A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Nha Trang vs. Alice Springs for Nightlife, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Nha Trang or Alice Springs?

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 Nha Trang and Alice Springs. 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.

Nha Trang

Nha Trang is a resort-filled, vibrant, and high energy city. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and beaches.

Alice Springs

Alice Springs is a outdoorsy, charming, and friendly town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, hiking, and shopping.

Nha Trang and Alice Springs: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nha Trang or Alice Springs?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Nha Trang. Although Nha Trang and Alice Springs are both popular with visitors, Nha Trang has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Nha Trang is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Alice Springs is known for its hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Nha Trang is more touristy than Alice Springs and is known for its backpacker-heavy nightlife scene, its long sandy beaches, and its beachside resorts. It is also home to Long Son Pagoda. Alice Springs is popular for its desert landscapes, Outback setting, and location between the East and West MacDonnell Ranges.

How is Nha Trang different from Alice Springs?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Alice Springs and Nha Trang. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Nha Trang or Alice Springs?

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Nha Trang and Alice Springs.

Nha Trang offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. While most people visit for the beaches and nightlife in the area, there are also several cultural sights worth visiting. Ponagar Tower, Long Son Pagoda, and XQ Historical Village are all interesting to visit. If you're looking for a thrill, also nearby is Vinpearl Land.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Alice Springs. There are several wildlife centers in town that let you experience the desert animals first hand. Make sure you check out the Alice Springs Reptile Center, the Alice Springs Desert Park, and the Kangaroo Sanctuary. Another highlight of the town is a visit to the Alice Springs School of the Air.

Is the Food Better in Nha Trang or Alice Springs? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Nha Trang and Alice Springs offer good local cuisine and restaurants.

Nha Trang has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Seafood is the most common option in many restaurants. You'll find local curries and spring rolls on many menus. Fish sauce is often served with dishes and many recipes have a sweet flavor. If you need a break from Vietnamese food, there are also restaurants that serve pizza, burgers, and other common international dishes.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Alice Springs area. There are casual eateries with local food and decent prices. While it's a small town, there are plenty of tourists passing through so you'll find enough places to eat with a decent selection.

Is Nha Trang or Alice Springs Better for Nightlife?

Nha Trang is a world-class destination for its evening party scene. Also, Alice Springs is not as popular, but is still a nice town for nightlife.

People head to Nha Trang just to party. The nightlife scene is varied and caters to all types of travelers. There are glamorous rooftop bars and lounges, beachside parties, and booze cruises that cater to the backpacker crowd. The city is big enough to have options for everyone.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Alice Springs. It's a laid back small town, but there are still places to hang out in evening. Pubs and taverns are popular with locals and tourists alike. You'll also find a couple of casinos and clubs in town.

Is Nha Trang or Alice Springs Better for Resorts?

Nha Trang is a city with good options for its luxury resorts. However, Alice Springs is not a resort destination.

Nha Trang has a few great resort options. There's a mix of budget guesthouses and hostels, luxury beachfront resorts, and everything in between.

Alice Springs is not a resort destination.

Is Nha Trang or Alice Springs Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Nha Trang is adequate for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Alice Springs is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are few places where you can go snorkeling in Nha Trang. Snorkeling is a bit tricky here, because you need to visit during the right season and you'll need to hop on a tour to get to the best spots. If you're lucky you'll have good visibility and see some interesting marine life.

Alice Springs is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Nha Trang or Alice Springs Better for Beaches?

Nha Trang is a city with good options for the beach. However, Alice Springs is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Nha Trang. The accessible beaches are very developed and filled with vacationers who are looking for fun activities. The sands are white and soft and the water is comfortable and fun to splash around in.

Alice Springs is not a beach destination.

Is Nha Trang or Alice Springs Better for Hiking?

Alice Springs is very popular for hiking. However, Nha Trang is not a hiking destination.

Alice Springs is well-known for its hiking and trekking. Just outside of town there are wonderful walking routes and hiking trails. You can visit gorges, waterholes, and wander through the stunning red desert landscapes. One of the most famous trails in the area is the Larapinta Trail.

Nha Trang is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nha Trang or Alice Springs?

