A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Nha Trang vs. Fraser Island for Beaches, Couples, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Nha Trang or Fraser Island?

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 Fraser Island. 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 vibrant, high energy, and coastal city. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and shopping. See Nha Trang travel costs.

Fraser Island

Fraser Island is a breathtaking, idyllic, and stunning island. Many visitors also come to Fraser Island because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the beaches and hiking. See Fraser Island travel costs.

Nha Trang and Fraser Island: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Not as popular for scuba diving and snorkeling
  • Less attractive beach
Pros
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Not as popular for scuba diving and snorkeling
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Nha Trang or Fraser Island?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Nha Trang than Fraser Island, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Nha Trang is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, resorts, and shopping, while Fraser Island is more popular for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Nha Trang is more touristy than Fraser Island and is popular for its backpacker-heavy nightlife scene, its long sandy beaches, and its beachside resorts. Also, Nha Trang is famous for Long Son Pagoda. Fraser Island is well known for its beautiful sand dunes, lush rainforests, and diverse wildlife.

How is Nha Trang different from Fraser Island?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Nha Trang
Fraser Island

Nha Trang is a good destination for its sights and museums. However, Fraser Island is not a good island for its museums and history.

Nha Trang offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Fraser Island. The stunning natural beauty is the appeal of this island. It is worth visiting the Maheno Shipwreck which was once a trans-Tasman liner.


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

Nha Trang
Fraser Island

Nha Trang is a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Fraser Island is not a good island for its restaurants.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in 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.

Fraser Island may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. There are settlements on the island where you can pick up food and essentials, but don't expect much more than the basics. There are also several restaurants.

Is Nha Trang or Fraser Island Better for Nightlife?

Nha Trang
Fraser Island

Nha Trang is very popular for nightlife and partying. However, Fraser Island is not a good island for its evening party scene.

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.

Fraser Island doesn't offer many options. There are a handful of bars on the island where you can enjoy a drink in a laid back setting.

Is Nha Trang or Fraser Island Better for Resorts?

Nha Trang
Fraser Island

Nha Trang is a good destination for its resorts. However, Fraser Island is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Nha Trang makes a nice vacation spot. There's a mix of budget guesthouses and hostels, luxury beachfront resorts, and everything in between.

Fraser Island is not a resort destination.


Is Nha Trang or Fraser Island Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Nha Trang
Fraser Island

You'll find respectable places where you can go scuba diving or snorkeling in Nha Trang and Fraser Island.

There are few places where you can 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.

Snorkeling is an option in Fraser Island. The waters around the island are not designed for snorkeling, as the currents are strong and there are often large sharks. There are several dive spots including a ship wreck as well as a beautiful reef that is filled with hard and soft corals.

Is Nha Trang or Fraser Island Better for Beaches?

Nha Trang
Fraser Island

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

Fraser Island offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. The idyllic beaches really are paradise. The water is blue, the sand white, and the rainforest feels undiscovered. The most famous beach is Seventy-Five Mile Beach, but other beautiful spots include Eli Creek, Lake Wabby, and the Champagne Pools (the only oceanfront spot where you can swim).

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 Fraser Island Better for Hiking?

Nha Trang
Fraser Island

Fraser Island is a great island for hiking. However, Nha Trang is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Fraser Island for the hiking trails. There are many stunning hikes on the island and many visitors choose to camp during their visit. It's possible to organize a group hike with a guide as well, which is recommended as it is the safer option.

Nha Trang is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Nha Trang or Fraser Island?

Nha Trang
Fraser Island

Nha Trang is a good destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Fraser Island is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Nha Trang offers some nice shopping areas. 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.

Fraser Island is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Nha Trang or Fraser Island More Beautiful?

Nha Trang
Fraser Island

Fraser Island is very popular for its scenery and beauty. However, Nha Trang is not a destination known for its beauty.

