A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Da Nang vs. Koh Phi Phi for Resorts, Beaches, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Da Nang or Koh Phi Phi?

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

Should I visit Da Nang or Koh Phi Phi? 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. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food. See Da Nang travel costs.

Koh Phi Phi

Koh Phi Phi is a remote, tropical, and dramatic island. You'll find world class beauty in Koh Phi Phi as well. And you can't forget about the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. See Koh Phi Phi travel costs.

Da Nang and Koh Phi Phi: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Da Nang or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Koh Phi Phi than Da Nang, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Koh Phi Phi is better known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Da Nang is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, and shopping. Koh Phi Phi is more touristy than Da Nang and is popular for its stunningly beautiful beaches, world-class snorkeling and diving, and wild booze cruises. Also, Koh Phi Phi is famous for Koh Phi Phi Leh and Maya Bay. Da Nang is well known for its traditional pagodas, nearby beaches, and high end resorts.

How is Da Nang different from Koh Phi Phi?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Da Nang is a popular place for its historical sights. However, Koh Phi Phi is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

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.

Koh Phi Phi offers a few options for museum-goers. It's an island paradise with world class beaches and stunning natural beauty, but if you're looking for museums, temples, and culture, then you'll likely want to head farther north to Northern Thailand.

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

Da Nang is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Koh Phi Phi is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Da Nang has a huge number of terrific 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).

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Koh Phi Phi area. Most dishes feature seafood, and you'll find the highest concentration of restaurants around Tonsai Village. There are also restaurants dotting the way to Long Beach. Many restaurants offer outdoor seating, or a combination of an indoor/outdoor setting. Tropical fruit is also abundant on the island and adds to that tropical paradise atmosphere.

Is Da Nang or Koh Phi Phi Better for Nightlife?

Both Da Nang and Koh Phi Phi are high quality when it comes to partying.

Da Nang offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

Koh Phi Phi has a large number of nightlife venues. Despite its smaller size, there is still a party vibe and tons of nightlife on the island. Backpackers have long flocked to this island, building on the reputation it earned from movies like "The Beach." Booze cruises and all night beach parties are the norm here, so it won't be hard to find a party that lasts until sunrise.

Is Da Nang or Koh Phi Phi Better for Resorts?

Koh Phi Phi is terrific for its resorts. Also, Da Nang is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its luxury resorts.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Koh Phi Phi is a great choice. Despite it's popularity with backpackers and small size, this island also has some of Thailand's most luxurious resorts. Head to Long Beach or Laem Tong to appreciate the quieter side of the island.

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.

Is Da Nang or Koh Phi Phi Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Koh Phi Phi is terrific for its diving and snorkeling. However, Da Nang is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The clear water and abundant marine life make Koh Phi Phi a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. The dramatic limestone cliffs and colorful coral make this a top scuba diving and snorkeling destination in Thailand. There are countless vendors who offer scuba diving or snorkeling trips from the island. You might even see sharks, sea turtles, or seahorses during your trip. Head to the reef at dusk for the best chance of seeing black tip reef sharks.

Da Nang is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Da Nang or Koh Phi Phi Better for Beaches?

Koh Phi Phi is terrific for the beach. Also, Da Nang is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for the beach.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Koh Phi Phi. This island has some of the most dramatic beauty in Thailand and the beaches will not disappoint. Although it's usually referred to as an island, Koh Phi Phi is actually a small archipelago with Koh Phi Phi Don being the only inhabited island. Nearby Koh Phi Phi Leh is famous as the filming place of the movie "The Beach" (which you'll hear playing at hotels around the island every night). The beaches are beautiful with white sand and clear water. It truly is a tropical paradise.

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.

Is Da Nang or Koh Phi Phi Better for Hiking?

Koh Phi Phi is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Da Nang is not a hiking destination.

Koh Phi Phi is a popular spot for hiking. With its dramatic cliffs, this area has beautiful, but challenging hikes that take you to stunning viewpoints. The dramatic photos that you see of the islands often require a hike, but the reward at the end is well worth it.

Da Nang is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Da Nang or Koh Phi Phi?

Da Nang is adequate for its shopping opportunities. However, Koh Phi Phi is not a good destination for its shopping areas.

If you're looking to go shopping, Da Nang has some nice offerings. There are some shopping malls and local shops that make for interesting shopping experiences, but nothing compared to some of the more popular cities.

Koh Phi Phi has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. Shopping is limited on the island but you'll find a few souvenir shops with trinkets that you can purchase. Because it's an island, you can expect prices to be high.

Is Da Nang or Koh Phi Phi More Beautiful?

Koh Phi Phi is terrific for its scenery and beauty. However, Da Nang is not a destination known for its beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Koh Phi Phi as well. While most people visit this island as a day trip, those who do spend a few days here will enjoy dramatic beauty, stunning landscapes, and excellent beaches. The island feels a bit more rustic and remote than some of the more developed islands, but the north side of the island offers a truly tropical paradise. During the day, crowds can be high as tourists flock to the area from nearby islands.

Da Nang is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Da Nang or Koh Phi Phi Better for Families?

Da Nang is great for its kid-friendly activities. However, Koh Phi Phi is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Da Nang is very family-friendly. 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.

