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

Should you visit Nha Trang or Beijing?

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 Beijing. 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 coastal, resort-filled, and vibrant city. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and beaches.

Beijing

Beijing is a massive, jam-packed, and cultural city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Nha Trang and Beijing: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nha Trang or Beijing?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Beijing than Nha Trang, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Beijing is more popular for its museums, food, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Nha Trang is known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Nha Trang is popular for its backpacker-heavy nightlife scene, its long sandy beaches, and its beachside resorts. Beijing is popular for its rich culture, many historical landmarks, its long running history, and its world class cuisine. It is also home to The Forbidden City.

How is Nha Trang different from Beijing?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

The museums and tourist attractions in Beijing are world-renowned. The city is filled with iconic landmarks including the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and The Temple of Heaven. It's also essential that you plan a trip outside of town to the world renowned Great Wall of China. The trip takes about an hour and you can organize a tour through almost any hotel or tour company.

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 Beijing? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Beijing 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 Beijing, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The city has a number of iconic dishes that have put it on the culinary map. The most notable dish is Peking Duck, which is a delectable crispy roast duck that is usually served with cucumber, scallions, sweet bean sauce and pancakes or other steamed buns. Hot pots are another must-try experience in the city, and, of course, you have to experience the dumplings. A huge part of a visit to Beijing is experiencing its long running culinary history.

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 Beijing Better for Nightlife?

Nha Trang is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

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.

The nightlife in Beijing has something for everybody. Live performances are popular in the city, and range from concerts to magic shows and acrobatics. There is also an active bar scene around town. Some of the most popular nightlife areas include Sanlitun and Houhai.

Is Nha Trang or Beijing Better for Resorts?

Nha Trang is a city with good options for its resorts. However, Beijing 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.

Beijing is not a resort destination.

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

Nha Trang is a city with a few options for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Beijing is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Nha Trang has a few snorkeling spots. 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.

Beijing is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Nha Trang or Beijing Better for Beaches?

Nha Trang is a city with good options for the beach. However, Beijing 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.

Beijing is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nha Trang or Beijing?

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

Beijing is well-known for its shopping. There are many unique handicrafts that you can purchase around town. Popular souvenirs include silk, pearls, and snuff bottles with pictures inside. The city has many shopping streets as well as markets and shopping malls that are worth visiting.

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 Beijing Better for Families?

Nha Trang is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Nha Trang is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Beijing offers lots of family activities. The city offers a unique cultural immersion that kids and adults can enjoy. Wander through the Forbidden City or watch your kids be mesmerized by a Chinese acrobatics show. It's also fun to get lost in the Hutongs or test their culinary palates by visiting a snack street.

Is Nha Trang or Beijing Better for Couples?

Nha Trang is a great destination for couples. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Nha Trang frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are several romantic hotels near the beach as well as some interesting cultural activities and beautiful beaches with water activities.

Beijing is a nice destination for couples. The culture, history, and food all make this a stunning place to visit. While romance doesn't immediately spring to mind when you think of Beijing, there are shows and fine dining restaurants that couples will enjoy. There are also many luxury hotels with spas and other amenities.

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

For backpackers, both Nha Trang and Beijing 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.

Beijing is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. The city has many hostels and budget-friendly options. There isn't the backpacker community vibe that you may get in other Asian cities, but if you organize an excursion through your hostel, you're sure to make a few friends along the way.

Is Nha Trang or Beijing Better for Students?

Beijing is a great city for its student-friendly activities. However, Nha Trang is not popular with students.

Many students visit Beijing. Students will enjoy the culture, food, and academic opportunities that the universities offer. There is also a decent nightlife scene and affordable places where students can live.

Nha Trang is not popular with students.

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

Beijing is a great city for times when you don't have a car. Also, Nha Trang is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Public transit in Beijing can get you to some places easily. The system can be crowded and confusing at first, but it's one of the most convenient and affordable ways to get around town. There's a subway system as well as buses, trolleybuses, and suburban rail.

Nha Trang has a few public transit options. There are six city bus routes. There are also many taxis and motorbike taxes available for reasonable rates.

Is Nha Trang or Beijing a more walkable city?

Nha Trang is a great destination for its ease of walking around. However, Beijing is a city with minimal options 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.

Beijing is generally not a very walkable city. While parts of the city are fun to explore on foot, the city itself is very large with long blocks that aren't pedestrian-friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in Beijing or Nha Trang?

How long in Nha Trang or Beijing?

Both Nha Trang and Beijing have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Beijing than in Nha Trang. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Nha Trang, and 3-7 days is enough time in Beijing.

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

One day in Nha Trang or Beijing?

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.

People visit Beijing because there is so much to do. 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 Beijing?

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.

People visit Beijing because there is so much to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Nha Trang or Beijing?

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.

People visit Beijing because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Nha Trang or Beijing?

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.

Beijing is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Beijing, one week is sufficent for most. 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 2-Week Tours from Beijing, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nha Trang and Beijing, we can see that Beijing is more expensive. And not only is Nha Trang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Beijing would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Beijing 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 Beijing Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Nha Trang or Beijing?

Beijing has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Nha Trang. When comparing the sizes of Nha Trang and Beijing, 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.

When is the best time to visit Nha Trang or Beijing?

Beijing has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Nha Trang experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Nha Trang or Beijing in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Nha Trang as well as Beijing. Nha Trang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Beijing because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Nha Trang is around the same temperature as Beijing. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nha Trang in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Beijing averages at about 27°C (80°F).

It's quite rainy in Beijing. Nha Trang usually gets less rain in July than Beijing. Nha Trang gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, January to August in Nha Trang is the dry season. September to December in Nha Trang is the rainy season.

Should I visit Nha Trang or Beijing in the Autumn?

Both Beijing and Nha Trang are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Nha Trang throughout the year. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Beijing this time of year.

In October, Nha Trang is generally much warmer than Beijing. Daily temperatures in Nha Trang average around 26°C (79°F), and Beijing fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

It's quite rainy in Nha Trang. In October, Nha Trang usually receives more rain than Beijing. Nha Trang gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The rainy season in Nha Trang is September to December.

Should I visit Nha Trang or Beijing in the Winter?

Both Beijing and Nha Trang during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Nha Trang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Beijing for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Beijing. Nha Trang is much warmer than Beijing in the winter. The daily temperature in Nha Trang averages around 24°C (75°F) in January, and Beijing fluctuates around -4°C (26°F).

Nha Trang usually gets more rain in January than Beijing. Nha Trang gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year. January to August is the dry season in Nha Trang.

Should I visit Nha Trang or Beijing in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Nha Trang and Beijing. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Nha Trang year-round. Also, many visitors come to Beijing in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Nha Trang is much warmer than Beijing. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nha Trang in April average around 26°C (79°F), and Beijing averages at about 14°C (57°F).

In April, Nha Trang usually receives more rain than Beijing. Nha Trang gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Beijing and Nha Trang