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

Should you visit Nha Trang or Nagano?

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 Nagano. 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 resort-filled, vibrant, and high energy city. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and beaches. See Nha Trang travel costs.

Nagano

Nagano is a traditional, alpine, and scenic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. The beauty of Nagano is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and hiking. See Nagano travel costs.

Nha Trang and Nagano: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nha Trang or Nagano?

You'll generally find more things to do in Nagano than Nha Trang. Nagano is bigger than Nha Trang, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Nagano is better known for its skiing, museums and attractions, food, historical sights, hiking, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Nha Trang is more popular for its nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Nha Trang is more touristy than Nagano and is known for its backpacker-heavy nightlife scene, its long sandy beaches, and its beachside resorts. Nagano is well known for its historic temples, beautiful mountain setting, and being the host of the 1998 Winter Olympic Games. Also, Nagano is famous for Zenko-ji Temple.

How is Nha Trang different from Nagano?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Nha Trang or Nagano Better for Skiing?

Nagano is a great city for skiing. However, Nha Trang is not a skiing destination.

Visitors travel far to experience snow skiing in Nagano. The city hosted the 1998 Winter Olympics and many of the skiing events were held at ski resorts in the area. In the Nagano Prefecture you'll find several ski resorts with some of the most popular being the Hakuba ski areas, Shiga Kogen, Nozawa Onsen, and Myoko Kogen.

Nha Trang is not a skiing destination.

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

Nagano is a great city 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 Nagano. The area is filled with history and there are many places to explore. Matsumoto Castle, the Matsumoto City Museum of Art, Zenko-ji Temple, and Togakushi Shrine are just some of the highlights.

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 Nagano? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nagano is a great city 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.

Nagano has a huge number of terrific restaurants. You'll find many of Japan's culinary favorites here like ramen, udon, sushi, and sashimi. There are also regional dishes and some comfort food like Tonkatsu and Oyaki Dumplings.

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 Nagano Better for Nightlife?

Nha Trang is terrific for nightlife and partying. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

Nha Trang is a must-see party destination. 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.

Nagano offers plenty to do in the evening. The nightlife scene is varied, from local and intimate venues, to wild and crazy clubs. You'll find all styles and activities such that whatever you're looking for, the city likely won't disappoint.

Is Nha Trang or Nagano Better for Resorts?

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

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.

Nagano has a few great resort options. You'll find wonderful mountain resorts throughout the entire prefecture.

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

Nha Trang is adequate for its diving and snorkeling. However, Nagano is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

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.

Nagano is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Nha Trang or Nagano Better for Beaches?

Nha Trang is a city with good options for the beach. However, Nagano 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.

Nagano is not a beach destination.

Is Nha Trang or Nagano Better for its Old Town?

Nagano 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 Nagano. Throughout the prefecture there is a lot of history and charming towns. If you're willing to get out of Nagano City, you can enjoy an area filled with tradition and culture. In particular, Tsumago-juku was the first preserved old town in Japan.

Nha Trang does not have a historic old town.

Is Nha Trang or Nagano Better for Hiking?

Nagano is a great city for hiking. However, Nha Trang is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Nagano for the hiking trails. The surrounding area is filled with stunning scenery, natural beauty, and beautiful hikes. You'll find shrines and temples, historic villages, nice views, and peaceful walks throughout the region. One of the most unique walks is along the highest road in Japan, the Norikura Echo Line. The route is at 8,800 feet and is lined with ten meter high snow walls. It's open from from late April to the end of June every year.

Nha Trang is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nha Trang or Nagano?

If you're looking to go shopping, Nha Trang and Nagano 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 Nagano to go shopping. There are a number of shopping streets that are fun to explore including the historic street of Naka-mise. This street is lined with tea shops, cafes, traditional stores, and more. While there aren't a huge number of shopping centers around town, Midori Nagano is one of the biggest.

Is Nha Trang or Nagano More Beautiful?

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

The beauty of Nagano is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The city is found in a beautiful part of Japan. It's surrounded by mountains and filled with history and historic sights.

Nha Trang is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Nha Trang or Nagano Better for Families?

Both Nha Trang and Nagano are very good 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.

