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

Should you visit Da Nang or Lombok?

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

Should I visit Da Nang or Lombok? 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 museums, nightlife, and food. See Da Nang travel costs.

Lombok

Lombok is a stunning, peaceful, and laid back island. You'll find world class beauty in Lombok as well. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and museums. See Lombok travel costs.

Da Nang and Lombok: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Da Nang or Lombok?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Lombok than Da Nang, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Lombok is better known for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Da Nang is more popular for its nightlife. Lombok is more touristy than Da Nang and is popular for its striking natural beauty, pristine beaches, and local culture. Also, Lombok is famous for Mount Rinjani. Da Nang is well known for its traditional pagodas, nearby beaches, and high end resorts.

How is Da Nang different from Lombok?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Plenty of people visit the notable sights and museums in both Da Nang and Lombok.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Lombok. The island has many traditional villages that let you glimpse the fascinating Sasak Tribe's culture. This is the largest tribe on the island and it makes up about 85% of the island's population. Sasak Sade Village is large and popular to visit. A visit offers a unique experience and helps you understand more about the island's culture.

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

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

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).

Lombok has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The island is considered world renowned for its Halal cuisine, and there are many popular local dishes that you should try. Ayam Taliwang is a grilled chicken dish, Satay Rembiga is grilled meat served over rice, and Bebalung is a soup that's made with goat or cow ribs.

Is Da Nang or Lombok Better for Nightlife?

Da Nang is great for nightlife and partying. Also, Lombok is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its evening party scene.

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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Lombok. While the island is quieter than nearby Bali, it does still have an active nightlife scene. In particular, head to the areas around Senggigi Beach and Kuta Lombok for the most active bars and live music. With the more populated tourist areas and hotels come the more active clubs, bars, and evening entertainment.

Is Da Nang or Lombok Better for Resorts?

Da Nang and Lombok offer a relatively similar set of superb luxury resort options.

Da Nang is known as a popular and fun resort destination. The city has a good number of luxury, international brand hotels that are along the beaches.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Lombok. The island is filled with luxury resorts, villas, and hotels. You'll want to think about your priorities before booking your hotel. There areas that are better for beaches, hiking, culture or sightseeing, and each has its own personality and style.

Is Da Nang or Lombok Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Lombok 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 Lombok a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. The island is surrounded by clear waters and colorful coral, making it a superb snorkeling and diving destination. For some of the best dive spots head to the Gili Islands. Around the island you'll find places where you can see turtles, colorful fish, and possibly even Hammerhead Sharks.

Da Nang is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Da Nang or Lombok Better for Beaches?

Lombok 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 Lombok. Kuta, Senggigi, and the Gili Islands offer some of the area's best beaches. Many beaches have white sand, clear water, beautiful snorkeling, or fun surfing. Mawun Beach and Pandanan Beach are among the most beautiful beaches, while Selong Belanak Beach is very photogenic with its water buffalo. Tanjung Aan Beach has surfing and Kuta Beach Lombok is the most popular beach, but not among the best.

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 Da Nang or Lombok Better for Hiking?

Lombok is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Da Nang is not a hiking destination.

Lombok is a popular spot for hiking. There are many walking and hiking trails around the island, but the most well known is the three day hike to the peak of Mount Rinjani. This is the large and active volcano on the island. The hike is truly beautiful and spectacular, but it's also a challenging climb and the difficulty level should not be underestimated.

Da Nang is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Da Nang or Lombok?

Lombok is a well-known place for its shopping opportunities. However, Da Nang is not a good city for its shopping areas.

Lombok is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are many traditional markets and villages around the island where you can buy Sasak crafts. These items are characterized by bright colors and elaborate patterns. You'll find pottery, fabrics, clothing, and hand-woven baskets.

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.

Is Da Nang or Lombok More Beautiful?

Lombok 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 Lombok as well. The island is filled with stunning beaches, beautiful waterfalls, and colorful marine environments.

Da Nang is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Da Nang or Lombok Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Da Nang or Lombok.

