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

Should you visit Da Nang or Kuala Lumpur?

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

Should I visit Da Nang or Kuala Lumpur? 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 food, beaches, and museums.

Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur is a historic, modern, and welcoming city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Da Nang and Kuala Lumpur: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Da Nang or Kuala Lumpur?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Kuala Lumpur than Da Nang. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Kuala Lumpur is very popular for its museums, food, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Da Nang attracts visitors for its resorts and beaches. Kuala Lumpur is more touristy than Da Nang and is popular for its blend of cultures and cuisines, its mix of modern and colonial, and its bustling neighborhoods with markets and restaurants. It is also well known for The Petronas Twin Towers. Da Nang is famous for its traditional pagodas, nearby beaches, and high end resorts.

The Petronas Twin Towers

How is Da Nang different from Kuala Lumpur?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Kuala Lumpur is terrific 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.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Kuala Lumpur are among the most recognizable in the world. The most notable landmark in the city is the famed Petronas Twin Towers, but other popular sights include Merdeka Square, Kuala Lumpur Tower, and the National 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 Kuala Lumpur? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kuala Lumpur 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, Kuala Lumpur is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The food is influenced by the populations that live here and you'll find a lot of Malay, Chinese and Indian flavors. Spicy curries and noodle dishes are very common. Street food is also a mainstay in this city and it's an experience to wander the market streets and sample dishes from the different vendors.

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 Kuala Lumpur Better for Nightlife?

Both Da Nang and Kuala Lumpur are superb 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.

Kuala Lumpur has a large number of nightlife venues. Rooftop bars and lounges are popular hangout spots after the sun sets. For classy pubs and clubs head to the Golden Triangle district, but if drinking and partying isn't your thing, the city's night markets are not to be missed.

Is Da Nang or Kuala Lumpur Better for Resorts?

Da Nang is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Kuala Lumpur 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.

Kuala Lumpur is not a resort destination.

Is Da Nang or Kuala Lumpur Better for Beaches?

Da Nang is a good destination for its beaches. However, Kuala Lumpur 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.

Kuala Lumpur is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Da Nang or Kuala Lumpur?

Kuala Lumpur is terrific for its shopping opportunities. However, Da Nang is not a good city for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Kuala Lumpur make it a world-class shopping destination. The city is filled with shopping malls, and a big appeal of shopping in this city is the very affordable prices. Some of the most popular shopping malls are Suria KLCC at the base of the Petronas Towers as well as the malls in the Bukit Bintang/Jalan Imbi areas.

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 Kuala Lumpur Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Da Nang or Kuala Lumpur.

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.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Kuala Lumpur. This family-friendly city includes a surprising number of opportunities to experience wildlife. There's an aquarium, petting zoos, and places to see the wild monkeys. There are also large playgrounds including one by the Petronas Towers. Kids will also enjoy exploring the Botanical Gardens, Butterfly Park, and the Forest Eco Park.

Is Da Nang or Kuala Lumpur Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Da Nang and Kuala Lumpur make for a superb place to visit.

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.

Kuala Lumpur makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. This city has diverse restaurants and a number of luxury hotels at affordable prices. For couples who enjoy romance on a budget, this is a good city.

Is Da Nang or Kuala Lumpur Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kuala Lumpur is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Da Nang is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Kuala Lumpur is a great city to visit for backpackers. This is a popular stop for backpackers on the Southeast Asia circuit. It's modern and comfortable but also affordable and diverse. The city has a number of affordable hostels, but it also has a more laid back and authentic vibe than you'll find in many other Southeast Asian cities. The city also isn't as touristy as some other cities, so the people are down to Earth and helpful without being jaded by all of the vacationers.

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 Kuala Lumpur Better for Students?

Kuala Lumpur is terrific for students. However, Da Nang is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Kuala Lumpur. It's affordability, diversity, and dynamic atmosphere make this a great city for international students.

Da Nang is not popular with students.

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

Kuala Lumpur is terrific for its public transit. Also, Da Nang is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Kuala Lumpur can take you anywhere. The system is relatively easy to navigate with most signs in English. There are buses, a monorail, light rail transit and commuter trains.

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

Is Da Nang or Kuala Lumpur a more walkable city?

