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

Should you visit Nha Trang or Te Anau?

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 Te Anau. 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 nightlife, food, and beaches. See Nha Trang travel costs.

Te Anau

Te Anau is a breathtaking, stunning, and pristine town. You'll find plenty of local activities in this small town. Many visitors also come to Te Anau because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the food and hiking. See Te Anau travel costs.

Nha Trang and Te Anau: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nha Trang or Te Anau?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Nha Trang than Te Anau, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Nha Trang is better known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Te Anau is more popular for its food, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Nha Trang is more touristy than Te Anau and is known for its backpacker-heavy nightlife scene, its long sandy beaches, and its beachside resorts. Also, Nha Trang is famous for Long Son Pagoda. Te Anau is well known for being the gateway to Fiordland National Park.

How is Nha Trang different from Te Anau?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Nha Trang is a city with good options for its museums and history. However, Te Anau is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Te Anau offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. The town is about the surrounding outdoor activities but you will find the Te Anau Vintage Machinery Museum and the Te Anau Trout Observatory in town.

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

Te Anau is a great town 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.

Te Anau has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The town makes a great spot to refuel after all of your hiking and outdoor adventures. There are plenty of cafes and food trucks around town where you can enjoy local dishes and a friendly atmosphere.

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 Te Anau Better for Nightlife?

Nha Trang is renowned for nightlife and partying. However, Te Anau is lacking in good options 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.

Te Anau is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. This is a small town that's focused on outdoor activities, but it does receive a number of tourists, so you'll find a few bars around town where you can hang out.

Is Nha Trang or Te Anau Better for Resorts?

Nha Trang is a city with good options for its luxury resorts. However, Te Anau 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.

Te Anau is not a resort destination.

Is Nha Trang or Te Anau Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Nha Trang is a decent place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Te Anau 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.

Te Anau is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Nha Trang or Te Anau Better for Beaches?

Nha Trang is a city with good options for the beach. However, Te Anau is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Nha Trang. 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.

Te Anau is not a beach destination.

Is Nha Trang or Te Anau Better for Hiking?

Te Anau is very popular for hiking. However, Nha Trang is not a hiking destination.

Te Anau is well-known for its hiking and trekking. The town serves as basecamp for Fiordland National Park so there are many amazing hikes and walks in the area. Many of the hikes begin at the Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre and range in length and the required skill level.

Nha Trang is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nha Trang or Te Anau?

Nha Trang is a city with good options for its shopping opportunities. However, Te Anau is lacking in good options for its shopping areas.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Nha Trang. 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.

Te Anau has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. There are shops where you can pick up any outdoor supplies and food items that you may need.

Is Nha Trang or Te Anau More Beautiful?

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

Many visitors also come to Te Anau because of it's amazing beauty. The town is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, world class national parks, and spectacular views.

Nha Trang is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Nha Trang or Te Anau Better for Families?

Te Anau 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, Te Anau is very family-friendly. The town's proximity to the Milford Sound make it a nice base for families who enjoy spending time outdoors. Kayaking or exploring the Te Anau Glowworm Caves are favorite activities in the area. There's also the Te Anau Bird Sanctuary and many hikes nearby.

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 Te Anau Better for Couples?

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

Te Anau is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The stunning scenery in the area, combined with small town charm, make this is a top couple's destination and a wonderful honeymoon spot. Couples who appreciate nature and outdoor adventure will fall in love with this amazing area.

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 Te Anau Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Nha Trang and Te Anau are very good 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.

Te Anau is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. For such a small town, there are a decent number of hostels and budget accommodation options in the area. The town makes a good base for exploring the region's stunning scenery.

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

Nha Trang is a city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Te Anau 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 limited or non-existant in Te Anau. Public transit in the area is limited and most visitors have their own car or join one of the many tours in the area.

Is Nha Trang or Te Anau a more walkable city?

Nha Trang is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. However, Te Anau is lacking in good options 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.

Te Anau is generally not very walkable. Exploring the area requires a vehicle and, while there are many hikes in the area, it's not easy to walk to many places. There are tours available for those that don't have a vehicle.

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

Should I spend more time in Te Anau or Nha Trang?

How long in Nha Trang or Te Anau?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Nha Trang and Te Anau. In our opinion, Nha Trang has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Nha Trang than Te Anau. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Nha Trang, and 1-3 days is enough time in Te Anau.

Couples should spend more time in Nha Trang than Te Anau. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Nha Trang than Te Anau 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 Nha Trang.

One day in Nha Trang or Te Anau?

In Nha Trang, you'll find nightlife and food. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Even though Te Anau is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Te Anau has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Nha Trang or Te Anau?

In Nha Trang, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Nha Trang has to offer.

Te Anau is a small town where visitors enjoy the food. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Nha Trang or Te Anau?

Nha Trang is a great place to explore. 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.

Te Anau is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Most people head to the area for the hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Nha Trang or Te Anau?

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

Te Anau is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand, and The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nha Trang and Te Anau, we can see that Te Anau is more expensive. And not only is Nha Trang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Nha Trang is in Asia and Te Anau 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 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 Te Anau would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Te Anau 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 Te Anau Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Nha Trang or Te Anau?

Nha Trang has a larger population, and is about 140 times larger than the population of Te Anau. When comparing the sizes of Nha Trang and Te Anau, 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.