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

Should you visit Da Nang or Guilin?

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

Should I visit Da Nang or Guilin? 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 Guilin?

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.

Guilin

Guilin is a city in Southern China situated on the west bank of the Li River with Hunan to the north. Its name means, "Forest of Sweet Osmanthus," owing to the large number of fragrant Sweet Osmanthus trees located in the city. Products like tea, sugar, and wine, can be made from the tree and are found in many shops throughout Guilin. A popular tourist destination, the city is renowned for its scenery of karst topography with unique mountains jutting out of the urban landscape.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Vietnam, The Best Eco Tours in Vietnam, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in China, and The Best Historical Tours in China.


Which place is cheaper, Guilin 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 Guilin is $67. 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 Guilin in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Da Nang $19
    Guilin $34
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Da Nang $38
    Guilin $68
Compare Hotels in Da Nang and Guilin

Looking for a hotel in Da Nang or Guilin? 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 Guilin


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 $11
    Guilin $5.76

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Da Nang

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Da Nang:

  • Private Transfer to Ba Na Hills - Golden Bridge & Hoi An City : $78
  • Afternoon private transfer from Da Nang city to Golden Bridge in the theme park: $44
  • Airport Transfer: Da Nang Airport and Hoi An City: $15
  • Airport pick up and transfer from Danang airport to Hoian: $29
  • Asia Park - Sun World Da Nang Wonders Theme Park Ticket With Round Trip Transfer: $26
  • Ba Na Hills Golden Bridge Private Car Transfer from Da Nang: $38
  • Charter Limousine DCar RoundTrip Transfer Da Nang Hoi An Hue : $219
  • DA NANG AIRPORT To Da Nang Hotel by PRIVATE TRANSFER: $10
  • Da Nang Airport Arrival Or Departure Luxury Car Transfers: $11
  • Da Nang Airport Arrival Or Departure Luxury Car Transfers: $7.39
  • Da Nang Airport Arrival Private Transfer: $25
  • Da Nang Airport Private Arrival Transfer: $10

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Guilin

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Guilin are as follows:


  • Taxi
    $2.76

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guilin

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Guilin:

  • Private Departure Transfer from Hotel to Guilin Train Stations: $17
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Guilin International Airport (KWL) to Downtown Hotel: $25
  • Private Departure Transfer: Downtown Guilin Hotel to Airport (KWL): $25
  • Private Airport Transfer: Guilin Liangjiang International Aiport to Guilin Hotel: $35
  • Private Transfer from Guilin hotel to Yangshuo hotel: $37
  • Private Guilin Airport Transfer to Yangshuo: $42
  • Guilin liangjiang Airport Chauffeur Service,Guilin Airport Transfer: $57
  • Four Lakes Night Cruise with Round-trip Transfer: $57
  • Guilin Transfer Services: Airport,train station & hotel: $57
  • Guangzhou Baiyun Airport Chauffeur Service , to Dongguan Transfer: $71
  • Yangshuo Via Ferrata with Round way private transfer from Guilin hotel: $92
  • Guilin Private Transfer (English-speaking) Between Guilin Hotels & Yangshuo: $93

Is it cheaper to fly into Da Nang or Guilin?

Prices for flights to both Guilin 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
    Guilin $22

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 Guilin

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Guilin:


  • Fresh Coconut Drink
    $1.38

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Guilin

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

  • Half day Yangshuo Cooking lesson Small Group Tour: $62

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Da Nang $13
    Guilin $28

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

Typical Entertainment Prices in Guilin

Here are a few typical costs in Guilin for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Entrance to the Caves
    $17