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 Lombok. The island is filled with natural beauty, waterfalls, beaches, swimming spots, traditional villages and wildlife. This makes it an idyllic destination for families, whether you're traveling with toddlers or older kids.

Is Da Nang or Lombok Better for Couples?

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

Lombok makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The island has grown into a world renowned honeymoon destination. It has a more laid back vibe than nearby Bali, and you'll find pristine beaches and a tropical paradise. There are luxury hotels, stunning natural settings, and plenty of romantic or adventurous 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 Lombok Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lombok 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 Lombok. This island is often compared to Bali 30 years ago. It's a much quieter island, but there are still bars and towns that attract a crowd. If you're looking for a party, then you'll likely still be able to find one, but if you want a laid back retreat, that's available as well.

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 Lombok 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, Lombok 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 generally limited in Lombok. The island is spread out, so many visitors prefer to hire a car of motorbike. There are also public buses, minibuses, and taxis available.

Is Da Nang or Lombok a more walkable city?

Lombok is a moderate island for its high level of walkability. However, Da Nang is not a good city for its ease of walking around.

Lombok is generally not very walkable. There are towns on the island that are relatively walkable and there are hiking and walking paths in different places.

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 Lombok Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lombok or Da Nang?

How long in Da Nang or Lombok?

Da Nang and Lombok both offer a nice selection of activities for visitors. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Lombok than Da Nang because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Da Nang, and 10-14 days is enough time in Lombok.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Lombok 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 Lombok.

One day in Da Nang or Lombok?

Many travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the destination of Da Nang. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Lombok, you'll find shopping and museums. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. 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 Lombok?

Da Nang is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

In Lombok, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Da Nang or Lombok?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Da Nang. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Lombok is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, five days is probably not enough for all of it. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Da Nang or Lombok?

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the authentic destination of Da Nang. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lombok. In Lombok, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With so much to do, one week is probably not enough time to see everything.

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 Wildlife Tours to Indonesia, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Indonesia.

When comparing the travel costs between Da Nang and Lombok, we can see that Lombok is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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 Lombok Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Da Nang or Lombok?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.

Should I visit Da Nang or Lombok in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Da Nang as well as Lombok. Da Nang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Lombok throughout the year.

Also, January to July in Da Nang is the dry season. August to December in Da Nang is the rainy season. Also, May to September in Lombok is the dry season. Da Nang usually gets more rain in July than Lombok. Da Nang gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Lombok receives 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Da Nang is a little warmer than Lombok in the summer. The daily temperature in Da Nang averages around 29°C (85°F) in July, and Lombok fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

Should I visit Da Nang or Lombok in the Autumn?

Both Lombok and Da Nang are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Da Nang throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Lombok because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

The rainy season in Da Nang is August to December. The rainy season in Lombok is November to April. It rains a lot this time of the year in Lombok. It's quite rainy in Da Nang. In October, Da Nang usually receives more rain than Lombok. Da Nang gets 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain, while Lombok receives 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

In the autumn, Da Nang is around the same temperature as Lombok. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Da Nang in October average around 25°C (78°F), and Lombok averages at about 28°C (82°F).

Should I visit Da Nang or Lombok in the Winter?

Both Lombok and Da Nang during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Da Nang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Lombok year-round.

January to July is the dry season in Da Nang. It rains a lot this time of the year in Da Nang. Da Nang usually gets more rain in January than Lombok. Da Nang gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Lombok receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the winter, Da Nang often gets less sunshine than Lombok. Da Nang gets 136 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lombok receives 188 hours of full sun.

In January, Da Nang is generally cooler than Lombok. Daily temperatures in Da Nang average around 22°C (71°F), and Lombok fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Should I visit Da Nang or Lombok in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Da Nang and Lombok. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Da Nang year-round. Lombok attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

May to September in Lombok is the dry season. Also, November to April is the rainy season in Lombok. In April, Da Nang usually receives less rain than Lombok. Da Nang gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Lombok receives 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Da Nang is around the same temperature as Lombok in the spring. The daily temperature in Da Nang averages around 26°C (80°F) in April, and Lombok fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Typical Weather for Lombok and Da Nang