Which place is cheaper, Penang or Nha Trang?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Nha Trang or Penang?
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 Penang. 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.
Where Should I go: Nha Trang or Penang?
Nha Trang
For the relaxation of a small beach town, plus the energy of a young city, consider Nha Trang, Vietnam. As the most famous seaside town in Vietnam, Nha Trang is certainly livelier than many other beach resort towns. Visiting this part of Vietnam is not for the faint of heart. These people know the meaning of nightlife - and make the night last as long as they can.
Penang
Just off the northwestern coast of Malaysia is the charming and diverse island state of Penang. As the link between the ancient kingdoms of Asia and Europe's colonial empire, this area is enriched with Malay, Chinese, Indian and European influences. This exciting culture is centered in George Town, the main city of the state.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Ho Chi Minh City, The Best 10-Day Tours from Hanoi, The Best 10-Day Tours in Malaysia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Malaysia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNha Trang $39Penang $104
The average daily cost (per person) in Nha Trang is $39, while the average daily cost in Penang is $104. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Nha Trang and Penang in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNha Trang $13Penang $49
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNha Trang $26Penang $98
Compare Hotels in Nha Trang and Penang
Looking for a hotel in Nha Trang or Penang? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Nha Trang Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Nha Trang $13Penang $12
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Nha Trang
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Nha Trang:
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Local Bus Ticket$0.12
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Taxi From Airport$15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nha Trang
Also for Nha Trang, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- From Cau Da Port Luxury Nha Trang City Trip And Transfer: $85
- NHA TRANG : Cam Ranh Airport Private Transfer: $16
- Nha Trang - Private Airport transfers: $22
- Nha Trang 2 way Airport Transfer plus 1 day City Tour with Mud Bath: $128
- Nha Trang Airport CXR to Nha Trang - Arrival Private Transfer: $31
- Nha Trang Private Cam Ranh Airport transfer.: $23
- Nha Trang airport transfer : $9.00
- Nha Trang to Cam Ranh Riviera Beach Resort - Private Transfer: $20
- Nha Trang to Da Lat - Private Transfer: $84
- Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh - Private Transfer: $250
- Nha Trang to Hoi An - Private Transfer: $300
- Nha Trang to Hue - Private Transfer: $285
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Penang
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Penang:
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Local Bus$1.27
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Island Ferry$0.51
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Bus From Airport to George Town$0.57
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Taxi From Airport to George Town$9.70
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Motorbike Rental (One Day)$6.33
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Bicycle Rental (One Day)$2.11
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Penang
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Penang:
- Full-Day Private Transfer in Penang City : $210
- Penang City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur City Hotels One-way Transfer: $140
- Penang City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur Airport One-way Transfer: $140
- Chauffeur: Penang Island to Singapore Van Transfer: $138
- Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal, Penang to Kuala Lumpur Hotel (Door to Door) Transfer: $120
- Penang Intl Airport (PEN): Transfer to Penang Island hotels: $116
- Penang Airport (PEN): Transfer to Swettenham Cruise Port: $116
- Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal: Transfer to Penang Island: $116
- Penang City to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $107
- Penang to Kuala Lumpur 1-way Transfer: $107
- Penang Airport PEN to Penang Island - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $85
- Penang Airport to Swettenham Cruise Port - Round Trip Transfer: $76
Is it cheaper to fly into Nha Trang or Penang?
Prices for flights to both Penang and Nha Trang change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayNha Trang $15Penang $33
Typical Food Prices in Nha Trang
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Nha Trang:
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$5.51
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nha Trang
For Nha Trang, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Street Food Tour & Fresh Beer Tasting by Scooter: $61
- Nha Trang Cooking Class (visiting local market & countryside): $67
- Viet Garden Cooking Class (Countryside and Market tour): $75
- NhaTrang Private Sunset River Cruise for a nice dinner at a riverside restaurant: $82
- Countryside Private Cooking Class: $86
- Romantic Sunset Cocktails and Dinner Cruise: $90
- Watching Stunning Sunset with Cocktail and Dinner on Luxury Cruise : $92
- Nha Trang River Cruises and Cooking Class Included Lunch: $95
- Day Cruise Or Sunset Dinner Cruise on The Sea: $100
- Cruise tour and dinner at luxurious Nha Trang Bay: $106
- Biking and Cooking in Rural Nha Trang: $120
- Sunset cocktail and dinner on the Emperor cruise on Nha Trang Bay: $137
Typical Food Prices in Penang
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Penang:
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Snack$1.69
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Dinner at The Suffolk House (for 2)$72
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Lunch at Sakae Sushi (for 2)$61
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Lassy Juice$1.48
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Dinner for 2$3.16
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Street Stall Food$0.59
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$4.01
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Italian Lunch (for Two)$10
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Penang
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Penang.
