A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Nha Trang vs. Taupo for Nightlife, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Nha Trang or Taupo?

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 Taupo. 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 coastal, resort-filled, and vibrant city. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and museums. See Nha Trang travel costs.

Taupo

Taupo is a stunning, otherworldly, and striking town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Taupo is a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and hiking. See Taupo travel costs.

Nha Trang and Taupo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nha Trang or Taupo?

Both Taupo and Nha Trang have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Nha Trang is better known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Taupo is more popular for its skiing, food, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Nha Trang is more touristy than Taupo and is popular for its backpacker-heavy nightlife scene, its long sandy beaches, and its beachside resorts. Taupo is well known for its thermal hot springs, dramatic landscapes, and world class hikes.

How is Nha Trang different from Taupo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Nha Trang or Taupo Better for Skiing?

Taupo is very popular for skiing. However, Nha Trang is not a skiing destination.

Taupo is a top destination for snow skiing, and it attracts visitors from around the world. Nearby Mount Ruapehu offers access to the longest running ski season in both Australia and New Zealand. From June until October you can enjoy the largest commercial ski areas around. There are options for everyone from young beginners to experts. The two main ski resorts in the area are Whakapapa Ski Area and Tūroa Ski Area.

Nha Trang is not a skiing destination.

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

Nha Trang is a popular place for its museums and landmarks. However, Taupo is a town with minimal options for its historical sights.

Nha Trang offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Taupo. Stunning natural beauty and adventure-filled activities are what Taupo is all about, but you won't find much in the form of museums.

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

Taupo 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.

Taupo has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The town is filled with local restaurants that make use of local ingredients such as fresh caught trout, local produce, and wild game. The town also has many farmers markets and a strong cafe culture.

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 Taupo Better for Nightlife?

Nha Trang is a must-visit destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Taupo is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

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.

If you're looking for night time activities Taupo has a few options to choose from. It's a small resort town that is active during the day and night. There are low key activities in the evening like soaking in the thermal hot pools or grabbing a drink at a bar.

Is Nha Trang or Taupo Better for Resorts?

Nha Trang is a popular place for its resorts. However, Taupo 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.

Taupo is not a resort destination.

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

Nha Trang is a city with a few options for its diving and snorkeling. However, Taupo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Nha Trang has a few snorkeling spots. 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.

Taupo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Nha Trang or Taupo Better for Beaches?

Nha Trang is a popular place for the beach. However, Taupo is not a beach destination.

Nha Trang is a good option for a beach vacation. 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.

Taupo is not a beach destination.

Is Nha Trang or Taupo Better for Hiking?

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

Many visitors go to Taupo for the hiking trails. The area is filled with beautiful hikes that take you through the natural beauty. During the fall season you can enjoy the fall foliage and during the summer months the wildlife and waterfront setting is at a peak.

Nha Trang is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nha Trang or Taupo?

If you're looking to go shopping, Nha Trang and Taupo 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 Taupo to go shopping. The lakefront town has a nice, pedestrian-friendly stretch with boutique shops, fashion outlets, and souvenir vendors.

Is Nha Trang or Taupo More Beautiful?

Taupo is a good destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Nha Trang is not a destination known for its beauty.

Taupo is a beautiful place to visit, too. Set against the lake, there is stunning natural beauty in the area and many breathtaking views.

Nha Trang is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Nha Trang or Taupo Better for Families?

Taupo is very popular for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Nha Trang is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Taupo is very family-friendly. Set on the edge of Lake Taupo, there are many family-friendly activities in the area like swimming, boating, and hiking. There are also thermal hot springs and in the winter months skiing. Families who enjoy outdoor adventures will find no shortage of options year round.

Nha Trang is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Is Nha Trang or Taupo Better for Couples?

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

Taupo is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Honeymooners and couples who enjoy romantic scenery, beautiful sunsets, and outdoor adventure will fall in love with this area. You can soak in thermal hot springs and picnic next to beautiful waterfalls. There are also breathtaking hikes and great water activities.

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 Taupo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Taupo is extremely popular for backpackers. There's plenty of backpacker and hostel accommodation in the area. There are also free outdoor activities and adrenaline-filled adventures that backpackers will enjoy.

Nha Trang is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

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

Nha Trang and Taupo 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.

Taupo has a few public transit options. There are local bus service, the Taupo Connector, that travels around the town center. If you want to get outside of town, you'll need to have a car.

Is Nha Trang or Taupo a more walkable city?

Nha Trang is a great destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Taupo is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Taupo is a somewhat walkable city. The town is fairly compact, but if you want to efficiently get around and experience everything that the area has to offer, you'll want to have a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Taupo or Nha Trang?

How long in Nha Trang or Taupo?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Nha Trang and Taupo. In our opinion, Taupo has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Taupo than Nha Trang. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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

One day in Nha Trang or Taupo?

In Nha Trang, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this resort-filled 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the town of Taupo. 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 Taupo?

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.

You'll find shopping and skiing around the otherworldly destination of Taupo. 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 Taupo?

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.

Travelers enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the otherworldly town of Taupo. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Most people head to the area for the skiing. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Nha Trang or Taupo?

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.

Taupo 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 G Adventures Tours to New Zealand, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Auckland.

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

Which is Bigger, Nha Trang or Taupo?

Nha Trang has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Taupo. When comparing the sizes of Nha Trang and Taupo, 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.