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

Should you visit Da Nang or Ise?

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

Should I visit Da Nang or Ise? 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 beaches, museums, and nightlife.

Ise

Ise is a overlooked, authentic, and off-the-beaten-path city. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and shopping.

Da Nang and Ise: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Da Nang or Ise?

Both Ise and Da Nang have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Da Nang is better known for its nightlife and resorts, while Ise is more popular for its shopping. Ise is more touristy than Da Nang and is known for its important Shinto shrines and its coastal setting. Da Nang is well known for its traditional pagodas, nearby beaches, and high end resorts.

How is Da Nang different from Ise?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Ise. While this is an often overlooked part of Japan for tourists, those who venture here will enjoy strolling through the forest and visiting the shrine complex of Ise Jingu.

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

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

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).

Ise has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find some of Japan's best seafood around town and there are many local delicacies. Head to the downtown area around Iseshi Station to find a high concentration of places. One local specialty is the Japanese spiny lobster (also known as the Ise lobster).

Is Da Nang or Ise Better for Nightlife?

Da Nang is well known for nightlife and partying. However, Ise is not particularly known for its evening party scene.

Da Nang is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

Ise doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. Most visitors don't stay long enough to take in the nightlife, which is limited.

Is Da Nang or Ise Better for Resorts?

Da Nang is well known for its resorts. However, Ise 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.

Ise is not a resort destination.

Is Da Nang or Ise Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Da Nang and Ise 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 Ise to enjoy the beach. There are several nice and sandy beaches in the area that make for a nice break from the sightseeing.

Is the Shopping Better in Da Nang or Ise?

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

Ise offers some nice shopping areas. There's a shopping street in town with many of the shops housed in traditional buildings, giving the area a nice character.

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 Ise Better for Families?

Da Nang is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Ise is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Ise offers lots of family activities. The Ise Jingu Shrine complex is large and sprawling, and has the feel of a park. The kids will likely find visiting all of the temples tedious, but the forest is peaceful and the setting is beautiful.

Is Da Nang or Ise Better for Couples?

Da Nang is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Ise is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Da Nang frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The surrounding area has luxury resorts and nice beaches that make for a romantic getaway.

Ise is a good city for couples to visit. This is an off-the-beaten path destination that is far more than a shrine - it's a complex of shrines. It's spread out over a large space and filled with forest and peaceful walks that couples will enjoy.

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

Both Da Nang and Ise 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.

Ise is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. It's off the radar for many backpackers, but those that make it here will find a couple of hostels and affordable accommodation options.

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

Both Da Nang and Ise offer notable public transit options.

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

Ise has some public transit options. The CAN Bus is a tourist bus that connects the train stations to the main attractions and runs every half hour.

Is Da Nang or Ise a more walkable city?

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

Ise is a somewhat walkable place. There are walking paths through the complex that connect the shrines, but some of the distances can be significant.

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 Ise Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Ise or Da Nang?

How long in Da Nang or Ise?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Da Nang and Ise. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Ise 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 Ise.

Families should spend more time in Da Nang than Ise. 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 Ise. 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 Ise 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 Ise.

One day in Da Nang or Ise?

With food and museums around the coastal destination of Da Nang, there's plenty to do. It's also a relaxing resort destination. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

In Ise, you'll find museums and 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 Ise?

Many people visit Da Nang for a weekend. With museums and nightlife around the authentic city of Da Nang, there's plenty to do. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

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

Five days in Da Nang or Ise?

The destination of Da Nang offers nightlife and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

Ise 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 Ise?

Da Nang, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ise. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Ise. 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 Sightseeing Tours in Japan, and The Best Cultural Tours in Japan.

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

Which is Bigger, Da Nang or Ise?

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

Ise 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 Ise in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Da Nang and Ise. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Da Nang year-round. Also, most visitors come to Ise for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Da Nang is a little warmer than Ise in the summer. The daily temperature in Da Nang averages around 29°C (85°F) in July, and Ise fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

In Da Nang, it's very sunny this time of the year. Da Nang usually receives more sunshine than Ise during summer. Da Nang gets 242 hours of sunny skies, while Ise receives 169 hours of full sun in the summer.

Ise receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Da Nang usually receives less rain than Ise. Da Nang gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Ise receives 219 mm (8.6 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.

Should I visit Da Nang or Ise in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Da Nang as well as Ise. Da Nang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Ise because of the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Da Nang is a little warmer than Ise. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Da Nang in October average around 25°C (78°F), and Ise averages at about 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Da Nang often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ise. Da Nang gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ise receives 160 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Ise. Da Nang receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Da Nang usually gets more rain in October than Ise. Da Nang gets 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain, while Ise receives 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year. August to December in Da Nang is the rainy season.

Should I visit Da Nang or Ise in the Winter?

Both Ise 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. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Ise this time of year.

It's quite cold in Ise in the winter. In January, Da Nang is generally much warmer than Ise. Daily temperatures in Da Nang average around 22°C (71°F), and Ise fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

Da Nang usually receives less sunshine than Ise during winter. Da Nang gets 136 hours of sunny skies, while Ise receives 165 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Da Nang. In January, Da Nang usually receives more rain than Ise. Da Nang gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Ise receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter. The dry season in Da Nang is January to July.

Should I visit Da Nang or Ise in the Spring?

Both Ise 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. Furthermore, many travelers come to Ise for the beaches.

Da Nang is much warmer than Ise in the spring. The daily temperature in Da Nang averages around 26°C (80°F) in April, and Ise fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

It's quite sunny in Da Nang. In the spring, Da Nang often gets more sunshine than Ise. Da Nang gets 210 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ise receives 169 hours of full sun.

Ise gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Da Nang usually gets less rain in April than Ise. Da Nang gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Ise receives 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Ise and Da Nang