- Penang Food Tour - Georgetown: $62
- Eat Like A Local: Penang Street Food Tour: $62
- 3-Hour Heritage on a Plate Dinner Hop in George Town Penang: $65
- Private Half Day Penang Tasty Local Street Food Tour: $88
- 4-Hour Georgetown Food Tour: $88
- Cooking Classes In Penang By Penang Chiak: $93
- Private Dinner at THE TOP with Skywalk Experience from Penang: $103
- Chef Samuel's Private Malaysian Cooking Class with Wet Market Tour: $116
- Food Tour at Penang - Eat Like a Local, Feel Like a Local: $120
- Experience Malaysia: Authentic Malaysia Cooking Tour: $121
- Dinner at Penang Hill Including Train Ride: $141
- Penang's Night Eat-Venture Vespa Food Tour: $160
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Nha Trang $9.37Penang $49
Typical Entertainment Prices in Nha Trang
For Nha Trang, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Po Ngar Cham Entrance (for Two)$1.26
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Two Rental Lounge Chairs on Beach$2.75
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Vinpearl Land Amusement Park$18
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Fairy Spring Waterfall Entrance$0.39
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Thap Ba Mud Bath$3.93
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Cyclo Tour of City (One Day)$9.84
Tours and Activities in Nha Trang
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Nha Trang.
- VinWonders Entry Ticket with Optional Cable Car: $2.98
- Nha Trang : Combo Monkey Island with Orchids Island Ticket: $18
- Stand-up Paddleboard Sunset Tour: $19
- Snorkeling Tour at Coral Reef: $23
- Nha Trang Island Hopping Tour Snorkeling and Floating Party: $23
- Island Hopping Tour, Snorkeling & Floating Party: $24
- City tour by Cyclo: $25
- Hoi An Impression Theme Park and Memories Show Tickets: $25
- Nha Trang Snorkeling Tour-Vuongland Travel: $26
- Amazing Snorkeling at Mun Island ( Group Tour ): $29
- Nha Trang City Half-Day Tour: $29
- Nha Trang Half Day Highlight Private City Tour: $30
Typical Entertainment Prices in Penang
Here are a few typical costs in Penang for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Butterfly Gardens$6.54
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Trishaw Tour (One Hour)$6.33
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Fort Cornwallis Entrance$0.42
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Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi Entrance$2.11
Tours and Activities in Penang
Here are a few actual costs in Penang for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Penang City Temple Tour with Penang Hill(Fast Lane) & Kek Lok Si: $100
- 4 Hour Food and Heritage Walking Tour in Penang George Town: $75
- 4-Hour Heritage Walking Tour of Georgetown: $58
- 6-Hours Penang Private Tour: $151
- Admission Ticket for Dark Mansion Glow-in-the-Dark Museum in Penang: $8.80
- Asia Camera Museum Admission Ticket: $5.38
- Countryside Cycling Tour by Matahari: $82
- Discover Georgetown Heritage Private Tour in Penang: $51
- Discover Penang City Tour: $47
- Discover Penang City in Amazing Tour: $82
- Enjoy Hill & Temple Sightseeing Tour - Penang City: $68
- Entopia Butterfly Farm & Tropical Spice Garden Tour: $81
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayNha Trang $18Penang $16
Typical Alcohol Prices in Penang
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Penang:
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Beer$1.69
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nha Trang and Penang, we can see that Penang 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 Penang would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Penang 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 Penang Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Nha Trang or Penang?
Nha Trang has a larger population, and is about 59% larger than the population of Penang. When comparing the sizes of Nha Trang and Penang, 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 Penang?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Nha Trang or Penang in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Nha Trang as well as Penang. Nha Trang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Penang throughout the year.
Also, January to August in Nha Trang is the dry season. September to December in Nha Trang is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Penang. Nha Trang usually gets less rain in July than Penang. Nha Trang gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Penang receives 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the summer, Nha Trang is around the same temperature as Penang. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nha Trang in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Penang averages at about 27°C (81°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyNha Trang 28°C (82°F)Penang 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Nha Trang or Penang in the Autumn?
Both Penang 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. Plenty of visitors come to Penang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The rainy season in Nha Trang is September to December. It rains a lot this time of the year in Penang. It's quite rainy in Nha Trang. In October, Nha Trang usually receives less rain than Penang. Nha Trang gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Penang receives 340 mm (13.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
In October, Nha Trang is generally around the same temperature as Penang. Daily temperatures in Nha Trang average around 26°C (79°F), and Penang fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberNha Trang 26°C (79°F)Penang 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Nha Trang or Penang in the Winter?
Both Penang 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Penang year-round.
January to August is the dry season in Nha Trang. Nha Trang usually gets less rain in January than Penang. Nha Trang gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Penang receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
Nha Trang is cooler than Penang in the winter. The daily temperature in Nha Trang averages around 24°C (75°F) in January, and Penang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryNha Trang 24°C (75°F)Penang 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Nha Trang or Penang in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Nha Trang and Penang. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Nha Trang year-round. Penang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Penang receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Nha Trang usually receives less rain than Penang. Nha Trang gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Penang receives 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
In the spring, Nha Trang is around the same temperature as Penang. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nha Trang in April average around 26°C (79°F), and Penang averages at about 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilNha Trang 26°C (79°F)Penang 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Penang and Nha Trang
| Nha Trang | Penang | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | 25°C (77°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (79°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 330 mm (13 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 340 mm (13.4 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (75°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.