A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Nha Trang vs. Cairns for Nightlife, Scuba Diving & Snorkeling, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Nha Trang or Cairns?

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

Cairns

Cairns is a adventure-filled, tropical, and idyllic city. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Nha Trang and Cairns: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nha Trang or Cairns?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Cairns than Nha Trang. While Nha Trang is larger than Cairns, Cairns has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Cairns is more popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and shopping, while Nha Trang is known for its museums. Nha Trang is popular for its backpacker-heavy nightlife scene, its long sandy beaches, and its beachside resorts. Cairns is popular for its stunning beaches, nearby rainforests, and easy access to the world's largest reef system. It is also home to the Great Barrier Reef.

How is Nha Trang different from Cairns?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Nha Trang is a popular place for its museums and history. However, Cairns is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Cairns offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most visitors spend their time exploring nature and the outdoors, but there are some interesting cultural sights around town as well. Make sure you check out the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park as well as the Cairns Aquarium.

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

Cairns is a great city 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.

Cairns has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Waterfront dining with a view is what makes the restaurant scene special. Seafood is everywhere and you can enjoy the catch of the day while you relax on a beachfront terrace. There are also international restaurants that have everything from Spanish tapas to Japanese noodle bowls.

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 Cairns Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find amazing options in both Nha Trang and Cairns.

Nha Trang is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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.

People head to Cairns just to party. For such as small city, the nightlife scene is incredibly vibrant, particularly during the peak tourist months. Backpackers are at the heart of the action, with many bars and clubs filling up each night with a young crowd. There are dance clubs, all night parties, cocktail bars, and beach side venues that are sure to offer a good time.

Is Nha Trang or Cairns Better for Resorts?

Cairns is a great city for its luxury resorts. Also, Nha Trang is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its resorts.

There are plenty of resorts in Cairns to choose from. There are many beautiful resorts that offer access to the beach and have impressive pools. There are family-friendly resorts, romantic resorts, and even some budget-friendly options.

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

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

Cairns is very popular for its diving and snorkeling. However, Nha Trang is not known for snorkeling and scuba diving.

People travel from around the world to go scuba diving and snorkeling in Cairns. It's access to the Great Barrier Reef make this one of the world's top scuba diving and snorkeling destinations. The undersea world is filled with colorful coral, diverse tropical fish, graceful sea turtles, and a truly magical setting.

Snorkeling is an option 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.

Is Nha Trang or Cairns Better for Beaches?

Cairns is very popular for the beache. Also, Nha Trang is not as popular, but is still a nice city for the beach.

Cairns offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. Near town you'll find stunningly beautiful beaches that range from hubs of activity to quiet coves. Cairns Esplanade Lagoon is the closest beach to the city center and it has a sandy beach and plenty of amenities. For a quieter setting, head north to Holloways Beach or to the family-friendly Yorkeys Knob Beach. Do take note that if the beach doesn't have a stinger net, then it's recommended you wear a stinger suit (to avoid jellyfish stings).

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.

Is Nha Trang or Cairns Better for Hiking?

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

Cairns is well-known for its hiking and trekking. Near town you'll find wonderful national parks, lush rainforest, and beautiful mountain ranges. There are countless bush walks and hiking trails in the area. Head into the countryside and you'll get lost in nature and breathtaking views.

Nha Trang is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nha Trang or Cairns?

Cairns 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.

Cairns is well-known for its shopping. There's plenty of shopping around town in the form of shopping centers, markets, and boutique shops. Whether you're looking for trendy fashion or a fun souvenir, there are many places to explore.

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 Cairns Better for Families?

Cairns is very popular for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Nha Trang is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Cairns is very family-friendly. With the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest nearby, this is a playground for kids and adults alike. There are sandy beaches, rainforest walks, turtle rehabilitation centers, scenic railways, adventure sports, and so much more.

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.

Is Nha Trang or Cairns Better for Couples?

Nha Trang and Cairns 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.