Many visitors also come to Fraser Island because of it's amazing beauty. With its strikingly blue water and white sand, this is truly a bucket list destination for many travelers. You'll be immersed in one of the world's most beautiful environments.

Nha Trang is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Nha Trang or Fraser Island Better for Families?

Nha Trang
Fraser Island

Both Nha Trang and Fraser Island are excellent 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.

Fraser Island is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The kids will love the peaceful beaches and stunning landscapes as much as the adults. There are walking trails, beautiful water, and between the months of July and November you can go whale watching.


Is Nha Trang or Fraser Island Better for Couples?

Nha Trang
Fraser Island

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

Fraser Island is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. It's stunning beaches and serene setting make for a truly romantic destination. You can picnic on the white sand or float down Eli Creek. Kayaking or stand up paddle boarding are also fun.

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 Fraser Island Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nha Trang
Fraser Island

For backpackers, both Nha Trang and Fraser Island are excellent 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.

Fraser Island is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. It's truly a bucket list destination, so even though it may be challenging to reach, it's well worth the effort. There are ferries that leave from either Rainbow Beach or Hervey Bay, or you can visit as part of an organized tour.

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

Nha Trang
Fraser Island

Nha Trang is a good destination for its public transit. However, Fraser Island is not a good island for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is quite limited in Fraser Island. The roads are sand and you'll need a vehicle of your own to get around. Because of the conditions, it requires four wheel drive.


Is Nha Trang or Fraser Island a more walkable city?

Nha Trang
Fraser Island

Nha Trang is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. However, Fraser Island is not a good island for its ease of walking around.

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.

Fraser Island is generally not a very walkable city. The island is large enough that you'll likely want a vehicle (four wheel drive) to get around and fully experience it.

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

Should I spend more time in Fraser Island or Nha Trang?

How long in Nha Trang or Fraser Island?

In either Nha Trang or Fraser Island, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Fraser Island 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 Fraser Island.

Families should spend more time in Nha Trang than Fraser Island. 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 Fraser Island. 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 Fraser Island 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 Fraser Island? Ideal Length of Stay
    Nha Trang 2-3 
    Fraser Island 3-5

One day in Nha Trang or Fraser Island?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the high energy destination of Nha Trang. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

You'll find around the island of Fraser Island. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 Fraser Island?

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. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

You'll find around the breathtaking destination of Fraser Island. 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 island offers a variety of activities to choose from.


Five days in Nha Trang or Fraser Island?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the resort-filled destination of Nha Trang. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

You'll find around the breathtaking island of Fraser Island. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this island makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. Most people head to the area for the beaches. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer.

A week in Nha Trang or Fraser Island?

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Nha Trang. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Fraser Island is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Australia, and The Best Honeymoon Tours in Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Fraser Island or Nha Trang?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Nha Trang is $48, while the average daily cost in Fraser Island is $243. 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 Fraser Island in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nha Trang $13
    Fraser Island $102
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nha Trang $26
    Fraser Island $204
Compare Hotels in Nha Trang and Fraser Island

Looking for a hotel in Nha Trang or Fraser Island? 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 Fraser Island


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
    Fraser Island $93
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Nha Trang

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


  • Local Bus Ticket
    $0.11
  • Taxi From Airport
    $14

Is it cheaper to fly into Nha Trang or Fraser Island?

Prices for flights to both Fraser Island 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 $25
    Fraser Island $83
Typical Food Prices in Nha Trang

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


  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    $5.31

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nha Trang $9.03
    Fraser Island $45
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)
    $1.21
  • Two Rental Lounge Chairs on Beach
    $2.65
  • Vinpearl Land Amusement Park
    $17
  • Fairy Spring Waterfall Entrance
    $0.38
  • Thap Ba Mud Bath
    $3.79
  • Cyclo Tour of City (One Day)
    $9.48

Tours and Activities in Fraser Island

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Fraser Island are as follows:

