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

Should you visit Da Nang or Cairns?

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

Should I visit Da Nang or Cairns? 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 food, beaches, and museums.

Cairns

Cairns is a tropical, idyllic, and outdoorsy city. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Da Nang and Cairns: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Da Nang or Cairns?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Cairns than Da Nang. While Da Nang is larger than Cairns, Cairns has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cairns is more popular for its nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and shopping, while Da Nang is known for its museums & sights. Cairns is more touristy than Da Nang and is popular for its stunning beaches, nearby rainforests, and easy access to the world's largest reef system. It is also home to the Great Barrier Reef. Da Nang is popular for its traditional pagodas, nearby beaches, and high end resorts.

How is Da Nang different from Cairns?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Da Nang is a popular place for its museums and history. However, Cairns is lacking in 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.

Cairns offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most visitors spend their time exploring nature and the outdoors, but there are some interesting cultural sights around town as well. Make sure you check out the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park as well as the Cairns Aquarium.

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

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

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).

Cairns has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Waterfront dining with a view is what makes the restaurant scene special. Seafood is everywhere and you can enjoy the catch of the day while you relax on a beachfront terrace. There are also international restaurants that have everything from Spanish tapas to Japanese noodle bowls.

Is Da Nang or Cairns Better for Nightlife?

Cairns 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.

Cairns is a must-see party destination. For such as small city, the nightlife scene is incredibly vibrant, particularly during the peak tourist months. Backpackers are at the heart of the action, with many bars and clubs filling up each night with a young crowd. There are dance clubs, all night parties, cocktail bars, and beach side venues that are sure to offer a good time.

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 Cairns Better for Resorts?

Da Nang and Cairns offer a relatively similar set of high quality 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 Cairns. There are many beautiful resorts that offer access to the beach and have impressive pools. There are family-friendly resorts, romantic resorts, and even some budget-friendly options.

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

Cairns is terrific for its diving and snorkeling. However, Da Nang is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The clear water and abundant marine life make Cairns a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. It's access to the Great Barrier Reef make this one of the world's top scuba diving and snorkeling destinations. The undersea world is filled with colorful coral, diverse tropical fish, graceful sea turtles, and a truly magical setting.

Da Nang is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Da Nang or Cairns Better for Beaches?

Cairns is terrific for the beache. Also, Da Nang is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for the beach.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Cairns. Near town you'll find stunningly beautiful beaches that range from hubs of activity to quiet coves. Cairns Esplanade Lagoon is the closest beach to the city center and it has a sandy beach and plenty of amenities. For a quieter setting, head north to Holloways Beach or to the family-friendly Yorkeys Knob Beach. Do take note that if the beach doesn't have a stinger net, then it's recommended you wear a stinger suit (to avoid jellyfish stings).

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 Cairns Better for Hiking?

Cairns is terrific for the nearby hiking options. However, Da Nang is not a hiking destination.

People visit Cairns specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. Near town you'll find wonderful national parks, lush rainforest, and beautiful mountain ranges. There are countless bush walks and hiking trails in the area. Head into the countryside and you'll get lost in nature and breathtaking views.

Da Nang is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Da Nang or Cairns?

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

Cairns is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There's plenty of shopping around town in the form of shopping centers, markets, and boutique shops. Whether you're looking for trendy fashion or a fun souvenir, there are many places to explore.

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 Cairns Better for Families?

Cairns is terrific for its family-friendly activities. Also, Da Nang is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Cairns is a very family-friendly destination. With the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest nearby, this is a playground for kids and adults alike. There are sandy beaches, rainforest walks, turtle rehabilitation centers, scenic railways, adventure sports, and so much more.

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.

Is Da Nang or Cairns Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Da Nang and Cairns 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.

Cairns makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a beautiful tropical setting with world class beaches and diverse marine life. Couples who enjoy the outdoors and adventure will love this amazing destination. You can experience the area's wildlife, relax on sandy beaches, or pamper yourself with a spa treatment. There is plenty of luxury, but also adventure-filled activities to choose from.

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

Cairns 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 Cairns. Backpackers flock to this coastal town for its easy access to the Great Barrier Reef and its many activities and vibrant energy. There are adventure sports, wild nightclubs, and no shortage of places to hang out with other backpackers.

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

Both Da Nang and Cairns offer good public transit options.

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

Cairns has some public transit options. Sunbus operates a public bus service that travels through the city center and to many beaches. Most routes start at Cairns City Mall.

Is Da Nang or Cairns a more walkable city?

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

Cairns is generally not very walkable. While you can walk around many parts of the city center, most visitors want to head into the rainforest or experience the nearby day trips, which require a vehicle.

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 Cairns Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cairns or Da Nang?

How long in Da Nang or Cairns?

In either Da Nang or Cairns, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Cairns than Da Nang because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Da Nang, and 3-5 days is enough time in Cairns.

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

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

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

One day in Da Nang or Cairns?

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.

In Cairns, you'll find nightlife and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This 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 Cairns?

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.

In Cairns, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Da Nang or Cairns?

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.

Cairns is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cairns has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Da Nang or Cairns?

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the coastal 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cairns. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Cairns. 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 2-Week Tours in Australia, and The Best 3-Week Tours in Australia.

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

Which is Bigger, Da Nang or Cairns?

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

Cairns 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 Cairns in the Summer?

Both Cairns and Da Nang during the summer 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, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cairns this time of year.

In the summer, Da Nang is around the same temperature as Cairns. Typically, the summer temperatures in Da Nang in July average around 29°C (85°F), and Cairns averages at about 29°C (84°F)in January.

Cairns gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Da Nang usually gets less rain in July than Cairnsin January. Da Nang gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Cairns receives 429 mm (16.9 in) of rain this time of the year. January to July is the dry season in Da Nang. August to December is the rainy season in Da Nang. November to March is the rainy season in Cairns.

Should I visit Da Nang or Cairns in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Da Nang and Cairns. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Da Nang year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Cairns for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In October, Da Nang is generally around the same temperature as Cairnsin April. Daily temperatures in Da Nang average around 25°C (78°F), and Cairns fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

Cairns receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Da Nang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Da Nang usually receives more rain than Cairnsin April. Da Nang gets 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain, while Cairns receives 273 mm (10.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn. Also, August to December is the rainy season in Da Nang. April to October in Cairns is the dry season.

Should I visit Da Nang or Cairns in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Da Nang as well as Cairns. Da Nang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Cairns in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Da Nang is around the same temperature as Cairns in the winter. The daily temperature in Da Nang averages around 22°C (71°F) in January, and Cairns fluctuates around 23°C (73°F)in July.

Da Nang receives a lot of rain in the winter. Da Nang usually gets more rain in January than Cairnsin July. Da Nang gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Cairns receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, January to July in Da Nang is the dry season.

Should I visit Da Nang or Cairns in the Spring?

Both Cairns and Da Nang are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Da Nang throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Cairns for the beaches during these months.

In the spring, Da Nang is around the same temperature as Cairns. Typically, the spring temperatures in Da Nang in April average around 26°C (80°F), and Cairns averages at about 27°C (80°F)in October.

In April, Da Nang usually receives less rain than Cairnsin October. Da Nang gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Cairns receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring. The dry season in Cairns is April to October. The rainy season in Cairns is November to March.

Typical Weather for Cairns and Da Nang