A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Da Nang vs. Dalian for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Da Nang or Dalian?

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

Should I visit Da Nang or Dalian? 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 Dalian?

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.

Dalian

Dalian, China is a very large peninsula city located in the southernmost part of the Liaoning Province in northeast China. The area has a wealth of history, with roots in Russian and Japanese rule, resulting in unique architecture and many universities that attract foreign students and teachers. Dalian is also known for their beautiful green spaces and relaxing beaches which juxtapose a lot of the more industrial cities found throughout other areas of northern China.

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 Family-Friendly Tours to China, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in China.


Which place is cheaper, Dalian or Da Nang?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Da Nang is $47, while the average daily cost in Dalian is $106. 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 Dalian in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Da Nang $20
    Dalian $56
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Da Nang $40
    Dalian $112
Compare Hotels in Da Nang and Dalian

Looking for a hotel in Da Nang or Dalian? 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 Dalian


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Da Nang $12
    Dalian $42

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Da Nang

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Da Nang:

  • Private Transfer from Da Nang (DAD) Airport to Phong Nha: $210
  • Da Nang to Phong Nha by Car–Private Transfer with English Driver: $205
  • Da Nang to Quy Nhon Private Transfer with Professional Driver: $164
  • Golden Bridge Trip with Guide, Lunch &Transfer From Tien Sa Port : $160
  • Private Transfer Service Between Da Nang and Hue: $122
  • Private Transfer from Da Nang (DAD) Airport to Quang Ngai: $115
  • One Way Transfer Tours, to or from Da Nang or Hoi An and Hue via costal roads: $115
  • Da Nang to Phong Nha by Private Transfer via DMZ and Sightseeing: $115
  • Private Roundtrip Transfer to GOLDEN BRIDGE BA NA HILLS & MARBLE MOUNTAIN : $115
  • Private Car Transfer to Visit Ba Na Hills - Golden Bridge and Marble Mountain: $108
  • Hue: Transfer Hue to Hoi An by Private Car- English Driver: $101
  • Golden Bridge Ba Na Hills & Cable Car Ride With Transfer: $100

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dalian

Also for Dalian, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport Chauffeur Service , to Dalian Transfer: $27
  • Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport Chauffeur Service , to Dalian Transfer: $40

Is it cheaper to fly into Da Nang or Dalian?

Prices for flights to both Dalian 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 $17
    Dalian $28

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: $4.20
  • Explore Ba Na Hill, Golden Bridge in the sunset with dinner: $9.24
  • Coffee Making and Cooking Class: $17
  • Da Nang free motorbike and food tour: $20
  • Half Day Ba Na Hills – Golden bridge with Vietnamese Dinner: $21
  • Da Nang Family Cooking Class - with Local Family in Da Nang: $23
  • Da Nang Cooking: Market tour, farming, cooking and foot bath: $25
  • Vegetarian Cooking class and Basket Boat Riding: $25
  • Experience Vegan/Vegetarian Cooking Class in Da Nang : $25
  • Happy Cooking Class in Danang : $26
  • Experience Vegan/Vegetarian Cooking Class in Da Nang : $27
  • Private Traditional Cooking Class and Pho with Local Girl : $29

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Da Nang $14
    Dalian $4.91

Tours and Activities in Da Nang

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

  • Ba Na Hills & Golden Bridge Full-Day Tour: $74
  • DA NANG CITY SUNSET - Private Guided Tour : $92
  • Experience Hoi an Rural Eco Tour from Da Nang or Hoi An city: $76
  • GOLDEN BRIDGE BA NA HILLS & MARBLE MOUNTAIN -Private Guided Tour: $148
  • Golden Bridge- Early Departure & Marble Mountains- Private Tour: $133
  • HOI AN COUNTRYSIDE EXPERIENCE LIFE TOUR to Understand about Hoi An Life: $75
  • Hoi An or Danang to Hue via Hai Van Pass Tour: $59
  • HoiAn Walking Tour with RiverBoat-Night Market-Colourful Lantern: $77
  • INSTAGRAM Tour - Da Nang & Hoi An city Private Tour ( 11 Hours): $140
  • MARBLE MOUNTAIN, LADY BUDDHA STATUE & HAI VAN PASS, LAP AN LAGOON(Private Tour): $92
  • Marble Mountains - Hoi An Ancient Town Afternoon Tours FROM DANANG(15H30-21H): $34
  • My Son Holyland & Golden Bridge Ba Na Hills- Private Guided Tour: $169

Tours and Activities in Dalian

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Dalian.

  • Dalian City Private Day Tour in Your Way: $250

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Da Nang $9.55
    Dalian $6.48


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


Which is Bigger, Da Nang or Dalian?

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

Dalian 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 Dalian in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Da Nang is a little warmer than Dalian. Typically, the summer temperatures in Da Nang in July average around 29°C (85°F), and Dalian averages at about 24°C (75°F).

It's quite rainy in Dalian. Da Nang usually gets less rain in July than Dalian. Da Nang gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Dalian receives 202 mm (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.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Da Nang 29°C (85°F) 
    Dalian 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Da Nang or Dalian in the Autumn?

Both Dalian 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.

In October, Da Nang is generally much warmer than Dalian. Daily temperatures in Da Nang average around 25°C (78°F), and Dalian fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

It's quite rainy in Da Nang. In October, Da Nang usually receives more rain than Dalian. Da Nang gets 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain, while Dalian receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The rainy season in Da Nang is August to December.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Da Nang 25°C (78°F) 
    Dalian 15°C (58°F)

Should I visit Da Nang or Dalian in the Winter?

Both Dalian 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.

Dalian can get quite cold in the winter. Da Nang is much warmer than Dalian in the winter. The daily temperature in Da Nang averages around 22°C (71°F) in January, and Dalian fluctuates around -4°C (25°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Da Nang. Da Nang usually gets more rain in January than Dalian. Da Nang gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Dalian receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year. January to July is the dry season in Da Nang.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Da Nang 22°C (71°F) 
    Dalian -4°C (25°F)

Should I visit Da Nang or Dalian in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Da Nang and Dalian. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Da Nang year-round.

In the spring, Da Nang is much warmer than Dalian. Typically, the spring temperatures in Da Nang in April average around 26°C (80°F), and Dalian averages at about 11°C (51°F).

In April, Da Nang usually receives less rain than Dalian. Da Nang gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Dalian receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Da Nang 26°C (80°F) 
    Dalian 11°C (51°F)

Typical Weather for Dalian and Da Nang

Da Nang Dalian
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 22°C (71°F) 112 mm (4.4 in) -4°C (25°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Feb 23°C (73°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) -2°C (28°F) 12 mm (0.5 in)
Mar 24°C (75°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 4°C (38°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Apr 26°C (80°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 11°C (51°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
May 29°C (83°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 17°C (62°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Jun 30°C (85°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 21°C (69°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Jul 29°C (85°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 24°C (75°F) 202 mm (8 in)
Aug 29°C (85°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 25°C (77°F) 132 mm (5.2 in)
Sep 28°C (82°F) 331 mm (13 in) 21°C (70°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Oct 25°C (78°F) 613 mm (24.1 in) 15°C (58°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Nov 24°C (76°F) 376 mm (14.8 in) 7°C (44°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Dec 23°C (73°F) 223 mm (8.8 in) -0°C (32°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)