A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Da Nang vs. Gili Trawangan for Nightlife, Beaches, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit Da Nang or Gili Trawangan?

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

Should I visit Da Nang or Gili Trawangan? 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 authentic, coastal, and accessible city. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and museums. See Da Nang travel costs.

Gili Trawangan

Gili Trawangan is a idyllic, laidback, and tropical island. The beauty of Gili Trawangan is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Gili Trawangan travel costs.

Da Nang and Gili Trawangan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Da Nang or Gili Trawangan?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Gili Trawangan than Da Nang, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Gili Trawangan is better known for its nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Da Nang is more popular for its museums and attractions and resorts. Gili Trawangan is more touristy than Da Nang and is popular for its beautiful water and impressive scuba diving. Also, Gili Trawangan is famous for beautiful beachfront setting. Da Nang is well known for its traditional pagodas, nearby beaches, and high end resorts.

How is Da Nang different from Gili Trawangan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Da Nang is very good for its museums and history. However, Gili Trawangan is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

Da Nang offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

Gili Trawangan offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of art and cultural museums on the island, but most people spend their time soaking up the idyllic setting.

Is the Food Better in Da Nang or Gili Trawangan? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Da Nang and Gili Trawangan.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Da Nang. 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).

Gili Trawangan has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. As the largest and one of the most touristy of the Gili Islands, you'll find a wide range of cuisines. There's everything from Mexican to Greek available. You'll also find plenty of tropical fruits and some local Indonesian cuisine as well.

Is Da Nang or Gili Trawangan Better for Nightlife?

Gili Trawangan is terrific for nightlife and partying. Also, Da Nang is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

Gili Trawangan is a must-see party destination. This is the "party island" of the Gili Islands. It has a wild nightlife scene that is particularly popular with backpackers. There are tons of beach bars that have live music, DJs, and nightly parties. There are also regular boat parties. The party scene is pretty well coordinated across the bars, and one bar will stay open late each night while the others close around midnight. This keeps the partygoers concentrated in one location and keeps the energy high for everyone.

Da Nang has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Is Da Nang or Gili Trawangan Better for Resorts?

Da Nang is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. Also, Gili Trawangan is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its resorts.

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

Gili Trawangan has a few great resort options. The island was long known for its backpacker vibe which included poorly concentrated beach huts. More recently there's been an upswing in upmarket accommodation, particularly on the quieter western and northern sides of the island.

Is Da Nang or Gili Trawangan Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Gili Trawangan is terrific for its diving and snorkeling. However, Da Nang is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The clear water and abundant marine life make Gili Trawangan a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. Snorkeling and diving are a highlight on the island, and a big draw for many visitors. The island is small, with a large concentration of tourists, so if you book a boat trip, you'll likely be surrounded by others. This doesn't mean you won't be able to enjoy colorful fish, a magical undersea world, and the occasional sea turtle.

Da Nang is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Da Nang or Gili Trawangan Better for Beaches?

Gili Trawangan is terrific for the beach. Also, Da Nang is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for the beach.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Gili Trawangan. The island is filled with white sand beaches, most of which have restaurants and beachside bars nearby. One of the busiest beaches is near the port, but a quieter area is nearby Surf Point. The sunset side of the island is perfect in the evening when the sun starts to dip below the horizon, but the beaches on that side aren't as great as the other side of the island.

Many people head to Da Nang to enjoy the beach. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Da Nang or Gili Trawangan?

Both Da Nang and Gili Trawangan are respectable shopping destinations.

If you're looking to go shopping, Da Nang has some nice offerings. There are some shopping malls and local shops that make for interesting shopping experiences, but nothing compared to some of the more popular cities.

Gili Trawangan has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. You'll find most things you need on the island, but this isn't a place people usually shop for fun.

Is Da Nang or Gili Trawangan More Beautiful?

Gili Trawangan is a well-known place for its scenery and beauty. However, Da Nang is not a destination known for its beauty.

The beauty of Gili Trawangan is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Crystal blue waters and white sand beaches make this an idyllic island paradise. The setting is perfect for hanging out by the water and soaking up the island vibe.

Da Nang is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Da Nang or Gili Trawangan Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Da Nang or Gili Trawangan.

Da Nang is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Gili Trawangan. There are many kid-friendly activities like snorkeling, kayaking, and biking. There are also glass bottom boat tours and a great laidback island vibe that kids and adults alike will enjoy. Do note that this is one of the more popular islands for backpackers, so there is a big party scene.

Is Da Nang or Gili Trawangan Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Da Nang and Gili Trawangan make for a great place to visit.

Da Nang is a very popular place to visit for couples. The surrounding area has luxury resorts and nice beaches that make for a romantic getaway.

Gili Trawangan makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. White sand, blue water, and a true tropical island paradise make this a wonderful honeymoon destination. It's one of the more energetic of the Gili Islands, so if you're looking for a calm retreat, there may be better options, but it still has wonderful resorts and great diving.

Is Da Nang or Gili Trawangan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Gili Trawangan is terrific for backpackers. Also, Da Nang is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Gili Trawangan. It's the most popular of the Gili Islands for backpackers so you'll find tons of hostels and a great nightlife scene. The energy is high and the scenery and idyllic beaches are wonderful.

Da Nang is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Is Da Nang or Gili Trawangan Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Da Nang and Gili Trawangan offer notable public transit options.

Da Nang has a few public transit options. There are 14 bus routes in the city.

Gili Trawangan has some public transit options. Many tourists enjoy getting around the island by cidomo, which are horse-drawn carts. Otherwise, walking or biking are your best options.

Is Da Nang or Gili Trawangan a more walkable city?

Gili Trawangan is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. However, Da Nang is not a good city for its ease of walking around.

Gili Trawangan is a very walkable island. While it's the largest of the Gili Islands, it still small enough to walk around in about two hours and it's relatively easy to explore on foot.

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 Gili Trawangan Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Gili Trawangan or Da Nang?

How long in Da Nang or Gili Trawangan?

It's fun to spend time in either Da Nang or Gili Trawangan. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Gili Trawangan 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 Gili Trawangan.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Gili Trawangan than Da Nang 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 Gili Trawangan.

One day in Da Nang or Gili Trawangan?

In Da Nang, you'll find nightlife and food. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

In Gili Trawangan, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This island 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 Gili Trawangan?

Da Nang is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

In Gili Trawangan, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Gili Trawangan has to offer.

Five days in Da Nang or Gili Trawangan?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Da Nang. It's also a relaxing resort destination. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Gili Trawangan is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the 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 Gili Trawangan?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the city of Da Nang. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Your budget might influence how long you stay. 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's hard to know how much time to spend in Gili Trawangan. Many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife when visiting Gili Trawangan. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 Tours for Seniors to Indonesia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Indonesia.

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

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 Gili Trawangan Expensive?.