  • 2 Hours Hervey Bay Funset Cruise: $53
  • Fraser Experience Shared Full Day Guided Tour: $208
  • Hervey Bay Ultimate Whale Watching Cruise: $80
  • Hervey Bay Whale Watching Cruise: $104
  • Hervey Bay to K'gari/Fraser Island 2-Day Tour (Beach House): $370
  • Hervey Bay: Best Value Half Day Whale Watching Cruise: $80
  • Hervey Bay: Half Day Whale watching & Island Stop Tour: $111
  • K'gari (Fraser Island) All Inclusive Day Tour: $174
  • K'gari (Fraser Island) Small Group 4WD Adventure - From Noosa: $201
  • K'gari (Fraser Island) Small Group Day Tour - From Rainbow Beach: $186
  • Remote Fraser Island Experience: $173
  • Remote K'gari (Fraser Island) & Whale Experience: $173

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nha Trang $18
    Fraser Island $21


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



When is the best time to visit Nha Trang or Fraser Island?

Fraser Island 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 Fraser Island in the Summer?

Both Fraser Island and Nha Trang during the summer 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 beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Fraser Island this time of year.

Nha Trang is around the same temperature as Fraser Island in the summer. The daily temperature in Nha Trang averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Fraser Island fluctuates around 26°C (78°F)in January.

Fraser Island gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Nha Trang usually gets less rain in July than Fraser Islandin January. Nha Trang gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Fraser Island receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year. January to August is the dry season in Nha Trang. September to December is the rainy season in Nha Trang.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Nha Trang 28°C (82°F) 
    Fraser Island 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Nha Trang or Fraser Island in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Nha Trang and Fraser Island. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Nha Trang year-round. Also, many travelers come to Fraser Island for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Nha Trang is a little warmer than Fraser Island. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nha Trang in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Fraser Island averages at about 22°C (72°F)in April.

Nha Trang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Nha Trang usually receives more rain than Fraser Islandin April. Nha Trang gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Fraser Island receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn. Also, September to December is the rainy season in Nha Trang.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Nha Trang 26°C (79°F) 
    Fraser Island 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Nha Trang or Fraser Island in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Nha Trang as well as Fraser Island. Nha Trang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Fraser Island in the winter for the cuisine.

In January, Nha Trang is generally much warmer than Fraser Islandin July. Daily temperatures in Nha Trang average around 24°C (75°F), and Fraser Island fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

Nha Trang usually gets less rain in January than Fraser Islandin July. Nha Trang gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Fraser Island receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, January to August in Nha Trang is the dry season.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Nha Trang 24°C (75°F) 
    Fraser Island 15°C (59°F)

Should I visit Nha Trang or Fraser Island in the Spring?

Both Fraser Island and Nha Trang are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Nha Trang throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Fraser Island for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

Nha Trang is a little warmer than Fraser Island in the spring. The daily temperature in Nha Trang averages around 26°C (79°F) in April, and Fraser Island fluctuates around 21°C (71°F)in October.

In April, Nha Trang usually receives less rain than Fraser Islandin October. Nha Trang gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Fraser Island receives 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Nha Trang 26°C (79°F) 
    Fraser Island 21°C (71°F)

Typical Weather for Fraser Island and Nha Trang

Nha Trang Fraser Island
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (75°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 26°C (78°F) 164 mm (6.5 in)
Feb 24°C (75°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 25°C (78°F) 163 mm (6.4 in)
Mar 25°C (77°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 24°C (76°F) 134 mm (5.3 in)
Apr 26°C (79°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 22°C (72°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
May 29°C (84°F) 50 mm (2 in) 19°C (66°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 50 mm (2 in) 16°C (61°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 15°C (59°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 16°C (61°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 19°C (65°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 240 mm (9.4 in) 21°C (71°F) 75 mm (2.9 in)
Nov 25°C (77°F) 240 mm (9.4 in) 23°C (74°F) 106 mm (4.2 in)
Dec 24°C (75°F) 170 mm (6.7 in) 25°C (77°F) 134 mm (5.3 in)