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

Should you visit Da Nang or Kyoto?

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

Should I visit Da Nang or Kyoto? 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.

Kyoto

Kyoto is a historic, cultural, and fascinating city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Da Nang and Kyoto: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Da Nang or Kyoto?

You'll generally find more things to do in Kyoto than Da Nang. Kyoto is bigger than Da Nang, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Kyoto is better known for its museums & sights, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Da Nang is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, and beaches. Kyoto is more touristy than Da Nang and is known for its Buddhist temples, cultural activities, and rich history. Also, Kyoto is famous for Kinkaku-ji. Da Nang is well known for its traditional pagodas, nearby beaches, and high end resorts.

How is Da Nang different from Kyoto?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Kyoto 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 Kyoto are among the most recognizable in the world. With its long-running history, there are many traditional buildings and temples in town. Nijo Castle is stunning to explore, but also make sure you visit the Fushimi-Inari Taisha Shrine, the Golden Pavilion, and Kiyomizu-dera Temple.

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 Kyoto? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

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).

Kyoto has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The local cuisine is as beautiful as it is delicious. There is a long running history to many of the dishes, and the recipes are expertly prepared by world class chefs at many of the restaurants. You can enjoy everything from a tea ceremony to multi-course meals, referred to as kyo kaiseki.

Is Da Nang or Kyoto Better for Nightlife?

Da Nang is a great destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Kyoto is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

The people in Da Nang know how to have a good time. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Kyoto has a few options to choose from. While it isn't known for its wild nightlife scene, there is a relaxed and active energy in the evenings here. You can visit the beautiful Arashiyama Kimono Forest or explore some of the riverfront areas such as Kamo Riverside.

Is Da Nang or Kyoto Better for Resorts?

Da Nang is a great destination for its resorts. However, Kyoto 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.

Kyoto is not a resort destination.

Is Da Nang or Kyoto Better for Beaches?

Da Nang is a city with good options for the beache. However, Kyoto is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Da Nang. 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.

Kyoto is not a beach destination.

Is Da Nang or Kyoto Better for its Old Town?

Kyoto is terrific for its old town. However, Da Nang does not have a historic old town.

Kyoto has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. This is among the most historic cities in Japan and there are many traditional buildings and temples. Higashiyama is filled with interesting districts and it has many UNESCO World Heritage temples.

Da Nang does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Da Nang or Kyoto?

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

Kyoto is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There's a mix of modern shopping venues and traditional boutiques. Shijo Street is a popular shopping area, as is the area around JR Kyoto Station.

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 Kyoto Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Da Nang or Kyoto.

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 Kyoto. Kids will enjoy exploring Nijo Castle as much as adults. If the weather isn't great, you can head to the Kyoto International Manga Museum which is a bit like a library and is perfect for Manga fans. There are also markets to explore such as the Nishiki Markets, which are lined with shops and restaurants.

Is Da Nang or Kyoto Better for Couples?

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

Kyoto makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. This is one of the most historic cities in Japan, and it has many romantic neighborhoods where you can enjoy the atmosphere. Visit Sanneizaka Slope for its traditional shops and restaurants or take a ride on the Sagano Romantic Train. Other romantic highlights include Kimono Forest, which is an art exhibit, and Suzumushidera Temple.

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 Kyoto Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kyoto 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.

Kyoto is a great city to visit for backpackers. It's a popular destination in Japan and there are plenty of hostels and free activities that backpackers can enjoy.

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 Kyoto Better for Students?

Kyoto is a well-known place for students. However, Da Nang is not popular with students.

Kyoto is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. It's a great student city with world class universities and a large student population.

Da Nang is not popular with students.

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

Kyoto is a well-known place 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 public transit in Kyoto can get you around easily. The city has an extensive system of trains, subways, and buses that make it easy to get around.

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

Is Da Nang or Kyoto a more walkable city?

Kyoto is terrific for its high level of walkability. However, Da Nang is not a good city for its ease of walking around.

It is easy to get around Kyoto on foot. It's one of the most walkable cities in Japan and there are many sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly 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 Kyoto Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kyoto or Da Nang?

How long in Da Nang or Kyoto?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Kyoto 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 Kyoto.

One day in Da Nang or Kyoto?

In Da Nang, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this coastal destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

In Kyoto, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. This city 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 Kyoto?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Da Nang. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

In Kyoto, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Kyoto has to offer.

Five days in Da Nang or Kyoto?

Da Nang is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Da Nang. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Kyoto is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Kyoto?

You'll find nightlife and food around the coastal 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. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kyoto. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Kyoto. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Contiki Tours to Japan, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Japan.

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

Which is Bigger, Da Nang or Kyoto?

Kyoto has a larger population, and is about 94% larger than the population of Da Nang. When comparing the sizes of Da Nang and Kyoto, 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 Kyoto?

Kyoto 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 Kyoto in the Summer?

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

Da Nang is around the same temperature as Kyoto in the summer. The daily temperature in Da Nang averages around 29°C (85°F) in July, and Kyoto fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

In Da Nang, it's very sunny this time of the year. Da Nang usually receives more sunshine than Kyoto during summer. Da Nang gets 242 hours of sunny skies, while Kyoto receives 183 hours of full sun in the summer.

Kyoto receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Da Nang usually receives less rain than Kyoto. Da Nang gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 236 mm (9.3 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 Kyoto in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Da Nang as well as Kyoto. Da Nang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Kyoto because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Da Nang is a little warmer than Kyoto. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Da Nang in October average around 25°C (78°F), and Kyoto averages at about 18°C (64°F).

In the autumn, Da Nang often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kyoto. Da Nang gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kyoto receives 159 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kyoto. Da Nang receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Da Nang usually gets more rain in October than Kyoto. Da Nang gets 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year. August to December in Da Nang is the rainy season.

Should I visit Da Nang or Kyoto in the Winter?

Both Kyoto 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 Kyoto this time of year.

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

Da Nang usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kyoto during winter. Da Nang gets 136 hours of sunny skies, while Kyoto receives 140 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Da Nang. In January, Da Nang usually receives more rain than Kyoto. Da Nang gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter. The dry season in Da Nang is January to July.

Should I visit Da Nang or Kyoto in the Spring?

Both Kyoto 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. Also, many travelers come to Kyoto for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Da Nang is much warmer than Kyoto in the spring. The daily temperature in Da Nang averages around 26°C (80°F) in April, and Kyoto fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

It's quite sunny in Da Nang. In the spring, Da Nang often gets more sunshine than Kyoto. Da Nang gets 210 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kyoto receives 176 hours of full sun.

Kyoto gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Da Nang usually gets less rain in April than Kyoto. Da Nang gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Kyoto and Da Nang