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

Should you visit Da Nang or Noosa Heads?

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

Should I visit Da Nang or Noosa Heads? 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 museums, nightlife, and food.

Noosa Heads

Noosa Heads is a natural, charming, and laid back coastal town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Da Nang and Noosa Heads: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Da Nang or Noosa Heads?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Noosa Heads than Da Nang, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Noosa Heads is better known for its beaches, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Da Nang is more popular for its museums & sights, nightlife, and resorts. Noosa Heads is more touristy than Da Nang and is popular for its stunning beaches, natural beauty, and surfing culture. Also, Noosa Heads is famous for Noosa Main Beach. Da Nang is well known for its traditional pagodas, nearby beaches, and high end resorts.

How is Da Nang different from Noosa Heads?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Da Nang is a city with good options for its historical sights. However, Noosa Heads is not known for its sights and museums.

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.

Noosa Heads offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. As a holiday destination, it is all about the beaches and laid back natural beauty. You'll find little in the form of museums, but do make your way to Laguna Lookout to take in the view.

Is the Food Better in Da Nang or Noosa Heads? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

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).

Noosa Heads has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The scenic setting means that there are peaceful restaurants that look out on the sea or river. Many restaurants use local ingredients from nearby farms. Farm-to-table is a popular concept here, and there are many sustainable seafood dishes that use locally caught fish.

Is Da Nang or Noosa Heads Better for Nightlife?

Da Nang is a great city for nightlife and partying. Also, Noosa Heads is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Da Nang has something for everybody. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Noosa Heads. There are a number of pubs and bars that have opened around town. You'll find cocktail lounges, beer gardens, an plenty of outdoor activities to choose from.

Is Da Nang or Noosa Heads Better for Resorts?

Da Nang is a great city for its luxury resorts. However, Noosa Heads 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.

Noosa Heads is not a resort destination.

Is Da Nang or Noosa Heads Better for Beaches?

Noosa Heads is terrific for the beache. Also, Da Nang is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for the beach.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Noosa Heads. Visitors come for the laid back vibe and the spectacular beaches. For swimming, head to Noosa Main Beach. There's also surfing at the Noosa World Surfing Reserve and a peaceful and natural setting at Noosa National park.

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 Da Nang or Noosa Heads Better for Hiking?

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

Noosa Heads is a popular spot for hiking. There are hiking trails that take in the coastal views or you can head inland and wander through wooded landscapes. Some of the best hiking trails are found at Noosa National Park.

Da Nang is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Da Nang or Noosa Heads?

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

Noosa Heads offers some nice shopping areas. The main shopping street through town is Hastings Street. It's where you'll find beachside boutiques, impressive art galleries, as well as international 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 Noosa Heads Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Da Nang or Noosa Heads.

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 Noosa Heads. There are playgrounds and green space where you can picnic at the Noosa Villages. Kids will also enjoy taking ferry rides and exploring Noosa National Park. Also nearby is the impressive K'Gari (Fraser Island).

Is Da Nang or Noosa Heads Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Da Nang and Noosa Heads make for a excellent 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.

Noosa Heads makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's filled with romantic beaches and fun outdoor activities like kayaking and hiking. There are plenty of places to hike and explore, as well as sunset cruises and dolphin spotting tours. You can also unwind with a spa day or sip wine by the sea.

Is Da Nang or Noosa Heads Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Noosa Heads 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.

Noosa Heads is a great coastal town to visit for backpackers. The laid back atmosphere makes this a long running stop for backpackers to Australia. There are a number of hostels to choose from and many ways to explore nature.

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

Both Da Nang and Noosa Heads offer notable public transit options.

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

Noosa Heads has some public transit options. There's a ferry that travels along the river. There are also buses that travel to local destinations.

Is Da Nang or Noosa Heads a more walkable city?

Noosa Heads 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.

Noosa Heads is a very walkable coastal town. It's fun to explore the town and surrounding areas on foot. There are walking and bike paths throughout.

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 Noosa Heads Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Noosa Heads or Da Nang?

How long in Da Nang or Noosa Heads?

It's fun to spend time in either Da Nang or Noosa Heads. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Noosa Heads 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 2-4 days is enough time in Noosa Heads.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Noosa Heads 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 Noosa Heads.

One day in Da Nang or Noosa Heads?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the authentic city of Da Nang. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Noosa Heads is a small town with plenty to do. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. This coastal town 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 Noosa Heads?

Visitors enjoy the food and museums when visiting the authentic destination of Da Nang. It's also a relaxing resort destination. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Noosa Heads 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 beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Noosa Heads has to offer.

Five days in Da Nang or Noosa Heads?

The authentic city of Da Nang offers museums and nightlife. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Noosa Heads is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 Noosa Heads?

Many people enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting Da Nang. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Noosa Heads. Since Noosa Heads is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Hanoi, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Ho Chi Minh City, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Australia, and The Best Walking Tours in Australia.

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

Which is Bigger, Da Nang or Noosa Heads?

Da Nang has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Noosa Heads. When comparing the sizes of Da Nang and Noosa Heads, 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 Noosa Heads?

Noosa Heads 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 Noosa Heads in the Summer?

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

Da Nang is a little warmer than Noosa Heads in the summer. The daily temperature in Da Nang averages around 29°C (85°F) in July, and Noosa Heads fluctuates around 20°C (67°F)in January.

It's quite rainy in Noosa Heads. Da Nang usually gets less rain in July than Noosa Headsin January. Da Nang gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Noosa Heads receives 109 mm (4.3 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 Noosa Heads in the Autumn?

Both Noosa Heads 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 Noosa Heads because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Da Nang is much warmer than Noosa Heads. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Da Nang in October average around 25°C (78°F), and Noosa Heads averages at about 14°C (58°F)in April.

It's quite rainy in Da Nang. In October, Da Nang usually receives more rain than Noosa Headsin April. Da Nang gets 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain, while Noosa Heads receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The rainy season in Da Nang is August to December.

Should I visit Da Nang or Noosa Heads in the Winter?

Both Noosa Heads 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. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Noosa Heads this time of year.

In January, Da Nang is generally much warmer than Noosa Headsin July. Daily temperatures in Da Nang average around 22°C (71°F), and Noosa Heads fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Da Nang. Da Nang usually gets more rain in January than Noosa Headsin July. Da Nang gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Noosa Heads receives 57 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year. January to July is the dry season in Da Nang.

Should I visit Da Nang or Noosa Heads in the Spring?

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

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

In April, Da Nang usually receives less rain than Noosa Headsin October. Da Nang gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Noosa Heads receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Noosa Heads and Da Nang