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

Should you visit Da Nang or Kanazawa?

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

Should I visit Da Nang or Kanazawa? 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 accessible, authentic, and coastal city. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Kanazawa

Kanazawa is a cultural, well-preserved, and historic city. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Da Nang and Kanazawa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Da Nang or Kanazawa?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Kanazawa than Da Nang. While Da Nang is larger than Kanazawa, Kanazawa has more sights and attractions for tourists. Kanazawa is very popular for its museums & sights, historical sights, and shopping, while Da Nang attracts visitors for its nightlife, resorts, and beaches. Kanazawa is more touristy than Da Nang and is popular for its history, preserved architecture, and classically landscaped gardens. It is also well known for Kenroku-en Garden. Da Nang is famous for its traditional pagodas, nearby beaches, and high end resorts.

How is Da Nang different from Kanazawa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Kanazawa is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Da Nang is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

Kanazawa offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city is filled with history and you can visit the Kanazawa Castle, the Higashi Chaya Area with preserved Geisha houses, and the Nagamachi Samurai House Area. There are also museums such as the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art and the D.T. Suzuki Museum.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Da Nang. 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.

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

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

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).

Kanazawa has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There's a long history to the city's cuisine and you'll find many diverse dishes that combine traditional ingredients with international fusion. The cuisine uses a lot of seafood, but you'll also find the one pot meal of Hanton Rice, Oden (hot pot), and Jibu-ni (made with duck and vegetables).

Is Da Nang or Kanazawa Better for Nightlife?

Da Nang is great for nightlife. Also, Kanazawa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

Many people head to Da Nang for the nightlife scene. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Kanazawa. The town has everything from international style bars to local theaters that let you experience the traditional Japanese culture.

Is Da Nang or Kanazawa Better for Resorts?

Da Nang is great for its luxury resorts. However, Kanazawa is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Da Nang. The city has a good number of luxury, international brand hotels that are along the beaches.

Kanazawa is not a resort destination.

Is Da Nang or Kanazawa Better for Beaches?

Da Nang is very good for its beaches. However, Kanazawa is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Da Nang to enjoy the beach. 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.

Kanazawa is not a beach destination.

Is Da Nang or Kanazawa Better for its Old Town?

Kanazawa is a popular place for its old town. However, Da Nang does not have a historic old town.

Many people head to Kanazawa to see the old town. It's fascinating to visit both the Higashi Chaya Area with preserved Geisha houses and the Nagamachi Samurai House Area which has preserved samurai houses that line two canals. You can enter a few of the houses to see the traditional way of life.

Da Nang does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Da Nang or Kanazawa?

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

Kanazawa is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has many shopping districts that include department stores, traditional stores, and large markets. This is a great place to do some souvenir shopping.

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 Kanazawa Better for Families?

Da Nang is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Kanazawa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Da Nang is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Kanazawa is a family-friendly place to visit. Myouryuji Temple is a fun temple for kids where they can play ninja and discover the hidden spaces. When the kids are burned out of history, head to Tedori Fish Land which is a theme park in the area or check out the slides at Kenmin Seaside Park. There's also the Dolls Museum and the beautiful coastline.

Is Da Nang or Kanazawa Better for Couples?

Da Nang is great for romance. Also, Kanazawa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

Da Nang is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The surrounding area has luxury resorts and nice beaches that make for a romantic getaway.

Kanazawa makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city has markets, museums, and gardens that are fun to explore as a couple. You can visit the Kanazawa Castle or sample one of the many restaurants around town.

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

Both Da Nang and Kanazawa are nice 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.

Kanazawa is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a handful of hostels and affordable accommodation options that backpackers can choose from.

Is Da Nang or Kanazawa Better for Students?

Kanazawa is a popular place for students. However, Da Nang is not popular with students.

Kanazawa is a good city to visit for students. It has a good educational environment with high quality educational institutions that appeal to international students.

Da Nang is not popular with students.

