A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Sapa vs. Surfers Paradise for Nightlife, Hiking, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Sapa or Surfers Paradise?

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 Surfers Paradise can help you decide which place is right for you.

Sapa

Sapa is a cultural, scenic, and fascinating town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Sapa is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the food, hiking, and shopping. See Sapa travel costs.

Surfers Paradise

Surfers Paradise is a ritzy, glamourous, and high energy city. Other reasons to visit include food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Surfers Paradise travel costs.

Sapa and Surfers Paradise: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sapa or Surfers Paradise?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Surfers Paradise than Sapa, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Surfers Paradise is better known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Sapa is more popular for its hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Surfers Paradise is more touristy than Sapa and is known for its long sandy beaches, glamourous party scene, colorful amusement parks, and active water sports. Also, Surfers Paradise is famous for the SkyPoint Observation Deck. Sapa is well known for its stunning village and mountain trekking, beautiful rice paddies, and colorful weekly markets.

How is Sapa different from Surfers Paradise?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Many visitors head to Surfers Paradise specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. For the best views of the coastline head to the SkyPoint Observation Deck at the Q1 Resort and Spa. It's in Australia's tallest residential tower. You can also visit the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, or the Sea World Marine Park, as well as countless other amusement parks or entertainment centers.

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 Surfers Paradise? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Sapa and Surfers Paradise both to be excellent destinations.

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.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Surfers Paradise. There's a trendy food scene with a number of award winning restaurants in the area. There are high end seafood restaurants, modern international eateries, and niche food bars that all cater to the tourist crowd.

Is Sapa or Surfers Paradise Better for Nightlife?

Surfers Paradise is a world-class destination for nightlife. Also, Sapa is not as popular, but is still a nice town for nightlife and partying.

People head to Surfers Paradise just to party. This high energy area is filled with glitzy nightclubs and trendy cocktail bars. There are parties that last until the early morning hours and you'll find the most active nightlife scene along the famous Surfers Paradise glitter strip.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Sapa. 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.

Is Sapa or Surfers Paradise Better for Resorts?

Surfers Paradise is a world-class destination for its luxury resorts. However, Sapa is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Surfers Paradise is a perfect choice. The high-rise skyline is filled with luxury resorts and trendy hotels. Fancy pools and rooftop views make this is a glitzy and lively place to stay.

Sapa is not a resort destination.

Is Sapa or Surfers Paradise Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Surfers Paradise is great for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Sapa is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in Surfers Paradise. There's no shortage of scuba diving and snorkeling excursions that leave from the area. You'll see a diversity of marine life and interesting undersea reefs.

Sapa is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Sapa or Surfers Paradise Better for Beaches?

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

With world-famous beaches, Surfers Paradise is a very popular vacation destination. It's at the heart of the Gold Coast, and you'll enjoy two kilometers of golden sand and beautiful surf. The beaches are lined with high rise buildings and there's plenty of energy and amenities for visitors. This is a popular tourist destination and there is no shortage of water sports and other activities along the beaches.

Sapa is not a beach destination.

Is Sapa or Surfers Paradise Better for Hiking?

Sapa is terrific for its hiking trails. Also, Surfers Paradise is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

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.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Surfers Paradise. Outside of town you'll find many coastal hikes and inland trails. You can see waterfalls or breathtaking views of the water.

Is the Shopping Better in Sapa or Surfers Paradise?

Surfers Paradise is a world-class destination for shopping. Also, Sapa is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Surfers Paradise. Beachside markets sell local items. There are also large shopping malls that are filled with international fashion brands and boutique shops that sell unique items.

Sapa is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Is Sapa or Surfers Paradise More Beautiful?

Sapa is terrific for its scenery and beauty. However, Surfers Paradise is not a destination known for its beauty.

Sapa is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The region is filled with dramatic mountains and rice paddies that give it a truly Vietnamese beauty.

Surfers Paradise is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Sapa or Surfers Paradise Better for Families?

Surfers Paradise is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Sapa is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its family-friendly activities.

Surfers Paradise is one of the most popular family destinations. It's filled with activities that kids and adults will enjoy. There's everything from sandy beaches to amusement park rides and entertainment centers. Check out Infinity, Ripley's Believe It Or Not, or the view from Q1 SkyPoint. There's also countless minigolf places, kayaking, and other water sports.

Sapa is a very kid-friendly town. 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.

Is Sapa or Surfers Paradise Better for Couples?

Both Sapa and Surfers Paradise 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.

Surfers Paradise is a very popular place to visit for couples. Walk along the beach or take in the view from Q1 SkyPoint. There are also many fun-filled adventure activities as well as restaurants and a lively party scene.

Is Sapa or Surfers Paradise Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Surfers Paradise is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Sapa is not as popular, but is still a nice town for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Surfers Paradise. Backpackers who want fun entertainment, a lively beach scene, and water sports will find their place here. There are also hostels with reasonable rates and plenty of backpackers to hang out with.

Sapa is a great town to visit for backpackers. 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.

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

Sapa and Surfers Paradise both offer notable 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.

Surfers Paradise has a few public transit options. Without a car, you can use the shuttle buses, public buses, and light rail to get around.

Is Sapa or Surfers Paradise a more walkable city?

Sapa is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. Also, Surfers Paradise is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

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

Surfers Paradise is somewhat walkable. There are walking and bike paths around town.

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

Should I spend more time in Surfers Paradise or Sapa?

How long in Sapa or Surfers Paradise?

Both Sapa and Surfers Paradise have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Surfers Paradise than in Sapa. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Sapa, and 3-7 days is enough time in Surfers Paradise.

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

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

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

One day in Sapa or Surfers Paradise?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the cultural destination of Sapa. Hikers are also drawn to this area. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Surfers Paradise. 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 Surfers Paradise?

You'll find nightlife and food around the fascinating town of Sapa. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the hiking. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Surfers Paradise is a fun place to experience. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Sapa or Surfers Paradise?

Sapa is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the active destination of Surfers Paradise. This city offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Sapa or Surfers Paradise?

Sapa is a great place to explore. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people head to the area for the hiking. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the glamourous city of Surfers Paradise. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in Vietnam, The Best Adventure Tours to Vietnam, The Best Luxury Tours to Australia, and The Best Adventure Tours to Australia.

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

Which is Bigger, Sapa or Surfers Paradise?

Sapa has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Surfers Paradise. When comparing the sizes of Sapa and Surfers Paradise, 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.