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

Should you visit Da Nang or Nagasaki?

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

Should I visit Da Nang or Nagasaki? 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.

Nagasaki

Nagasaki is a interesting, authentic, and welcoming city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Da Nang and Nagasaki: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Da Nang or Nagasaki?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Nagasaki than Da Nang. While Da Nang is larger than Nagasaki, Nagasaki has more sights and attractions for tourists. Nagasaki is more popular for its museums, shopping, and big city activities, while Da Nang is known for its resorts and beaches. Nagasaki is more touristy than Da Nang and is popular for its history, hot spring spas, and local cuisine. It is also home to the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum. Da Nang is popular for its traditional pagodas, nearby beaches, and high end resorts.

How is Da Nang different from Nagasaki?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Nagasaki 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.

Nagasaki offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Nagasaki Peace Park is a moving tribute to those lost during the atomic bomb attack. Other sights around town include the Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown, Kofukuji Temple, and Huis Ten Bosch.

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 Nagasaki? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

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).

Nagasaki has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city has a cosmopolitan cuisine which has been influenced by China and several Western cuisines. Popular local dishes include Chanpon (a noodle dish), Sara Udon (meat, vegetables, and noodles), and Kakuni Manju (pork belly on a dough bun).

Is Da Nang or Nagasaki Better for Nightlife?

Both Da Nang and Nagasaki 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.

Nagasaki has a large number of nightlife venues. The best areas for nightlife are the Doza-machi and Shianbashi districts. Shinanbashi is filled with narrow alleys and its easy to get lost.

Is Da Nang or Nagasaki Better for Resorts?

Da Nang is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Nagasaki 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.

Nagasaki is not a resort destination.

Is Da Nang or Nagasaki Better for Beaches?

Da Nang is a popular place for the beach. However, Nagasaki is not a beach destination.

Da Nang is a good option for a beach vacation. 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.

Nagasaki is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Da Nang or Nagasaki?

Nagasaki is a popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Da Nang is not a good city for its shopping areas.

Nagasaki offers some nice shopping areas. Head to the waterfront for the best shopping opportunities. You'll find everything from malls to souvenir shops around town. You'll also find traditional market streets which are known as shōtengai.

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 Nagasaki Better for Families?

Da Nang is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Nagasaki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Da Nang. 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 kid-friendly things to do in Nagasaki. Check out Agiruno Oka Park, which has a small farm and other recreational activities. There are also several kid-friendly museums like the Nagasaki City Science Museum and the Nagasaki Penguin Aquarium. There are also many parks and playgrounds as well as the Nagasaki Seaside Park.

Is Da Nang or Nagasaki Better for Couples?

Da Nang is a very popular place for couples. Also, Nagasaki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

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.

Nagasaki is a nice destination for couples. There's a unique cuisine with good restaurants. There are also many parks where couples can take a stroll, as well as relaxing hot springs nearby.

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

Both Da Nang and Nagasaki 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.

Nagasaki is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a number of hostels in the city, but you really should make reservations in advance as they tend to fill up.

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

Nagasaki 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 Nagasaki can get you around easily. The city has four tram lines as well as city buses.

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

Is Da Nang or Nagasaki a more walkable city?

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

Nagasaki is a somewhat walkable place. Many parts of the city can be explored by foot. The downtown is about a kilometer from Nagasaki Station and the Peace Park is several kilometers in the other direction from the station.

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 Nagasaki Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nagasaki or Da Nang?

How long in Da Nang or Nagasaki?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Da Nang and Nagasaki. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Nagasaki than in Da Nang. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Da Nang, and 2-3 days is enough time in Nagasaki.

Families should spend more time in Da Nang than Nagasaki. 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 Nagasaki. 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 Nagasaki 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 Nagasaki.

One day in Da Nang or Nagasaki?

The city of Da Nang offers nightlife and food. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Nagasaki, you'll find nightlife and food. 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 Nagasaki?

Da Nang is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Da Nang, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

In Nagasaki, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Nagasaki has to offer.

Five days in Da Nang or Nagasaki?

Da Nang is a popular choice for travelers. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Nagasaki is a great place to explore. 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 Nagasaki?

Da Nang is a great place to explore. 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. This city offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nagasaki. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Nagasaki. 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 Coach Bus Tours in Japan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Japan.

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

Which is Bigger, Da Nang or Nagasaki?

Da Nang has a larger population, and is about 83% larger than the population of Nagasaki. When comparing the sizes of Da Nang and Nagasaki, 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 Nagasaki?

Nagasaki 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 Nagasaki in the Summer?

Both Nagasaki 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 city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Nagasaki this time of year.

In the summer, Da Nang is around the same temperature as Nagasaki. Typically, the summer temperatures in Da Nang in July average around 29°C (85°F), and Nagasaki averages at about 27°C (81°F).

It's quite sunny in Da Nang. In the summer, Da Nang often gets more sunshine than Nagasaki. Da Nang gets 242 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nagasaki receives 197 hours of full sun.

Nagasaki gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Da Nang usually gets less rain in July than Nagasaki. Da Nang gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Nagasaki receives 334 mm (13.1 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 Nagasaki in the Autumn?

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

In October, Da Nang is generally a little warmer than Nagasaki. Daily temperatures in Da Nang average around 25°C (78°F), and Nagasaki fluctuates around 20°C (67°F).

Da Nang usually receives less sunshine than Nagasaki during autumn. Da Nang gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Nagasaki receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Nagasaki receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Da Nang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Da Nang usually receives more rain than Nagasaki. Da Nang gets 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain, while Nagasaki receives 104 mm (4.1 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 Nagasaki in the Winter?

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

Da Nang is much warmer than Nagasaki in the winter. The daily temperature in Da Nang averages around 22°C (71°F) in January, and Nagasaki fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In the winter, Da Nang often gets more sunshine than Nagasaki. Da Nang gets 136 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nagasaki receives 112 hours of full sun.

Da Nang receives a lot of rain in the winter. Da Nang usually gets more rain in January than Nagasaki. Da Nang gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Nagasaki receives 78 mm (3.1 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 Nagasaki in the Spring?

Both Nagasaki 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 Nagasaki for the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Da Nang is much warmer than Nagasaki. Typically, the spring temperatures in Da Nang in April average around 26°C (80°F), and Nagasaki averages at about 16°C (60°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Da Nang. Da Nang usually receives more sunshine than Nagasaki during spring. Da Nang gets 210 hours of sunny skies, while Nagasaki receives 174 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nagasaki. In April, Da Nang usually receives less rain than Nagasaki. Da Nang gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Nagasaki receives 175 mm (6.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Nagasaki and Da Nang