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

Should you visit Da Nang or Darwin?

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

Should I visit Da Nang or Darwin? 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 authentic, coastal, and accessible city. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and beaches.

Darwin

Darwin is a tropical, multicultural, and authentic town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Da Nang and Darwin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Da Nang or Darwin?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Darwin than Da Nang. While Da Nang is larger than Darwin, Darwin has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Darwin is better known for its hiking and shopping, while Da Nang is more popular for its food, nightlife, and resorts. Darwin is more touristy than Da Nang and is known for its outdoor markets and tropical weather. Also, Darwin is famous for Mindil Beach. Da Nang is well known for its traditional pagodas, nearby beaches, and high end resorts.

How is Da Nang different from Darwin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Plenty of people visit the notable sights and museums in both Da Nang and Darwin.

Da Nang offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Darwin. You can check out the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, explore the city's Waterfront Precinct, and spend some time at the Darwin Military Museum.

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

Da Nang is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Darwin is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

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).

Darwin is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are plenty of local restaurants that serve seafood or local twists on international flavors. Many restaurants offer Barramundi that is prepared in unique ways. You can try the Barramundi Bibimbap or the Crispy Baby Barramundi.

Is Da Nang or Darwin Better for Nightlife?

Da Nang is notable for nightlife and partying. Also, Darwin is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its evening party scene.

Da Nang has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Darwin. You'll find the most bars along Mitchell Street or in the Waterfront Precinct area. There are also some popular nightclubs and music venues in town.

Is Da Nang or Darwin Better for Resorts?

Da Nang is notable for its resorts. However, Darwin is not a resort destination.

Da Nang is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. The city has a good number of luxury, international brand hotels that are along the beaches.

Darwin is not a resort destination.

Is Da Nang or Darwin Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Da Nang and Darwin are notable choices.

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.

Many people head to Darwin to enjoy the beach. Most people don't swim at the beaches because of the saltwater crocodiles and jellyfish. You can hang out in the sand though and Mindil Beach is a favorite spot for locals.

Is Da Nang or Darwin Better for Hiking?

Darwin is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Da Nang is not a hiking destination.

Darwin is a popular spot for hiking. In addition to city walks, there are many national parks that make great day trips from town. Litchfield National Park has many hikes as does Mary River National Park. The town is also known as the gateway to Kakadu National Park.

Da Nang is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Da Nang or Darwin?

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

Darwin offers some nice shopping areas. There are shopping malls, art galleries, and trendy boutiques around town.

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 Darwin Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Da Nang or Darwin.

Da Nang is a very kid-friendly city. 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 family-friendly things to do in Darwin. Kids will enjoy the many outdoor activities in town and in the surrounding areas. There are wildlife parks and several national parks in the area like Litchfield National Park. For many families, this is a stop off on there way to Kakadu National Park.

Is Da Nang or Darwin Better for Couples?

Da Nang is notable for its romantic activities. Also, Darwin is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for couples.

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.

Darwin is a good city for couples to visit. The beautiful weather means that you can spend most of your time outdoors. Sunset picnics are popular, but for many visitors, it's all about the day trips to nearby parks.

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

Both Da Nang and Darwin are notable destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Da Nang. 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.

Darwin is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a handful of hostels in town that make this an easy place to spend a night or two for backpackers.

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

Both Da Nang and Darwin offer notable public transit options.

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

Darwin has some public transit options. There are public buses around town. There's also a waterfront shuttle.

Is Da Nang or Darwin a more walkable city?

Darwin is a popular place for its high level of walkability. However, Da Nang is not a good city for its ease of walking around.

Darwin is a somewhat walkable place. There are biking and walking paths around town.

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 Darwin Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Darwin or Da Nang?

How long in Da Nang or Darwin?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Da Nang and Darwin. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Darwin than in Da Nang. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Da Nang, and 2-3 days is enough time in Darwin.

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

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

One day in Da Nang or Darwin?

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 Darwin, you'll find nightlife and food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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.

A weekend in Da Nang or Darwin?

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 Darwin, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Darwin has to offer.

Five days in Da Nang or Darwin?

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.

Darwin is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Da Nang or Darwin?

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the accessible 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 Darwin. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Darwin. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Adventure Tours to Vietnam, The Best Eco Tours in Vietnam, The Best Walking Tours in Australia, and The Best Eco Tours in Australia.

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

Which is Bigger, Da Nang or Darwin?

Da Nang has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Darwin. When comparing the sizes of Da Nang and Darwin, 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 Darwin?

Darwin 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 Darwin in the Summer?

Both Darwin 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. Also, many visitors come to Darwin in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Da Nang is around the same temperature as Darwin in the summer. The daily temperature in Da Nang averages around 29°C (85°F) in July, and Darwin fluctuates around 29°C (83°F)in January.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Da Nang. Da Nang usually receives more sunshine than Darwin during summer. Da Nang gets 242 hours of sunny skies, while Darwin receives 173 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Darwin. In July, Da Nang usually receives less rain than Darwinin January. Da Nang gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Darwin receives 437 mm (17.2 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.

Should I visit Da Nang or Darwin in the Autumn?

Both Darwin 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. Furthermore, most visitors come to Darwin for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Da Nang is cooler than Darwin. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Da Nang in October average around 25°C (78°F), and Darwin averages at about 29°C (84°F)in April.

In Darwin, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Da Nang often gets less sunshine than Darwinin April. Da Nang gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Darwin receives 267 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 Darwinin April. Da Nang gets 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain, while Darwin receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year. August to December is the rainy season in Da Nang.

Should I visit Da Nang or Darwin in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Da Nang and Darwin. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Da Nang year-round. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Darwin because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Da Nang is generally cooler than Darwinin July. Daily temperatures in Da Nang average around 22°C (71°F), and Darwin fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Darwin this time of the year. Da Nang usually receives less sunshine than Darwin during winter. Da Nang gets 136 hours of sunny skies, while Darwin receives 312 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 Darwinin July. Da Nang gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Darwin receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the winter. January to July in Da Nang is the dry season.

Should I visit Da Nang or Darwin in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Da Nang as well as Darwin. Da Nang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the beaches are the main draw to Darwin this time of year.

Da Nang is cooler than Darwin in the spring. The daily temperature in Da Nang averages around 26°C (80°F) in April, and Darwin fluctuates around 29°C (85°F)in October.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Darwin. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Da Nang this time of the year. In the spring, Da Nang often gets less sunshine than Darwinin October. Da Nang gets 210 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Darwin receives 291 hours of full sun.

Da Nang usually gets less rain in April than Darwinin October. Da Nang gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Darwin receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Darwin and Da Nang