foot alone.

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

Should I spend more time in Can Tho or Koh Tarutao?

How long in Koh Tarutao or Can Tho?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Koh Tarutao or Can Tho to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Koh Tarutao than Can Tho because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Koh Tarutao, and 1-2 days is enough time in Can Tho.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Can Tho than Koh Tarutao 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 Can Tho.

One day in Koh Tarutao or Can Tho?

In Koh Tarutao, you'll find . You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. This island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural city of Can Tho. Most people visit for the shopping. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Koh Tarutao or Can Tho?

In Koh Tarutao, you'll find . 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. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Koh Tarutao has to offer.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the fascinating destination of Can Tho. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Koh Tarutao or Can Tho?

Koh Tarutao 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.

The friendly city of Can Tho offers shopping and museums. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Koh Tarutao or Can Tho?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koh Tarutao. Many people enjoy the when visiting Koh Tarutao. 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.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Can Tho. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people visit for the shopping. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Thailand, The Best Cultural Tours in Thailand, The Best Bicycle Tours in Vietnam, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Vietnam.

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

When is the best time to visit Koh Tarutao or Can Tho?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Can Tho in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Tarutao and Can Tho. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Tarutao year-round. Can Tho attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Can Tho receives a lot of rain in the summer. Koh Tarutao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Koh Tarutao usually receives less rain than Can Tho. Koh Tarutao gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Can Tho receives 313 mm (12.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

In July, Koh Tarutao is generally around the same temperature as Can Tho. Daily temperatures in Koh Tarutao average around 27°C (81°F), and Can Tho fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Can Tho in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Koh Tarutao as well as Can Tho. Koh Tarutao attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Can Tho throughout the year.

Also, November to April in Koh Tarutao is the dry season. May and October in Koh Tarutao is the rainy season. Also, December to April in Can Tho is the dry season. May to November in Can Tho is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Can Tho. Koh Tarutao receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Koh Tarutao usually gets less rain in October than Can Tho. Koh Tarutao gets 281 mm (11.1 in) of rain, while Can Tho receives 343 mm (13.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Koh Tarutao is around the same temperature as Can Tho in the autumn. The daily temperature in Koh Tarutao averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Can Tho fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Can Tho in the Winter?

Both Can Tho and Koh Tarutao are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Tarutao throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Can Tho because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In January, Koh Tarutao usually receives more rain than Can Tho. Koh Tarutao gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Can Tho receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

In the winter, Koh Tarutao is around the same temperature as Can Tho. Typically, the winter temperatures in Koh Tarutao in January average around 27°C (80°F), and Can Tho averages at about 26°C (78°F).

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Can Tho in the Spring?

Both Can Tho and Koh Tarutao during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Tarutao because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Can Tho year-round.

November to April is the dry season in Koh Tarutao. May and October is the rainy season in Koh Tarutao. December to April is the dry season in Can Tho. May to November is the rainy season in Can Tho. Can Tho gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Tarutao. Koh Tarutao usually gets more rain in April than Can Tho. Koh Tarutao gets 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Can Tho receives 103 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

In April, Koh Tarutao is generally around the same temperature as Can Tho. Daily temperatures in Koh Tarutao average around 29°C (85°F), and Can Tho fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

Typical Weather for Can Tho and Koh Tarutao