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

Should you visit Da Nang or Pattaya?

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

Should I visit Da Nang or Pattaya? 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.

Pattaya

Pattaya is a colorful, active, and vibrant resort city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Pattaya travel costs.

Da Nang and Pattaya: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Da Nang or Pattaya?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Pattaya than Da Nang. While Da Nang is larger than Pattaya, Pattaya has more sights and attractions for tourists. Pattaya is more touristy than Da Nang and is popular for its beautiful beaches, plethora of amusement parks, and its party town reputation. Also, Pattaya is famous for the Sanctuary of Truth. Da Nang is well known for its traditional pagodas, nearby beaches, and high end resorts.

How is Da Nang different from Pattaya?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Pattaya. There are several cultural attractions near town such as the Sanctuary of Truth, Wat Yansangwararam, and Wat Phra Yai (the Big Buddha).

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

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

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).

Pattaya has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Street food is what this city is all about. You'll find streets lined with restaurants, but you'll also find snacks and other culinary treats at every corner. Khao Gaeng (curried rice with meat or vegetables), Kai Jeow (omelet over rice), and Moo Ping (grilled pork) are among the favorites.

Is Da Nang or Pattaya Better for Nightlife?

Pattaya 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.

Pattaya is a must-see party destination. Despite a promotional campaign to promote family vacations, this city still holds tight to its party hard reputation. You'll find live bands, international DJs, and rooftop parties any night of the week.

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 Pattaya Better for Resorts?

Da Nang and Pattaya offer a relatively similar set of excellent 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 Pattaya. If you're looking for built-up, all-the-frills, beach resorts, then this is your place. It's a touristy beach city with hotels are resorts that line the waterfront.

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

Pattaya is a popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Da Nang is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Pattaya has a few good snorkeling spots. There are snorkeling and dive excursions that leave from town, or you could throw on a mask and snorkel and look for marine life right off the beach.

Da Nang is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Da Nang or Pattaya Better for Beaches?

Pattaya is a well-known place for the beach. Also, Da Nang is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for the beach.

Pattaya is considered a top beach destination. There are countless white sand beaches in the area that range from party-focused, to romantic, to family-friendly. The blue waters and silky sand have long made this one of the most popular beach areas in Thailand.

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 Pattaya?

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

Pattaya is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city is filled with markets, malls, bazaars, and street vendors that sells everything from clothes and bathing suits, to Thai crafts or local foods.

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 Pattaya Better for Families?

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

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 Pattaya. Kids will love the amusement parks, water parks, and cultural parks. Highlights for families include Columbia Pictures Aquaverse, Ramayana Water Park, and Mini Siam. For something totally unique, check out the ice sculptures at Frost Magical Ice of Siam and for something cultural and fun you can head to Legend Siam Pattaya. Despite local efforts to promote family-friendly activities, it's important to remember that the city does still has a party town reputation. There are areas that you should avoid with kids.

Is Da Nang or Pattaya Better for Couples?

Da Nang is a great city for its romantic activities. Also, Pattaya is not as popular, but is still a nice resort city for couples.

Da Nang is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The surrounding area has luxury resorts and nice beaches that make for a romantic getaway.

Pattaya is a good city for couples to visit. There are many beach-oriented activities around town like boat rides and water sports. You could also enjoy a spa day or simply lounge on the beach and soak up the sun for the day.

Is Da Nang or Pattaya Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Da Nang and Pattaya are notable 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.

Pattaya is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. While it used to be a party town, these days Pattaya is more of a family destination that's filled with amusement parks and family-friendly resorts. Backpackers will still find hostels and budget accommodation, but that backpacker atmosphere isn't what it used to be.

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

Both Da Nang and Pattaya offer notable public transit options.

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

Pattaya has some public transit options. The baht bus (songthaew) is the cheapest way to get around town. These are colorful pickup trucks with seats in the back. There are also motorbike taxis as well as regular taxis.

Is Da Nang or Pattaya a more walkable city?

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

Pattaya is generally not very walkable. There's a walking street, as well as several walkable areas, but the city is relatively large and you'll likely want to catch a ride most 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 Pattaya Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Pattaya or Da Nang?

How long in Da Nang or Pattaya?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Da Nang and Pattaya. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Pattaya than in Da Nang. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Da Nang, and 2-3 days is enough time in Pattaya.

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

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

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

One day in Da Nang or Pattaya?

In Da Nang, you'll find museums and nightlife. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

In Pattaya, you'll find shopping and museums. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. This resort city 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 Pattaya?

In Da Nang, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Da Nang has to offer.

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

Five days in Da Nang or Pattaya?

Da Nang is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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.

Pattaya is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 Pattaya?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Da Nang. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Da Nang. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 Pattaya. Many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting Pattaya. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bangkok, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Phuket.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Da Nang and Pattaya, we can see that Pattaya is more expensive. And not only is Da Nang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Pattaya would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Pattaya 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 Pattaya Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Da Nang or Pattaya?

Da Nang has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Pattaya. When comparing the sizes of Da Nang and Pattaya, 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.

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

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 Pattaya in the Summer?

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

Also, January to July in Da Nang is the dry season. August to December in Da Nang is the rainy season. Da Nang usually gets less rain in July than Pattaya. Da Nang gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Pattaya receives 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Da Nang this time of the year. In the summer, Da Nang often gets more sunshine than Pattaya. Da Nang gets 242 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pattaya receives 176 hours of full sun.

Da Nang is around the same temperature as Pattaya in the summer. The daily temperature in Da Nang averages around 29°C (85°F) in July, and Pattaya fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

Should I visit Da Nang or Pattaya in the Autumn?

Both Pattaya 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 Pattaya because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

The rainy season in Da Nang is August to December. The dry season in Pattaya is December to April. The rainy season in Pattaya is June to October. It rains a lot this time of the year in Pattaya. It's quite rainy in Da Nang. In October, Da Nang usually receives more rain than Pattaya. Da Nang gets 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain, while Pattaya receives 258 mm (10.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

It's quite sunny in Pattaya. Da Nang usually receives less sunshine than Pattaya during autumn. Da Nang gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Pattaya receives 206 hours of full sun in the autumn.

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

Should I visit Da Nang or Pattaya in the Winter?

Both Pattaya 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 Pattaya 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 Pattaya. Da Nang gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Pattaya receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

In Pattaya, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Da Nang often gets less sunshine than Pattaya. Da Nang gets 136 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pattaya receives 276 hours of full sun.

In January, Da Nang is generally cooler than Pattaya. Daily temperatures in Da Nang average around 22°C (71°F), and Pattaya fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

Should I visit Da Nang or Pattaya in the Spring?

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

December to April in Pattaya is the dry season. Also, June to October is the rainy season in Pattaya. In April, Da Nang usually receives less rain than Pattaya. Da Nang gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Pattaya receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Pattaya this time of the year. In Da Nang, it's very sunny this time of the year. Da Nang usually receives less sunshine than Pattaya during spring. Da Nang gets 210 hours of sunny skies, while Pattaya receives 262 hours of full sun in the spring.

Da Nang is cooler than Pattaya in the spring. The daily temperature in Da Nang averages around 26°C (80°F) in April, and Pattaya fluctuates around 30°C (86°F).

Typical Weather for Pattaya and Da Nang