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

Should you visit Ao Nang or Da Nang?

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

Should I visit Ao Nang or Da Nang? 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.

Ao Nang

Ao Nang is a accessible, popular, and beachfront town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Da Nang

Da Nang is a coastal, accessible, and authentic city. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and museums.

Ao Nang and Da Nang: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ao Nang or Da Nang?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Ao Nang. Although Ao Nang and Da Nang are both popular with visitors, Ao Nang has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Ao Nang is more popular for its scuba diving & snorkeling, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Da Nang is known for its museums & sights and food. Ao Nang is more touristy than Da Nang and is popular for its easy access to nearby natural beauty. It is also home to the Island Boat Tours. Da Nang is popular for its traditional pagodas, nearby beaches, and high end resorts.

How is Ao Nang different from Da Nang?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Da Nang is a popular place for its museums and history. However, Ao Nang is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Ao Nang offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most of the fun of this town is the beach setting and easy access to natural beauty. If you're looking for a temple, you can check out nearby Wat Tham Suea (Tiger Cavee Temple).

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

Da Nang is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Ao Nang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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).

Ao Nang offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are plenty of restaurants that are vying for your business. The food is the typical Thai cuisine as well as international options like pizza and burgers.

Is Ao Nang or Da Nang Better for Nightlife?

The high quality nightlife scene is relatively similar in Ao Nang and Da Nang.

Ao Nang has a large number of nightlife venues. It has some of the best nightlife in the province of Krabi. There are many bars and restaurants where you can grab a drink and enjoy a fun night out.

Da Nang is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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 Ao Nang or Da Nang Better for Resorts?

Ao Nang and Da Nang offer a relatively similar set of high quality luxury resort options.

Ao Nang is known as a popular and fun resort destination. It's a resort town with many diverse places to choose from, including budget-friendly and more upscale.

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.

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

Ao Nang is a well-known place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Da Nang is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting Ao Nang. There are plenty of dive shops that offer both snorkeling and dive excursions to nearby areas.

Da Nang is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Ao Nang or Da Nang Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Ao Nang and Da Nang are good choices.

Ao Nang is a good option for a beach vacation. Ao Nang Beach is the most popular beach near town. It is lined with longtail boats and there's often a crowd that keeps things busy and chaotic. Noppharat Thara Beach is popular with the locals and sees less tourists than Ao Nang Beach. It has golden sand and a beautiful setting.

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 Ao Nang or Da Nang?

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

Ao Nang offers some nice shopping areas. You'll find some of the best shopping in the province of Krabi along Catalunya Walking Street in Ao Nang.

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 Ao Nang or Da Nang Better for Families?

Da Nang is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Ao Nang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Da Nang. 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 kid-friendly things to do in Ao Nang. The sandy beaches are great for kids. This is also a nice base if you want to take day trips to Railay Beach and other nearby areas.

Is Ao Nang or Da Nang Better for Couples?

Da Nang is a very popular place for couples. Also, Ao Nang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

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.

Ao Nang is a nice destination for couples. The area is filled with amazing natural beauty and stunning beaches. You can use Ao Nang as a base for exploring the many impressive areas that aren't far away.

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

Ao Nang is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Da Nang is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Ao Nang is a great town to visit for backpackers. There are hostels and budget accommodation in abundance in the area. Ao Nang also has some of the best nightlife in Krabi, which attracts a younger crowd.

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

Visitors will find good public transit in both Ao Nang and Da Nang.

Ao Nang has some public transit options. Tuk tuks or renting a motorbike are your best bet for reaching places quickly.

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 Ao Nang or Da Nang a more walkable city?

Ao Nang 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.

Ao Nang is a very walkable town. It's a small town, so most places can be reached 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 Ao Nang Worth Visiting? and Is Da Nang Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Da Nang or Ao Nang?

How long in Ao Nang or Da Nang?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Ao Nang or Da Nang to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Ao Nang 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 Ao Nang, and 1-2 days is enough time in Da Nang.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Ao Nang 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 Ao Nang.

One day in Ao Nang or Da Nang?

In Ao Nang, you'll find nightlife and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

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.

A weekend in Ao Nang or Da Nang?

In Ao Nang, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. 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 Ao Nang has to offer.

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.

Five days in Ao Nang or Da Nang?

Ao 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.

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.

A week in Ao Nang or Da Nang?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ao Nang. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Ao 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 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in Thailand, The Best Budget Tours to Thailand, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Hanoi, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Ho Chi Minh City.

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

Which is Bigger, Ao Nang or Da Nang?

Da Nang has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Ao Nang. When comparing the sizes of Ao Nang 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 Ao Nang 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 Ao Nang or Da Nang in the Summer?

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

August to October in Ao Nang 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. Ao Nang receives a lot of rain in the summer. Ao Nang usually gets more rain in July than Da Nang. Ao Nang gets 287 mm (11.3 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 Ao Nang this time of the year. In the summer, Ao Nang often gets less sunshine than Da Nang. Ao Nang gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Da Nang receives 242 hours of full sun.

In July, Ao Nang is generally around the same temperature as Da Nang. Daily temperatures in Ao Nang average around 28°C (82°F), and Da Nang fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).

Should I visit Ao Nang or Da Nang in the Autumn?

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

The dry season in Ao Nang is December to March. The rainy season in Ao Nang is August to October. 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 Ao Nang. In October, Ao Nang usually receives less rain than Da Nang. Ao Nang gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Da Nang receives 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Ao Nang usually receives more sunshine than Da Nang during autumn. Ao Nang gets 181 hours of sunny skies, while Da Nang receives 158 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Ao Nang is around the same temperature as Da Nang in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ao Nang averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Da Nang fluctuates around 25°C (78°F).

Should I visit Ao Nang or Da Nang in the Winter?

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

December to March is the dry season in Ao Nang. January to July is the dry season in Da Nang. Da Nang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Ao Nang usually gets less rain in January than Da Nang. Ao Nang gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Da Nang receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

It's quite sunny in Ao Nang. In the winter, Ao Nang often gets more sunshine than Da Nang. Ao Nang gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Da Nang receives 136 hours of full sun.

In the winter, Ao Nang is a little warmer than Da Nang. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ao Nang in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Da Nang averages at about 22°C (71°F).

Should I visit Ao Nang or Da Nang in the Spring?

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

Ao Nang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Ao Nang usually receives more rain than Da Nang. Ao Nang gets 120 mm (4.7 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 Ao Nang, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ao Nang usually receives more sunshine than Da Nang during spring. Ao Nang gets 249 hours of sunny skies, while Da Nang receives 210 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Ao Nang is generally around the same temperature as Da Nang. Daily temperatures in Ao Nang average around 29°C (84°F), and Da Nang fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

Typical Weather for Da Nang and Ao Nang