Tours and Activities in Guilin

Here are a few actual costs in Guilin for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Guilin Yangshuo & Longji Rice Terrace 4 days tour: $21
  • 1-DAY Private Longji Rice Terraces and Minority Villages Tour: $45
  • Guilin Four lakes night cruise with the English speaking driver from Guilin hotel: $47
  • Guilin City Center Walking Group Tour at Night for Three Hours: $50
  • Half-Day Self-Guided Yangshuo Xianggong Hill Sunrise Tour: $52
  • Private Full-Day City Tour with Fubo Hill: $59
  • Private Bike Tour: Yangshuo Countryside: $72
  • Kayaking Adventure with Local Guide: $72
  • Yangshuo Old Town and Li River Cruise from Guilin: $72
  • One Day Private Longshen Rice Terraces Tour Including Lunch: $73
  • Half/Full day Yangshuo Cuiping hill Sunset Private Tour: $73
  • Full/Half-Day Yangshuo Xianggong Mountain Sunrise Private Tour: $77

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Da Nang $9.39
    Guilin $5.72


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


Which is Bigger, Da Nang or Guilin?

Da Nang has a larger population, and is about 16% larger than the population of Guilin. When comparing the sizes of Da Nang and Guilin, 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 Guilin?

Guilin 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 Guilin in the Summer?

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

In July, Da Nang is generally around the same temperature as Guilin. Daily temperatures in Da Nang average around 29°C (85°F), and Guilin fluctuates around 30°C (86°F).

Guilin receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Da Nang usually receives less rain than Guilin. Da Nang gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Guilin receives 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain each month for the summer. January to July in Da Nang is the dry season. Also, August to December is the rainy season in Da Nang.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Da Nang 29°C (85°F) 
    Guilin 30°C (86°F)

Should I visit Da Nang or Guilin in the Autumn?

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

Da Nang is a little warmer than Guilin in the autumn. The daily temperature in Da Nang averages around 25°C (78°F) in October, and Guilin fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

Da Nang receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Da Nang usually gets more rain in October than Guilin. Da Nang gets 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain, while Guilin receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year. August to December in Da Nang is the rainy season.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Da Nang 25°C (78°F) 
    Guilin 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Da Nang or Guilin in the Winter?

Both Guilin and Da Nang are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Da Nang throughout the year.

In the winter, Da Nang is much warmer than Guilin. Typically, the winter temperatures in Da Nang in January average around 22°C (71°F), and Guilin averages at about 10°C (49°F).

It's quite rainy in Da Nang. In January, Da Nang usually receives more rain than Guilin. Da Nang gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Guilin receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter. The dry season in Da Nang is January to July.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Da Nang 22°C (71°F) 
    Guilin 10°C (49°F)

Should I visit Da Nang or Guilin in the Spring?

Both Guilin and Da Nang during the spring 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 April, Da Nang is generally a little warmer than Guilin. Daily temperatures in Da Nang average around 26°C (80°F), and Guilin fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

Guilin gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Da Nang usually gets less rain in April than Guilin. Da Nang gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Guilin receives 263 mm (10.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Da Nang 26°C (80°F) 
    Guilin 20°C (68°F)

Typical Weather for Guilin and Da Nang

Da Nang Guilin
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 22°C (71°F) 112 mm (4.4 in) 10°C (49°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 23°C (73°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 11°C (51°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Mar 24°C (75°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 15°C (59°F) 129 mm (5.1 in)
Apr 26°C (80°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 20°C (68°F) 263 mm (10.3 in)
May 29°C (83°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 25°C (77°F) 334 mm (13.2 in)
Jun 30°C (85°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 320 mm (12.6 in)
Jul 29°C (85°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 30°C (86°F) 206 mm (8.1 in)
Aug 29°C (85°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 30°C (86°F) 168 mm (6.6 in)
Sep 28°C (82°F) 331 mm (13 in) 27°C (81°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Oct 25°C (78°F) 613 mm (24.1 in) 23°C (73°F) 93 mm (3.7 in)
Nov 24°C (76°F) 376 mm (14.8 in) 17°C (63°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 23°C (73°F) 223 mm (8.8 in) 12°C (53°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)