A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Nha Trang vs. Fiordland National Park for Families, Couples, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit Nha Trang or Fiordland National Park?

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 Fiordland National Park. 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 shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Fiordland National Park

Fiordland National Park is a breathtaking, world famous, and stunning national park. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the hiking.

Nha Trang and Fiordland National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Milford Track
Things to Consider
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Nha Trang or Fiordland National Park?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Nha Trang. Although Nha Trang and Fiordland National Park are popular destinations, Nha Trang has more sights and attractions for tourists. Nha Trang is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Fiordland National Park attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Nha Trang is more touristy than Fiordland National Park and is known for its backpacker-heavy nightlife scene, its long sandy beaches, and its beachside resorts. It is also well known for Long Son Pagoda. Fiordland National Park is famous for its world renowned hiking trails and stunning natural environments.

How is Nha Trang different from Fiordland National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Fiordland National Park 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 Fiordland National Park?

Nha Trang
Fiordland National Park

Nha Trang is very good for its museums and history. However, Fiordland National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

Nha Trang is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.

Fiordland National Park does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Nha Trang or Fiordland National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nha Trang
Fiordland National Park

Nha Trang is very good for its restaurants. However, Fiordland National Park is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Nha Trang. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Fiordland National Park. Te Anau is a town that serves as the basecamp for the park, and there are a range of restaurants and cafes there. Once you're in the park the dining options are limited, so it's best to come prepared with your own food supplies.

Is Nha Trang or Fiordland National Park Better for Nightlife?

Nha Trang
Fiordland National Park

Nha Trang is a world-class destination for nightlife. However, Fiordland National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

People head to Nha Trang just to party. 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.

Fiordland National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Nha Trang or Fiordland National Park Better for Resorts?

Nha Trang
Fiordland National Park

Nha Trang is very good for its luxury resorts. However, Fiordland National Park 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.

Fiordland National Park is not a resort destination.


Is Nha Trang or Fiordland National Park Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Nha Trang
Fiordland National Park

Nha Trang is a decent place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Fiordland National Park 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.

Fiordland National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Nha Trang or Fiordland National Park Better for Beaches?

Nha Trang
Fiordland National Park

Nha Trang is very good for its beaches. However, Fiordland National Park is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Nha Trang to enjoy the beach. 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.

Fiordland National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Nha Trang or Fiordland National Park Better for Hiking?

Nha Trang
Fiordland National Park

Fiordland National Park is very popular for hiking. However, Nha Trang is not a hiking destination.

Fiordland National Park is well-known for its hiking and trekking. The park has world class hiking, and this is the main activity for most visitors. There are three main trails in the park, as well as many shorter hikes that you can do. Milford Track is probably the most famous hike, and it is often considered one of the best hikes in the world. Routeburn Track is a multi-day trek that passes through a variety of environments and landscapes. Other popular trails include Kepler Track, Hollyford Track, and Dusky Track.

Nha Trang is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Nha Trang or Fiordland National Park?

Nha Trang
Fiordland National Park

Nha Trang is very good for shopping. However, Fiordland National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Nha Trang. 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.

Fiordland National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Nha Trang or Fiordland National Park Better for Families?

Nha Trang
Fiordland National Park

Fiordland National Park 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, Fiordland National Park is very family-friendly. It's the largest national park in New Zealand, and it makes a great playground for the whole family. It's the perfect place to go for a hike or learn about the natural world. There are dolphins and seals, waterfalls, and glowworm caves. There are also fun adventures like kayaking and jet skiing.

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 Fiordland National Park Better for Couples?

Nha Trang
Fiordland National Park

Fiordland National Park is very popular for its romantic activities. Also, Nha Trang is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

Fiordland National Park is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Couples who love the great outdoors will be in heaven in this stunning national park. There's gorgeous scenery, romantic boat trips, and world class hikes that are not to be missed.

Nha Trang is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are several romantic hotels near the beach as well as some interesting cultural activities and beautiful beaches with water activities.


Is Nha Trang or Fiordland National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nha Trang
Fiordland National Park

Fiordland National Park 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, Fiordland National Park is extremely popular for backpackers. As the largest national park in New Zealand, this is a world class backpackers destination and it is filled with amazing multi-day treks and once in a lifetime experiences.

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 Fiordland National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Nha Trang
Fiordland National Park

Nha Trang is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Fiordland National Park is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Fiordland National Park. Public transit is basically nonexistent in the park and there are few roads as well. Even so, having your own car is important as it gives you the flexibility to reach the sections that you want to visit.

Is Nha Trang or Fiordland National Park a more walkable city?

Nha Trang
Fiordland National Park

Nha Trang is a very popular place for its walkability. However, Fiordland National Park is lacking in good options for its high level of walkability.

Nha Trang is very walkable. 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.