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

Both Da Nang and Kanazawa offer nice public transit options.

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

Kanazawa has some public transit options. There are two main buses that tourists use in town. The Kenrokuen Shuttle goes between the Kanazawa Station and Kenrokuen Gardens and the Kanazawa Loop Bus runs from Kanazawa Station via the Teramachi area, the Higashi Chaya District, and Omicho Market.

Is Da Nang or Kanazawa a more walkable city?

Kanazawa is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. However, Da Nang is not a good city for its ease of walking around.

Kanazawa is a very walkable city. The city is relatively walkable with some rolling hills. It's possible to walk to Kanazawa Castle from Kanazawa Station in about 35 minutes.

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 Kanazawa Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kanazawa or Da Nang?

How long in Da Nang or Kanazawa?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Da Nang or Kanazawa to fill your time. You can spend a similar amount of time exploring either. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

One day in Da Nang or Kanazawa?

The city of Da Nang offers nightlife and food. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Kanazawa, you'll find nightlife 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 Kanazawa?

Da Nang is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Da Nang, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

In Kanazawa, 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 Kanazawa has to offer.

Five days in Da Nang or Kanazawa?

Da Nang is a popular choice for travelers. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Kanazawa 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 Kanazawa?

Da Nang is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kanazawa. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Kanazawa. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Hanoi, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Ho Chi Minh City, The Best Cultural Tours in Japan, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Japan.

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

Which is Bigger, Da Nang or Kanazawa?

Da Nang has a larger population, and is about 64% larger than the population of Kanazawa. When comparing the sizes of Da Nang and Kanazawa, 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 Kanazawa?

Kanazawa 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 Kanazawa in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Da Nang as well as Kanazawa. Da Nang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Kanazawa for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Da Nang is generally a little warmer than Kanazawa. Daily temperatures in Da Nang average around 29°C (85°F), and Kanazawa fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Da Nang this time of the year. In the summer, Da Nang often gets more sunshine than Kanazawa. Da Nang gets 242 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kanazawa receives 180 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kanazawa. Da Nang usually gets less rain in July than Kanazawa. Da Nang gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 251 mm (9.9 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.

Should I visit Da Nang or Kanazawa in the Autumn?

Both Kanazawa 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. Also, many visitors come to Kanazawa in the autumn for the shopping scene.

Da Nang is much warmer than Kanazawa in the autumn. The daily temperature in Da Nang averages around 25°C (78°F) in October, and Kanazawa fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

Da Nang usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kanazawa during autumn. Da Nang gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Kanazawa receives 155 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kanazawa. It's quite rainy in Da Nang. In October, Da Nang usually receives more rain than Kanazawa. Da Nang gets 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 203 mm (8 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The rainy season in Da Nang is August to December.

Should I visit Da Nang or Kanazawa in the Winter?

Both Kanazawa 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. Furthermore, most visitors come to Kanazawa for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Kanazawa can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Da Nang is much warmer than Kanazawa. Typically, the winter temperatures in Da Nang in January average around 22°C (71°F), and Kanazawa averages at about 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Da Nang often gets more sunshine than Kanazawa. Da Nang gets 136 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kanazawa receives 67 hours of full sun.

Kanazawa 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 less rain in January than Kanazawa. Da Nang gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 294 mm (11.6 in) of rain this time of the year. January to July is the dry season in Da Nang.

Should I visit Da Nang or Kanazawa in the Spring?

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

In April, Da Nang is generally much warmer than Kanazawa. Daily temperatures in Da Nang average around 26°C (80°F), and Kanazawa fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In Da Nang, it's very sunny this time of the year. Da Nang usually receives more sunshine than Kanazawa during spring. Da Nang gets 210 hours of sunny skies, while Kanazawa receives 183 hours of full sun in the spring.

Kanazawa receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Da Nang usually receives less rain than Kanazawa. Da Nang gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Kanazawa and Da Nang