A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Da Nang vs. Milford Sound for Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Da Nang or Milford Sound?

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

Should I visit Da Nang or Milford Sound? 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. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and museums.

Milford Sound

Milford Sound is a breathtaking, world renowned, and remote fiord. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the skiing and hiking.

Da Nang and Milford Sound: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Da Nang or Milford Sound?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Da Nang. Although Da Nang and Milford Sound are both popular with visitors, Da Nang has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Da Nang is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, beaches, and shopping, while Milford Sound is known for its skiing, hiking, and impressive beauty. Milford Sound is more touristy than Da Nang and is popular for its iconic hiking trails, stunning boat tours, and dramatic mountains. 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 Milford Sound?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Milford Sound and Da Nang. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Da Nang or Milford Sound Better for Skiing?

Milford Sound is a well-known place for snow skiing. However, Da Nang is not a skiing destination.

People head to Milford Sound specifically to take advantage of the area's skiing and winter sports. Many locals head to the snow-capped peaks to enjoy skiing, but if you're unfamiliar with the area, a ski tour is your best option.

Da Nang is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Da Nang or Milford Sound?

Da Nang is a good destination for its museums and history. However, Milford Sound 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.

Milford Sound does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Da Nang or Milford Sound? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Da Nang is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

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).

While Milford Sound is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. You'll find a restaurant or two in the small town of Milford Sound. Your best option is the Milford Sound Lodge. In the park you'll want to come prepared with your own food. Many organized tours include a picnic lunch.

Is Da Nang or Milford Sound Better for Nightlife?

Da Nang is an excellent place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Milford Sound is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Da Nang has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Milford Sound is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Da Nang or Milford Sound Better for Resorts?

Da Nang is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Milford Sound 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.

Milford Sound is not a resort destination.

Is Da Nang or Milford Sound Better for Beaches?

Da Nang is a good destination for the beach. However, Milford Sound 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.

Milford Sound is not a beach destination.

Is Da Nang or Milford Sound Better for Hiking?

Milford Sound is terrific for the nearby hiking options. However, Da Nang is not a hiking destination.

People visit Milford Sound specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The Milford Track has long been considered one of the world's best hikes. It's also, arguably, the most famous hike in New Zealand. The 53 kilometer trek takes you from Lake Te Anau through stunning scenery, alpine settings, and across spectacular suspension bridges.

Da Nang is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Da Nang or Milford Sound?

Da Nang is a decent place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Milford Sound is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Milford Sound is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Da Nang or Milford Sound Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Da Nang or Milford Sound.

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 Milford Sound. The outdoor wonders will impress the kids as much as the adults. There are shorter walks that are family-friendly and the boat rides are also fun for the whole family. You can take a scenic flight or visit the stunning Mirror Lakes. This really is a playground for both kids and adults.

Is Da Nang or Milford Sound Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Da Nang and Milford Sound 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.

Milford Sound makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. This is one of the most stunning natural areas in the world, and the romance comes from the spectacular beauty, world class hikes, and breathtaking surroundings that will leave you awed and inspired.

Is Da Nang or Milford Sound Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Da Nang and Milford Sound 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.

Milford Sound is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. The area's remoteness and high price tag make it a bit challenging for backpackers and budget travelers. If you have plenty of time and enough money, it is truly a not to be missed destination.

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

Da Nang is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Milford Sound. There are buses in the area, but private vehicles or organized tours are your best option for getting around.

Is Da Nang or Milford Sound a more walkable city?

Neither Da Nang or Milford Sound are walkable places.

Da Nang is not a 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.

Milford Sound is not a very walkable city. This is one of the most remote places in New Zealand so you really must have a car or organized transportation to get around.

For even more information, also check out Is Da Nang Worth Visiting? and Is Milford Sound Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Milford Sound or Da Nang?

How long in Da Nang or Milford Sound?

Da Nang and Milford Sound both offer a nice selection of activities for visitors. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Milford Sound than Da Nang because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Da Nang, and 2-6 days is enough time in Milford Sound.

Families should spend more time in Da Nang than Milford Sound. 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 Milford Sound. 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 Milford Sound 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 Milford Sound?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the coastal destination of Da Nang. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

In Milford Sound, you'll find skiing. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This fiord 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 Milford Sound?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Da Nang. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Milford Sound, you'll find skiing. 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. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Milford Sound has to offer.

Five days in Da Nang or Milford Sound?

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the authentic destination of Da Nang. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days 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.

Milford Sound is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Milford Sound has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Da Nang or Milford Sound?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the city of Da Nang. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Milford Sound. Many people enjoy the skiing when visiting Milford Sound. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. 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 Adventure Tours to Vietnam, The Best Eco Tours in Vietnam, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in New Zealand, and The Best Luxury Tours to New Zealand.

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

Which is Bigger, Da Nang or Milford Sound?

Da Nang has a larger population, and is about 1730 times larger than the population of Milford Sound. When comparing the sizes of Da Nang and Milford Sound, 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.