A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Sapa vs. Torquay for Hiking, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Sapa or Torquay?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Sapa and Torquay can help you decide which place is right for you.

Sapa

Sapa is a fascinating, picturesque, and cultural town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Many visitors also come to Sapa because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the shopping, nightlife, and food. See Sapa travel costs.

Torquay

Torquay is a trendy, casual, and laid back surf town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Torquay is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Torquay travel costs.

Sapa and Torquay: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sapa or Torquay?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Torquay. Although Sapa and Torquay are popular destinations, Torquay has more sights and attractions for tourists. Torquay is very popular for its museums and attractions and beaches, while Sapa attracts visitors for its food, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty. Sapa is more touristy than Torquay and is known for its stunning village and mountain trekking, beautiful rice paddies, and colorful weekly markets. Torquay is famous for its world renowned surfing scene and its relaxed atmosphere. It is also well known for Bells Beach.

How is Sapa different from Torquay?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Sapa or Torquay?

Torquay is very good for its historical sights. However, Sapa is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

Torquay is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Surfing enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the Australian National Surfing Museum, which goes into the sports history and influence on the region.

Sapa offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. While the many nearby villages are filled with markets and culture and have the feel of living museums, there are few actual museums in the area.

Is the Food Better in Sapa or Torquay? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Sapa is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Torquay is not as popular, but is still a nice surf town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Sapa has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The area's food highlights the local agricultural scene with lots of meat, fish, and vegetables. If you want to check out traditional Hmong cuisine, Thang Co is one of the most common dishes. It's a soup that has a strong smell and is prepared with local herbs and meats.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Torquay area. You'll find all of the classic beach town options. There are pizza places, international restaurants, and seafood. All kinds of styles are available ranging from modern, upscale, and trendy to casual and affordable.

Is Sapa or Torquay Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is nice in both Sapa and Torquay.

If you're looking for night time activities Sapa has a few options to choose from. While you don't visit the area for its nightlife, there's a big backpacker scene here so you'll likely find a crowd looking for a good time. The town has a night market and there are plenty of bars that cater to the tourists.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Torquay. There's a laid back vibe with several great pubs, breweries, and clubs where people hang out.

Is Sapa or Torquay Better for Beaches?

Torquay is a world-class destination for its beaches. However, Sapa is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Torquay is a very popular vacation destination. The town is along the Great Ocean Road, and there are a huge number of beaches that are popular for surfing. There are also nudist beaches as well as family-friendly areas. The most convenient beach is Torquay Surf Beach, which is popular with surfers. For calmer water, check out Torquay Front Beach, and for the most iconic surfing beach in the area, visit Bells Beach.

Sapa is not a beach destination.

Is Sapa or Torquay Better for Hiking?

Sapa is renowned for hiking. Also, Torquay is not as popular, but is still a nice surf town for the nearby hiking options.

Known for its hiking, Sapa draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. Trekking is, by far, one of the best ways to experience the area's beauty. You'll pass by scenic rice paddies, walk along mist covered mountains, and stumble into fascinating villages. Many people hire a local guide to guide them. This helps the local economy and offers insider information.

Torquay is a popular spot for hiking. There are many coastal walks in the area that range from a few hours to several days. One of the more well known ones is the Surf Coast Walk, which goes on for days and passes by stunning viewpoints and beautiful landscapes.

Is the Shopping Better in Sapa or Torquay?

Sapa is great for its shopping opportunities. Also, Torquay is not as popular, but is still a nice surf town for its shopping areas.

Sapa is well-known for its shopping. Many villages have a weekly market that is very fascinating to explore. In addition to local food items, there are often locally made handicrafts that make great souvenirs from your travels.

Many visitors go to Torquay to go shopping. You'll find the standard shopping centers with everything from boutiques to major brands.

Is Sapa or Torquay More Beautiful?

