A Travel Price Comparison for Vietnam Hoi An vs. Da Nang for Food, Backpackers, Attractions, and Nightlife

Should you visit Hoi An or Da Nang?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Hoi An and Da Nang. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Hoi An

Hoi An is a peaceful, beautiful, and traditional town. The beauty of Hoi An is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and shopping. See Hoi An travel costs.

Da Nang

Da Nang is a accessible, authentic, and coastal city. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and museums. See Da Nang travel costs.

Hoi An and Da Nang: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hoi An or Da Nang?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hoi An. Although Hoi An and Da Nang are popular destinations, Hoi An has more sights and attractions for tourists. Hoi An is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Da Nang attracts visitors for its nightlife and resorts. Hoi An is more touristy than Da Nang and is popular for its peaceful and traditional old town, its unique culinary traditions, and its affordable custom made clothing. It is also well known for the Fukian Assembly Hall. Da Nang is famous for its traditional pagodas, nearby beaches, and high end resorts.

How is Hoi An different from Da Nang?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Hoi An or Da Nang?

Hoi An 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.

Hoi An offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The old town is like a living museum. It's pedestrian-friendly and filled with beautiful yellow buildings. Highlights of the town include the Phung Hung House, Fukian Assembly Hall, and the Hoi An Museum.

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 Hoi An or Da Nang? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hoi An is terrific for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Da Nang is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, Hoi An is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The local cuisine is truly unique from the rest of Vietnam. It's considered to be a culinary city with interesting recipes that depend on local ingredients that can't be found outside of the region. Specialty dishes of the city include Cao Lầu (pork and rice noodles), Bánh Bao Bánh Vạc (white rose dumplings), and Cơm Gà Hoi An (Hoi An chicken rice).

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).

Is Hoi An or Da Nang Better for Nightlife?

Da Nang is an excellent place to visit for nightlife. However, Hoi An is lacking in options for nightlife and partying.

Da Nang has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Hoi An is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. It's definitely not your typical backpacker party town, and the city is quietly beautiful in the evening. Many of the bars in the old town close before midnight, but there are some places outside of the area if you're looking for something more lively.

Is Hoi An or Da Nang Better for Resorts?

Da Nang is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Hoi An 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.

Hoi An is not a resort destination.

Is Hoi An or Da Nang Better for Beaches?

Hoi An and Da Nang both offer nice beaches.

Hoi An offers a nice beach destination. There is a long stretch of sandy beach in the area, that can be broken into five different sections. Some areas are privately owned, but there is still plenty of public beach to choose from. An Bang Beach is the most developed and popular beach in the area. Coconut Beach is the most luxurious, and Ha My Beach is similar to An Bang, but smaller.

Da Nang is a good option for a beach vacation. 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 Hoi An or Da Nang Better for its Old Town?

Hoi An is terrific for its old town. However, Da Nang does not have a historic old town.

Hoi An has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. The charming old town is recognizable for its striking yellow color and its many tailor shops. It feels like a living museum, and the evening hours are particularly special with the town's lanterns lighting the way.

Da Nang does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Hoi An or Da Nang?

Hoi An is terrific for its shopping opportunities. However, Da Nang is not a good city for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Hoi An make it a world-class shopping destination. It is considered to be one of the best and most affordable cities in the world for tailor made clothing. Pop in a shop and have your measurements made. You can pick out a design and in a day or two return for your custom made outfit. It's a truly unique shopping experience.

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 Hoi An or Da Nang More Beautiful?

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

The beauty of Hoi An is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The city is beautiful during the day with its traditional architecture, as well as at night when it is lit with lanterns.

Da Nang is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Hoi An or Da Nang Better for Families?

Both Hoi An and Da Nang are superb family-friendly destinations.

Hoi An is a very family-friendly destination. Kids will appreciate the thrill of a visit to Ba Na Hills, which is a theme park with roller coasters, zip lines, and more. Near the city you'll also find ancient ruins, outdoor activities, hands-on classes, and, of course, the impressive old town.

Da Nang is a very kid-friendly town. 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.

Is Hoi An or Da Nang Better for Couples?

Hoi An and Da Nang both superb destinations for a couple.

