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

Should you visit Nha Trang or Shanghai?

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 Shanghai. 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 vibrant, high energy, and coastal city. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and shopping.

Shanghai

Shanghai is a professional, diverse, and bustling port city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Nha Trang and Shanghai: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nha Trang or Shanghai?

You'll generally find more things to do in Shanghai than Nha Trang. Shanghai is bigger than Nha Trang, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Shanghai is better known for its museums, food, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Nha Trang is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Nha Trang is more touristy than Shanghai and is popular for its backpacker-heavy nightlife scene, its long sandy beaches, and its beachside resorts. Shanghai is well known for its historical landmarks, local street food, vibrant markets, and waterfront promenade. Also, Shanghai is famous for The Bund.

How is Nha Trang different from Shanghai?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Shanghai 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 Shanghai are world-renowned. The city's sights mix culture with modern innovation. From the futuristic skyline and the iconic waterfront area known as the Bund, to the classic Yu Garden, there are a diversity of sights around the city. There are also museums like the Shanghai Museum, which educate visitors on Chinese culture.

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 Shanghai? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Shanghai is very popular 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.

Eat your way through Shanghai, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The city's cuisine has a long history with many distinct traditional dishes. The foods incorporate a lot of soy sauce and sugar and you'll find most dishes are rice based as opposed to using wheat products. Popular local dishes include the famous Shanghai soup dumplings, steamed crab, and braised pork. The city is also famous for its snacks, which can be purchased at one of the many snack houses or street stalls.

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 Shanghai Better for Nightlife?

Nha Trang is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Shanghai is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its evening party scene.

People head to Nha Trang just to party. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Shanghai. A night out can quickly become very expensive. Many of the venues are spread out so you'll likely spend at least some of the time in a taxi. The Bund is one of the most popular areas for nightlife, but this area also has the most expensive bars and clubs. They often offer impressive views of Pudong and the Huangpu River though.

Is Nha Trang or Shanghai Better for Resorts?

Nha Trang is a good destination for its resorts. However, Shanghai 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.

Shanghai is not a resort destination.

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

Nha Trang is a moderate city for its diving and snorkeling. However, Shanghai is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Snorkeling is an option 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.

Shanghai is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Nha Trang or Shanghai Better for Beaches?

Nha Trang is a good destination for the beache. However, Shanghai 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.

Shanghai is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nha Trang or Shanghai?

Shanghai is very popular for its shopping opportunities. Also, Nha Trang is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Shanghai draws large crowds to its stores. The city has many large shopping malls with department stores, name brand fashion, and trendy shops. It is also known for its cheap electronics and tailor-made clothes.

Many visitors go to Nha Trang to go shopping. 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.

Is Nha Trang or Shanghai Better for Families?

Both Nha Trang and Shanghai 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.

Shanghai is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Of course there's Disneyland, but kids will also enjoy soaking up the city's culture, trying fun new snacks, and exploring the many science and kid-friendly museums. There are also parks and outdoor spaces as well as skyscrapers and towers that offer incredible views of the city.

Is Nha Trang or Shanghai Better for Couples?

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

Shanghai is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. With its east meets west personality, couples will be able to enjoy an amazing culinary experience, beautiful gardens, and luxury hotels and spas. There are many romantic areas around this bustling city, making it the perfect place for a romantic city getaway.

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 Shanghai Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Nha Trang and Shanghai are excellent 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.

Shanghai is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. The city is expensive, but there are hostels and cheap eateries that make it accessible even for the budget conscious. Business travelers and local workers give the city a more professional vibe during the day, but if you find the right place to stay you'll quickly be able to meet likeminded travelers.

Is Nha Trang or Shanghai Better for Students?

Shanghai is a great port city for its student-friendly activities. However, Nha Trang is not popular with students.

Many students visit Shanghai. The city attracts international and study abroad students who enjoy its long history and fascinating culture. It's a world financial capital with many businesses headquartered here, so employment opportunities are abundant.

Nha Trang is not popular with students.

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

Shanghai is a great port city 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 Shanghai can get you to some places easily. There is a metro system as well as buses and taxis which are relatively affordable.

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 Shanghai a more walkable city?

Nha Trang and Shanghai are excellent 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.

Shanghai is a very walkable destination. It's possible to explore the major tourist areas on foot but it can be very hot and humid during the summer months.

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

Should I spend more time in Shanghai or Nha Trang?

How long in Nha Trang or Shanghai?

In either Nha Trang or Shanghai, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Shanghai than Nha Trang because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Nha Trang, and 2-5 days is enough time in Shanghai.

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

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

One day in Nha Trang or Shanghai?

The city of Nha Trang offers food and shopping. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

People visit Shanghai because there is so much to do. 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 Shanghai?

Nha Trang is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Nha Trang, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

People visit Shanghai because there is so much to do. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this port city has to offer. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Nha Trang or Shanghai?

Nha Trang is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

People visit Shanghai because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this port city makes for a great vacation. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this port city has to offer.

A week in Nha Trang or Shanghai?

Nha Trang is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Shanghai 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Ho Chi Minh City, The Best 10-Day Tours from Hanoi, The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China.

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

Which is Bigger, Nha Trang or Shanghai?

Shanghai has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Nha Trang. When comparing the sizes of Nha Trang and Shanghai, 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 Shanghai?

Shanghai 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 Shanghai in the Summer?

Both Shanghai and Nha Trang during the summer 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 city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Shanghai this time of year.

Nha Trang is around the same temperature as Shanghai in the summer. The daily temperature in Nha Trang averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Shanghai fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).

Shanghai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Nha Trang usually gets less rain in July than Shanghai. Nha Trang gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 128 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year. January to August is the dry season in Nha Trang. September to December is the rainy season in Nha Trang.

Should I visit Nha Trang or Shanghai in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Nha Trang and Shanghai. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Nha Trang year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Shanghai for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Nha Trang is a little warmer than Shanghai. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nha Trang in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Shanghai averages at about 19°C (65°F).

Nha Trang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Nha Trang usually receives more rain than Shanghai. Nha Trang gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn. Also, September to December is the rainy season in Nha Trang.

Should I visit Nha Trang or Shanghai in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Nha Trang as well as Shanghai. Nha Trang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Shanghai in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Shanghai can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Nha Trang is generally much warmer than Shanghai. Daily temperatures in Nha Trang average around 24°C (75°F), and Shanghai fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

Nha Trang usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Shanghai. Nha Trang gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, January to August in Nha Trang is the dry season.

Should I visit Nha Trang or Shanghai in the Spring?

Both Shanghai and Nha Trang are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Nha Trang throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Shanghai for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

Nha Trang is much warmer than Shanghai in the spring. The daily temperature in Nha Trang averages around 26°C (79°F) in April, and Shanghai fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Shanghai. In April, Nha Trang usually receives less rain than Shanghai. Nha Trang gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Shanghai and Nha Trang