A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Da Nang vs. Manila for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Da Nang or Manila?

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

Should I visit Da Nang or Manila? 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.

Where Should I go: Da Nang or Manila?

Da Nang

Halfway between Ho Chi Minh City in the south and Hanoi in the North is the easy-going beach city of Da Nang (or Danang, for some). The third most populated city in Vietnam, Da Nang draws in crowds with its beautiful and calm beaches as well as its history as a French colonial port.

With beaches, mountains, and cityscape, there's bound to be a point of interest for all travelers. Da Nang is also a transit hub to get to the four Vietnamese UNESCO World heritage sites: Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park, Hue, Hoi An, and My Son.

Da Nang experiences wet season from September through March and dry season from April through August with average temperatures of around 80℉.

Da Nang is also known to have some of the friendliest locals, probably due to the peace and quiet and lack of heavy traffic, even in the city.

Manila

A sprawling metropolis that is home to more than 12 million people, Manila is one huge, misunderstood concrete jungle, full of diverse cultures, traffic, pollution, restaurants, shopping malls, noise and nightlife. If you're looking to soak in culture and feel the vibe of a place rather than seeking a city that specifically caters to tourists, Manila is the place to be. Capital of the Philippines, Manila is also the center for education, business, and transportation.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Vietnam, The Best Eco Tours in Vietnam, The Best Eco Tours in Philippines, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Philippines.


Which place is cheaper, Manila or Da Nang?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Da Nang is $46, while the average daily cost in Manila is $94. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Da Nang and Manila in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Da Nang $19
    Manila $55
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Da Nang $38
    Manila $110
Compare Hotels in Da Nang and Manila

Looking for a hotel in Da Nang or Manila? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Da Nang


Hotels in Manila


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Da Nang Hotel Prices and Manila Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Da Nang $11
    Manila $14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Da Nang

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Da Nang:

  • Airport Transfer to Hotel Da Nang city center: $6.15
  • Da Nang International Airport Private Transfer: $6.52
  • Private transfer from Airport Da Nang/ Hoi An hotel: $6.57
  • Private and Shuttle Transfers: Da Nang Airport - Hoi An City: $6.57
  • Da Nang Airport Arrival Or Departure Luxury Car Transfers: $7.39
  • Da Nang Airport transfer to Hoi An/ Hue/ Chu Lai or Quang Ngai: $8.00
  • Transfer from Da Nang to Hoi An: $8.00
  • From Ba Na Hills Round Trip Shuttle Bus Transfer: $9.03
  • Da Nang Airport Private Arrival Transfer: $10
  • DA NANG AIRPORT To Da Nang Hotel by PRIVATE TRANSFER: $10
  • Try find better than us! Airport Transfer in Da Nang HTL-APT (DAD): $10
  • Try find better than us! Airport Transfer in Da Nang APT-HTL (DAD): $10

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Manila

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Manila:

  • Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport Private Transfer: $9.80
  • Private One-way Airport Transfer(Manila Airport To/From Manila): $22
  • Private Transfer from Manila Airport (MNL) to Manila Cruise Port: $22
  • Private Departure Airport Transfer in Manila Bay and Makati Area: $23
  • Puerto Princesa Airport to El Nido Transfer: $25
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Manila APT-HTL (MNL) : $30
  • Round-trip Coron Airport Transfer + Town Tour (Shared): $31
  • Manila International Airport Private Transfer To & From City: $35
  • Manila Airport Transfer: $37
  • Private Arrival Airport Transfer: All Hotels in Ortigas: $41
  • Private Transfer from Clark Airport (CRK) to Subic Bay Port: $46
  • Transfers from Manila, Makati, Taguig and Pasay Hotel to Airport: $50

Is it cheaper to fly into Da Nang or Manila?

Prices for flights to both Manila and Da Nang change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Da Nang $16
    Manila $18

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Da Nang

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Da Nang.

  • Dragon bridge show and Da Nang local food tour: $4.10
  • Home Cooking Class: $22
  • Vegetarian Cooking class and Basket Boat Riding: $25
  • Happy Cooking Class in Danang : $26
  • Cooking Class and tasting Pho with Local Girl: $29
  • Vegetarian Home Cooking Class Da Nang: $29
  • Eco Cooking Class and Basket boat tour from Da Nang city: $29
  • Da Nang Home Cooking Class: $29
  • Da Nang Street Walking Food Tour : $29
  • Basket Boat Riding and Cooking Class from Da Nang City : $29
  • Da Nang Vegetarian Cooking Class: $29
  • Making Lantern & Basket Boat & Happy Cooking Class: $30

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Manila

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Manila.

