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

Should you visit Nha Trang or Yogyakarta?

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 Yogyakarta. 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 high energy, coastal, and resort-filled city. Visitors also love the beaches, shopping, and museums. See Nha Trang travel costs.

Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta is a youthful, cultural, and historical city. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food. See Yogyakarta travel costs.

Nha Trang and Yogyakarta: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for shopping
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Home to Borobudur Temple


Is there more to do in Nha Trang or Yogyakarta?

You'll generally find more things to do in Yogyakarta than Nha Trang. Yogyakarta is bigger than Nha Trang, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Yogyakarta is better known for its museums and attractions, food, historical sights, and shopping, while Nha Trang is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Nha Trang is more touristy than Yogyakarta and is known for its backpacker-heavy nightlife scene, its long sandy beaches, and its beachside resorts. Yogyakarta is well known for its beautiful temples, divine food, and lively dance shows. Also, Yogyakarta is famous for Borobudur Temple.

How is Nha Trang different from Yogyakarta?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Nha Trang
Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta 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 Yogyakarta are world-renowned. The city is known for it's cultural sights and temples. Kraton Yogyakarta is the palace where the Sultan lives. You should also visit Taman Sari Water Castle and Prambanan Temple. But for many visitors, Yogyakarta is seen as the gateway to the famed Borobudur Temple. This is the largest Buddhist temple in the world. It offers spectacular views and is best visited at sunrise.

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 Yogyakarta? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nha Trang
Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta is a great city 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.

Yogyakarta has a huge number of terrific restaurants. It's filled with street food stalls and cheap eateries where you can fill up on local Indonesian classics for a cheap price. Gudeg (stewed jackfruit), Satay, and Bakmi Jawa (Javanese noodles) are just some of the dishes that you must try.

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 Yogyakarta Better for Nightlife?

Nha Trang
Yogyakarta

Nha Trang is renowned for nightlife and partying. Also, Yogyakarta is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Nha Trang is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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.

Yogyakarta is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. With a large student population, you'll find many bars and live music venues around town. You'll also find night markets and plenty of theaters and live shows that you can enjoy.

Is Nha Trang or Yogyakarta Better for Resorts?

Nha Trang
Yogyakarta

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

Yogyakarta is not a resort destination.


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

Nha Trang
Yogyakarta

Nha Trang is a decent place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Yogyakarta is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's possible to 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.

Yogyakarta is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Nha Trang or Yogyakarta Better for Beaches?

Nha Trang
Yogyakarta

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

Yogyakarta is not a beach destination.

Is Nha Trang or Yogyakarta Better for its Old Town?

Nha Trang
Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta is a great city for its old town. However, Nha Trang does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Yogyakarta. Kota Gede is the city's old town. It's filled with silver shops, religious sites, and traditional architecture. You'll also find a traditional market in the heart of the old town where you can buy coconut, dry fish, and tofu, or simply browse the unique items.

Nha Trang does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Nha Trang or Yogyakarta?

Nha Trang
Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta 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, Yogyakarta draws large crowds to its stores. The city is filled with craftsmen and a local art scene that makes it a wonderful shopping destination. There are countless markets and shops where you can pick up local handicrafts that highlight the city's culture.

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 Yogyakarta Better for Families?

Nha Trang
Yogyakarta

Nha Trang is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Yogyakarta is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Yogyakarta. It's often overlooked by families, but the temples, culture, art scene, and friendly people all make this a surprisingly fun destination for those traveling with kids. You'll also find a number of adventure activities in the area as well.

Is Nha Trang or Yogyakarta Better for Couples?

Nha Trang
Yogyakarta

Nha Trang is a very popular place for its romantic activities. Also, Yogyakarta is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Nha Trang makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are several romantic hotels near the beach as well as some interesting cultural activities and beautiful beaches with water activities.

Yogyakarta is a good city for couples to visit. The city is filled with fun activities for couples such as a visit to Taman Pelangi at night, taking a walk along Jalan Malioboro, and taking in a traditional dance performance.


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

Nha Trang
Yogyakarta

For backpackers, both Nha Trang and Yogyakarta are superb 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.

Yogyakarta is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. Backpackers who want to experience Indonesia's culture and friendly population will love a visit to this lively city. There are plenty of hostels and other travelers to meet, but there's also a uniquely Indonesian vibe to the city.

Is Nha Trang or Yogyakarta Better for Students?

Nha Trang
Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Nha Trang is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Yogyakarta. There's a large number of students in the city, which makes this a fun place to study abroad.

Nha Trang is not popular with students.

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

Nha Trang
Yogyakarta

Nha Trang is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Yogyakarta is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Nha Trang has some public transit options. There are six city bus routes. There are also many taxis and motorbike taxes available for reasonable rates.

Public transit is generally limited in Yogyakarta. There's a public bus system known as Trans Jogja, which is used by both tourists and locals. You can also hire motorbikes, becak, or Ojek.


Is Nha Trang or Yogyakarta a more walkable city?

Nha Trang
Yogyakarta

Nha Trang is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. Also, Yogyakarta is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Yogyakarta is a somewhat walkable city. Many of the main sights are accessible on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Yogyakarta or Nha Trang?

How long in Nha Trang or Yogyakarta?

