A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Nha Trang vs. Lombok for Nightlife, Scuba Diving & Snorkeling, Beaches, and Couples

Should you visit Nha Trang or Lombok?

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 Lombok. 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. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and shopping. See Nha Trang travel costs.

Lombok

Lombok is a cultural, stunning, and peaceful island. Many visitors also come to Lombok because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Lombok travel costs.

Nha Trang and Lombok: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nha Trang or Lombok?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Lombok than Nha Trang, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Lombok is better known for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Nha Trang is more popular for its nightlife. Nha Trang is more touristy than Lombok and is known for its backpacker-heavy nightlife scene, its long sandy beaches, and its beachside resorts. Lombok is well known for its striking natural beauty, pristine beaches, and local culture. Also, Lombok is famous for Mount Rinjani.

How is Nha Trang different from Lombok?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Nha Trang and Lombok.

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 for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Lombok. The island has many traditional villages that let you glimpse the fascinating Sasak Tribe's culture. This is the largest tribe on the island and it makes up about 85% of the island's population. Sasak Sade Village is large and popular to visit. A visit offers a unique experience and helps you understand more about the island's culture.

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

Lombok is a great island 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.

Lombok has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The island is considered world renowned for its Halal cuisine, and there are many popular local dishes that you should try. Ayam Taliwang is a grilled chicken dish, Satay Rembiga is grilled meat served over rice, and Bebalung is a soup that's made with goat or cow ribs.

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 Lombok Better for Nightlife?

Nha Trang is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Lombok is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its evening party scene.

People head to Nha Trang just to party. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Lombok. While the island is quieter than nearby Bali, it does still have an active nightlife scene. In particular, head to the areas around Senggigi Beach and Kuta Lombok for the most active bars and live music. With the more populated tourist areas and hotels come the more active clubs, bars, and evening entertainment.

Is Nha Trang or Lombok Better for Resorts?

Lombok is a great island for its luxury resorts. Also, Nha Trang is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its resorts.

There are plenty of resorts in Lombok to choose from. The island is filled with luxury resorts, villas, and hotels. You'll want to think about your priorities before booking your hotel. There areas that are better for beaches, hiking, culture or sightseeing, and each has its own personality and style.

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

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

Lombok is very popular for its diving and snorkeling. However, Nha Trang is not known for snorkeling and scuba diving.

People travel from around the world to go scuba diving and snorkeling in Lombok. The island is surrounded by clear waters and colorful coral, making it a superb snorkeling and diving destination. For some of the best dive spots head to the Gili Islands. Around the island you'll find places where you can see turtles, colorful fish, and possibly even Hammerhead Sharks.

Snorkeling is an option 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.

Is Nha Trang or Lombok Better for Beaches?

Lombok is very popular for the beach. Also, Nha Trang is not as popular, but is still a nice city for the beach.

Lombok offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. Kuta, Senggigi, and the Gili Islands offer some of the area's best beaches. Many beaches have white sand, clear water, beautiful snorkeling, or fun surfing. Mawun Beach and Pandanan Beach are among the most beautiful beaches, while Selong Belanak Beach is very photogenic with its water buffalo. Tanjung Aan Beach has surfing and Kuta Beach Lombok is the most popular beach, but not among the best.

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.

Is Nha Trang or Lombok Better for Hiking?

Lombok is a great island for hiking. However, Nha Trang is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Lombok for the hiking trails. There are many walking and hiking trails around the island, but the most well known is the three day hike to the peak of Mount Rinjani. This is the large and active volcano on the island. The hike is truly beautiful and spectacular, but it's also a challenging climb and the difficulty level should not be underestimated.

Nha Trang is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nha Trang or Lombok?

Lombok is a great island for its shopping opportunities. Also, Nha Trang is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping areas.

Lombok is well-known for its shopping. There are many traditional markets and villages around the island where you can buy Sasak crafts. These items are characterized by bright colors and elaborate patterns. You'll find pottery, fabrics, clothing, and hand-woven baskets.

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 Lombok More Beautiful?

Lombok is very popular for its scenery and beauty. However, Nha Trang is not a destination known for its beauty.