Fiordland National Park is generally not very walkable. There are trails throughout the park and it's possible to access it on foot via Routeburn Track from Mt. Aspiring National Park.


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

Should I spend more time in Fiordland National Park or Nha Trang?

How long in Nha Trang or Fiordland National Park?

Nha Trang and Fiordland National Park both offer a nice selection of activities for visitors. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Fiordland National Park than Nha Trang because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Nha Trang, and 3-6 days is enough time in Fiordland National Park.

Families should spend more time in Nha Trang than Fiordland National Park. 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 Fiordland National Park. 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 Nha Trang than Fiordland National Park 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 Nha Trang.


  • How many days in Nha Trang or Fiordland National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Nha Trang 2-3 
    Fiordland National Park 3-6

One day in Nha Trang or Fiordland National Park?

You'll find nightlife and food around the high energy city of Nha Trang. Most people head to the area for the nightlife. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

You'll find around the national park of Fiordland National Park. 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 Fiordland National Park?

Nha Trang is a popular choice for travelers. A weekend here is typical. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

You'll find around the world famous destination of Fiordland National Park. 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 national park offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Nha Trang or Fiordland National Park?

Nha Trang is a great place to explore. Most people head to the area for the nightlife. Five days 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. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

You'll find around the breathtaking national park of Fiordland National Park. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this national park makes for a great vacation. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Most people head to the area for the hiking. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this national park has to offer.


A week in Nha Trang or Fiordland National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nha Trang. Most people head to the area for the nightlife. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Fiordland National Park 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Ho Chi Minh City, The Best 10-Day Tours from Hanoi, The Best Eco Tours in New Zealand, and The Best Thrill-Seeking Tours in New Zealand.


Which place is cheaper, Fiordland National Park or Nha Trang?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Nha Trang is $39, while the average daily cost in Fiordland National Park is $97. 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 Fiordland National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nha Trang $13
    Fiordland National Park $48
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nha Trang $26
    Fiordland National Park $96
Compare Hotels in Nha Trang and Fiordland National Park

Looking for a hotel in Nha Trang or Fiordland National Park? 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 Fiordland National Park


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nha Trang $13
    Fiordland National Park $42
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:

  • Private Transfer: Nha Trang Train Station - Nha Trang Center: $19
  • 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: Da Nang Center to Nha Trang Center: $573
  • Private Transfer: Cam Ranh Airport - Nha Trang outskirt: $25
  • Private Transfer: Cam Ranh Airport - Cau Da Port: $23
  • Private Transfer: Cam Ranh Airport - Cam Hai Dong: $23
  • Private Transfer from Nha Trang to Tan Son Nhat (SGN) Airport: $258
  • Private Transfer from Nha Trang to Phu Cat (UIH) Airport: $169

Is it cheaper to fly into Nha Trang or Fiordland National Park?

Prices for flights to both Fiordland National Park 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
    Fiordland National Park $23
Typical Food Prices in Nha Trang

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


  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    $5.59

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:

  • Street Food Tour & Fresh Beer Tasting by Scooter: $62
  • Nha Trang Cooking Class (visiting local market & countryside): $67
  • Viet Garden Cooking Class (Countryside and Market tour): $68
  • NhaTrang Private Sunset River Cruise for a nice dinner at a riverside restaurant: $82
  • Nha Trang Half-Day Cooking Class: $85
  • Countryside Private Cooking Class: $87
  • Romantic Sunset Cocktails and Dinner Cruise: $90
  • Watching Stunning Sunset with Cocktail and Dinner on Luxury Cruise : $92
  • Nha Trang River Cruises and Cooking Class Included Lunch: $95
  • 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: $106

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nha Trang $9.51
    Fiordland National Park $20
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)
    $1.28
  • Two Rental Lounge Chairs on Beach
    $2.80
  • Vinpearl Land Amusement Park
    $18
  • Fairy Spring Waterfall Entrance
    $0.40
  • Thap Ba Mud Bath
    $3.99
  • Cyclo Tour of City (One Day)
    $9.99

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 3 Island Private Tour: $49
  • Nha Trang Adventure & Country Private Jeep Tour: $95
  • Nha Trang Full Day Private Tour Snorkeling Included Lunch And Mud Bath: $155
  • 03 Hour Pedicab Explore Nha Trang City (Small Group Tour) : $69
  • 2 Days Daklak Highland Tour From Nha Trang Included Hotel And Meals: $295
  • 2 Days Private Guided Tour to Mui Ne from Nha Trang Included Lunch: $195
  • 2 days private tour from Nha Trang to Lak lake - and back Nha Trang: $200
  • 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

Tours and Activities in Fiordland National Park

For Fiordland National Park, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Te Anau: River Jet Boat and Bike Ride Tour with Local Guide: $130

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nha Trang $19
    Fiordland National Park $8.07


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