It's fun to spend time in either Nha Trang or Yogyakarta. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Yogyakarta 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 2-4 days is enough time in Yogyakarta.

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


  • How many days in Nha Trang or Yogyakarta? Ideal Length of Stay
    Nha Trang 2-3 
    Yogyakarta 2-4

One day in Nha Trang or Yogyakarta?

With museums and nightlife around the coastal city of Nha Trang, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Yogyakarta. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Yogyakarta?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Nha Trang, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the colorful destination of Yogyakarta. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.


Five days in Nha Trang or Yogyakarta?

Nha Trang, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the colorful city of Yogyakarta. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Nha Trang or Yogyakarta?

Nha Trang is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Yogyakarta 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 Adventure Tours to Indonesia, and The Best Eco Tours in Indonesia.


Which place is cheaper, Yogyakarta or Nha Trang?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Nha Trang is $48, while the average daily cost in Yogyakarta is $64. 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 Yogyakarta in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nha Trang $13
    Yogyakarta $35
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nha Trang $26
    Yogyakarta $70
Compare Hotels in Nha Trang and Yogyakarta

Looking for a hotel in Nha Trang or Yogyakarta? 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.

Hotels in Nha Trang


Hotels in Yogyakarta


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 and Yogyakarta Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nha Trang $13
    Yogyakarta $1.28
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Nha Trang

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Nha Trang:


  • Local Bus Ticket
    $0.11
  • Taxi From Airport
    $14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Yogyakarta

Also for Yogyakarta, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Jepara & One Way Private Transfer: $110
  • Private Layover Tour with Airport Transfers: $94
  • Semarang & Transfer To The Hotel or Airport: $93
  • Private Transfer from Kembanglimus to Yogyakarta Airport (JOG): $88
  • Private Transfer from Wanurejo to Yogyakarta Airport (JOG): $87
  • Yogyakarta Hidden Gems Tour with Private Guided Transfer: $84
  • Private Transfer from Borobudur to Yogyakarta Airport (JOG): $81
  • Private Transfer from Borobudur Temple to Yogyakarta Airport (JOG): $81
  • Private Transfer from Yogyakarta Airport (JOG) to Borobudur: $75
  • Private Transfer from Banyuraden to Yogyakarta Airport (JOG): $71
  • Private Transfer from Yogyakarta Airport (JOG) to Sinduadi: $71
  • Private Transfer from Yogyakarta Airport (JOG) to Condong Catur: $71

Is it cheaper to fly into Nha Trang or Yogyakarta?

Prices for flights to both Yogyakarta 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Nha Trang $25
    Yogyakarta $19
Typical Food Prices in Nha Trang

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Nha Trang:


  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    $5.31

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Yogyakarta

For Yogyakarta, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Ramayana Show with Transfer, Entry Fee & Dinner: $13
  • Night Walking & Street Food Tour: $21
  • Guided City Walk and Food Tour: $23
  • Morning Walk and Food Tour: $23
  • Kotagede Night Food Tour: $27
  • Ramayana Ballet Performance with Optional Dinner: $28
  • Yogyakarta Historical Walking and Food Tour: $29
  • Yogyakarta Evening Walking and Food Tour: $30
  • Nighttime Walk and Food Tour: $32
  • Cooking Class with Market Visit and Hotel Pickup: $33
  • Prawirotaman Night Food Tour: $35
  • 3-hour Cooking Class with Market Tour: $35

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nha Trang $9.03
    Yogyakarta $15
Typical Entertainment Prices in Nha Trang

For Nha Trang, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Po Ngar Cham Entrance (for Two)
    $1.21
  • Two Rental Lounge Chairs on Beach
    $2.65
  • Vinpearl Land Amusement Park
    $17
  • Fairy Spring Waterfall Entrance
    $0.38
  • Thap Ba Mud Bath
    $3.79
  • Cyclo Tour of City (One Day)
    $9.48

Tours and Activities in Yogyakarta

For Yogyakarta, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Beautiful Sunrise and Exotic Jomblang Cave Tour: $67
  • "Java's Cultural Heritage: Borobudur and Prambanan Tour": $16
  • 1 Day Yogyakarta tour ( Borobudur temple, Merapi Lava Tour, Prambanan Temple): $76
  • 1 day Yogyakarta Tour Jomblang cave and Pindul Cave tubing: $72
  • 1 day tour borobudur temple,prambanan temple,plaosan temple: $40
  • 1-Day Yogyakarta Javanese Culture - PRIVATE TOUR with GUIDE: $198
  • 1-Day Yogyakarta Merapi Borobudur - PRIVATE Tour with GUIDE: $183
  • 1-Day Yogyakarta Merapi Pengger Heha - PRIVATE Tour with GUIDE: $140
  • 1-Day Yogyakarta Prambanan Breksi Ijo Temple - PRIVATE Tour with Guide: $184
  • 1Day Borobudur (Upper Level) and Prambanan Private Guided Tour: $149
  • 2-Day Borobudur Tour with Merbabu Camping and Hiking: $332
  • 3 Days 2 Nights A Tour of Culture and Nature: $115

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nha Trang $18
    Yogyakarta $4.74


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


Which is Bigger, Nha Trang or Yogyakarta?

Yogyakarta has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Nha Trang. When comparing the sizes of Nha Trang and Yogyakarta, 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.