A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Can Tho vs. Airlie Beach for Couples, Food, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Can Tho or Airlie Beach?

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 Can Tho and Airlie Beach can help you decide which place is right for you.

Can Tho

Can Tho is a unique, fascinating, and vibrant city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping. See Can Tho travel costs.

Airlie Beach

Airlie Beach is a slow-paced, idyllic, and paradise town. Many visitors also come to Airlie Beach because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Airlie Beach travel costs.

Can Tho and Airlie Beach: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Can Tho or Airlie Beach?

Both Airlie Beach and Can Tho have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Can Tho is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, shopping, and big city activities, while Airlie Beach attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Can Tho is famous for its colorful floating markets, fresh produce, friendly people, and intricate waterways. Airlie Beach is famous for its tours and transportation that visit the Great Barrier Reef and the Whitsunday Islands.

How is Can Tho different from Airlie Beach?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Can Tho or Airlie Beach?

Can Tho is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Airlie Beach is not a good town for its museums and history.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Can Tho. The main attraction nearby is Cai Rang Floating Market, but visitors also enjoy seeing Binh Thuy Ancient House, the Can Tho Rice Noodle Factory, Ong pagoda, and Nam Nha Pagoda.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Airlie Beach. Oceanfront beauty is what this town is all about, so you won't find much is the form of museums and manmade landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Can Tho or Airlie Beach? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Can Tho is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Airlie Beach is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Can Tho makes for a great culinary experience. It's the largest city in the Mekong Delta, and there are many restaurants with rooftop views and lively atmospheres. The food is local and fresh. Grilled meats, noodle soup, and local produce are all popular. Many visitors come to Cantho specifically to experience the nearby floating markets. You really must sample the many dishes available at the markets, which are unique to the area and offer a whole new approach to street food.

Airlie Beach has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There's a good selection of restaurants in town that offer everything from freshly caught local seafood to fine dining or casual. Try to pick a place with a view.

Is Can Tho or Airlie Beach Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is nice in both Can Tho and Airlie Beach.

If you're looking for night time activities Can Tho has a few options to choose from. The city is very beautiful at night with many colorful lights. There are a number of bars and places for tourists to hang out and socialize.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Airlie Beach. The town has a number of nightlife venues that include DJ hosted parties, beachfront cocktail lounges, and mellow local bars.

Is Can Tho or Airlie Beach Better for Resorts?

Airlie Beach is a must-visit destination for its luxury resorts. However, Can Tho is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Airlie Beach is a perfect choice. There's everything from posh resorts and luxury hotels to family-friendly campgrounds. There are also hostels that cater to the budget crowd.

Can Tho is not a resort destination.

Is Can Tho or Airlie Beach Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Airlie Beach is a must-visit destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Can Tho is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The scuba diving and snorkeling in Airlie Beach is not to be missed. You can't snorkel right off the shore because the water is murky and mucky, but there are excursions that will take you to the Great Barrier Reef. There are many day cruises that will take you out on the reef to several sights where you may see beautiful coral, sea turtles, or even reef sharks.

Can Tho is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Can Tho or Airlie Beach Better for Beaches?

Airlie Beach is a must-visit destination for the beach. However, Can Tho is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Airlie Beach is a very popular vacation destination. Near town there are world class beaches that range from secluded and idyllic to those lined with luxury resorts. For an escape, head to Hideaway Bay or Dingo Beach. If you don't want to leave town, there's also Airlie Beach, which is right off the Main Street. You likely won't want to swim here, but you can enjoy a picnic. Whatever beach you chose, do confirm that there's a stinger net.

Can Tho is not a beach destination.

Is Can Tho or Airlie Beach Better for Hiking?

Airlie Beach is a must-visit destination for hiking. However, Can Tho is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Airlie Beach specifically for its hiking. You'll find many incredible hiking trails in the area. Conway National Park is a great place to hike through the rainforest and Conway State Forest is another nice spot.

Can Tho is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Can Tho or Airlie Beach?

Can Tho is very popular for shopping. Also, Airlie Beach is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Can Tho is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city is large with malls and a central market, but most visitors come specifically for the nearby floating markets. These unique markets are best visited by boat. Goods and food are sold out of vendor boats and popular food dishes include noodle soup and local fruits. Each boat has a tall bamboo stick displaying the items that it sells.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Airlie Beach. Head to the town's main street for your typical souvenir shops and holiday stores.

Is Can Tho or Airlie Beach More Beautiful?

Airlie Beach is a must-visit destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Can Tho is not a destination known for its beauty.

Many visitors also come to Airlie Beach because of it's amazing beauty. Serving as a gateway to the Whitsunday Islands, this town is surrounded by some of the world's most idyllic landscapes.

Can Tho is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Can Tho or Airlie Beach Better for Families?

You'll find high quality kid-friendly activities in either Can Tho or Airlie Beach.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Can Tho is very family-friendly. Kids and adults alike will be fascinated by the floating markets and the beautiful Mekong Delta. Most visitors use this growing city as a base for exploring the area, which has a fascinating culture and interesting sights.

Airlie Beach is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy playing in the Airlie Beach Lagoon, visiting the markets, or hanging out at the local beaches or playgrounds. If you're hoping to swim in the ocean, be very aware of the season and the conditions.

Is Can Tho or Airlie Beach Better for Couples?