Nagano is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Chibikko Ninja Village is a great place for kids with climbing walls, indoor playgrounds, and more. There are also a number of sports facilities around town, and you can keep the sport theme going with a visit to the Nagano Olympic Museum. Animal lovers will enjoy a visit to the Nagano Chausuyama Zoo and for little kids, the Nagano City Joyama Zoo is nice.

Is Nha Trang or Nagano Better for Couples?

Nha Trang is a great city for its romantic activities. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

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.

Nagano is a good city for couples to visit. The city has a lot of history and beauty, making it a romantic destination for couples. There are also outdoor activities as well as a number of sports that you can enjoy.

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

Nha Trang is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Nagano. There are several good hostels in the area, as well as some great activities for young travelers, backpackers, and sports enthusiasts.

Is Nha Trang or Nagano Better for Students?

Nagano is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Nha Trang is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Nagano. It's relative affordability combined with its close proximity to Tokyo and laid back populations make this a nice place to study.

Nha Trang is not popular with students.

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

Nha Trang and Nagano 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.

Nagano has a few public transit options. The main station in town is Nagano Station. There's a bus and train system through the area, including buses that run to Zenkoji Temple. There's also a bus that goes to the Togakushi area and takes about an hour. However, renting a car will give you more freedom and efficiency. .

Is Nha Trang or Nagano a more walkable city?

Nha Trang is a great city for its high level of walkability. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Nagano is a somewhat walkable city. Parts of the city are walkable and there are hiking trails around the Togakushi area, where you'll find many shrines and other attractions.

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

Should I spend more time in Nagano or Nha Trang?

How long in Nha Trang or Nagano?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Nha Trang and Nagano. In our opinion, Nagano has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Nagano than Nha Trang. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Nha Trang, and 1-3 days is enough time in Nagano.

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

Couples should spend more time in Nha Trang than Nagano. 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 Nagano 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 Nagano?

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 skiing and nightlife around the city of Nagano. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Nagano has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Nha Trang or Nagano?

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 nightlife and food around the traditional destination of Nagano. 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 city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Nha Trang or Nagano?

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 alpine city of Nagano. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Nha Trang or Nagano?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the resort-filled 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.

Nagano 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Japan, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Japan.

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

Which is Bigger, Nha Trang or Nagano?

Nagano has a larger population, and is about 27% larger than the population of Nha Trang. When comparing the sizes of Nha Trang and Nagano, 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 Nagano?

Nagano 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 Nagano in the Summer?

Both Nagano and Nha Trang are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Nha Trang throughout the year. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Nagano because of the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Nha Trang is a little warmer than Nagano in the summer. The daily temperature in Nha Trang averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Nagano fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nagano. In July, Nha Trang usually receives less rain than Nagano. Nha Trang gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 222 mm (8.8 in) of rain each month for the summer. The dry season in Nha Trang is January to August. The rainy season in Nha Trang is September to December.

Should I visit Nha Trang or Nagano in the Autumn?

Both Nagano and Nha Trang during the autumn 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 hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Nagano this time of year.

In the autumn, Nha Trang is much warmer than Nagano. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nha Trang in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Nagano averages at about 16°C (60°F).

Nagano gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Nha Trang. Nha Trang usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Nagano. Nha Trang gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 227 mm (9 in) of rain this time of the year. September to December is the rainy season in Nha Trang.

Should I visit Nha Trang or Nagano in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Nha Trang and Nagano. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Nha Trang year-round. Also, many travelers come to Nagano for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Nagano. In January, Nha Trang is generally much warmer than Nagano. Daily temperatures in Nha Trang average around 24°C (75°F), and Nagano fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

Nagano receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Nha Trang usually receives less rain than Nagano. Nha Trang gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 446 mm (17.5 in) of rain each month for the winter. January to August in Nha Trang is the dry season.

Should I visit Nha Trang or Nagano in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Nha Trang as well as Nagano. Nha Trang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Nagano in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Nha Trang is much warmer than Nagano in the spring. The daily temperature in Nha Trang averages around 26°C (79°F) in April, and Nagano fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Nha Trang usually gets less rain in April than Nagano. Nha Trang gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Nagano and Nha Trang