A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Nha Trang vs. Bandung for Food, Nightlife, Attractions, and Families

Should you visit Nha Trang or Bandung?

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 Bandung. 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 high energy, coastal, and resort-filled city. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums. See Nha Trang travel costs.

Bandung

Bandung is a scenic, laidback, and cultural city. Visitors also love the food, hiking, and shopping. See Bandung travel costs.

Nha Trang and Bandung: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nha Trang or Bandung?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bandung than Nha Trang. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Bandung is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, hiking, and shopping, while Nha Trang attracts visitors for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Nha Trang is more touristy than Bandung and is known for its backpacker-heavy nightlife scene, its long sandy beaches, and its beachside resorts. Bandung is famous for its fashion and shopping outlets, its local street food, and its cooler temperatures. It is also well known for White Crater (Kawah Putih Ciwidey).

How is Nha Trang different from Bandung?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Bandung is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Nha Trang is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Bandung. The city is filled with museums and landmarks like the Sri Baduga Museum, which displays prehistoric artifacts. There's also the Asian African Conference Museum, a geology museum, and the Indonesia Postal Museum. The Mandala Wangsit Siliwangi Museum shows items relating to Indonesian wars and weapons while the Virajati Seskoad Museum has information on the Indonesian Army school.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Nha Trang. 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.

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

Bandung is very popular for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Nha Trang is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Eat your way through Bandung, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The city is a wonderful foodie destination with tons of street food and local options. The population is predominantly Sundanese, and the cuisine reflects that. The dishes involve a lot of raw vegetables and fresh ingredients. Make sure you try the batagor (fried tofu), soto Bandung (meat soup), and siomay (fish or chicken dumplings).

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Nha Trang area. 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.

Is Nha Trang or Bandung Better for Nightlife?

Nha Trang is an unbeatable place for nightlife. Also, Bandung is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Nha Trang is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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.

Bandung has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There's a large student population and a number of bars around town. The nightlife has a laidback vibe and many people enjoy hanging out with friends a local pub.

Is Nha Trang or Bandung Better for Resorts?

Nha Trang is a popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Bandung is not a resort destination.

Nha Trang has a handful of resorts to choose from. There's a mix of budget guesthouses and hostels, luxury beachfront resorts, and everything in between.

Bandung is not a resort destination.

Is Nha Trang or Bandung Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Nha Trang is a decent place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Bandung is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's possible to 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.

Bandung is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Nha Trang or Bandung Better for Beaches?

Nha Trang is a popular place for its beaches. However, Bandung is not a beach destination.

Nha Trang is a good option for a beach vacation. 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.

Bandung is not a beach destination.

Is Nha Trang or Bandung Better for Hiking?

Bandung is a great city for hiking. However, Nha Trang is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Bandung for the hiking trails. There are tons of great hiking trails just outside of town. Some are undiscovered while others are more popular. The trails will take you through forests, by volcanoes, and to dramatic craters.

Nha Trang is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nha Trang or Bandung?

Bandung is very popular for its shopping opportunities. Also, Nha Trang is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Bandung draws large crowds to its stores. This is the ultimate shopping destination in Indonesia. Visitors come from throughout the country and abroad to buy designer goods and name brands, often at a discount price. You'll find both knock-offs and authentic merchandise, so be aware when you're purchasing something, which you might be buying.

Many visitors go to Nha Trang to go shopping. 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.

Is Nha Trang or Bandung Better for Families?

Nha Trang is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Bandung is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Nha Trang is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Bandung. Kids will enjoy taking in a cultural show with traditional dance and music. Near the city you can also get outside and enjoy the stunning scenery at White Crater or Gunung Tangkuban Perahu. There's also the Bandung Geological Museum and Trans Studio amusement park.

Is Nha Trang or Bandung Better for Couples?

Nha Trang and Bandung both superb 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.

Bandung is a very popular place to visit for couples. While most honeymooners make their way to a beautiful Indonesian beach, if you're looking for a break from the heat then this city makes a good stopover. The city is near many beautiful outdoor settings such as the White Crater. There are also many nice luxury resorts and hotels.

Is Nha Trang or Bandung Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Nha Trang and Bandung are superb 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.

Bandung is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. Backpackers love Indonesia and this city is no exception. There are plenty of hostels around town and many great activities to enjoy.

Is Nha Trang or Bandung Better for Students?

Bandung is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Nha Trang is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Bandung. Many of the expats in town are students, so you'll have a number of people to hang out with. This is also an affordable town for study abroad.

Nha Trang is not popular with students.

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

Nha Trang and Bandung both offer nice public transit to get you around.

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.

Bandung has a few public transit options. There are both public buses and a public van service (Angkutan Kota) that operates on set routes.

Is Nha Trang or Bandung a more walkable city?

Nha Trang and Bandung are superb when it comes to walkability.

Nha Trang is a very walkable city. 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.

Bandung is a very walkable destination. There are a number of walkable neighborhoods around town.

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

Should I spend more time in Bandung or Nha Trang?

How long in Nha Trang or Bandung?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Nha Trang and Bandung. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Nha Trang than Bandung. 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.

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

One day in Nha Trang or Bandung?

In Nha Trang, you'll find nightlife and food. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Bandung. 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 Bandung?

In Nha Trang, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Nha Trang has to offer.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the scenic destination of Bandung. 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 city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Nha Trang or Bandung?

Nha Trang is a great place to explore. 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural city of Bandung. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Nha Trang or Bandung?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nha Trang. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Nha Trang. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Bandung 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 Coach Bus Tours in Vietnam, The Best Adventure Tours to Vietnam, The Best Budget Tours to Indonesia, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Indonesia.

When comparing the travel costs between Nha Trang and Bandung, we can see that Bandung 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 Nha Trang Expensive? and Is Bandung Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Nha Trang or Bandung?

Bandung has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Nha Trang. When comparing the sizes of Nha Trang and Bandung, 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.