Sapa is renowned for its scenery and beauty. Also, Torquay is not as popular, but is still a nice surf town for its scenery and beauty.

Many visitors also come to Sapa because of it's amazing beauty. The region is filled with dramatic mountains and rice paddies that give it a truly Vietnamese beauty.

Torquay offers plenty of beauty for visitors. There's a beautiful coastline with sandy beaches and nice coastal walks.

Is Sapa or Torquay Better for Families?

Sapa is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Torquay is not as popular, but is still a nice surf town for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Sapa is very family-friendly. Many people arrive via an overnight train, which is an adventure for the whole family. Once you arrive, your kids will experience a local culture that is uniquely its own. You can participate in a homestay and enjoy meals prepared by a local family. There are also many kid-friendly hikes through the surrounding mountains.

Torquay is a family-friendly place to visit. Most people think of great surf when they think of this town, but there are some secluded places like Cozy Corner, which is good for kids. There are also many outdoor activities like walks and snorkeling at Point Danger Marine Sanctuary.

Is Sapa or Torquay Better for Couples?

Both Sapa and Torquay are excellent destinations to visit as a couple.

Sapa is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. Couples who enjoy experiencing unique cultures and hiking through stunning mountain settings will love a trip to this mountain town. While the tourists have definitely discovered the area, there are still places that have a local vibe with traditional Vietnamese markets and homesteads.

Torquay is a very popular place to visit for couples. With its amazing beaches, popular surfing, and countless outdoor activities, there's plenty for couples to enjoy around town. You can also head to the vineyards at Bellbrae Estate, check out the local breweries, or take a long walk along the coast.

Is Sapa or Torquay Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sapa is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Torquay is not as popular, but is still a nice surf town for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Sapa. Like much of Southeast Asia, this town and the surrounding areas are solidly on the backpacker trail. You'll find cheap places to stay and tours that cater specifically to the budget and backpacker crowd.

Torquay is a good town to visit for backpackers. Surfing is the big draw for backpackers to the area. There are a handful of hostels and excellent beaches that make this a great stop off for anyone in the area.

Is Sapa or Torquay Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Sapa and Torquay both offer nice public transit to get you around.

While Sapa offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are public buses through the region. If you're hoping to visit nearby towns for their market days, an organized tour or private guide is a good option.

Torquay has a few public transit options. There are buses that travel to town from the surrounding areas.

Is Sapa or Torquay a more walkable city?

Sapa and Torquay are excellent when it comes to walkability.

Sapa is very walkable. Trekking is, by far, the best way to experience the area and all of the beauty and culture that it has to offer.

Torquay is a very walkable town. The Torquay Promenade Walk offers a great place to stroll along the waterfront. You'll pass by view points and many restaurants and cafes.

For even more information, also check out Is Sapa Worth Visiting? and Is Torquay Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Torquay or Sapa?

How long in Sapa or Torquay?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Sapa and Torquay. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Sapa than in Torquay. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Sapa, and 2-3 days is enough time in Torquay.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sapa than Torquay 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 Sapa.

One day in Sapa or Torquay?

In Sapa, you'll find shopping and nightlife. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Torquay. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Sapa or Torquay?

In Sapa, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Sapa has to offer.

Torquay is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the beaches. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It's also a great beach destination, too. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Sapa or Torquay?

Sapa is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the outdoorsy destination of Torquay. This surf town offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Sapa or Torquay?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sapa. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Sapa. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

The trendy surf town of Torquay offers nightlife and food. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in Vietnam, The Best Adventure Tours to Vietnam, The Best 10-Day Tours in Australia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Australia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sapa and Torquay, we can see that Torquay is more expensive. And not only is Sapa much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Sapa is in Asia and Torquay 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 Sapa would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sapa 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 Torquay would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Torquay than you might in Sapa.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Sapa Expensive? and Is Torquay Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Sapa or Torquay?

Sapa has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Torquay. When comparing the sizes of Sapa and Torquay, 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.