Koh Phi Phi is not the most family-friendly destination. This island is on the smaller side and it has a remote tropical island atmosphere. The best side of the island for families is the north end where you'll find the quietest and most beautiful beaches. It's best to avoid the area around Tonsai which has the highest concentration of backpackers and day trippers.

Is Da Nang or Koh Phi Phi Better for Couples?

Koh Phi Phi is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Da Nang is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Koh Phi Phi makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Stunning beaches, dramatic landscapes, excellent snorkeling and scuba diving, and a remote tropical atmosphere make this is a great place for couples and honeymooners. Head to the quieter north side of the island where you'll find the better resorts and less backpackers, as well as the best beaches.

Da Nang makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The surrounding area has luxury resorts and nice beaches that make for a romantic getaway.

Is Da Nang or Koh Phi Phi Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Koh Phi Phi is terrific for backpackers. Also, Da Nang is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Koh Phi Phi. Most people visit this island as a day trip, but for those who linger, they'll be rewarded with dramatic landscapes and beautiful beaches. Most backpackers hang out around Tonsai where things are the cheapest, but the quality can also be very poor.

Da Nang is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

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

Both Da Nang and Koh Phi Phi offer notable public transit options.

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

Koh Phi Phi has some public transit options. There are water taxis and private boats that you can hire.

Is Da Nang or Koh Phi Phi a more walkable city?

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

Koh Phi Phi is a somewhat walkable place. You can't walk all of the way around the island because of the cliffs, but you can walk from Tonsai to Long Beach.

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 Koh Phi Phi Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Koh Phi Phi or Da Nang?

How long in Da Nang or Koh Phi Phi?

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

Families should spend more time in Da Nang than Koh Phi Phi. 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 Koh Phi Phi than Da Nang. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Koh Phi Phi that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Koh Phi Phi 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 Koh Phi Phi.

One day in Da Nang or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the coastal city of Da Nang. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Koh Phi Phi, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Da Nang or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors enjoy the food and museums when visiting the accessible destination of Da Nang. It's also a relaxing resort destination. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

In Koh Phi Phi, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Koh Phi Phi has to offer.

Five days in Da Nang or Koh Phi Phi?

The accessible city of Da Nang offers museums and nightlife. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Koh Phi Phi 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.

A week in Da Nang or Koh Phi Phi?

Many people enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting Da Nang. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koh Phi Phi. Many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife when visiting Koh Phi Phi. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Thailand, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Thailand.

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

Which is Bigger, Da Nang or Koh Phi Phi?

Da Nang has a larger population, and is about 750 times larger than the population of Koh Phi Phi. When comparing the sizes of Da Nang and Koh Phi Phi, 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 Koh Phi Phi?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.

Should I visit Da Nang or Koh Phi Phi in the Summer?

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

Also, January to July in Da Nang is the dry season. August to December in Da Nang is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Koh Phi Phi. Da Nang usually gets less rain in July than Koh Phi Phi. Da Nang gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Koh Phi Phi. 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 Koh Phi Phi. Da Nang gets 242 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Phi Phi receives 206 hours of full sun.

Da Nang is around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi in the summer. The daily temperature in Da Nang averages around 29°C (85°F) in July, and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Should I visit Da Nang or Koh Phi Phi in the Autumn?

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

The rainy season in Da Nang is August to December. The dry season in Koh Phi Phi is December to March. The rainy season in Koh Phi Phi is May to November. It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Phi Phi. It's quite rainy in Da Nang. In October, Da Nang usually receives more rain than Koh Phi Phi. Da Nang gets 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 304 mm (12 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Da Nang usually receives less sunshine than Koh Phi Phi during autumn. Da Nang gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Phi Phi receives 181 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In the autumn, Da Nang is around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Da Nang in October average around 25°C (78°F), and Koh Phi Phi averages at about 27°C (81°F).

Should I visit Da Nang or Koh Phi Phi in the Winter?

Both Koh Phi Phi 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Phi Phi year-round.

January to July is the dry season in Da Nang. December to March is the dry season in Koh Phi Phi. It rains a lot this time of the year in Da Nang. Da Nang usually gets more rain in January than Koh Phi Phi. Da Nang gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

In Koh Phi Phi, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Da Nang often gets less sunshine than Koh Phi Phi. Da Nang gets 136 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 hours of full sun.

In January, Da Nang is generally cooler than Koh Phi Phi. Daily temperatures in Da Nang average around 22°C (71°F), and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Should I visit Da Nang or Koh Phi Phi in the Spring?

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

Also, May to November is the rainy season in Koh Phi Phi. Koh Phi Phi receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Da Nang usually receives less rain than Koh Phi Phi. Da Nang gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Koh Phi Phi this time of the year. In Da Nang, it's very sunny this time of the year. Da Nang usually receives less sunshine than Koh Phi Phi during spring. Da Nang gets 210 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Phi Phi receives 249 hours of full sun in the spring.

Da Nang is around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi in the spring. The daily temperature in Da Nang averages around 26°C (80°F) in April, and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

Typical Weather for Koh Phi Phi and Da Nang