A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Nha Trang vs. Matsue for Nightlife, Attractions, Food, and Families

Should you visit Nha Trang or Matsue?

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 Matsue. 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 nightlife, food, and beaches. See Nha Trang travel costs.

Matsue

Matsue is a peaceful, pretty, and serene town. The beauty of Matsue is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and food. See Matsue travel costs.

Nha Trang and Matsue: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nha Trang or Matsue?

You'll generally find more things to do in Nha Trang than Matsue. Nha Trang is bigger than Matsue, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Nha Trang is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Matsue is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Nha Trang is more touristy than Matsue 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. Matsue is well known for its 17th century castle and its quaint atmosphere.

How is Nha Trang different from Matsue?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Matsue 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 Matsue. Most people visit town specifically to see the Matsue Castle, which is one of the last original castles left in Japan. The city also has parks and gardens, as well as the Shimane Art Museum, Yaegaki Shrine, and Miho Shrine.

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 Matsue? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Matsue is a great town 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.

Matsue has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There are peaceful restaurants and cafes around town where you can sample the local dishes. Many restaurants have beautiful gardens and set lunch menus, which is a great way to sample fine dining cuisine at a reasonable price.

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 Matsue Better for Nightlife?

Nha Trang is an unbeatable place for nightlife and partying. However, Matsue is a town with minimal options for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Nha Trang is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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.

Matsue doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It's a quiet town and there's not much of a nightlife scene, but if you spend the night you can probably find a quaint local bar where you can hang out.

Is Nha Trang or Matsue Better for Resorts?

Nha Trang is a city with good options for its resorts. However, Matsue 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.

Matsue is not a resort destination.

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

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

Matsue is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Nha Trang or Matsue Better for Beaches?

Nha Trang is a city with good options for the beach. However, Matsue is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Nha Trang. 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.

Matsue is not a beach destination.

Is Nha Trang or Matsue Better for its Old Town?

Matsue is a good destination for its old town. However, Nha Trang does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Matsue. The town has one of the last of the twelve original castles that are still in Japan. There are also many canals that cross the town.

Nha Trang does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Nha Trang or Matsue?

If you're looking to go shopping, Nha Trang and Matsue both offer plenty of notable spots.

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.

Many visitors go to Matsue to go shopping. Kyomise Shopping District is a charming street near Ohashi Bridge. It is lined with shops and restaurants and tourists will enjoy visiting the souvenir and specialty stores in the area.

Is Nha Trang or Matsue More Beautiful?

Matsue is a great town for its scenery and beauty. However, Nha Trang is not a destination known for its beauty.

The beauty of Matsue is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. This is a pretty town with a peaceful atmosphere, beautiful gardens, and a lakefront setting.

Nha Trang is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Nha Trang or Matsue Better for Families?

Nha Trang is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Matsue 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.

Matsue offers lots of family activities. Kids will enjoy the city's history as much as adults. There are several temples and shrines to explore as well as Lake Shinji. The best views of the lake are from the Shimane Art Museum.

Is Nha Trang or Matsue Better for Couples?

Nha Trang is a great destination for its romantic activities. Also, Matsue is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Nha Trang frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are several romantic hotels near the beach as well as some interesting cultural activities and beautiful beaches with water activities.

Matsue is a good city for couples to visit. Castles, gardens, and museums all make this a beautiful and romantic destination. Couples will enjoy immersing themselves in the city's history. There's also a beautiful lake and the impressive Matsue Vogel Park.

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

Nha Trang is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Matsue 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 backpackers visit Matsue. There are a couple of hostels and guesthouses as well as budget hotels around town for backpackers.

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

Matsue is a great town for times when you don't have a car. Also, Nha Trang is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Public transit in Matsue can get you to some places easily. There are city buses as well as Ichibata Bus. Tourists will mostly use the Lakeline loop, which connects the two railway stations with all of the city's major attractions. Buses run every 20 minutes.

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.

Is Nha Trang or Matsue a more walkable city?

Nha Trang and Matsue are very good 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.

Matsue is a very walkable destination. Most of the town's sights can be reached on foot. You can walk from the JR Matsue Station to the castle in half an hour and it's only 15 minutes from the Shinjiko Onsen Station.

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

Should I spend more time in Matsue or Nha Trang?

How long in Nha Trang or Matsue?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Nha Trang and Matsue. In our opinion, Nha Trang has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Nha Trang than Matsue. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Nha Trang than Matsue. 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 Matsue. 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 Matsue 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 Matsue?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Nha Trang. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find shopping and museums around the town of Matsue. 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 Matsue?

Nha Trang is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find museums and food around the peaceful destination of Matsue. 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 Matsue?

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. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the pretty town of Matsue. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Nha Trang or Matsue?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the vibrant destination of Nha Trang. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Matsue is a popular choice for travelers. 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 Contiki Tours to Japan, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Japan.

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

Which is Bigger, Nha Trang or Matsue?

Nha Trang has a larger population, and is about 81% larger than the population of Matsue. When comparing the sizes of Nha Trang and Matsue, 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.

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

Matsue 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 Matsue in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Nha Trang as well as Matsue. Nha Trang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Matsue because of the family-friendly experiences.

Nha Trang is around the same temperature as Matsue in the summer. The daily temperature in Nha Trang averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Matsue fluctuates around 25°C (78°F).

It's quite rainy in Matsue. Nha Trang usually gets less rain in July than Matsue. Nha Trang gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 268 mm (10.6 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 Matsue in the Autumn?

Both Matsue 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, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Matsue this time of year.

In the autumn, Nha Trang is much warmer than Matsue. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nha Trang in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Matsue averages at about 17°C (62°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Matsue. It's quite rainy in Nha Trang. In October, Nha Trang usually receives more rain than Matsue. Nha Trang gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The rainy season in Nha Trang is September to December.

Should I visit Nha Trang or Matsue in the Winter?

Both Matsue 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 travelers come to Matsue for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Matsue. In January, Nha Trang is generally much warmer than Matsue. Daily temperatures in Nha Trang average around 24°C (75°F), and Matsue fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

Matsue gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Nha Trang usually gets less rain in January than Matsue. Nha Trang gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year. January to August is the dry season in Nha Trang.

Should I visit Nha Trang or Matsue in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Nha Trang and Matsue. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Nha Trang year-round. Also, many visitors come to Matsue in the spring for the natural beauty.

Nha Trang is much warmer than Matsue in the spring. The daily temperature in Nha Trang averages around 26°C (79°F) in April, and Matsue fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Matsue receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Nha Trang usually receives less rain than Matsue. Nha Trang gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Matsue and Nha Trang