Cairns is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's a beautiful tropical setting with world class beaches and diverse marine life. Couples who enjoy the outdoors and adventure will love this amazing destination. You can experience the area's wildlife, relax on sandy beaches, or pamper yourself with a spa treatment. There is plenty of luxury, but also adventure-filled activities to choose from.

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

Cairns is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Nha Trang is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Cairns is extremely popular for backpackers. Backpackers flock to this coastal town for its easy access to the Great Barrier Reef and its many activities and vibrant energy. There are adventure sports, wild nightclubs, and no shortage of places to hang out with other backpackers.

Nha Trang is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

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

Nha Trang and Cairns both offer good 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.

Cairns has a few public transit options. Sunbus operates a public bus service that travels through the city center and to many beaches. Most routes start at Cairns City Mall.

Is Nha Trang or Cairns a more walkable city?

Nha Trang is an excellent place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Cairns is lacking in 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.

Cairns is generally not very walkable. While you can walk around many parts of the city center, most visitors want to head into the rainforest or experience the nearby day trips, which require a vehicle.

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

Should I spend more time in Cairns or Nha Trang?

How long in Nha Trang or Cairns?

In either Nha Trang or Cairns, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Cairns than Nha Trang because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Nha Trang, and 3-5 days is enough time in Cairns.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cairns 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 Cairns.

One day in Nha Trang or Cairns?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Nha Trang. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the city of Cairns. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Cairns?

Nha Trang is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the adventure-filled destination of Cairns. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Cairns?

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. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find nightlife and food around the tropical city of Cairns. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Nha Trang or Cairns?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the resort-filled destination of Nha Trang. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Cairns is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Contiki Tours to Australia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Australia.

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

Which is Bigger, Nha Trang or Cairns?

Nha Trang has a larger population, and is about 84% larger than the population of Cairns. When comparing the sizes of Nha Trang and Cairns, 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 Cairns?

Cairns 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 Cairns in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Nha Trang and Cairns. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Nha Trang year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Cairns for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Nha Trang is around the same temperature as Cairns. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nha Trang in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Cairns averages at about 29°C (84°F)in January.

Cairns receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Nha Trang usually receives less rain than Cairnsin January. Nha Trang gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Cairns receives 429 mm (16.9 in) of rain each month for the summer. January to August in Nha Trang is the dry season. Also, September to December is the rainy season in Nha Trang. Also, November to March is the rainy season in Cairns.

Should I visit Nha Trang or Cairns in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Nha Trang as well as Cairns. Nha Trang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Cairns in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In October, Nha Trang is generally around the same temperature as Cairnsin April. Daily temperatures in Nha Trang average around 26°C (79°F), and Cairns fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

It's quite rainy in Cairns. Nha Trang receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Nha Trang usually gets less rain in October than Cairnsin April. Nha Trang gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Cairns receives 273 mm (10.8 in) of rain this time of the year. September to December in Nha Trang is the rainy season. Also, April to October in Cairns is the dry season.

Should I visit Nha Trang or Cairns in the Winter?

Both Cairns and Nha Trang are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Nha Trang throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Cairns for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Nha Trang is around the same temperature as Cairns in the winter. The daily temperature in Nha Trang averages around 24°C (75°F) in January, and Cairns fluctuates around 23°C (73°F)in July.

In January, Nha Trang usually receives more rain than Cairnsin July. Nha Trang gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Cairns receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the winter. The dry season in Nha Trang is January to August.

Should I visit Nha Trang or Cairns in the Spring?

Both Cairns and Nha Trang during the spring 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, the spring months attract visitors to Cairns because of the beaches.

In the spring, Nha Trang is around the same temperature as Cairns. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nha Trang in April average around 26°C (79°F), and Cairns averages at about 27°C (80°F)in October.

Nha Trang usually gets less rain in April than Cairnsin October. Nha Trang gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Cairns receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year. April to October is the dry season in Cairns. November to March is the rainy season in Cairns.

Typical Weather for Cairns and Nha Trang