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

Should you visit Nha Trang or Nikko?

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 Nikko. 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. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and beaches. See Nha Trang travel costs.

Nikko

Nikko is a tranquil, relaxing, and peaceful town. You'll find plenty of local activities in this small town. Many visitors also come to Nikko because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the museums, food, and hiking. See Nikko travel costs.

Nha Trang and Nikko: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nha Trang or Nikko?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Nikko. Although Nha Trang and Nikko are popular destinations, Nikko has more sights and attractions for tourists. Nikko is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Nha Trang attracts visitors for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Nha Trang is more touristy than Nikko and is known for its backpacker-heavy nightlife scene, its long sandy beaches, and its beachside resorts. Nikko is famous for its Shinto and Buddhist mountain temples, its tranquil hot spring baths, and its peaceful natural setting. It is also well known for the Toshogu Shrine.

How is Nha Trang different from Nikko?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Nikko is very popular for its historical sights. Also, Nha Trang is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

The museums and tourist attractions in Nikko are world-renowned. The town sits on the edge of Nikko National Park, where you'll find shrines and temples. Toshogu Shrine is lavishly designed. Other notable temples in the area are Taiyuin, Rinnoji Temple, and Futarasan Temple.

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 Nikko? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nikko 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.

Nikko has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There are many traditional dishes in the area, but one of the most famous is yuba. Yuba is made from a part of soy milk, and you'll find it in places all over town. You'll also find sushi, tofu, and tea everywhere.

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 Nikko Better for Nightlife?

Nha Trang is a must-visit destination for nightlife. However, Nikko is not a good destination for nightlife and partying.

Nha Trang is a world class 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.

People don't go to Nikko for the nightlife. The town is about relaxing in a tranquil setting and soaking up nature, so you won't find much in the form of nightlife.

Is Nha Trang or Nikko Better for Resorts?

Nha Trang is a city with good options for its luxury resorts. However, Nikko is not a resort destination.

Nha Trang has a handful of resorts to choose from. There's a mix of budget guesthouses and hostels, luxury beachfront resorts, and everything in between.

Nikko is not a resort destination.

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

Nha Trang is adequate for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Nikko 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.

Nikko is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Nha Trang or Nikko Better for Beaches?

Nha Trang is a city with good options for its beaches. However, Nikko 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.

Nikko is not a beach destination.

Is Nha Trang or Nikko Better for its Old Town?

Nikko is very popular for its old town. However, Nha Trang does not have a historic old town.

Nikko has a world-famous historical area. The ancient town is filled with giant cedar trees that line walking paths that take you to the many shrines and temples in the area.

Nha Trang does not have a historic old town.

Is Nha Trang or Nikko Better for Hiking?

Nikko is a great town for hiking. However, Nha Trang is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Nikko for the hiking trails. The town is surrounded by beautiful nature that you can explore on the many walking paths. The forests are well-preserved and they're filled with large cedar trees, dramatic waterfalls, and beautiful hikes. The area embraces the Japanese practice of "forest bathing" where you "bath" yourself in a beautiful natural environment.

Nha Trang is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nha Trang or Nikko?

If you're looking to go shopping, Nha Trang and Nikko both offer plenty of nice 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 Nikko to go shopping. There are places in town where you can pick up local handicrafts and traditional items.

Is Nha Trang or Nikko More Beautiful?

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

Many visitors also come to Nikko because of it's amazing beauty. There are striking temples, dramatic waterfalls, and beautiful nature that offers the perfect setting for losing yourself.

Nha Trang is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Nha Trang or Nikko Better for Families?

Both Nha Trang and Nikko 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.

Nikko is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The area offers a unique way for kids to experience Japanese culture. A highlight for the little ones is a ninja show at Grand Ninja Theatre and the Mizugei-za water magic show. Kids will also enjoy staying in a traditional ryokan and floating in the hot spring baths.

Is Nha Trang or Nikko Better for Couples?

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

Nikko is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. While many visitors come to see the shrines and temples, they often end up falling in love with the area's natural beauty, waterfalls, and "forest bathing" (surrounding yourself with nature). Couples will also enjoy dining on the local food and relaxing in a pool fed by a natural hot spring.

Nha Trang is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are several romantic hotels near the beach as well as some interesting cultural activities and beautiful beaches with water activities.

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

For backpackers, both Nha Trang and Nikko are very good places to visit.

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.

Nikko is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. There are hostels in the area that combine affordability with traditional Japanese customs.

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

Nikko 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 Nikko can get you to some places easily. There are buses that run from the main train station to the many tourist sights in the area.

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 Nikko a more walkable city?

Nha Trang and Nikko 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.

Nikko is a very walkable destination. While the town is relatively walkable and there are walking paths through the forest and to most of the temples and shrines, if you want to get further into the region, it's helpful to have a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Nikko or Nha Trang?

How long in Nha Trang or Nikko?

It's fun to spend time in either Nha Trang or Nikko. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Nikko 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 1-4 days is enough time in Nikko.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Nikko 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 Nikko.

One day in Nha Trang or Nikko?

In Nha Trang, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this high energy destination offers. Lots of people come for the nightlife. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Even though Nikko 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 Nikko has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Nha Trang or Nikko?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nha Trang. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Nikko is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and food. 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 town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Nha Trang or Nikko?

Nha Trang is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Nha Trang. Lots of people come for the nightlife. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Nikko 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. Most people head to the area for the museums. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Nha Trang or Nikko?

You'll find food and shopping around the high energy destination of Nha Trang. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the nightlife. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Nikko 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 10-Day Tours in Japan, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Japan.

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

Which is Bigger, Nha Trang or Nikko?

Nha Trang has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Nikko. When comparing the sizes of Nha Trang and Nikko, 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 Nikko?

Nikko 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 Nikko in the Summer?

Both Nikko 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 Nikko because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Nha Trang is generally a little warmer than Nikko. Daily temperatures in Nha Trang average around 28°C (82°F), and Nikko fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nikko. In July, Nha Trang usually receives less rain than Nikko. Nha Trang gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 171 mm (6.7 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 Nikko in the Autumn?

Both Nikko 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. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Nikko this time of year.

Nha Trang is much warmer than Nikko in the autumn. The daily temperature in Nha Trang averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Nikko fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Nikko 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 more rain in October than Nikko. Nha Trang gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year. September to December is the rainy season in Nha Trang.

Should I visit Nha Trang or Nikko in the Winter?

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

Be prepared for some very cold days in Nikko. In the winter, Nha Trang is much warmer than Nikko. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nha Trang in January average around 24°C (75°F), and Nikko averages at about 3°C (37°F).

In January, Nha Trang usually receives more rain than Nikko. Nha Trang gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the winter. January to August in Nha Trang is the dry season.

Should I visit Nha Trang or Nikko in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Nha Trang as well as Nikko. Nha Trang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Nikko in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In April, Nha Trang is generally much warmer than Nikko. Daily temperatures in Nha Trang average around 26°C (79°F), and Nikko fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

It's quite rainy in Nikko. Nha Trang usually gets less rain in April than Nikko. Nha Trang gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 108 mm (4.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Nikko and Nha Trang