A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Da Nang vs. Busan (Pusan) for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Da Nang or Busan (Pusan)?

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

Should I visit Da Nang or Busan (Pusan)? 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.

Where Should I go: Da Nang or Busan (Pusan)?

Da Nang

Halfway between Ho Chi Minh City in the south and Hanoi in the North is the easy-going beach city of Da Nang (or Danang, for some). The third most populated city in Vietnam, Da Nang draws in crowds with its beautiful and calm beaches as well as its history as a French colonial port.

With beaches, mountains, and cityscape, there's bound to be a point of interest for all travelers. Da Nang is also a transit hub to get to the four Vietnamese UNESCO World heritage sites: Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park, Hue, Hoi An, and My Son.

Da Nang experiences wet season from September through March and dry season from April through August with average temperatures of around 80℉.

Da Nang is also known to have some of the friendliest locals, probably due to the peace and quiet and lack of heavy traffic, even in the city.

Busan (Pusan)

An important port city in South Korea, Busan is known for its beaches, mountains, and temples. With a thriving harbor, the city's main revenue comes from international shipping, although the area is quite popular with tourists from all over the globe, too. The place is bustling with sailors from around the world as well as tourists who come to enjoy the culture of this modern and dynamic city.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Vietnam, The Best Eco Tours in Vietnam, The Best Tours for Seniors to South Korea, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Seoul.


Which place is cheaper, Busan (Pusan) or Da Nang?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Da Nang is $46, while the average daily cost in Busan (Pusan) is $86. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Da Nang and Busan (Pusan) in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Da Nang $19
    Busan (Pusan) $39
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Da Nang $38
    Busan (Pusan) $78
Compare Hotels in Da Nang and Busan (Pusan)

Looking for a hotel in Da Nang or Busan (Pusan)? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Da Nang


Hotels in Busan (Pusan)


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Da Nang Hotel Prices and Busan (Pusan) Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Da Nang $11
    Busan (Pusan) $20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Da Nang

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Da Nang:

  • Airport Transfer to Hotel Da Nang city center: $6.15
  • Da Nang International Airport Private Transfer: $6.52
  • Private transfer from Airport Da Nang/ Hoi An hotel: $6.57
  • Private and Shuttle Transfers: Da Nang Airport - Hoi An City: $6.57
  • Da Nang Airport Arrival Or Departure Luxury Car Transfers: $7.39
  • Da Nang Airport transfer to Hoi An/ Hue/ Chu Lai or Quang Ngai: $8.00
  • Transfer from Da Nang to Hoi An: $8.00
  • From Ba Na Hills Round Trip Shuttle Bus Transfer: $9.03
  • Da Nang Airport Private Arrival Transfer: $10
  • DA NANG AIRPORT To Da Nang Hotel by PRIVATE TRANSFER: $10
  • Try find better than us! Airport Transfer in Da Nang HTL-APT (DAD): $10
  • Try find better than us! Airport Transfer in Da Nang APT-HTL (DAD): $10

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Busan (Pusan)

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Busan (Pusan):

  • Private Transfer from Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS) to Busan Port: $79
  • Private Transfer from Busan hotels to Busan Cruise Port: $84
  • Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan Hotels: $84
  • Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS) to Busan - Arrival Private Transfer: $119
  • Busan to Busan Gimhae Airport (PUS) - Departure Private Transfer: $119
  • Busan Airport to Busan Hotels Round-Trip Private Transfer: $120

Is it cheaper to fly into Da Nang or Busan (Pusan)?

Prices for flights to both Busan (Pusan) and Da Nang change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Da Nang $16
    Busan (Pusan) $26

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Da Nang

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Da Nang.

  • Dragon bridge show and Da Nang local food tour: $4.10
  • Home Cooking Class: $22
  • Vegetarian Cooking class and Basket Boat Riding: $25
  • Happy Cooking Class in Danang : $26
  • Cooking Class and tasting Pho with Local Girl: $29
  • Vegetarian Home Cooking Class Da Nang: $29
  • Eco Cooking Class and Basket boat tour from Da Nang city: $29
  • Da Nang Home Cooking Class: $29
  • Da Nang Street Walking Food Tour : $29
  • Basket Boat Riding and Cooking Class from Da Nang City : $29
  • Da Nang Vegetarian Cooking Class: $29
  • Making Lantern & Basket Boat & Happy Cooking Class: $30

Typical Food Prices in Busan (Pusan)

Some typical examples of dining costs in Busan (Pusan) are as follows:


  • McDonald's
    $4.48
  • Carp Bread
    $0.72

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Busan (Pusan)

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Busan (Pusan).

  • Busan history and market food tour with local chef: $49
  • Korean cooking class in Haeundae, Busan : $95
  • Busan Seafood Tour & Dinner with Busan Oppa: $105
  • Kkakdugi(Korean radish Kimchi) Cooking class at Busan : $110
  • Enjoy tailored Korean cooking class with Ocean view at Busan: $110

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Da Nang $13
    Busan (Pusan) $20

Tours and Activities in Da Nang

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Da Nang are as follows:

  • The private tour to Golden Bridge and Marble mountain: $2.05
  • Vietnamese Tradition Combo Ao dai Coffee and Banh mi Private Tour: $2.83
  • From Monkey Mountain Hidden Gems Full-Day Tour: $4.10
  • Local Food Private Walking Tour: $4.10
  • Han River by night on boat cruise in Da Nang: $5.50
  • Han River Cruise & Cham Dancing by Phu Quy Cruise: $6.15
  • Scenic Han River Night Cruise On My Xuan Cruise.: $6.15
  • Han River Local Cruise by Night: $6.15
  • Super cheap and distinguished Ao Dai Experience in 2 hours - Ao dai retal: $6.16
  • Han River Cruise Evening Ticket in Danang City: $7.50
  • Da Nang Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.65
  • Da Nang Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.78