  • Manila Night Market and food tour Experience: $58
  • Makati Street Food Tour Experience: $63
  • ⭐ Manila Street Food Tour in the Downtown, Eat and Drink⭐: $63
  • Manila Food Tour: Explore World's Oldest Chinatown: $65
  • Manila Food Tour: Introduction to Philippine Street Food: $65
  • Food Tour at the World's Oldest Chinatown: $75
  • Manila Chinatown Food Tour Experience with Mari: $81
  • Cultural Dance Show with Dinner in Manila: $120
  • Cultural Dinner and Show in Manila: $145

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Da Nang $13
    Manila $20

Tours and Activities in Da Nang

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Da Nang are as follows:

  • The private tour to Golden Bridge and Marble mountain: $2.05
  • Vietnamese Tradition Combo Ao dai Coffee and Banh mi Private Tour: $2.83
  • From Monkey Mountain Hidden Gems Full-Day Tour: $4.10
  • Local Food Private Walking Tour: $4.10
  • Han River by night on boat cruise in Da Nang: $5.50
  • Han River Cruise & Cham Dancing by Phu Quy Cruise: $6.15
  • Scenic Han River Night Cruise On My Xuan Cruise.: $6.15
  • Han River Local Cruise by Night: $6.15
  • Super cheap and distinguished Ao Dai Experience in 2 hours - Ao dai retal: $6.16
  • Han River Cruise Evening Ticket in Danang City: $7.50
  • Da Nang Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.65
  • Da Nang Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.78

Tours and Activities in Manila

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Manila are as follows:

  • Guided Tour of the Historic San Sebastian Basilica (Manila): $6.42
  • Historical Bamboo Bike Tour in Intramuros: $18
  • Skip the Line: Hike Eat Swim at Mount Purro Nature Reserve Ticket: $22
  • ⭐ Makati Bar Hopping Tour with Venus ⭐: $27
  • Intramuros Historical Walk Tour: $27
  • Old Manila Intramuros Area Walking Tour: $32
  • Guided Sunset Bamboo Bike Tour in Intramuros: $34
  • Experience Intramuros with Bamboo Bicycle - Ecotours: $37
  • Private Custom Tour with a Local Guide: $43
  • ⭐ Intramuros The Walled City Walking Tour ⭐: $45
  • ⭐ Authentic Manila Chinatown Experience ⭐: $46
  • Manila One-on-One Walking Tour with Mobile Photography: $50

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Da Nang $9.39
    Manila $9.97


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


Which is Bigger, Da Nang or Manila?

Manila has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Da Nang. When comparing the sizes of Da Nang and Manila, 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 Manila?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.

Should I visit Da Nang or Manila in the Summer?

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

The dry season in Da Nang is January to July. The rainy season in Da Nang is August to December. It rains a lot this time of the year in Manila. In July, Da Nang usually receives less rain than Manila. Da Nang gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Manila receives 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

In the summer, Da Nang is around the same temperature as Manila. Typically, the summer temperatures in Da Nang in July average around 29°C (85°F), and Manila averages at about 27°C (80°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Da Nang 29°C (85°F) 
    Manila 27°C (80°F)

Should I visit Da Nang or Manila in the Autumn?

Both Manila and Da Nang during the autumn 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 Manila year-round.

August to December is the rainy season in Da Nang. Manila gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Da Nang. Da Nang usually gets more rain in October than Manila. Da Nang gets 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain, while Manila receives 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

In October, Da Nang is generally around the same temperature as Manila. Daily temperatures in Da Nang average around 25°C (78°F), and Manila fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Da Nang 25°C (78°F) 
    Manila 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Da Nang or Manila in the Winter?

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

January to July in Da Nang is the dry season. Da Nang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Da Nang usually receives more rain than Manila. Da Nang gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Manila receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Da Nang is cooler than Manila in the winter. The daily temperature in Da Nang averages around 22°C (71°F) in January, and Manila fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Da Nang 22°C (71°F) 
    Manila 24°C (76°F)

Should I visit Da Nang or Manila in the Spring?

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

Da Nang usually gets more rain in April than Manila. Da Nang gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Manila receives 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the spring, Da Nang is around the same temperature as Manila. Typically, the spring temperatures in Da Nang in April average around 26°C (80°F), and Manila averages at about 29°C (84°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Da Nang 26°C (80°F) 
    Manila 29°C (84°F)

Typical Weather for Manila and Da Nang

Da Nang Manila
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 22°C (71°F) 112 mm (4.4 in) 24°C (76°F) 17 mm (0.7 in)
Feb 23°C (73°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 25°C (77°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Mar 24°C (75°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 27°C (80°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Apr 26°C (80°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 29°C (84°F) 18 mm (0.7 in)
May 29°C (83°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 29°C (83°F) 142 mm (5.6 in)
Jun 30°C (85°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 303 mm (11.9 in)
Jul 29°C (85°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 27°C (80°F) 408 mm (16.1 in)
Aug 29°C (85°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 27°C (80°F) 452 mm (17.8 in)
Sep 28°C (82°F) 331 mm (13 in) 27°C (80°F) 357 mm (14.1 in)
Oct 25°C (78°F) 613 mm (24.1 in) 26°C (79°F) 240 mm (9.4 in)
Nov 24°C (76°F) 376 mm (14.8 in) 25°C (77°F) 121 mm (4.8 in)
Dec 23°C (73°F) 223 mm (8.8 in) 23°C (73°F) 50 mm (2 in)