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

Should you visit Da Nang or Wollongong?

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

Should I visit Da Nang or Wollongong? 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.

Wollongong

Wollongong is a vibrant, student-friendly, and trendy coastal city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Wollongong travel costs.

Da Nang and Wollongong: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Da Nang or Wollongong?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Wollongong than Da Nang. While Da Nang is larger than Wollongong, Wollongong has more sights and attractions for tourists. Wollongong is more popular for its museums and attractions, beaches, hiking, shopping, and big city activities, while Da Nang is known for its resorts. Wollongong is more touristy than Da Nang and is popular for its surrounding nature and urban beaches. It is also home to Grand Pacific Drive. Da Nang is popular for its traditional pagodas, nearby beaches, and high end resorts.

How is Da Nang different from Wollongong?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Wollongong is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Da Nang is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

Wollongong offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are several museums like the Wollongong Science Centre and Wollongong Planetarium and the railway museum Trainworks. There's also the Illawarra Museum, which is housed in the former post and telegraph office.

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.

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

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

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).

Wollongong has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. In recent years a younger crowd of entrepreneurs and self-starters has moved into the city, and with them has come a growing food scene. You'll find local cafes, fine dining restaurants, and many great beachfront restaurants where you can dine.

Is Da Nang or Wollongong Better for Nightlife?

Both Da Nang and Wollongong are high quality when it comes to partying.

Da Nang offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

Wollongong has a large number of nightlife venues. The nightlife scene has seen a revitalization in recent years, and in addition to the standard bars and pubs, you'll find local venues that range from quirky to lively.

Is Da Nang or Wollongong Better for Resorts?

Da Nang is great for its luxury resorts. However, Wollongong is not a resort destination.

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.

Wollongong is not a resort destination.

Is Da Nang or Wollongong Better for Beaches?

Wollongong 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.

Wollongong is considered a top beach destination. There are urban beaches, as well as more hidden coastal areas that attract locals and visitors alike. In the heart of the city you'll find North Wollongong Beach and Wollongong City Beach, both of which have picnic areas and are popular with locals.

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 Wollongong Better for Hiking?

Wollongong is a popular place for the nearby hiking options. However, Da Nang is not a hiking destination.

Wollongong is a good destination for hiking. The surrounding area has many great hikes that can be done as a day trip or even a half day trip. There are waterfalls, city views, and forest walks. Some of the most popular trails include Brokers Nose and Clover Hill Trail.

Da Nang is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Da Nang or Wollongong?

Wollongong is a popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Da Nang is not a good city for its shopping areas.

Wollongong offers some nice shopping areas. The most popular shopping area is Wollongong Central Shopping Centre, which has international brands and all of the big fashion names.

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 Wollongong Better for Families?

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

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 Wollongong. The beaches, nearby nature, and ubiquitous bike trails make this a fun coastal city to explore with kids. There are also interactive museums such as Discovery Space and plenty of playgrounds. Kid-friendly surf lessons as well as the Nan Tien Temple make this a fun and fascinating family destination.

Is Da Nang or Wollongong Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Da Nang and Wollongong make for a high quality 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.

Wollongong makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The scenic natural areas, including the Grand Pacific Drive or the many bush walks, make this a wonderful couples retreat. There are water sports like surfing as well as horseback riding and even helicopter rides. In the evening, enjoy a nice meal and a sunset view.

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

Both Da Nang and Wollongong 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.

Wollongong is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a couple of hostels as well as many outdoor areas to explore, so backpackers who want to escape the traditional backpacker scene will appreciate some time here.

Is Da Nang or Wollongong Better for Students?

Wollongong is a popular place for students. However, Da Nang is not popular with students.

Wollongong is a good coastal city to visit for students. It's not too far from Sydney and has a smaller, more laid back coastal vibe that appeals to many students.

Da Nang is not popular with students.

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

Wollongong is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Da Nang is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Wollongong can get you around easily. There's a free Gong shuttle bus that travels around the city center. It runs a loop from Wollongong Station to Wollongong University in both directions. There are also other bus services in town.

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

Is Da Nang or Wollongong a more walkable city?

Wollongong 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.

Wollongong is a very walkable coastal city. There are walking paths in the city center so it's possible to walk to many tourist destinations.

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 Wollongong Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Wollongong or Da Nang?

How long in Da Nang or Wollongong?

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

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

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

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

One day in Da Nang or Wollongong?

With museums and nightlife around the accessible city of Da Nang, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Da Nang, one day is sufficent for most.

In Wollongong, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This coastal 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 Wollongong?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Da Nang, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

In Wollongong, you'll find food and shopping. 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 Wollongong has to offer.

Five days in Da Nang or Wollongong?

Da Nang, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Wollongong 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 Wollongong?

Da Nang is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Wollongong. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Wollongong. 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 Coach Bus Tours in Australia, and The Best Water Sports Tour Packages in Australia.

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

Which is Bigger, Da Nang or Wollongong?

Da Nang has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Wollongong. When comparing the sizes of Da Nang and Wollongong, 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 Wollongong?

Wollongong has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Da Nang experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Da Nang or Wollongong in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Da Nang as well as Wollongong. Da Nang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Wollongong this time of year.

In the summer, Da Nang is a little warmer than Wollongong. Typically, the summer temperatures in Da Nang in July average around 29°C (85°F), and Wollongong averages at about 23°C (74°F)in January.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Wollongong. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Da Nang this time of the year. In the summer, Da Nang often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Wollongongin January. Da Nang gets 242 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wollongong receives 236 hours of full sun.

Da Nang usually gets less rain in July than Wollongongin January. Da Nang gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, January to July in Da Nang is the dry season. August to December in Da Nang is the rainy season.

Should I visit Da Nang or Wollongong in the Autumn?

Both Wollongong 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. Also, many travelers come to Wollongong for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.

In October, Da Nang is generally a little warmer than Wollongongin April. Daily temperatures in Da Nang average around 25°C (78°F), and Wollongong fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

Da Nang usually receives less sunshine than Wollongong during autumn. Da Nang gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Wollongong receives 195 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Da Nang. In October, Da Nang usually receives more rain than Wollongongin April. Da Nang gets 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The rainy season in Da Nang is August to December.

Should I visit Da Nang or Wollongong in the Winter?

Both Wollongong 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. Furthermore, many visitors come to Wollongong in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Da Nang is much warmer than Wollongong in the winter. The daily temperature in Da Nang averages around 22°C (71°F) in January, and Wollongong fluctuates around 10°C (50°F)in July.

In Wollongong, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Da Nang often gets less sunshine than Wollongongin July. Da Nang gets 136 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wollongong receives 208 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Da Nang. Da Nang usually gets more rain in January than Wollongongin July. Da Nang gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 47 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year. January to July is the dry season in Da Nang.

Should I visit Da Nang or Wollongong in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Da Nang and Wollongong. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Da Nang year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Wollongong for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Da Nang is much warmer than Wollongong. Typically, the spring temperatures in Da Nang in April average around 26°C (80°F), and Wollongong averages at about 17°C (63°F)in October.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Wollongong this time of the year. In Da Nang, it's very sunny this time of the year. Da Nang usually receives less sunshine than Wollongong during spring. Da Nang gets 210 hours of sunny skies, while Wollongong receives 240 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Da Nang usually receives less rain than Wollongongin October. Da Nang gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Wollongong and Da Nang