Tours and Activities in Busan (Pusan)

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Busan (Pusan) are as follows:

  • Busan Running Man Themed Activity Experience Ticket (내국인불가): $8.00
  • Fun & Informative Busan in Korea Virtual Tour : $12
  • Museum 1 Exhibition Ticket in Busan (내국인 불가): $13
  • The Way of Tea - Experience: $38
  • Full-Day Tour Unmissable things to do in Busan: $41
  • Full-Day Busan City Tour: $51
  • Full day Gyeongju Cherry Blossom Tour from Busan: $60
  • Romantic Jinhae Cherry Blossom Night Tour - Depart from Busan: $65
  • Tour to Busan Highlights Hydrangea, Songdo and Gamcheon : $67
  • Old Korea Thousand History Tour of Gyeongju from Busan: $67
  • West Busan Small Group Photo Tour (Max 7): $68
  • Busan Night Small Group Photo Tour (Max 7): $68

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Da Nang $9.39
    Busan (Pusan) $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Busan (Pusan)

Also in Busan (Pusan), these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Busan Pub Crawl: $20


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


Which is Bigger, Da Nang or Busan (Pusan)?

Busan (Pusan) has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Da Nang. When comparing the sizes of Da Nang and Busan (Pusan), 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 Busan (Pusan)?

Busan (Pusan) 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 Busan (Pusan) in the Summer?

Both Busan (Pusan) and Da Nang are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Da Nang throughout the year.

Da Nang is a little warmer than Busan (Pusan) in the summer. The daily temperature in Da Nang averages around 29°C (85°F) in July, and Busan (Pusan) fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Da Nang. Da Nang usually receives more sunshine than Busan (Pusan) during summer. Da Nang gets 242 hours of sunny skies, while Busan (Pusan) receives 166 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Busan (Pusan). In July, Da Nang usually receives less rain than Busan (Pusan). Da Nang gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 257 mm (10.1 in) of rain each month for the summer. The dry season in Da Nang is January to July. The rainy season in Da Nang is August to December.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Da Nang 29°C (85°F) 
    Busan (Pusan) 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Da Nang or Busan (Pusan) in the Autumn?

Both Busan (Pusan) and Da Nang during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Da Nang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the autumn, Da Nang is a little warmer than Busan (Pusan). Typically, the autumn temperatures in Da Nang in October average around 25°C (78°F), and Busan (Pusan) averages at about 18°C (65°F).

In Busan (Pusan), it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Da Nang often gets less sunshine than Busan (Pusan). Da Nang gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Busan (Pusan) receives 202 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Da Nang. Da Nang usually gets more rain in October than Busan (Pusan). Da Nang gets 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year. August to December is the rainy season in Da Nang.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Da Nang 25°C (78°F) 
    Busan (Pusan) 18°C (65°F)

Should I visit Da Nang or Busan (Pusan) in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Da Nang and Busan (Pusan). Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Da Nang year-round.

The weather in Busan (Pusan) can be very cold. In January, Da Nang is generally much warmer than Busan (Pusan). Daily temperatures in Da Nang average around 22°C (71°F), and Busan (Pusan) fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Busan (Pusan) this time of the year. Da Nang usually receives less sunshine than Busan (Pusan) during winter. Da Nang gets 136 hours of sunny skies, while Busan (Pusan) receives 200 hours of full sun in the winter.

Da Nang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Da Nang usually receives more rain than Busan (Pusan). Da Nang gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the winter. January to July in Da Nang is the dry season.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Da Nang 22°C (71°F) 
    Busan (Pusan) 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Da Nang or Busan (Pusan) in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Da Nang as well as Busan (Pusan). Da Nang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Da Nang is much warmer than Busan (Pusan) in the spring. The daily temperature in Da Nang averages around 26°C (80°F) in April, and Busan (Pusan) fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Da Nang this time of the year. In the spring, Da Nang often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Busan (Pusan). Da Nang gets 210 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Busan (Pusan) receives 196 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Busan (Pusan). Da Nang usually gets less rain in April than Busan (Pusan). Da Nang gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Da Nang 26°C (80°F) 
    Busan (Pusan) 14°C (57°F)

Typical Weather for Busan (Pusan) and Da Nang

Da Nang Busan (Pusan)
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 22°C (71°F) 112 mm (4.4 in) 3°C (38°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Feb 23°C (73°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 5°C (40°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Mar 24°C (75°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 9°C (48°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Apr 26°C (80°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 14°C (57°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
May 29°C (83°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 18°C (65°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Jun 30°C (85°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 21°C (70°F) 224 mm (8.8 in)
Jul 29°C (85°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 25°C (77°F) 257 mm (10.1 in)
Aug 29°C (85°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 27°C (80°F) 204 mm (8 in)
Sep 28°C (82°F) 331 mm (13 in) 23°C (73°F) 187 mm (7.4 in)
Oct 25°C (78°F) 613 mm (24.1 in) 18°C (65°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 24°C (76°F) 376 mm (14.8 in) 12°C (54°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Dec 23°C (73°F) 223 mm (8.8 in) 6°C (43°F) 24 mm (0.9 in)