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

Should you visit Da Nang or Melbourne?

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

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

Melbourne

Melbourne is a livable, friendly, and cultural city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Da Nang and Melbourne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Da Nang or Melbourne?

You'll generally find more things to do in Melbourne than Da Nang. Melbourne is bigger than Da Nang, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Melbourne is better known for its museums, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Da Nang is more popular for its resorts. Melbourne is more touristy than Da Nang and is popular for its art and cultural scene, its sports history, and its friendly and welcoming population. Also, Melbourne is famous for the Royal Botanic Gardens. Da Nang is well known for its traditional pagodas, nearby beaches, and high end resorts.

How is Da Nang different from Melbourne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Melbourne is a well-known place 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.

Melbourne offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Many of the city's sights center around the art and cultural scene. There's the the National Gallery of Victoria and the Performing Arts Centre Melbourne. There's also Federation Square. Sports enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the National Sports Museum and for great views, check out Melbourne Skydeck at Eureka Tower.

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 Melbourne? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

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).

Melbourne has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There's an eclectic mix of international restaurants that offer everything from Szechuan dishes to Spanish tapas. You'll find bistros and bars that have a fun and relaxed vibe and locals and tourists alike enjoy dining out.

Is Da Nang or Melbourne Better for Nightlife?

Both Da Nang and Melbourne 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.

Melbourne has a large number of nightlife venues. There are bars and clubs that have a laid back and relaxed atmosphere as well as more party focused nightclubs that stay open late into the night. Whether you're interested in dancing and listening to live music, or chatting with friends at a local brewery, there really is something for everyone.

Is Da Nang or Melbourne Better for Resorts?

Da Nang is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Melbourne is not a resort destination.

Da Nang is known as a popular and fun resort destination. The city has a good number of luxury, international brand hotels that are along the beaches.

Melbourne is not a resort destination.

Is Da Nang or Melbourne Better for Beaches?

Melbourne is a well-known place for the beache. Also, Da Nang is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for the beach.

Melbourne is considered a top beach destination. There are laid back beaches near town that attract locals and tourists alike. You can enjoy coastal trails and great natural beauty. St Kilda Beach and Elwood Beach are among the most popular beaches near the city. Brighton Beach is known for its colorful bathing boxes and Williamstown Beach is very family-friendly.

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 the Shopping Better in Da Nang or Melbourne?

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

Melbourne is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has tons of retail options that range from trendy fashion boutiques to outdoor markets. There are local venders that highlight the city's art and cultural scene, but there are also suburban malls with all of the major brands.

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 Melbourne Better for Families?

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

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 Melbourne. The city has kids museums like the Museum of Play and Art or the Polly Woodside Tall Ship and Museum. There's also the Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium and the Scienceworks Museums. If you like quirky, check out the ArtVo 3D Immersive Art Gallery. There's also Legoland, which has a lot for younger children.

Is Da Nang or Melbourne Better for Couples?

Da Nang is a very popular place for its romantic activities. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

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.

Melbourne is a good city for couples to visit. It's a very livable city with romantic viewpoints like SkyHigh Mount Dandenong. There are also nice gardens to explore such as the Carlton Gardens and the Rippon Lea House and Gardens. Or you could go for a ride on the Melbourne Star or dine at one of the many great restaurants.

Is Da Nang or Melbourne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Da Nang and Melbourne are notable 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.

Melbourne is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Many backpackers breeze through the city, but there is a great music and art scene as well as a number of good restaurants. You'll also find a couple of good hostels in town.

Is Da Nang or Melbourne Better for Students?

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

Many students frequent Melbourne. Many students think this is among the best student cities in Australia. There's a great creative culture with a good music and art scene. The population is diverse and the restaurants a great.

Da Nang is not popular with students.

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

Melbourne 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 Melbourne can get you around easily. The public transit system is among the best in Australia. There are public buses, trains, and trams (also called trolleys or streetcars).

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

Is Da Nang or Melbourne a more walkable city?

Melbourne 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.

Melbourne is a very walkable city. The city center is very walkable with a compact and grid-like layout.

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 Melbourne Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Melbourne or Da Nang?

How long in Da Nang or Melbourne?

In either Da Nang or Melbourne, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Melbourne 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 2-5 days is enough time in Melbourne.

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

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

One day in Da Nang or Melbourne?

You'll find food and museums around the city of Da Nang. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Da Nang has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Because Melbourne is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 Melbourne?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the coastal destination of Da Nang. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Because Melbourne 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. Most people come for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Melbourne has to offer.

Five days in Da Nang or Melbourne?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the coastal city of Da Nang. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Melbourne is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Melbourne has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Da Nang or Melbourne?

Da Nang is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Melbourne. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Melbourne. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 Water Sports Tour Packages in Australia, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Australia.

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

Which is Bigger, Da Nang or Melbourne?

Melbourne has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Da Nang. When comparing the sizes of Da Nang and Melbourne, 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 Melbourne?

Melbourne 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 Melbourne in the Summer?

Both Melbourne 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. Also, the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Melbourne this time of year.

Da Nang is a little warmer than Melbourne in the summer. The daily temperature in Da Nang averages around 29°C (85°F) in July, and Melbourne fluctuates around 20°C (68°F)in January.

In Melbourne, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Da Nang. In the summer, Da Nang often gets less sunshine than Melbournein January. Da Nang gets 242 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Melbourne receives 271 hours of full sun.

Da Nang usually gets more rain in July than Melbournein January. Da Nang gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year. January to July is the dry season in Da Nang. August to December is the rainy season in Da Nang.

Should I visit Da Nang or Melbourne in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Da Nang and Melbourne. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Da Nang year-round. Also, many travelers come to Melbourne for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Da Nang is much warmer than Melbourne. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Da Nang in October average around 25°C (78°F), and Melbourne averages at about 15°C (60°F)in April.

Da Nang usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Melbourne during autumn. Da Nang gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Melbourne receives 170 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Da Nang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Da Nang usually receives more rain than Melbournein April. Da Nang gets 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn. Also, August to December is the rainy season in Da Nang.

Should I visit Da Nang or Melbourne in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Da Nang as well as Melbourne. Da Nang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Melbourne in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Da Nang is generally much warmer than Melbournein July. Daily temperatures in Da Nang average around 22°C (71°F), and Melbourne fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

In the winter, Da Nang often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Melbournein July. Da Nang gets 136 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Melbourne receives 139 hours of full sun.

Da Nang receives a lot of rain in the winter. Da Nang usually gets more rain in January than Melbournein July. Da Nang gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, January to July in Da Nang is the dry season.

Should I visit Da Nang or Melbourne in the Spring?

Both Melbourne 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. Also, most visitors come to Melbourne for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.

Da Nang is much warmer than Melbourne in the spring. The daily temperature in Da Nang averages around 26°C (80°F) in April, and Melbourne fluctuates around 14°C (57°F)in October.

It's quite sunny in Melbourne. 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 Melbourne during spring. Da Nang gets 210 hours of sunny skies, while Melbourne receives 216 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Da Nang usually receives less rain than Melbournein October. Da Nang gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Melbourne and Da Nang