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

Should you visit Da Nang or Nikko?

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

Should I visit Da Nang or Nikko? 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 accessible, authentic, and coastal city. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Nikko

Nikko is a rural, historic, and cultural town. It also offers plenty of small town charm and also has plenty of sights and activities. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and shopping.

Da Nang and Nikko: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Da Nang or Nikko?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Nikko. Although Da Nang and Nikko are popular destinations, Nikko has more sights and attractions for tourists. Nikko is very popular for its museums, historical sights, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Da Nang attracts visitors for its nightlife, resorts, and beaches. Nikko is more touristy than Da Nang and is popular for its Shinto and Buddhist mountain temples, its tranquil hot spring baths, and its peaceful natural setting. It is also well known for the Toshogu Shrine. Da Nang is famous for its traditional pagodas, nearby beaches, and high end resorts.

How is Da Nang different from Nikko?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Nikko is terrific 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.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Nikko are among the most recognizable in the world. The town sits on the edge of Nikko National Park, where you'll find shrines and temples. Toshogu Shrine is lavishly designed. Other notable temples in the area are Taiyuin, Rinnoji Temple, and Futarasan Temple.

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 Nikko? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

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).

Nikko has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There are many traditional dishes in the area, but one of the most famous is yuba. Yuba is made from a part of soy milk, and you'll find it in places all over town. You'll also find sushi, tofu, and tea everywhere.

Is Da Nang or Nikko Better for Nightlife?

Da Nang is great for nightlife. However, Nikko is not a good destination for nightlife and partying.

Many people head to Da Nang for the nightlife scene. 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.

People don't go to Nikko for the nightlife. The town is about relaxing in a tranquil setting and soaking up nature, so you won't find much in the form of nightlife.

Is Da Nang or Nikko Better for Resorts?

Da Nang is great for its luxury resorts. However, Nikko is not a resort destination.

In Da Nang, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. The city has a good number of luxury, international brand hotels that are along the beaches.

Nikko is not a resort destination.

Is Da Nang or Nikko Better for Beaches?

Da Nang is a city with good options for its beaches. However, Nikko is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Da Nang. 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.

Nikko is not a beach destination.

Is Da Nang or Nikko Better for its Old Town?

Nikko is terrific for its old town. However, Da Nang does not have a historic old town.

Nikko has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. The ancient town is filled with giant cedar trees that line walking paths that take you to the many shrines and temples in the area.

Da Nang does not have a historic old town.

Is Da Nang or Nikko Better for Hiking?

Nikko is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Da Nang is not a hiking destination.

Nikko is a popular spot for hiking. The town is surrounded by beautiful nature that you can explore on the many walking paths. The forests are well-preserved and they're filled with large cedar trees, dramatic waterfalls, and beautiful hikes. The area embraces the Japanese practice of "forest bathing" where you "bath" yourself in a beautiful natural environment.

Da Nang is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Da Nang or Nikko?

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

Nikko offers some nice shopping areas. There are places in town where you can pick up local handicrafts and traditional items.

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 Nikko Better for Families?

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

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 Nikko. The area offers a unique way for kids to experience Japanese culture. A highlight for the little ones is a ninja show at Grand Ninja Theatre and the Mizugei-za water magic show. Kids will also enjoy staying in a traditional ryokan and floating in the hot spring baths.

Is Da Nang or Nikko Better for Couples?

Nikko is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Da Nang is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Nikko makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. While many visitors come to see the shrines and temples, they often end up falling in love with the area's natural beauty, waterfalls, and "forest bathing" (surrounding yourself with nature). Couples will also enjoy dining on the local food and relaxing in a pool fed by a natural hot spring.

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.

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

Nikko is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Da Nang is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Nikko is a great town to visit for backpackers. There are hostels in the area that combine affordability with traditional Japanese customs.

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 Nikko Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Nikko 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 Nikko can get you around easily. There are buses that run from the main train station to the many tourist sights in the area.

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

Is Da Nang or Nikko a more walkable city?

Nikko 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.

Nikko is a very walkable town. While the town is relatively walkable and there are walking paths through the forest and to most of the temples and shrines, if you want to get further into the region, it's helpful to have a car.

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 Nikko Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nikko or Da Nang?

How long in Da Nang or Nikko?

It's fun to spend time in either Da Nang or Nikko. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Nikko due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Da Nang, and 1-4 days is enough time in Nikko.

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

Couples should spend more time in Nikko than Da Nang. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Nikko that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

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

One day in Da Nang or Nikko?

In Da Nang, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this authentic destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

Nikko is a small town with plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Da Nang or Nikko?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Da Nang. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Nikko might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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 museums. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Nikko has to offer.

Five days in Da Nang or Nikko?

Da Nang is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Da Nang. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Nikko is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Nikko?

You'll find nightlife and food around the authentic destination of Da Nang. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nikko. Since Nikko is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 10-Day Tours in Japan, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Japan.

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

Which is Bigger, Da Nang or Nikko?

Da Nang has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Nikko. When comparing the sizes of Da Nang and Nikko, 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 Nikko?

Nikko 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 Nikko in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Da Nang as well as Nikko. Da Nang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Nikko for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Da Nang is generally a little warmer than Nikko. Daily temperatures in Da Nang average around 29°C (85°F), and Nikko fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Da Nang this time of the year. In the summer, Da Nang often gets more sunshine than Nikko. Da Nang gets 242 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nikko receives 136 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Nikko. Da Nang usually gets less rain in July than Nikko. Da Nang gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, January to July in Da Nang is the dry season. August to December in Da Nang is the rainy season.

Should I visit Da Nang or Nikko in the Autumn?

Both Nikko and Da Nang are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Da Nang throughout the year. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Nikko because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Da Nang is much warmer than Nikko in the autumn. The daily temperature in Da Nang averages around 25°C (78°F) in October, and Nikko fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Da Nang usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Nikko during autumn. Da Nang gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Nikko receives 167 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nikko. It's quite rainy in Da Nang. In October, Da Nang usually receives more rain than Nikko. Da Nang gets 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The rainy season in Da Nang is August to December.

Should I visit Da Nang or Nikko in the Winter?

Both Nikko and Da Nang during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Da Nang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Nikko this time of year.

It's quite cold in Nikko in the winter. In the winter, Da Nang is much warmer than Nikko. Typically, the winter temperatures in Da Nang in January average around 22°C (71°F), and Nikko averages at about 3°C (37°F).

In Nikko, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Da Nang often gets less sunshine than Nikko. Da Nang gets 136 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nikko receives 212 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Da Nang. Da Nang usually gets more rain in January than Nikko. Da Nang gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year. January to July is the dry season in Da Nang.

Should I visit Da Nang or Nikko in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Da Nang and Nikko. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Da Nang year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Nikko for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In April, Da Nang is generally much warmer than Nikko. Daily temperatures in Da Nang average around 26°C (80°F), and Nikko fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In Da Nang, it's very sunny this time of the year. Da Nang usually receives more sunshine than Nikko during spring. Da Nang gets 210 hours of sunny skies, while Nikko receives 191 hours of full sun in the spring.

Nikko receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Da Nang usually receives less rain than Nikko. Da Nang gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 108 mm (4.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Nikko and Da Nang