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

Should you visit Da Nang or Hat Yai?

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

Should I visit Da Nang or Hat Yai? 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. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and beaches.

Hat Yai

Hat Yai is a colorful, cultural, and lively city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Da Nang and Hat Yai: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Da Nang or Hat Yai?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Hat Yai than Da Nang. While Da Nang is larger than Hat Yai, Hat Yai has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Hat Yai is more popular for its food, shopping, and big city activities, while Da Nang is known for its nightlife, resorts, and beaches. Da Nang is popular for its traditional pagodas, nearby beaches, and high end resorts. Hat Yai is popular for its local markets, its traditional restaurants, and its colorful temples. It is also home to Wat Hat Yai Nai.

How is Da Nang different from Hat Yai?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Plenty of people visit the good sights and museums in both Da Nang and Hat Yai.

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 Hat Yai. The city has many temples to explore such as Phra Maha Chedi Tripob Trimongkol and Wat Hat Yai Nai.

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

Hat Yai is terrific for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Da Nang is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, Hat Yai is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Eating is really what you do in this city. There is amazing street food, impressive floating restaurants, and authentic cuisine that locals and visitors alike enjoy. The dishes include lots of seafood and some Chinese influences.

Da Nang has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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).

Is Da Nang or Hat Yai Better for Nightlife?

Da Nang is notable for its evening party scene. Also, Hat Yai is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

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 Hat Yai. It's a big city, so there are plenty of clubs and bars where you can party late into the night.

Is Da Nang or Hat Yai Better for Resorts?

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

In Da Nang, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. The city has a good number of luxury, international brand hotels that are along the beaches.

Hat Yai is not a resort destination.

Is Da Nang or Hat Yai Better for Beaches?

Da Nang is a city with good options for the beach. However, Hat Yai is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Da Nang. 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.

Hat Yai is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Da Nang or Hat Yai?

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

Hat Yai is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. It's a large commercial hub in southern Thailand and many visitors come specifically for the shopping. There are many markets in town and places to buy everything from local products to trendy clothes.

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 Hat Yai Better for Families?

Da Nang is notable for its family-friendly activities. However, Hat Yai is a mediocre city for its kid-friendly activities.

Da Nang is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Hat Yai is not always a place people visit with their families. There are some play places for the kids and kid-friendly meals are available in many places. There are also some animal farms and parks near town where kids and adults can enjoy a natural setting.

Is Da Nang or Hat Yai Better for Couples?

Da Nang is notable for couples. However, Hat Yai is a mediocre city for romance.

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.

Hat Yai is not the best destination for a couple to visit. Most people pass through the city on their way to other places, but if you chose to linger you'll enjoy amazing food and some interesting activities around town.

Is Da Nang or Hat Yai Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Da Nang is a city with good options for backpackers. However, Hat Yai is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Da Nang is a good city to visit for backpackers. 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.

Hat Yai is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are hostels in the city, as well as cheap hotels, but the backpacker vibe isn't the same as what you get in other Thai cities. If you want more authenticity, then this is your place.

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

Da Nang is a city with good options for its public transit. However, Hat Yai is a mediocre city for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Hat Yai. The easiest and cheapest way to get around is by tuk tuk or motorbike taxi.

Is Da Nang or Hat Yai a more walkable city?

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

Hat Yai is generally not very walkable. Some parts of the city are more walkable than others.

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 Hat Yai Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hat Yai or Da Nang?

How long in Da Nang or Hat Yai?

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

Families should spend more time in Da Nang than Hat Yai. 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 Hat Yai. 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 Da Nang than Hat Yai 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 Da Nang.

One day in Da Nang or Hat Yai?

In Da Nang, you'll find museums and nightlife. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

In Hat Yai, you'll find nightlife and food. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Da Nang or Hat Yai?

In Da Nang, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Da Nang has to offer.

In Hat Yai, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Hat Yai has to offer.

Five days in Da Nang or Hat Yai?

Da Nang is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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.

Hat Yai is a great place to explore. 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 Hat Yai?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Da Nang. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Da Nang. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hat Yai. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Hat Yai. One reason most visitors come is for the food. 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 Contiki Tours to Thailand, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Thailand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Da Nang and Hat Yai, we can see that Da Nang is more expensive. And not only is Hat Yai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hat Yai would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hat Yai 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 Da Nang would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Da Nang than you might in Hat Yai.

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 Hat Yai Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Da Nang or Hat Yai?

Da Nang has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Hat Yai. When comparing the sizes of Da Nang and Hat Yai, 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 Hat Yai?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.

Should I visit Da Nang or Hat Yai in the Summer?

Both Hat Yai 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. Plenty of visitors come to Hat Yai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

The dry season in Da Nang is January to July. The rainy season in Da Nang is August to December. It rains a lot this time of the year in Hat Yai. In July, Da Nang usually receives less rain than Hat Yai. Da Nang gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Hat Yai receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

It's quite sunny in Hat Yai. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Da Nang. Da Nang usually receives more sunshine than Hat Yai during summer. Da Nang gets 242 hours of sunny skies, while Hat Yai receives 206 hours of full sun in the summer.

In the summer, Da Nang is around the same temperature as Hat Yai. Typically, the summer temperatures in Da Nang in July average around 29°C (85°F), and Hat Yai averages at about 29°C (83°F).

Should I visit Da Nang or Hat Yai in the Autumn?

Both Hat Yai 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hat Yai year-round.

August to December is the rainy season in Da Nang. May to December is the rainy season in Hat Yai. Hat Yai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Da Nang. Da Nang usually gets more rain in October than Hat Yai. Da Nang gets 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain, while Hat Yai receives 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the autumn, Da Nang often gets less sunshine than Hat Yai. Da Nang gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hat Yai receives 182 hours of full sun.

In October, Da Nang is generally around the same temperature as Hat Yai. Daily temperatures in Da Nang average around 25°C (78°F), and Hat Yai fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Should I visit Da Nang or Hat Yai in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Da Nang and Hat Yai. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Da Nang year-round. Hat Yai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

January to July in Da Nang is the dry season. January to April in Hat Yai is the dry season. Hat Yai receives a lot of rain in the winter. Da Nang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Da Nang usually receives more rain than Hat Yai. Da Nang gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Hat Yai receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hat Yai this time of the year. Da Nang usually receives less sunshine than Hat Yai during winter. Da Nang gets 136 hours of sunny skies, while Hat Yai receives 221 hours of full sun in the winter.

Da Nang is cooler than Hat Yai in the winter. The daily temperature in Da Nang averages around 22°C (71°F) in January, and Hat Yai fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Should I visit Da Nang or Hat Yai in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Da Nang as well as Hat Yai. Da Nang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hat Yai throughout the year.

Also, January to April in Hat Yai is the dry season. May to December in Hat Yai is the rainy season. Da Nang usually gets less rain in April than Hat Yai. Da Nang gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Hat Yai receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hat Yai. 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 Hat Yai. Da Nang gets 210 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hat Yai receives 265 hours of full sun.

In the spring, Da Nang is cooler than Hat Yai. Typically, the spring temperatures in Da Nang in April average around 26°C (80°F), and Hat Yai averages at about 30°C (85°F).

Typical Weather for Hat Yai and Da Nang