A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Nha Trang vs. El Nido for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Nha Trang or El Nido?

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 El Nido. 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.

Where Should I go: Nha Trang or El Nido?

Nha Trang

For the relaxation of a small beach town, plus the energy of a young city, consider Nha Trang, Vietnam. As the most famous seaside town in Vietnam, Nha Trang is certainly livelier than many other beach resort towns. Visiting this part of Vietnam is not for the faint of heart. These people know the meaning of nightlife - and make the night last as long as they can.

El Nido

El Nido is a coastal destination on the Philippine island of Palawan. It consists of about 45 islands and islets all with beautiful beachfront scenery and plenty of opportunities for experiencing nature above and below the water. Some of the island's best features include limestone karst cliffs, coral reefs, lagoons, coves, and waterfalls.

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 in Philippines, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Philippines.


Which place is cheaper, El Nido or Nha Trang?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Nha Trang is $40, while the average daily cost in El Nido is $39. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Nha Trang and El Nido in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nha Trang $13
    El Nido $14
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nha Trang $26
    El Nido $28
Compare Hotels in Nha Trang and El Nido

Looking for a hotel in Nha Trang or El Nido? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Nha Trang


Hotels in El Nido


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Nha Trang Hotel Prices and El Nido Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nha Trang $14
    El Nido $19
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Nha Trang

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Nha Trang:


  • Local Bus Ticket
    $0.12
  • Taxi From Airport
    $15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nha Trang

Also for Nha Trang, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in Cam Ranh APT-HTL (CXR): $18
  • Private Transfer: Nha Trang Train Station - Nha Trang Center: $19
  • Private Transfer: Nha Trang City Center to Tuy Hoa City Center: $228
  • Private Transfer: Nha Trang City Center to Da Lat City Center: $166
  • Private Transfer: Nha Trang City Center to Cau Da/Vinpearl Port: $20
  • Private Transfer: Nha Trang City Center - Tuy Hoa City: $222
  • Private Transfer: Nha Trang City Center - Da Nang City: $573
  • Private Transfer: Nha Trang City Center - Cau Da Port: $19
  • Private Transfer: Nha Trang City & Phan Thiet: $277
  • Private Transfer: Nha Trang Airport to/from Vinpearl Port: $25
  • Private Transfer: Da Nang Center to Nha Trang Center: $573
  • Private Transfer: Cam Ranh Airport - Cau Da Port: $23

Hired Cars and Shuttles in El Nido

Also for El Nido, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Van Transfer : From El Nido to Puerto Princesa Palawan: $140
  • El Nido (Lio) Airport Transfers: $50
  • Lio Airport to/from Hotel Transfers: $37
  • Private Transfer From El Nido Lio Airport To El Nido Hotels: $20
  • El Nido Town: Transfers to/from Nacpan Beach: $11

Is it cheaper to fly into Nha Trang or El Nido?

Prices for flights to both El Nido and Nha Trang change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Nha Trang $15
    El Nido $12
Typical Food Prices in Nha Trang

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Nha Trang:


  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    $5.65

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nha Trang

For Nha Trang, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Nha Trang Private Street Food Tour By Motobike: $50
  • Nha Trang Cooking Class: $67
  • Viet Garden Cooking Class (Countryside and Market tour): $75
  • Nha Trang Sunset Cocktails and Dinner Cruise: $85
  • Nha Trang Half-Day Cooking Class: $85
  • Countryside Private Cooking Class: $89
  • Romantic Sunset Cocktails and Dinner Cruise: $90
  • Watching Stunning Sunset with Cocktail and Dinner on Luxury Cruise : $92
  • Private Half-Day Cooking Class in Nha Trang with Pick Up: $97
  • Day Cruise Or Sunset Dinner Cruise on The Sea: $100
  • Cruise tour and dinner at luxurious Nha Trang Bay: $109
  • Biking and Cooking in Rural Nha Trang: $120

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nha Trang $9.62
    El Nido $5.40
Typical Entertainment Prices in Nha Trang

For Nha Trang, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Po Ngar Cham Entrance (for Two)
    $1.29
  • Two Rental Lounge Chairs on Beach
    $2.83
  • Vinpearl Land Amusement Park
    $18
  • Fairy Spring Waterfall Entrance
    $0.40
  • Thap Ba Mud Bath
    $4.04
  • Cyclo Tour of City (One Day)
    $10

Tours and Activities in Nha Trang

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Nha Trang.

  • Day Cruise Exploring Nha Trang Bay|Nha Trang: $98
  • Half Day Car Nha Trang Excursion From Cruise Port (Min 2 pax): $50
  • Nha Trang Adventure & Country Private Jeep Tour: $95
  • Nha Trang Full Day Private Tour Snorkeling Included Lunch And Mud Bath: $155
  • 2 Day Private Tour to Discover Nha Trang City: $120
  • 2 Days Daklak Highland Tour From Nha Trang Included Hotel And Meals: $295
  • 3 Day VIP Tour at Hon Tam Resort in Nha Trang: $50
  • 3 Hour Pedicab City Tour Nha Trang: $69
  • 3 Hour Pedicab Night Tour Included Street Food With Your Local Guide: $79
  • 3 Islands Tour of Nha Trang: $55
  • 3-Day Central Vietnam Motorcycle Tour from Nha Trang: $240
  • Amazing Snorkeling at Mun Island ( Group Tour ): $29

Tours and Activities in El Nido

For El Nido, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • El Nido Full Day Tour C with Buffet Lunch : $43
  • Day cruise on Sailing Yacht: $184
  • El Nido Group Tour B - Cave Tour w/ Island Lunch: $48
  • El Nido Island Hopping Tour A: $28
  • El Nido Island Hopping Tour C: Hidden Beaches & Shrine: $29
  • El Nido Island Tour A w/ Fees included (No Hidden Charges): $33
  • El Nido Island Tour B w/ Fees included (No Hidden Charges): $30
  • El Nido Island Tour C w/ Fees included (No Hidden Charges): $33
  • El Nido Island Tour D w/ Fees included (No Hidden Charges): $33
  • El Nido Nacpan Day Tour: $65
  • El Nido Palawan Private Tour C, with Lunch: $139
  • El Nido Private Lagoon Tour - Tour A w/ Island Lunch: $142

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nha Trang $19
    El Nido $8.39


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


Which is Bigger, Nha Trang or El Nido?

Nha Trang has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of El Nido. When comparing the sizes of Nha Trang and El Nido, 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.