Hoi An makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. This charming city has a lot of character and some of Vietnam's best restaurants. The city is also known for its tailor made clothes, so make sure you do some shopping while you're in town.

Couples visit Da Nang frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The surrounding area has luxury resorts and nice beaches that make for a romantic getaway.

Is Hoi An or Da Nang Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hoi An 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 Hoi An. It's solidly on the backpacker trail, and you'll find many visitors who come for the beautiful culture and fascinating setting.

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

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Hoi An and Da Nang.

Hoi An has some public transit options. Biking, taxis, and motorbikes are the most popular ways to explore the area.

You'll find some public transit in Da Nang, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are 14 bus routes in the city.

Is Hoi An or Da Nang a more walkable city?

Hoi An is terrific for its high level of walkability. However, Da Nang is not a good city for its ease of walking around.

It is easy to get around Hoi An on foot. There are "walking hours" when motorized vehicles aren't allowed in the old town, and this is a particularly good time to explore on foot.

Da Nang is not a very walkable town. 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 Hoi An Worth Visiting? and Is Da Nang Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Da Nang or Hoi An?

How long in Hoi An or Da Nang?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Hoi An or Da Nang to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Hoi An than Da Nang because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Hoi An, and 1-2 days is enough time in Da Nang.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Hoi An 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 Hoi An.

One day in Hoi An or Da Nang?

In Hoi An, you'll find museums and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

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.

A weekend in Hoi An or Da Nang?

In Hoi An, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Hoi An has to offer.

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.

Five days in Hoi An or Da Nang?

Hoi An is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

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.

A week in Hoi An or Da Nang?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hoi An. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Hoi An. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Vietnam, The Best Historical Tours in Vietnam, The Best 10-Day Tours in Vietnam, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Vietnam.

When comparing the travel costs between Hoi An and Da Nang, we can see that Da Nang 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 Hoi An Expensive? and Is Da Nang Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Hoi An or Da Nang?

Da Nang has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Hoi An. When comparing the sizes of Hoi An and Da Nang, 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 Hoi An or Da Nang?

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 Hoi An or Da Nang in the Summer?

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

Also, February to July in Hoi An is the dry season. September to January in Hoi An is the rainy season. Also, January to July in Da Nang is the dry season. August to December in Da Nang is the rainy season. Hoi An usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Da Nang. Hoi An gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Da Nang receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

In the summer, Hoi An is around the same temperature as Da Nang. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hoi An in July average around 29°C (85°F), and Da Nang averages at about 29°C (85°F).

Should I visit Hoi An or Da Nang in the Autumn?

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

The rainy season in Da Nang is August to December. It rains a lot this time of the year in Da Nang. It's quite rainy in Hoi An. In October, Hoi An usually receives around the same amount of rain as Da Nang. Hoi An gets 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain, while Da Nang receives 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Hoi An usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Da Nang during autumn. Hoi An gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Da Nang receives 158 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Hoi An is generally around the same temperature as Da Nang. Daily temperatures in Hoi An average around 25°C (78°F), and Da Nang fluctuates around 25°C (78°F).

Should I visit Hoi An or Da Nang in the Winter?

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

February to July is the dry season in Hoi An. September to January is the rainy season in Hoi An. January to July is the dry season in Da Nang. Da Nang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Hoi An. Hoi An usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Da Nang. Hoi An gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Da Nang receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the winter, Hoi An often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Da Nang. Hoi An gets 136 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Da Nang receives 136 hours of full sun.

Hoi An is around the same temperature as Da Nang in the winter. The daily temperature in Hoi An averages around 22°C (71°F) in January, and Da Nang fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

Should I visit Hoi An or Da Nang in the Spring?

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

In April, Hoi An usually receives around the same amount of rain as Da Nang. Hoi An gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Da Nang receives 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Da Nang this time of the year. In Hoi An, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hoi An usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Da Nang during spring. Hoi An gets 210 hours of sunny skies, while Da Nang receives 210 hours of full sun in the spring.

In the spring, Hoi An is around the same temperature as Da Nang. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hoi An in April average around 26°C (80°F), and Da Nang averages at about 26°C (80°F).

Typical Weather for Da Nang and Hoi An