A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Sapa vs. Perth for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Sapa or Perth?

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 Perth 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. Other reasons to visit include shopping, nightlife, and food. See Sapa travel costs.

Perth

Perth is a friendly, relaxed, and easy-going city. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Perth travel costs.

Sapa and Perth: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sapa or Perth?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Sapa than Perth. While Perth is larger than Sapa, Sapa has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Sapa is more popular for its food, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Perth is known for its museums and attractions and beaches. Sapa is more touristy than Perth and is known for its stunning village and mountain trekking, beautiful rice paddies, and colorful weekly markets. It is also home to Cat Cat Village. Perth is popular for its beautiful city beaches, sunny weather, and isolated location.

How is Sapa different from Perth?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Perth is great for its historical sights. However, Sapa is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

Many visitors head to Perth specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There are some interesting sights and museums around town like the Perth Mint, the Art Gallery of Western Australia, the Bell Tower, and Scitech. There's also the Perth Zoo and the Aviation Heritage Museum.

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 Perth? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Sapa. 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Perth. There's a good selection of restaurants with many great international options as well as fine dining and casual. Family-friendly restaurants are also very common.

Is Sapa or Perth Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is good in both Sapa and Perth.

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 Perth. The city has many nightclubs and music venues. There are also low key pubs and trendy wine bars. Northbridge is at the heart of the city's nightlife scene, and this is where you'll find the highest concentration of bars, restaurants, clubs, and cafes.

Is Sapa or Perth Better for Beaches?

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

With world-famous beaches, Perth is a very popular vacation destination. There is an 80 kilometer coastline that has beautiful turquoise water and white sandy beaches. Within the city there are 19 beaches that offer snorkeling, swimming, and surfing. Many beaches have any amenity that you might need but it's also very easy to escape the city crowds.

Sapa is not a beach destination.

Is Sapa or Perth Better for Hiking?

Sapa is very popular for hiking. However, Perth is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Sapa specifically for its hiking. 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.

Perth is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sapa or Perth?

Sapa is great for shopping. Also, Perth is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Sapa. 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.

Perth offers some nice shopping areas. There are weekend street markets where you can pick up local crafts. There are also large shopping malls and trendy high end boutiques with international and local brands.

Is Sapa or Perth More Beautiful?

Sapa is very popular for its scenery and beauty. However, Perth is not a destination known for its 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.

Perth is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Sapa or Perth Better for Families?

You'll find very good kid-friendly activities in either Sapa or Perth.

Sapa is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Perth is a very kid-friendly town. It's a family-friendly city with ropes courses, fruit picking, and many different playgrounds and kid-friendly activities. There's also the Perth Zoo and several kid-friendly museums like the Aviation Heritage Museum and Scitech. Kids will also enjoy spending a day or two at the beach.

Is Sapa or Perth Better for Couples?

Sapa is great for romance. Also, Perth is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

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.

Perth makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city has many great restaurants and bars. There's also wine tasting and river cruises on the Swan River.

Is Sapa or Perth Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sapa is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Perth is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Sapa is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Perth. While most backpackers don't make it all the way to this isolated city, those that do will be rewarded with beautiful beaches, fun festivals, and an authentic and off-the-beaten-path experience.

Is Sapa or Perth Better for Students?

Perth is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Sapa is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Perth. Students love the low cost of living and the year round climate that is sunny and pleasant.

Sapa is not popular with students.

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

Sapa and Perth both offer good 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.

Perth has a few public transit options. There are buses, trains, and ferries that help you get around the city.

Is Sapa or Perth a more walkable city?

Sapa is great for its walkability. Also, Perth is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its high level of 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.

Perth is a somewhat walkable place. There are some pedestrian-friendly areas with streets that are fun to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Perth or Sapa?

How long in Sapa or Perth?

It's fun to spend time in either Sapa or Perth. In our opinion, Sapa has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Sapa than Perth. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Couples should spend more time in Sapa than Perth. 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 Perth 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 Perth?

In Sapa, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this fascinating destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Lots of people come for the hiking. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Perth. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 Perth?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sapa. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Perth 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 Perth?

Sapa is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Sapa. Lots of people come for the hiking. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the easy-going destination of Perth. This city offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Sapa or Perth?

You'll find nightlife and food around the scenic destination of Sapa. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the hiking. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

The isolated city of Perth offers nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 Budget Tours to Australia, and The Best Luxury Tours to Australia.

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

Which is Bigger, Sapa or Perth?

Perth has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Sapa. When comparing the sizes of Sapa and Perth, 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.