Kuala Lumpur 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.

Kuala Lumpur is a very walkable city. Traffic can be congested, but there are many wide sidewalks and pedestrian areas around town. The River of Life waterfront area offers nice paths that connect many tourist areas.

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 Kuala Lumpur Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kuala Lumpur or Da Nang?

How long in Da Nang or Kuala Lumpur?

In either Da Nang or Kuala Lumpur, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Kuala Lumpur than Da Nang because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Da Nang, and 1-5 days is enough time in Kuala Lumpur.

Families should spend more time in Kuala Lumpur than Da Nang. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Kuala Lumpur, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Kuala Lumpur 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 Kuala Lumpur.

One day in Da Nang or Kuala Lumpur?

In Da Nang, many people enjoy the food and museums that this authentic city offers. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Because Kuala Lumpur is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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 Kuala Lumpur?

Da Nang is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Because Kuala Lumpur is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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 Kuala Lumpur has to offer.

Five days in Da Nang or Kuala Lumpur?

You'll find nightlife and food around the accessible destination of Da Nang. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Kuala Lumpur is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Kuala Lumpur has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Da Nang or Kuala Lumpur?

Da Nang is a popular place to visit. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kuala Lumpur. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Kuala Lumpur. 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 Tours for Seniors to Malaysia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Malaysia.

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

Which is Bigger, Da Nang or Kuala Lumpur?

Kuala Lumpur has a larger population, and is about 93% larger than the population of Da Nang. When comparing the sizes of Da Nang and Kuala Lumpur, 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 Kuala Lumpur?

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 Kuala Lumpur in the Summer?

Both Kuala Lumpur and Da Nang during the summer 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 Kuala Lumpur year-round.

January to July is the dry season in Da Nang. August to December is the rainy season in Da Nang. Kuala Lumpur gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Da Nang usually gets less rain in July than Kuala Lumpur. Da Nang gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Kuala Lumpur receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

In Kuala Lumpur, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Da Nang. In the summer, Da Nang often gets more sunshine than Kuala Lumpur. Da Nang gets 242 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kuala Lumpur receives 200 hours of full sun.

In July, Da Nang is generally around the same temperature as Kuala Lumpur. Daily temperatures in Da Nang average around 29°C (85°F), and Kuala Lumpur fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Should I visit Da Nang or Kuala Lumpur in the Autumn?

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

Also, August to December is the rainy season in Da Nang. Kuala Lumpur receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Da Nang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Da Nang usually receives more rain than Kuala Lumpur. Da Nang gets 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain, while Kuala Lumpur receives 280 mm (11 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Da Nang usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kuala Lumpur during autumn. Da Nang gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Kuala Lumpur receives 169 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Da Nang is around the same temperature as Kuala Lumpur in the autumn. The daily temperature in Da Nang averages around 25°C (78°F) in October, and Kuala Lumpur fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

Should I visit Da Nang or Kuala Lumpur in the Winter?

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

Also, January to July in Da Nang is the dry season. It's quite rainy in Kuala Lumpur. Da Nang receives a lot of rain in the winter. Da Nang usually gets less rain in January than Kuala Lumpur. Da Nang gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Kuala Lumpur receives 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the winter, Da Nang often gets less sunshine than Kuala Lumpur. Da Nang gets 136 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kuala Lumpur receives 185 hours of full sun.

In the winter, Da Nang is cooler than Kuala Lumpur. Typically, the winter temperatures in Da Nang in January average around 22°C (71°F), and Kuala Lumpur averages at about 27°C (81°F).

Should I visit Da Nang or Kuala Lumpur in the Spring?

Both Kuala Lumpur and Da Nang are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Da Nang throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Kuala Lumpur because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kuala Lumpur. In April, Da Nang usually receives less rain than Kuala Lumpur. Da Nang gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Kuala Lumpur receives 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Da Nang. Da Nang usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kuala Lumpur during spring. Da Nang gets 210 hours of sunny skies, while Kuala Lumpur receives 199 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Da Nang is generally around the same temperature as Kuala Lumpur. Daily temperatures in Da Nang average around 26°C (80°F), and Kuala Lumpur fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Typical Weather for Kuala Lumpur and Da Nang