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

Should you visit Nha Trang or Tokyo?

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 Tokyo. 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. It's also popular because of the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Tokyo

Tokyo is a high tech, high energy, and vibrant 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 live music, food, and shopping.

Nha Trang and Tokyo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nha Trang or Tokyo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Tokyo than Nha Trang, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Tokyo is more popular for its museums, food, music, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Nha Trang is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Nha Trang is more touristy than Tokyo and is known for its backpacker-heavy nightlife scene, its long sandy beaches, and its beachside resorts. Tokyo is popular for its ultramodern skyscrapers, neon lights, historic temples, lively karaoke bars, and peaceful parks. It is also home to The Sensō-ji Temple.

How is Nha Trang different from Tokyo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Tokyo 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 Tokyo are world-renowned. This iconic city is filled with recognizable landmarks and world class museums including the Meiji Shrine, the Sensō-ji Temple, and the Tokyo Skytree.

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 Tokyo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Tokyo 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 Tokyo, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. With an astonishing number of Michelin star restaurants, this is one of the most interesting and impressive food destinations in the world. Not all restaurants are high end though. You'll find plenty of cheap eateries that offer their own rewarding culinary experience. Must try local dishes include okonomiyaki, ramen, and of course, sushi.

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 Tokyo Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find amazing options in both Nha Trang and Tokyo.

Nha Trang is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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 head to Tokyo just to party. The professional urgency that you feel during the day morphs into a vibrant, laid back city at night. The neon lights turn on and locals head out to destress. There are karaoke bars, casual pubs, high energy nightclubs, and more. Popular areas for nightlife include Roppongi, Shibuya and Shinjuku.

Is Nha Trang or Tokyo Better for Music?

Tokyo is very popular for its live music scene. However, Nha Trang is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Tokyo. The music scene features both national and international artists and the music style is as eclectic as the city itself. You'll find many underground venues, vintage record stores, and local bars that have each created their own niche.

Nha Trang is not a live music destination.

Is Nha Trang or Tokyo Better for Resorts?

Nha Trang is a popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Tokyo is not a resort destination.

Nha Trang has a few great resort options. There's a mix of budget guesthouses and hostels, luxury beachfront resorts, and everything in between.

Tokyo is not a resort destination.

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

Nha Trang is adequate for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Tokyo 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.

Tokyo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Nha Trang or Tokyo Better for Beaches?

Nha Trang is a popular place for the beach. However, Tokyo 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.

Tokyo is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nha Trang or Tokyo?

Tokyo 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, Tokyo draws large crowds to its stores. The city is known for its electronics, anime products, and trendy fashion brands. Many neighborhoods are also shopping districts with malls or markets throughout. Prices can be steep, but products are generally high quality. For some of the city's best shopping, head to Shinjuku, Shibuya, or Ginza.

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 Tokyo Better for Families?

Tokyo 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, Tokyo is very family-friendly. This is an incredibly kid-friendly city. There's Disneyland, but there are also many other entertainment centers, amusement areas, a zoo, aquarium, and more. Kids will also enjoy experiencing the city's fascinating culture. They can visit temples, museums, and the Tokyo Tower. Another fun local experience is to go to a baseball game.

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 Tokyo Better for Couples?

Nha Trang and Tokyo both superb destinations for a couple.

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.

Tokyo is a very popular place to visit for couples. This high tech city offers luxury hotels and spas, award winning restaurants, and unique date night opportunities like karaoke or sushi making classes. The city has many parks and gardens as well as malls, dynamic neighborhoods, and interesting museums.

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

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

Plenty of budget travelers and 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.

Tokyo is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Known for it's high prices, it can be a bit difficult to visit this city on a budget. There are dorm rooms available but they still come with a high price tag. Food is a bit easier as the eateries are diverse with many options on the cheaper side.

Is Nha Trang or Tokyo Better for Students?

Tokyo is very popular for its student-friendly activities. However, Nha Trang is not popular with students.

Tokyo is a very popular place to visit for students. The city attracts many international students and there are a number of prestigious universities to choose from. Perhaps the biggest challenge is navigating the language difference, but that is all part of the experience when studying abroad.

Nha Trang is not popular with students.

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

Tokyo is very popular 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.

Tokyo has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. Trains, subways, and buses make up the complex transportation system and, while it may seem overwhelming at first, the system is actually very clean, efficient, and reliable.

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 Tokyo a more walkable city?

Tokyo is very popular for its high level of walkability. Also, Nha Trang is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its ease of walking around.

Tokyo is a very easy city to get around on foot. Many neighborhoods are very easy to explore on foot, so it's fun to just wander without a plan, seeing where you end up.

Nha Trang is a very walkable destination. 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.

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

Should I spend more time in Tokyo or Nha Trang?

How long in Nha Trang or Tokyo?

Both Nha Trang and Tokyo have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Tokyo than in Nha Trang. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Nha Trang, and 3-7 days is enough time in Tokyo.

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

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

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

One day in Nha Trang or Tokyo?

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.

People visit Tokyo 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 Tokyo?

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.

People visit Tokyo because there is so much to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Nha Trang or Tokyo?

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.

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

A week in Nha Trang or Tokyo?

You'll find food and shopping around the vibrant 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.

Tokyo is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Tokyo, one week is sufficent for most. 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 in Japan, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Japan.

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

Which is Bigger, Nha Trang or Tokyo?

Tokyo has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Nha Trang. When comparing the sizes of Nha Trang and Tokyo, 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 Tokyo?

Tokyo 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 Tokyo in the Summer?

Both Tokyo 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, many travelers come to Tokyo for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Nha Trang is around the same temperature as Tokyo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nha Trang in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Tokyo averages at about 26°C (78°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Tokyo. In July, Nha Trang usually receives less rain than Tokyo. Nha Trang gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 127 mm (5 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 Tokyo in the Autumn?

Both Tokyo 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, many visitors come to Tokyo in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Nha Trang is generally a little warmer than Tokyo. Daily temperatures in Nha Trang average around 26°C (79°F), and Tokyo fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

Tokyo 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 Tokyo. Nha Trang gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year. September to December is the rainy season in Nha Trang.

Should I visit Nha Trang or Tokyo in the Winter?

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

Nha Trang is much warmer than Tokyo in the winter. The daily temperature in Nha Trang averages around 24°C (75°F) in January, and Tokyo fluctuates around 5°C (42°F).

In January, Nha Trang usually receives less rain than Tokyo. Nha Trang gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter. January to August in Nha Trang is the dry season.

Should I visit Nha Trang or Tokyo in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Nha Trang as well as Tokyo. Nha Trang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Tokyo because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Nha Trang is much warmer than Tokyo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nha Trang in April average around 26°C (79°F), and Tokyo averages at about 14°C (58°F).

It's quite rainy in Tokyo. Nha Trang usually gets less rain in April than Tokyo. Nha Trang gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Tokyo and Nha Trang