A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Da Nang vs. Lake Tekapo for Food, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Da Nang or Lake Tekapo?

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

Should I visit Da Nang or Lake Tekapo? 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. Other popular activities here include beaches, museums, and nightlife.

Lake Tekapo

Lake Tekapo is a small, remote, and basic town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the hiking.

Da Nang and Lake Tekapo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Da Nang or Lake Tekapo?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Da Nang. Although Da Nang and Lake Tekapo are both popular with visitors, Da Nang has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Da Nang is more popular for its museums & sights, food, nightlife, resorts, beaches, and shopping, while Lake Tekapo is known for its hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Lake Tekapo is more touristy than Da Nang and is known for its hot springs, remote location, and beautiful night sky. Da Nang is popular for its traditional pagodas, nearby beaches, and high end resorts. It is also home to the Marble Mountains.

How is Da Nang different from Lake Tekapo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Da Nang is a good destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Lake Tekapo does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Lake Tekapo does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Da Nang is a great destination for its restaurant scene. However, Lake Tekapo is a town with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Da Nang is an experience not to be missed. 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).

Lake Tekapo offers some easy restaurants to choose from. The town is very small with just a couple of restaurants and fast food joints.

Is Da Nang or Lake Tekapo Better for Nightlife?

Da Nang is a great destination for its evening party scene. However, Lake Tekapo is a town with minimal options for nightlife.

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.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Lake Tekapo This is a very small town and there isn't a real nightlife scene. The night sky is incredible though, and you should absolutely do some stargazing.

Is Da Nang or Lake Tekapo Better for Resorts?

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

Lake Tekapo is not a resort destination.

Is Da Nang or Lake Tekapo Better for Beaches?

Da Nang is a good destination for the beach. However, Lake Tekapo 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.

Lake Tekapo is not a beach destination.

Is Da Nang or Lake Tekapo Better for Hiking?

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

Lake Tekapo is a popular spot for hiking. There are many beautiful hikes in the area with some of the most popular being the Mount John Summit Track, the Richmond Trail, and Cowan's Hill Walkway.

Da Nang is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Da Nang or Lake Tekapo?

Da Nang is a city with a few options for its shopping areas. However, Lake Tekapo is a town with minimal options for 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.

Shopping in Lake Tekapo can be found for those interested. There are a couple of shops where you can pick up basic necessities.

Is Da Nang or Lake Tekapo Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Da Nang or Lake Tekapo.

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 Lake Tekapo. Kids will enjoy a visit to Tekapo Springs, which is particularly fun in the winter months. There's snow tubing, ice skating, and, of course, the hot pools. There are also short hikes in the area like the Mount John Summit Walk. Biking, paddleboarding, and kayaking are also popular in the area.

Is Da Nang or Lake Tekapo Better for Couples?

Da Nang is a great destination for couples. Also, Lake Tekapo is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Da Nang frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The surrounding area has luxury resorts and nice beaches that make for a romantic getaway.

Lake Tekapo is a nice destination for couples. Couples will enjoy the stunning scenery, beautiful hikes, and the romantic hot springs. Stargazing is another popular activity in the area.

Is Da Nang or Lake Tekapo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Da Nang and Lake Tekapo 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.

Lake Tekapo is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. It's a small town with a couple of cheap places to stay that backpackers will appreciate.

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

Da Nang is a good destination for its public transit. However, Lake Tekapo is a town with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Da Nang, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are 14 bus routes in the city.

Public transit is quite limited in Lake Tekapo. Public transportation in the area is very limited. If you don't have a car, you'll want to arrange tours to get out and about.

Is Da Nang or Lake Tekapo a more walkable city?

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

Lake Tekapo is a somewhat walkable place. The town is small enough to get around on foot, and you can hire a tour to get out into the region.

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 Lake Tekapo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lake Tekapo or Da Nang?

How long in Da Nang or Lake Tekapo?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Da Nang or Lake Tekapo 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 Lake Tekapo. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Da Nang than Lake Tekapo. 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 Lake Tekapo. 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 Da Nang than Lake Tekapo 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 Da Nang.

One day in Da Nang or Lake Tekapo?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the authentic 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 Lake Tekapo, you'll find . Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This town 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 Lake Tekapo?

Visitors enjoy the food and museums when visiting the authentic 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 Lake Tekapo, you'll find . 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 Lake Tekapo has to offer.

Five days in Da Nang or Lake Tekapo?

The authentic 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.

Lake Tekapo is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Lake Tekapo?

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 Lake Tekapo. Many people enjoy the when visiting Lake Tekapo. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 G Adventures Tours to New Zealand, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Auckland.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Da Nang and Lake Tekapo, we can see that Lake Tekapo is more expensive. And not only is Da Nang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Da Nang is in Asia and Lake Tekapo is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Lake Tekapo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lake Tekapo 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 Lake Tekapo Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Da Nang or Lake Tekapo?

Da Nang has a larger population, and is about 2280 times larger than the population of Lake Tekapo. When comparing the sizes of Da Nang and Lake Tekapo, 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.