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

Should you visit Nha Trang or Dunedin?

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 Dunedin. 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 beaches, shopping, and museums. See Nha Trang travel costs.

Dunedin

Dunedin is a hilly, cultural, and vibrant city. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking. See Dunedin travel costs.

Nha Trang and Dunedin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nha Trang or Dunedin?

Both Dunedin and Nha Trang have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Nha Trang is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, and scuba diving & snorkeling, while Dunedin is known for its museums and attractions, hiking, and shopping. Nha Trang is more touristy than Dunedin and is popular for its backpacker-heavy nightlife scene, its long sandy beaches, and its beachside resorts. Dunedin is popular for its wildlife and proximity to the Otago Peninsula.

How is Nha Trang different from Dunedin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Dunedin 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 Dunedin. The city has cultural scene that is centered around both Scottish and Maori heritage. Top sights around town include the Larnach Castle, the Dunedin Railway Station, Toitu Otago Settlers Museum, and the Otago Museum.

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 Dunedin? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Nha Trang and Dunedin 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 Dunedin area. The culinary scene in town continues to grow and improve. There are local eateries that have charm and character and serve interesting and local dishes.

Is Nha Trang or Dunedin Better for Nightlife?

Nha Trang is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. Also, Dunedin 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.

Many people head to Dunedin for the nightlife scene. The town has eclectic bars and a diverse club scene that is fun to experience. It has a lively nightlife scene that is driven, in part, by the large student population.

Is Nha Trang or Dunedin Better for Resorts?

Nha Trang is a popular place for its resorts. However, Dunedin 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.

Dunedin is not a resort destination.

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

Nha Trang is a city with a few options for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Dunedin 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.

Dunedin is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Nha Trang or Dunedin Better for Beaches?

Nha Trang and Dunedin both offer good beaches.

Nha Trang offers a nice beach destination. 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.

Dunedin is a good option for a beach vacation. Many of the beaches are just a short drive from the city center. The surf is surprisingly good and the beaches are fun during the warmer summer months.

Is Nha Trang or Dunedin Better for Hiking?

Dunedin is a good destination for hiking. However, Nha Trang is not a hiking destination.

Dunedin offers some nice hiking trails. There are biking and hiking trails that travel around town and through the surrounding landscapes.

Nha Trang is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nha Trang or Dunedin?

Dunedin 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.

Dunedin is well-known for its shopping. The shopping scene is diverse and eclectic with everything from vintage shops to fashion boutiques. Some of the most popular shopping areas are Edinburgh Way, Octagon Entertainment Precinct, Moray Place, and the Warehouse Precinct.

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 Dunedin Better for Families?

Both Nha Trang and Dunedin are superb 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.

Dunedin is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. It's one of the largest cities on the South Island, and there are many educational opportunities and unique experiences available to kids. You can visit the Otago Museum or the Toitu Otago Settlers Museum, take a wildlife cruise, or visit the Larnach Castle. You can also take a ride on the Inlander or simply hang out at a playground.

Is Nha Trang or Dunedin Better for Couples?

Nha Trang is well known for couples. Also, Dunedin 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.

Dunedin is a nice destination for couples. You can wander through the castle or explore one of the city's markets. There are also romantic restaurants and many opportunities to see wildlife.

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

For backpackers, both Nha Trang and Dunedin 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.

Dunedin is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. There are many hostels around town and plenty of activities that keep backpackers entertained.

Is Nha Trang or Dunedin Better for Students?

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

Many students visit Dunedin. This is a large student city that is welcoming to international students and a popular place to study.

Nha Trang is not popular with students.

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

Nha Trang and Dunedin 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.

Dunedin has a few public transit options. There a relatively decent bus system that travels through town.

Is Nha Trang or Dunedin a more walkable city?

Nha Trang and Dunedin 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.

Dunedin is a very walkable destination. Parts of the town are easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Dunedin or Nha Trang?

How long in Nha Trang or Dunedin?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Nha Trang and Dunedin. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Nha Trang, and 1-3 days is enough time in Dunedin.

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

One day in Nha Trang or Dunedin?

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 Dunedin. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Dunedin has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Nha Trang or Dunedin?

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 vibrant destination of Dunedin. 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 Dunedin?

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 Dunedin. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Nha Trang or Dunedin?

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.

Dunedin is a popular choice for travelers. 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 Adventure Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Eco Tours in New Zealand.

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

Which is Bigger, Nha Trang or Dunedin?

Nha Trang has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Dunedin. When comparing the sizes of Nha Trang and Dunedin, 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.