Airlie Beach is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Can Tho is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

For those traveling as a couple, Airlie Beach has plenty to offer. Couples often use this as a gateway to the stunning Whitsunday Islands. The dining scene is good and there are countless outdoor activities that you can enjoy together. There are also many different resorts in the area.

Can Tho is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples can take a romantic evening boat ride on the Mekong Delta. During the morning hours, the floating markets are one of Vietnam's most interesting destinations. You can sample local dishes and experience a completely different way of life.

Is Can Tho or Airlie Beach Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Can Tho and Airlie Beach are high quality places to visit.

Many backpackers visit Can Tho. This is a large city with a number of hostels and many backpackers who pass through during their trip to the floating markets and through the Mekong Delta.

Airlie Beach is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. If you're hoping to visit the Whitsunday Islands, then is a good place to base yourself as a backpacker. It has a decent selection of hostels and there are a number of restaurants and other dining options.

Is Can Tho or Airlie Beach Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Airlie Beach is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Can Tho is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Airlie Beach offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a public bus that runs from Proserpine to Shute Harbour. The main bus station is near the city center and the main beach.

Public transit is generally limited in Can Tho. There are local buses, but many visitors come to this area as part of an organized tour because transportation can be a bit a tricky.

Is Can Tho or Airlie Beach a more walkable city?

Airlie Beach is great for its high level of walkability. Also, Can Tho is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its ease of walking around.

Airlie Beach is a very walkable town. The town itself is walkable, but the surrounding area is hilly and requires a car.

Can Tho is a somewhat walkable city. The city center is relatively walkable.

For even more information, also check out Is Can Tho Worth Visiting? and Is Airlie Beach Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Airlie Beach or Can Tho?

How long in Can Tho or Airlie Beach?

Both Can Tho and Airlie Beach have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Airlie Beach than in Can Tho. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Can Tho, and 4-7 days is enough time in Airlie Beach.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Airlie Beach than Can Tho 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 Airlie Beach.

One day in Can Tho or Airlie Beach?

In Can Tho, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this fascinating city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

In Airlie Beach, you'll find nightlife and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Can Tho or Airlie Beach?

Can Tho is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the shopping. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

In Airlie Beach, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Can Tho or Airlie Beach?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural destination of Can Tho. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the shopping. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Airlie Beach is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Airlie Beach has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Can Tho or Airlie Beach?

Can Tho is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Airlie Beach. In Airlie Beach, you'll find shopping and nightlife. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Australia, and The Best Honeymoon Tours in Australia.

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

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

When is the best time to visit Can Tho or Airlie Beach?

Airlie Beach has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Can Tho experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Can Tho or Airlie Beach in the Summer?

Both Airlie Beach and Can Tho during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Can Tho because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, most visitors come to Airlie Beach for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Can Tho is generally around the same temperature as Airlie Beachin January. Daily temperatures in Can Tho average around 28°C (82°F), and Airlie Beach fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

In Airlie Beach, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Can Tho often gets less sunshine than Airlie Beachin January. Can Tho gets 168 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Airlie Beach receives 285 hours of full sun.

Airlie Beach gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Can Tho. Can Tho usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Airlie Beachin January. Can Tho gets 313 mm (12.3 in) of rain, while Airlie Beach receives 331 mm (13 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Can Tho or Airlie Beach in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Can Tho and Airlie Beach. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Can Tho year-round. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Airlie Beach because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Can Tho is a little warmer than Airlie Beach in the autumn. The daily temperature in Can Tho averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Airlie Beach fluctuates around 23°C (73°F)in April.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Airlie Beach this time of the year. Can Tho usually receives less sunshine than Airlie Beach during autumn. Can Tho gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Airlie Beach receives 207 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Airlie Beach receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Can Tho gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Can Tho usually receives more rain than Airlie Beachin April. Can Tho gets 343 mm (13.5 in) of rain, while Airlie Beach receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn. December to April in Can Tho is the dry season. Also, May to November is the rainy season in Can Tho.

Should I visit Can Tho or Airlie Beach in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Can Tho as well as Airlie Beach. Can Tho attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Airlie Beach this time of year.

In the winter, Can Tho is much warmer than Airlie Beach. Typically, the winter temperatures in Can Tho in January average around 26°C (78°F), and Airlie Beach averages at about 16°C (62°F)in July.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Airlie Beach. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Can Tho this time of the year. In the winter, Can Tho often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Airlie Beachin July. Can Tho gets 240 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Airlie Beach receives 226 hours of full sun.

Can Tho usually gets less rain in January than Airlie Beachin July. Can Tho gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Airlie Beach receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Can Tho or Airlie Beach in the Spring?

Both Airlie Beach and Can Tho are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Can Tho throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Airlie Beach for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Can Tho is generally a little warmer than Airlie Beachin October. Daily temperatures in Can Tho average around 29°C (84°F), and Airlie Beach fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Airlie Beach. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Can Tho. Can Tho usually receives less sunshine than Airlie Beach during spring. Can Tho gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Airlie Beach receives 298 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Can Tho. In April, Can Tho usually receives more rain than Airlie Beachin October. Can Tho gets 103 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Airlie Beach receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring. The dry season in Can Tho is December to April. The rainy season in Can Tho is May to November.

Typical Weather for Airlie Beach and Can Tho