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

Should you visit Nha Trang or Koyasan?

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 Koyasan. 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. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and shopping. See Nha Trang travel costs.

Koyasan

Koyasan is a serene, spiritual, and traditional town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Koyasan is a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the hiking, museums, and food. See Koyasan travel costs.

Nha Trang and Koyasan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nha Trang or Koyasan?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Nha Trang than Koyasan, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Nha Trang is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Koyasan is more popular for its museums and attractions, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Nha Trang is more touristy than Koyasan 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. Koyasan is well known for its temple complex, spiritual history, and being the birthplace of Shingon Buddhism in Japan.

How is Nha Trang different from Koyasan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Koyasan is a great town 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 Koyasan. This spiritual destination is filled with temples. Some of the most notable are Okunoin Temple, Torodo Hall, Kongobuji Temple, Danjo Garan, and Daimon (the Great Gate).

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 Koyasan? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Nha Trang and Koyasan offer notable 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 Koyasan area. There are cafes in town that serve simple udon noodle dishes and other local options. If you do a temple stay, it will likely include a meal, which is usually vegetarian and prepared by Buddhist monks. A typical menu includes miso soup, soba, pickled vegetables, tofu, tempura vegetables, rice, tea, and melon. Breakfast is similar but smaller in size.

Is Nha Trang or Koyasan Better for Nightlife?

Nha Trang is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. However, Koyasan is a town with minimal options for its evening party scene.

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.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Koyasan This spiritual town is not a place for nightlife, but it is fascinating to take a night tour of the area.

Is Nha Trang or Koyasan Better for Resorts?

Nha Trang is a good destination for its resorts. However, Koyasan 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.

Koyasan is not a resort destination.

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

Nha Trang is a city with a few options for its diving and snorkeling. However, Koyasan 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.

Koyasan is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Nha Trang or Koyasan Better for Beaches?

Nha Trang is a good destination for the beach. However, Koyasan is not a beach destination.

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.

Koyasan is not a beach destination.

Is Nha Trang or Koyasan Better for its Old Town?

Koyasan is a great town for its old town. However, Nha Trang does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Koyasan. The town center is filled with spiritual temples and many people prefer to do a temple stay for a night.

Nha Trang does not have a historic old town.

Is Nha Trang or Koyasan Better for Hiking?

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

Koyasan offers some nice hiking trails. Most people arrive by cable car, but this area has been a long running pilgrim destination and you'll find many historic pilgrimage trails that are still in the area. The Koyasan Choishi Michi trail is one of the most well known.

Nha Trang is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nha Trang or Koyasan?

Nha Trang is a good destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Koyasan 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.

Koyasan is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Nha Trang or Koyasan More Beautiful?

Koyasan is a good destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Nha Trang is not a destination known for its beauty.

Koyasan is a beautiful place to visit, too. The town is quaint and filled with history and spirituality.

Nha Trang is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Nha Trang or Koyasan Better for Families?

Nha Trang is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Koyasan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Nha Trang is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

Koyasan offers lots of family activities. It's filled with history, so its best to recognize your kid's limits when it comes to that sort of thing. If you're planning to do a temple stay, then consider how your child might handle the situation and make sure you reach out to let them know you have a child before reserving.

Is Nha Trang or Koyasan Better for Couples?

Nha Trang and Koyasan both excellent 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.

Koyasan is a very popular place to visit for couples. A temple stay in Koyasan is a truly unique experience that immerses you in the culture and lifestyle of the area. It's a truly one-of-a-kind experience for couples who like to do things outside of the box.

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

Nha Trang is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Koyasan is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Nha Trang is a great city to visit for backpackers. 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Koyasan. It's not your typical backpacker destination and most visitors prefer to experience a temple stay while in the area. If that's not your style, there is a hostel nearby.

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

Nha Trang and Koyasan 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.

Koyasan has a few public transit options. To get to town you'll take a cable car and then a bus (or taxi, but you can't walk). Once you're in town, almost everything is in the town center and doesn't require transit.

Is Nha Trang or Koyasan a more walkable city?

Nha Trang and Koyasan are excellent 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.

Koyasan is a very walkable destination. Once you reach the town its relatively flat and easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Koyasan or Nha Trang?

How long in Nha Trang or Koyasan?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Nha Trang or Koyasan to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Nha Trang than Koyasan 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 1-2 days is enough time in Koyasan.

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

One day in Nha Trang or Koyasan?

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.

Even though Koyasan is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Koyasan has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Nha Trang or Koyasan?

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.

Koyasan is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and food. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Nha Trang or Koyasan?

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.

Koyasan is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Nha Trang or Koyasan?

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.

Koyasan is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in Japan, and The Best Historical Tours in Japan.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nha Trang and Koyasan, we can see that Koyasan is more expensive. And not only is Nha Trang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Koyasan would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Koyasan 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 Koyasan Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Nha Trang or Koyasan?

Koyasan 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 Koyasan in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Nha Trang as well as Koyasan. Nha Trang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Koyasan this time of year.

Nha Trang is around the same temperature as Koyasan in the summer. The daily temperature in Nha Trang averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Koyasan fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

It's quite rainy in Koyasan. Nha Trang usually gets less rain in July than Koyasan. Nha Trang gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, January to August in Nha Trang is the dry season. September to December in Nha Trang is the rainy season.

Should I visit Nha Trang or Koyasan in the Autumn?

Both Koyasan and Nha Trang are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Nha Trang throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Koyasan for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Nha Trang is a little warmer than Koyasan. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nha Trang in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Koyasan averages at about 19°C (65°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Koyasan. It's quite rainy in Nha Trang. In October, Nha Trang usually receives more rain than Koyasan. Nha Trang gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 105 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The rainy season in Nha Trang is September to December.

Should I visit Nha Trang or Koyasan in the Winter?

Both Koyasan and Nha Trang during the winter 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, many visitors come to Koyasan in the winter for the museums and the cuisine.

In January, Nha Trang is generally much warmer than Koyasan. Daily temperatures in Nha Trang average around 24°C (75°F), and Koyasan fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Nha Trang usually gets less rain in January than Koyasan. Nha Trang gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year. January to August is the dry season in Nha Trang.

Should I visit Nha Trang or Koyasan in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Nha Trang and Koyasan. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Nha Trang year-round. Also, most visitors come to Koyasan for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

Nha Trang is much warmer than Koyasan in the spring. The daily temperature in Nha Trang averages around 26°C (79°F) in April, and Koyasan fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

Koyasan receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Nha Trang usually receives less rain than Koyasan. Nha Trang gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Koyasan and Nha Trang