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

Should you visit Nha Trang or Gili Trawangan?

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 Gili Trawangan. 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. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Nha Trang travel costs.

Gili Trawangan

Gili Trawangan is a idyllic, laidback, and tropical island. The beauty of Gili Trawangan is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the beaches, nightlife, and food. See Gili Trawangan travel costs.

Nha Trang and Gili Trawangan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nha Trang or Gili Trawangan?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Gili Trawangan than Nha Trang, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Gili Trawangan is better known for its food, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Nha Trang is more popular for its museums and attractions and shopping. Nha Trang is well known for its backpacker-heavy nightlife scene, its long sandy beaches, and its beachside resorts. Gili Trawangan is well known for its beautiful water and impressive scuba diving. Also, Gili Trawangan is famous for beautiful beachfront setting.

How is Nha Trang different from Gili Trawangan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Nha Trang is very good for its museums and history. However, Gili Trawangan is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Gili Trawangan offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of art and cultural museums on the island, but most people spend their time soaking up the idyllic setting.

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

Gili Trawangan is a great island 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.

Gili Trawangan has a huge number of terrific restaurants. As the largest and one of the most touristy of the Gili Islands, you'll find a wide range of cuisines. There's everything from Mexican to Greek available. You'll also find plenty of tropical fruits and some local Indonesian cuisine as well.

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 Gili Trawangan Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find first-rate options in both Nha Trang and Gili Trawangan.

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 Gili Trawangan just to party. This is the "party island" of the Gili Islands. It has a wild nightlife scene that is particularly popular with backpackers. There are tons of beach bars that have live music, DJs, and nightly parties. There are also regular boat parties. The party scene is pretty well coordinated across the bars, and one bar will stay open late each night while the others close around midnight. This keeps the partygoers concentrated in one location and keeps the energy high for everyone.

Is Nha Trang or Gili Trawangan Better for Resorts?

There are notable resorts to choose from in both Nha Trang and Gili Trawangan.

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.

Gili Trawangan has a few great resort options. The island was long known for its backpacker vibe which included poorly concentrated beach huts. More recently there's been an upswing in upmarket accommodation, particularly on the quieter western and northern sides of the island.

Is Nha Trang or Gili Trawangan Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Gili Trawangan 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 Gili Trawangan. Snorkeling and diving are a highlight on the island, and a big draw for many visitors. The island is small, with a large concentration of tourists, so if you book a boat trip, you'll likely be surrounded by others. This doesn't mean you won't be able to enjoy colorful fish, a magical undersea world, and the occasional sea turtle.

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 Gili Trawangan Better for Beaches?

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

Gili Trawangan offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. The island is filled with white sand beaches, most of which have restaurants and beachside bars nearby. One of the busiest beaches is near the port, but a quieter area is nearby Surf Point. The sunset side of the island is perfect in the evening when the sun starts to dip below the horizon, but the beaches on that side aren't as great as the other side of the island.

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 the Shopping Better in Nha Trang or Gili Trawangan?

Nha Trang is very good for its shopping opportunities. However, Gili Trawangan is lacking in good options for its shopping areas.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Gili Trawangan has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. You'll find most things you need on the island, but this isn't a place people usually shop for fun.

Is Nha Trang or Gili Trawangan More Beautiful?

Gili Trawangan is a great island for its scenery and beauty. However, Nha Trang is not a destination known for its beauty.

The beauty of Gili Trawangan is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Crystal blue waters and white sand beaches make this an idyllic island paradise. The setting is perfect for hanging out by the water and soaking up the island vibe.

Nha Trang is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Nha Trang or Gili Trawangan Better for Families?

Both Nha Trang and Gili Trawangan are high quality 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.

Gili Trawangan is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. There are many kid-friendly activities like snorkeling, kayaking, and biking. There are also glass bottom boat tours and a great laidback island vibe that kids and adults alike will enjoy. Do note that this is one of the more popular islands for backpackers, so there is a big party scene.

Is Nha Trang or Gili Trawangan Better for Couples?

Nha Trang and Gili Trawangan both high quality 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.

Gili Trawangan is a very popular place to visit for couples. White sand, blue water, and a true tropical island paradise make this a wonderful honeymoon destination. It's one of the more energetic of the Gili Islands, so if you're looking for a calm retreat, there may be better options, but it still has wonderful resorts and great diving.

Is Nha Trang or Gili Trawangan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Gili Trawangan 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, Gili Trawangan is extremely popular for backpackers. It's the most popular of the Gili Islands for backpackers so you'll find tons of hostels and a great nightlife scene. The energy is high and the scenery and idyllic beaches are wonderful.

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 Gili Trawangan Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Nha Trang and Gili Trawangan both offer notable 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.

Gili Trawangan has a few public transit options. Many tourists enjoy getting around the island by cidomo, which are horse-drawn carts. Otherwise, walking or biking are your best options.

Is Nha Trang or Gili Trawangan a more walkable city?

Nha Trang and Gili Trawangan are high quality 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.

Gili Trawangan is a very walkable destination. While it's the largest of the Gili Islands, it still small enough to walk around in about two hours and it's relatively easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Gili Trawangan or Nha Trang?

How long in Nha Trang or Gili Trawangan?

It's fun to spend time in either Nha Trang or Gili Trawangan. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Gili Trawangan due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Nha Trang, and 2-4 days is enough time in Gili Trawangan.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Gili Trawangan 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 Gili Trawangan.

One day in Nha Trang or Gili Trawangan?

In Nha Trang, you'll find museums and nightlife. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the island of Gili Trawangan. 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 Gili Trawangan?

Nha Trang is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife around the laidback destination of Gili Trawangan. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Nha Trang or Gili Trawangan?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nha Trang. It offers something for everyone. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the laidback island of Gili Trawangan. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Nha Trang or Gili Trawangan?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the city of Nha Trang. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. 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.

Gili Trawangan 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 Tours for Seniors to Indonesia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Indonesia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nha Trang and Gili Trawangan, we can see that Nha Trang is more expensive. And not only is Gili Trawangan much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Gili Trawangan would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Gili Trawangan 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 Nha Trang would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nha Trang than you might in Gili Trawangan.

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 Gili Trawangan Expensive?.