Many visitors also come to Lombok because of it's amazing beauty. The island is filled with stunning beaches, beautiful waterfalls, and colorful marine environments.

Nha Trang is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Nha Trang or Lombok Better for Families?

Both Nha Trang and Lombok are excellent family-friendly destinations.

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.

Lombok is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The island is filled with natural beauty, waterfalls, beaches, swimming spots, traditional villages and wildlife. This makes it an idyllic destination for families, whether you're traveling with toddlers or older kids.

Is Nha Trang or Lombok Better for Couples?

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

Lombok is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The island has grown into a world renowned honeymoon destination. It has a more laid back vibe than nearby Bali, and you'll find pristine beaches and a tropical paradise. There are luxury hotels, stunning natural settings, and plenty of romantic or adventurous 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 Lombok Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lombok 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, Lombok is extremely popular for backpackers. This island is often compared to Bali 30 years ago. It's a much quieter island, but there are still bars and towns that attract a crowd. If you're looking for a party, then you'll likely still be able to find one, but if you want a laid back retreat, that's available as well.

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 Lombok Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Nha Trang is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Lombok is not a good destination for its public transit.

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.

Public transit is generally limited in Lombok. The island is spread out, so many visitors prefer to hire a car of motorbike. There are also public buses, minibuses, and taxis available.

Is Nha Trang or Lombok a more walkable city?

Nha Trang is great for its high level of walkability. However, Lombok is not a good destination 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.

Lombok is generally not very walkable. There are towns on the island that are relatively walkable and there are hiking and walking paths in different places.

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

Should I spend more time in Lombok or Nha Trang?

How long in Nha Trang or Lombok?

Nha Trang and Lombok both offer a nice selection of activities for visitors. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Lombok than Nha Trang because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Nha Trang, and 10-14 days is enough time in Lombok.

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

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

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

One day in Nha Trang or Lombok?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Nha Trang. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find nightlife and food around the island of Lombok. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Lombok?

Nha Trang is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the stunning destination of Lombok. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Nha Trang or Lombok?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nha Trang. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the stunning island of Lombok. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A week in Nha Trang or Lombok?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the coastal destination of Nha Trang. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Lombok is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one week exploring. 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 Wildlife Tours to Indonesia, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Indonesia.

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

When is the best time to visit Nha Trang or Lombok?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.

Should I visit Nha Trang or Lombok in the Summer?

Both Lombok 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. Plenty of visitors come to Lombok because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

The dry season in Nha Trang is January to August. The rainy season in Nha Trang is September to December. The dry season in Lombok is May to September. In July, Nha Trang usually receives more rain than Lombok. Nha Trang gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Lombok receives 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Nha Trang is around the same temperature as Lombok in the summer. The daily temperature in Nha Trang averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Lombok fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

Should I visit Nha Trang or Lombok in the Autumn?

Both Lombok 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Lombok year-round.

September to December is the rainy season in Nha Trang. November to April is the rainy season in Lombok. Lombok 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 Lombok. Nha Trang gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Lombok receives 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the autumn, Nha Trang is around the same temperature as Lombok. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nha Trang in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Lombok averages at about 28°C (82°F).

Should I visit Nha Trang or Lombok in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Nha Trang and Lombok. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Nha Trang year-round. Lombok attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

January to August in Nha Trang is the dry season. In January, Nha Trang usually receives less rain than Lombok. Nha Trang gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Lombok receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

In January, Nha Trang is generally cooler than Lombok. Daily temperatures in Nha Trang average around 24°C (75°F), and Lombok fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Should I visit Nha Trang or Lombok in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Nha Trang as well as Lombok. Nha Trang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Lombok throughout the year.

Also, May to September in Lombok is the dry season. November to April in Lombok is the rainy season. Nha Trang usually gets less rain in April than Lombok. Nha Trang gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Lombok receives 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Nha Trang is around the same temperature as Lombok in the spring. The daily temperature in Nha Trang averages around 26°C (79°F) in April, and Lombok fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Typical Weather for Lombok and Nha Trang