A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Da Nang vs. Aoraki Mount Cook for Couples, Food, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Da Nang or Aoraki Mount Cook?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Da Nang or Aoraki Mount Cook? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Da Nang

Da Nang is a coastal, accessible, and authentic city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Da Nang travel costs.

Aoraki Mount Cook

Aoraki Mount Cook is a breathtaking, world renowned, and scenic mountain. You'll find world class beauty in Aoraki Mount Cook as well. And you can't forget about the hiking. See Aoraki Mount Cook travel costs.

Da Nang and Aoraki Mount Cook: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Da Nang or Aoraki Mount Cook?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Da Nang. Although Da Nang and Aoraki Mount Cook are both popular with visitors, Da Nang has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Da Nang is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, resorts, beaches, and shopping, while Aoraki Mount Cook is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Aoraki Mount Cook is more touristy than Da Nang and is popular for its glaciers, alpine setting, and being the highest mountain in New Zealand. Da Nang is popular for its traditional pagodas, nearby beaches, and high end resorts. It is also home to the Marble Mountains.

How is Da Nang different from Aoraki Mount Cook?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Aoraki Mount Cook and Da Nang. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Da Nang or Aoraki Mount Cook?

Da Nang is a good destination for its historical sights. However, Aoraki Mount Cook does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Da Nang. Some people use this city as a base for exploring other nearby towns. While it has some interesting sights, there aren't nearly as much history as in the surrounding area. The Golden Bridge Hands has become a popular tourist attraction and the nearby Marble Mountains are also a highlight. You can also check out the Museum of Cham Sculpture.

Aoraki Mount Cook does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Da Nang or Aoraki Mount Cook? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Da Nang is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Aoraki Mount Cook is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Da Nang has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city's local cuisine is authentic and traditional. There are many local dishes to try such as Mi Quang (rice noodles and chicken), Bun Cha Ca (rice noodles and fish cakes), and Banh Trang Cuon Thit Heo (pork belly wrapped in rice paper).

Aoraki Mount Cook offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are a few cafes and restaurants in the village, but if you're doing any hiking you should pack your own food.

Is Da Nang or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Nightlife?

Da Nang is great for its evening party scene. However, Aoraki Mount Cook is not a good destination for nightlife.

Many people head to Da Nang for the nightlife scene. There are rooftop cafes, lounges, and local bars that are cheap and stay open late. You'll find a good number of places along Bach Dang Street, which turns into a walking street at 7 pm.

People don't go to Aoraki Mount Cook for the nightlife. There's an upscale bar at the Hermitage Hotel, but otherwise very little to do at night.

Is Da Nang or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Resorts?

Da Nang is great for its luxury resorts. However, Aoraki Mount Cook is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Da Nang to choose from. The city has a good number of luxury, international brand hotels that are along the beaches.

Aoraki Mount Cook is not a resort destination.

Is Da Nang or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Beaches?

Da Nang is a good destination for the beach. However, Aoraki Mount Cook is not a beach destination.

Da Nang offers a nice beach destination. There are beaches within a 10 minute drive of the city, which can get crowded on weekends and holidays. If you want a more peaceful experience, you'll need to go to Son Tra Peninsula, which is where you'll find most of the luxury resorts.

Aoraki Mount Cook is not a beach destination.

Is Da Nang or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Hiking?

Aoraki Mount Cook is terrific for the nearby hiking options. However, Da Nang is not a hiking destination.

People visit Aoraki Mount Cook specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. There are beginner trails as well as world class routes that bring out expert climbers. As the highest peak in New Zealand, many people come here for the challenge, but if you're looking for a most simple experience, the hiking opportunities are still abundant.

Da Nang is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Da Nang or Aoraki Mount Cook?

Da Nang is adequate for its shopping areas. However, Aoraki Mount Cook is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Da Nang has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. There are some shopping malls and local shops that make for interesting shopping experiences, but nothing compared to some of the more popular cities.

