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

Should you visit Da Nang or Kobe?

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

Should I visit Da Nang or Kobe? 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. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Da Nang travel costs.

Kobe

Kobe is a multicultural, quaint, and subdued 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. See Kobe travel costs.

Da Nang and Kobe: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Da Nang or Kobe?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Kobe than Da Nang, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Kobe is more popular for its 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. Kobe is popular for its world renowned Kobe beef and its hot spring resorts. It is also home to Kobe Harborland.

How is Da Nang different from Kobe?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Kobe. Check out the view from the top of the Kobe Port Tower and visit the high energy area of Kobe Harborland. The Disaster Reduction Museum and the nearby Human Renovation Museum are both fascinating to visit as well. Also check out the Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art and Rokko Island.

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

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

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).

Kobe has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Most people immediately think of Kobe beef when they think of this city, but there are also many other specialties around town. You'll find good sushi as well as akashiyaki, which are octopus dumplings. The city long served as a major port for Japan, so there is a strong Chinese influence over the cuisine. In particular, you should try the chuka ryori (a Chinese dumpling).

Is Da Nang or Kobe Better for Nightlife?

Da Nang is great for its evening party scene. Also, Kobe is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

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 Kobe. The nightlife scene is a bit subdued, but that doesn't mean you won't find local bars, karaoke, and live music venues where you can hang out. Many visitors enjoy having a chill night out with a drink in a laid back setting.

Is Da Nang or Kobe Better for Resorts?

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

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

Kobe is not a resort destination.

Is Da Nang or Kobe Better for Beaches?

Da Nang is a good destination for the beach. However, Kobe is not a beach destination.

Da Nang offers a nice beach destination. 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.

Kobe is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Da Nang or Kobe?

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

Kobe is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. It's fun and convenient to shop here, as the best shopping districts are easy to access from the train stations. Sannomiya is a hub of transportation and shopping in the city, but also check out Kobe Harborland for its diverse stores and high energy.

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 Kobe Better for Families?

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

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Da Nang. 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.

Kobe is a family-friendly place to visit. There are a number of kid-friendly attractions around Kobe Harborland including a ferris wheel, Anpanman Museum, and the Kobe Maritime Museum. Kids will also enjoy running around Meriken Park or Mount Rokko. Kids who like animals will enjoy a visit to Kobe Animal Kingdom.

Is Da Nang or Kobe Better for Couples?

Da Nang is great for couples. Also, Kobe is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

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.

Kobe is a nice destination for couples. There's a romantic view from the top of the Kobe Port Tower. There are also many parks and a waterfront promenade where you can take a stroll. If you enjoy hiking, you can take the Maya View Line Kikuseidai, which is particularly nice in the evening.

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

Both Da Nang and Kobe are good 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.

Kobe is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Although many tourists and backpackers don't put Kobe on their itinerary, there are still a handful of hostels around the city.

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

Both Da Nang and Kobe offer good public transit options.

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

Kobe has some public transit options. While there is a subway system, it's not particularly useful to tourists. There is a bus service that operates a line that targets tourists.

Is Da Nang or Kobe a more walkable city?

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

Kobe is a somewhat walkable place. It's relatively easy to walk around many parts of the city, although some areas are quite hilly. You can walk from Shin-Kobe Bullet Train Station to the water in about half an hour.

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 Kobe Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kobe or Da Nang?

How long in Da Nang or Kobe?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Da Nang or Kobe to fill your time. In our opinion, Da Nang has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Da Nang than Kobe. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

One day in Da Nang or Kobe?

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Da Nang. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Kobe, 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 Kobe?

Da Nang is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Kobe, 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 Kobe has to offer.

Five days in Da Nang or Kobe?

You'll find food and museums around the authentic destination of Da Nang. This city offers something for everyone. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Kobe 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 Kobe?

The accessible city of Da Nang offers museums and nightlife. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kobe. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Kobe. 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 2-Week Tours from Tokyo, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Japan.

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

Which is Bigger, Da Nang or Kobe?

Kobe has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Da Nang. When comparing the sizes of Da Nang and Kobe, 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 Kobe?

Kobe 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 Kobe in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Da Nang as well as Kobe. Da Nang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Kobe because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Da Nang is around the same temperature as Kobe. Typically, the summer temperatures in Da Nang in July average around 29°C (85°F), and Kobe averages at about 27°C (80°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 Kobe. Da Nang gets 242 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kobe receives 183 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kobe. Da Nang usually gets less rain in July than Kobe. Da Nang gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 157 mm (6.2 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 Kobe in the Autumn?

Both Kobe 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, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Kobe this time of year.

In October, Da Nang is generally a little warmer than Kobe. Daily temperatures in Da Nang average around 25°C (78°F), and Kobe fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

Da Nang usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kobe during autumn. Da Nang gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Kobe receives 159 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kobe. It's quite rainy in Da Nang. In October, Da Nang usually receives more rain than Kobe. Da Nang gets 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The rainy season in Da Nang is August to December.

Should I visit Da Nang or Kobe in the Winter?

Both Kobe 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, many travelers come to Kobe for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Da Nang is much warmer than Kobe in the winter. The daily temperature in Da Nang averages around 22°C (71°F) in January, and Kobe fluctuates around 5°C (42°F).

In the winter, Da Nang often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kobe. Da Nang gets 136 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kobe receives 140 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Da Nang. Da Nang usually gets more rain in January than Kobe. Da Nang gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year. January to July is the dry season in Da Nang.

Should I visit Da Nang or Kobe in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Da Nang and Kobe. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Da Nang year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Kobe in the spring for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Da Nang is much warmer than Kobe. Typically, the spring temperatures in Da Nang in April average around 26°C (80°F), and Kobe averages at about 15°C (58°F).

In Da Nang, it's very sunny this time of the year. Da Nang usually receives more sunshine than Kobe during spring. Da Nang gets 210 hours of sunny skies, while Kobe receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.

Kobe receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Da Nang usually receives less rain than Kobe. Da Nang gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Kobe and Da Nang