A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Da Nang vs. Mount Aspiring National Park for Backpackers, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Da Nang or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

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

Should I visit Da Nang or Mount Aspiring National Park? 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 nightlife, food, and beaches.

Mount Aspiring National Park

Mount Aspiring National Park is a rugged, breathtaking, and undeveloped national park. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the hiking.

Da Nang and Mount Aspiring National Park : Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food


Is there more to do in Da Nang or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Da Nang than Mount Aspiring National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Da Nang is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, beaches, and shopping, while Mount Aspiring National Park is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Da Nang is well known for its traditional pagodas, nearby beaches, and high end resorts. Also, Da Nang is famous for the Marble Mountains. Mount Aspiring National Park is well known for its mountains, glaciers, and alpine lakes.

How is Da Nang different from Mount Aspiring National Park ?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Mount Aspiring National Park 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 Mount Aspiring National Park?

Da Nang
Mount Aspiring National Park

Da Nang is a nice place to visit for its sights and museums. However, Mount Aspiring National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

Da Nang offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

Mount Aspiring National Park does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Da Nang or Mount Aspiring National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Da Nang
Mount Aspiring National Park

Da Nang is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Mount Aspiring National Park is not a good national park for its restaurants.

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).

Mount Aspiring National Park has a small number of restaurants to choose from. Bring plenty of food supplies, because amenities are in short supply in many parts of the park.

Is Da Nang or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Nightlife?

Da Nang
Mount Aspiring National Park

Da Nang is a well-known place for nightlife and partying. However, Mount Aspiring National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

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.

Mount Aspiring National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Da Nang or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Resorts?

Da Nang
Mount Aspiring National Park

Da Nang is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Mount Aspiring National Park is not a resort destination.

Da Nang is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. The city has a good number of luxury, international brand hotels that are along the beaches.

Mount Aspiring National Park is not a resort destination.


Is Da Nang or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Beaches?

Da Nang
Mount Aspiring National Park

Da Nang is a nice place to visit for the beache. However, Mount Aspiring National Park is not a beach destination.

Da Nang has a beach worth visiting. 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.

Mount Aspiring National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Da Nang or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Hiking?

Da Nang
Mount Aspiring National Park

Mount Aspiring National Park is terrific for the nearby hiking options. However, Da Nang is not a hiking destination.

People visit Mount Aspiring National Park specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. There are many different types of trails in the park that range from shorter day hikes to multi-day hikes. The difficulty level doesn't always correspond to the length of the hike, so do your research before you set out. Some of the most known hikes in the area are the Blue Pools Track, the Rob Roy Track, the Routeburn Track, and the challenging Cascade Saddle Route.

Da Nang is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Da Nang or Mount Aspiring National Park?

Da Nang
Mount Aspiring National Park

Da Nang is a moderate city for its shopping opportunities. However, Mount Aspiring National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

If you're looking to go shopping, Da Nang has some nice offerings. There are some shopping malls and local shops that make for interesting shopping experiences, but nothing compared to some of the more popular cities.

Mount Aspiring National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Da Nang or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Families?

Da Nang
Mount Aspiring National Park

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Da Nang or Mount Aspiring National Park.

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 Mount Aspiring National Park. The park offers a stunning natural setting that will inspire a child's love of nature. There are a number of kid-friendly hikes in the park with some of the most popular being the Blue Pools Track, Routeburn Nature Walk, the Roaring Billy Falls Walk, and the Thunder Creek Falls Walk.

Is Da Nang or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Couples?

Da Nang
Mount Aspiring National Park

With fun activities for couples, both Da Nang and Mount Aspiring National Park make for a very good 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.

Mount Aspiring National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Filled with inspiring scenery and a breathtaking mountain setting, this park is perfect for couples who appreciate nature's beauty. There are hiking trails, waterfalls, and striking views that will spark the romance in any relationship.

Is Da Nang or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Da Nang
Mount Aspiring National Park

Mount Aspiring National Park is terrific for backpackers. Also, Da Nang is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Mount Aspiring National Park. Set in the beautiful Southern Alps, backpackers will love exploring the impressive mountain scenery and breathtaking views.

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 Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Da Nang
Mount Aspiring National Park

Da Nang is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Mount Aspiring National Park is not a good national park for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Mount Aspiring National Park. It's possible to arrange transportation to the trailheads from Te Anau or Wanaka.

Is Da Nang or Mount Aspiring National Park a more walkable city?

Da Nang
Mount Aspiring National Park

Mount Aspiring National Park is a popular place for its high level of walkability. However, Da Nang is not a good city for its ease of walking around.

Mount Aspiring National Park is a somewhat walkable place. There are day hikes as well as mult-day back country hikes through the park.

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 Mount Aspiring National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Mount Aspiring National Park or Da Nang?

How long in Da Nang or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

In either Da Nang or Mount Aspiring National Park, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Mount Aspiring National Park 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 Mount Aspiring National Park .

Families should spend more time in Da Nang than Mount Aspiring National Park . 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 Mount Aspiring National Park . 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.


  • How many days in Da Nang or Mount Aspiring National Park ? Ideal Length of Stay
    Da Nang 1-2 
    Mount Aspiring National Park  2-5

One day in Da Nang or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

The authentic destination of Da Nang offers nightlife and food. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

In Mount Aspiring National Park, you'll find . Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This national park 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 Mount Aspiring National Park ?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Da Nang. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Da Nang has to offer.

In Mount Aspiring National Park, 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. 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 Mount Aspiring National Park has to offer.

Five days in Da Nang or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

Da Nang is a fun place to experience. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Mount Aspiring National Park 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 Mount Aspiring National Park has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Da Nang or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

You'll find nightlife and food around the authentic city of Da Nang. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. It offers something for everyone. 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's hard to know how much time to spend in Mount Aspiring National Park. Many people enjoy the when visiting Mount Aspiring National Park. 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 Eco Tours in New Zealand, and The Best Thrill-Seeking Tours in New Zealand.


Which place is cheaper, Mount Aspiring National Park 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 Mount Aspiring National Park is $109. 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 Mount Aspiring National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Da Nang $19
    Mount Aspiring National Park $59
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Da Nang $38
    Mount Aspiring National Park $118
Compare Hotels in Da Nang and Mount Aspiring National Park

Looking for a hotel in Da Nang or Mount Aspiring National Park ? 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 Mount Aspiring National Park


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 Mount Aspiring National Park Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Da Nang $11
    Mount Aspiring National Park $49

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Da Nang or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

Prices for flights to both Mount Aspiring National Park 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
    Mount Aspiring National Park $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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Da Nang $13
    Mount Aspiring National Park $29

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Da Nang $9.39
    Mount Aspiring National Park $5.09


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