Aoraki Mount Cook is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Da Nang or Aoraki Mount Cook More Beautiful?

Aoraki Mount Cook is terrific for its scenery and beauty. However, Da Nang is not a destination known for its beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Aoraki Mount Cook as well. As the highest peak in New Zealand, this is a stunningly beautiful destination with glaciers, pristine forests, and world class views.

Da Nang is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Da Nang or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Families?

Da Nang is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Aoraki Mount Cook is not as popular, but is still a nice mountain for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Da Nang. There's a surprising number of kid-friendly activities in the area. Amusement parks like Asia Park Da Nang and nearby Ba Na Hills Fantasy Park are fun for everyone. There are also beaches and beachfront resorts that aren't far from town.

Aoraki Mount Cook is a family-friendly place to visit. There are plenty of short walks that are perfect for little legs. Kids will also enjoy the boat rides on the lakes and the area's superb stargazing.

Is Da Nang or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Couples?

Aoraki Mount Cook is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Da Nang is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Aoraki Mount Cook makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Couples will enjoy the stunning glaciers, beautiful walks, and iconic views. Many couples take helicopter rides to fully experience the area. Stargazing and hiking is also high on the list of must-do romantic activities.

Da Nang makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The surrounding area has luxury resorts and nice beaches that make for a romantic getaway.

Is Da Nang or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Da Nang and Aoraki Mount Cook are good destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Da Nang. It's often skipped by backpackers and other tourists, but those who hang out for a day or two will appreciate an authentic city with genuine Vietnamese culture.

Aoraki Mount Cook is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. While many activities in the area are expensive, the hiking is world class and there are a few hostels and camping opportunities nearby.

Is Da Nang or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Da Nang is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Aoraki Mount Cook is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Da Nang offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are 14 bus routes in the city.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Aoraki Mount Cook. Having a car is essential unless you take a private tour that provides transportation.

Is Da Nang or Aoraki Mount Cook a more walkable city?

Aoraki Mount Cook is a moderate mountain for its high level of walkability. However, Da Nang is not a good city for its ease of walking around.

Aoraki Mount Cook is generally not very walkable. While there are many trails through the region, you really must have a car to access the trail heads and efficiently get around.

Da Nang is not a very walkable city. The city is very spread out and very difficult to explore on foot. There are some beachfront promenades that are pedestrian-friendly, but most of the city is not.

For even more information, also check out Is Da Nang Worth Visiting? and Is Aoraki Mount Cook Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Aoraki Mount Cook or Da Nang?

How long in Da Nang or Aoraki Mount Cook?

It's fun to spend time in either Da Nang or Aoraki Mount Cook. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Aoraki Mount Cook due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Da Nang, and 2-4 days is enough time in Aoraki Mount Cook.

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

Couples should spend more time in Da Nang than Aoraki Mount Cook. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Da Nang that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Da Nang than Aoraki Mount Cook 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 Da Nang.

One day in Da Nang or Aoraki Mount Cook?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Da Nang, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One day is often enough time to do most activities. It offers something for everyone.

In Aoraki Mount Cook, you'll find . Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This mountain offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Da Nang or Aoraki Mount Cook?

With food and museums around the authentic city of Da Nang, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

In Aoraki Mount Cook, you'll find . The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Aoraki Mount Cook has to offer.

Five days in Da Nang or Aoraki Mount Cook?

Travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the authentic destination of Da Nang. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Aoraki Mount Cook is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

A week in Da Nang or Aoraki Mount Cook?

Da Nang is a popular choice for travelers. It's also a relaxing resort destination. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Aoraki Mount Cook. Many people enjoy the when visiting Aoraki Mount Cook. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Hanoi, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Ho Chi Minh City, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in New Zealand, and The Best Luxury Tours to New Zealand.

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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Da Nang Expensive? and Is Aoraki Mount Cook Expensive?.