A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Nha Trang vs. Milford Sound for Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Nha Trang or Milford Sound?

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 Milford Sound. 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. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and shopping. See Nha Trang travel costs.

Milford Sound

Milford Sound is a iconic, breathtaking, and world renowned fiord. Many visitors also come to Milford Sound because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the skiing and hiking. See Milford Sound travel costs.

Nha Trang and Milford Sound: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nha Trang or Milford Sound?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Nha Trang. Although Nha Trang and Milford Sound are both popular with visitors, Nha Trang has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Nha Trang is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Milford Sound is known for its skiing, hiking, and impressive beauty. Nha Trang is more touristy than Milford Sound and is known for its backpacker-heavy nightlife scene, its long sandy beaches, and its beachside resorts. It is also home to Long Son Pagoda. Milford Sound is popular for its iconic hiking trails, stunning boat tours, and dramatic mountains.

How is Nha Trang different from Milford Sound?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Milford Sound and Nha Trang. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Nha Trang or Milford Sound Better for Skiing?

Milford Sound is a great fiord for skiing. However, Nha Trang is not a skiing destination.

Visitors travel far to experience snow skiing in Milford Sound. Many locals head to the snow-capped peaks to enjoy skiing, but if you're unfamiliar with the area, a ski tour is your best option.

Nha Trang is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Nha Trang or Milford Sound?

Nha Trang is a good destination for its museums and history. However, Milford Sound does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Milford Sound does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Nha Trang or Milford Sound? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nha Trang is a good destination for its restaurants. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

Nha Trang is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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.

While Milford Sound is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. You'll find a restaurant or two in the small town of Milford Sound. Your best option is the Milford Sound Lodge. In the park you'll want to come prepared with your own food. Many organized tours include a picnic lunch.

Is Nha Trang or Milford Sound Better for Nightlife?

Nha Trang is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for nightlife.

Nha Trang has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Milford Sound. Things get quiet at night and there's little in the form of nightlife.

Is Nha Trang or Milford Sound Better for Resorts?

Nha Trang is a good destination for its luxury resorts. However, Milford Sound is not a resort destination.

Nha Trang has a few great resort options. There's a mix of budget guesthouses and hostels, luxury beachfront resorts, and everything in between.

Milford Sound is not a resort destination.

Is Nha Trang or Milford Sound Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Nha Trang is a decent place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Milford Sound 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.

Milford Sound is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Nha Trang or Milford Sound Better for Beaches?

Nha Trang is a good destination for the beach. However, Milford Sound 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.

Milford Sound is not a beach destination.

Is Nha Trang or Milford Sound Better for Hiking?

Milford Sound is very popular for hiking. However, Nha Trang is not a hiking destination.

Milford Sound is well-known for its hiking and trekking. The Milford Track has long been considered one of the world's best hikes. It's also, arguably, the most famous hike in New Zealand. The 53 kilometer trek takes you from Lake Te Anau through stunning scenery, alpine settings, and across spectacular suspension bridges.

Nha Trang is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nha Trang or Milford Sound?

Nha Trang is a good destination for its shopping areas. However, Milford Sound is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Nha Trang has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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.

Milford Sound is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Nha Trang or Milford Sound More Beautiful?

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

Many visitors also come to Milford Sound because of it's amazing beauty. This is one of the most spectacular natural settings in New Zealand. The remoteness, combined with the mountains, waterfalls, and stunning views make this a true bucket list destination.

Nha Trang is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Nha Trang or Milford Sound Better for Families?

Both Nha Trang and Milford Sound 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.

Milford Sound is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The outdoor wonders will impress the kids as much as the adults. There are shorter walks that are family-friendly and the boat rides are also fun for the whole family. You can take a scenic flight or visit the stunning Mirror Lakes. This really is a playground for both kids and adults.

Is Nha Trang or Milford Sound Better for Couples?

Nha Trang and Milford Sound 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.

Milford Sound is a very popular place to visit for couples. This is one of the most stunning natural areas in the world, and the romance comes from the spectacular beauty, world class hikes, and breathtaking surroundings that will leave you awed and inspired.

Is Nha Trang or Milford Sound Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nha Trang is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Milford Sound is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Milford Sound. The area's remoteness and high price tag make it a bit challenging for backpackers and budget travelers. If you have plenty of time and enough money, it is truly a not to be missed destination.

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

Nha Trang is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Milford Sound is lacking in 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 generally limited in Milford Sound. There are buses in the area, but private vehicles or organized tours are your best option for getting around.

Is Nha Trang or Milford Sound a more walkable city?

Nha Trang is an excellent place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for its walkability.

Nha Trang is a very walkable destination. 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.

Milford Sound is not a walkable city. This is one of the most remote places in New Zealand so you really must have a car or organized transportation to get around.

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

Should I spend more time in Milford Sound or Nha Trang?

How long in Nha Trang or Milford Sound?

Nha Trang and Milford Sound both offer a nice selection of activities for visitors. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Milford Sound 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 2-6 days is enough time in Milford Sound.

Families should spend more time in Nha Trang than Milford Sound. 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 Milford Sound. 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 Milford Sound 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 Milford Sound?

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 skiing around the fiord of Milford Sound. 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 Milford Sound?

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 skiing around the breathtaking destination of Milford Sound. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this fiord has to offer. This fiord offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Nha Trang or Milford Sound?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the vibrant 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 skiing around the world renowned fiord of Milford Sound. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this fiord 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 fiord has to offer.

A week in Nha Trang or Milford Sound?

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.

Milford Sound 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 Coach Bus Tours in Vietnam, The Best Adventure Tours to Vietnam, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in New Zealand, and The Best Luxury Tours to New Zealand.

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

Which is Bigger, Nha Trang or Milford Sound?

Nha Trang has a larger population, and is about 650 times larger than the population of Milford Sound. When comparing the sizes of Nha Trang and Milford Sound, 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.