If you're looking to go shopping, Nha Trang and Alice Springs both offer plenty of good spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Nha Trang. There are some local street markets that are fun to explore. There are also the typical shops and supermarkets that sell local produce, souvenirs, and any other essentials that you may have forgotten.

Many visitors go to Alice Springs to go shopping. There are many shopping areas around town, particularly at the Yeperenye Shopping Centre, Alice Plaza, and Todd Mall. Prices can be a bit high, so keep that in mind as you're browsing.

Is Nha Trang or Alice Springs Better for Families?

Both Nha Trang and Alice Springs are very good family-friendly destinations.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Nha Trang is very family-friendly. While it is known among the backpacker crowds for its party scene, there are also great beaches and many activities for families. Vinpearl Land is an amusement park in the area that has rides and shows. There's also Po Nagar Cham Towers and Long Son Pagoda, which are both interesting to visit. The beaches also make a great playground for kids who enjoy building sand castles and playing in the shallow water.

Alice Springs is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy the beautiful setting as much as adults. There are desert animals that you can see at Alice Springs Desert Park or the Kangaroo Sanctuary. The Earth Sanctuary has telescopes and unbeatable views of the night sky. In the area you'll also be able to take a camel ride or visit the National Road Transport Hall of Fame.

Is Nha Trang or Alice Springs Better for Couples?

Nha Trang and Alice Springs both very good destinations for a couple.

Nha Trang is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. There are several romantic hotels near the beach as well as some interesting cultural activities and beautiful beaches with water activities.

Alice Springs is a very popular place to visit for couples. The red desert and stunning landscapes make for a truly one-of-a-kind romantic getaway. In addition to the area's natural beauty, there are hot air balloon rides and camel treks. Hiking and exploring is also at the top of many visitor's lists.

Is Nha Trang or Alice Springs Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Nha Trang and Alice Springs are very good places to visit.

Many backpackers visit Nha Trang. Backpackers looking for a party head to the streets around Biệt Thự Street. There are many cheap hostels and guesthouses in the area, and you won't be far from the area's best nightlife.

Alice Springs is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. Many backpackers stop off here during their Australian adventure. There a few hostels in town as well as a laid back and friendly environment that is perfect for backpacking.

Is Nha Trang or Alice Springs Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Nha Trang is a city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Alice Springs is not known for its public transit.

While Nha Trang offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are six city bus routes. There are also many taxis and motorbike taxes available for reasonable rates.

Public transit is generally limited in Alice Springs. Public transit options are limited but you will find buses that leave from the Yeperenye Shopping Center on Hartley Street. There are also taxis in town.

Is Nha Trang or Alice Springs a more walkable city?

Nha Trang is a great city for its ease of walking around. Also, Alice Springs is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its walkability.

Nha Trang is a very walkable destination. The city is compact enough that you can explore many parts on foot. Most of the attractions are near the intersection of Tran Phu and Biet Thu.

Alice Springs is somewhat walkable. The downtown area can be explored on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Nha Trang Worth Visiting? and Is Alice Springs Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Alice Springs or Nha Trang?

How long in Nha Trang or Alice Springs?

It's fun to spend time in either Nha Trang or Alice Springs. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Alice Springs due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Nha Trang, and 2-4 days is enough time in Alice Springs.

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

Couples should spend more time in Nha Trang than Alice Springs. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Nha Trang that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Nha Trang than Alice Springs 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 Nha Trang.

One day in Nha Trang or Alice Springs?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the vibrant destination of Nha Trang. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Even though Alice Springs is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Nha Trang or Alice Springs?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nha Trang. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Alice Springs is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Nha Trang or Alice Springs?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the high energy destination of Nha Trang. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

Alice Springs is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Most people head to the area for the hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Nha Trang or Alice Springs?

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Nha Trang. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Alice Springs is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 will give you the chance to have new experiences.

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 Food and Culinary Tours in Australia, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Australia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nha Trang and Alice Springs, we can see that Alice Springs is more expensive. And not only is Nha Trang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Nha Trang is in Asia and Alice Springs 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 Nha Trang would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nha Trang 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 Alice Springs would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Alice Springs than you might in Nha Trang.

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

Which is Bigger, Nha Trang or Alice Springs?

Nha Trang has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Alice Springs. When comparing the sizes of Nha Trang and Alice Springs, 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.