A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Da Nang vs. Okinawa for Beaches, Families, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Da Nang or Okinawa?

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

Should I visit Da Nang or Okinawa? 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. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and beaches.

Okinawa

Okinawa is a tropical, lush, and serene archipelago. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Da Nang and Okinawa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Da Nang or Okinawa?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Okinawa than Da Nang. While Da Nang is larger than Okinawa, Okinawa has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Okinawa is more touristy than Da Nang and is known for its pristine tropical environment, stunning blue water, and impressive marine life. It is also home to the Kerama Islands. Da Nang is popular for its traditional pagodas, nearby beaches, and high end resorts.

How is Da Nang different from Okinawa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Okinawa 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.

Okinawa offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Although most visitors come for the natural beauty and beach setting, there are some nice historic sights and museums in the region. Favorites include Shurijo Castle, Futenma Shrine, and Churaumi Aquarium.

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 Okinawa? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

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).

Okinawa has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Food in the region is truly unique, and sometimes a bit bizarre. There's a surprising amount of international influence on the cuisine because the islands are close to China and Taiwan, and there's a large American presence due to the US military. Despite this, the cuisine has its roots in the area's long history. Local dishes include rafute (pork belly in a stew), goya chanpuru (stir fry with melon, pork, and tofu), and umibudo (sea grapes).

Is Da Nang or Okinawa Better for Nightlife?

Both Da Nang and Okinawa are superb 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.

Okinawa has a large number of nightlife venues. The diverse population has impacted the nightlife scene, and you'll see international influences at the bars and clubs in the area. Many locals begin their night out at a izakaya, which is part bar, part restaurant. The cities are also known for their jazz clubs and karaoke scene.

Is Da Nang or Okinawa Better for Resorts?

Da Nang and Okinawa offer a relatively similar set of superb luxury resort options.

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.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Okinawa. There are large resorts as well as smaller, elegant hotels. If you want to be near the water, check out the coastal areas of Onna, Miyakojima, and Ishigaki.

Is Da Nang or Okinawa Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Okinawa is terrific for its diving and snorkeling. However, Da Nang is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The clear water and abundant marine life make Okinawa a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. The waters around Okinawa are filled with a rich biodiversity of corals and tropical fish. You'll also find sea turtles and other larger marine animals. There are also mangrove forests that form the breeding ground for many types of marine life. The snorkeling and diving in the area is world class, and attracts both beginners and experienced divers.

Da Nang is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Da Nang or Okinawa Better for Beaches?

Okinawa 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 Okinawa. The region is filled with white sand beaches and turquoise water. Some of the beaches are accessible and lively while others are more remote and peaceful. Furuzamami Beach is both easy to access but also has a relaxed atmosphere. Nishihama Beach is more remote but well worth the effort and Aharen Beach is a popular day trip by ferry.

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 Okinawa Better for Hiking?

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

People visit Okinawa specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The island's tropical setting provides hikers with lush jungles and unique geology to explore. One of the most popular areas for hiking is Yambaru National Park. In this park you can walk through the mangroves and spot local wildlife. The region also has many off-the-beaten-path hiking opportunities for those looking for an adventure.

Da Nang is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Da Nang or Okinawa?

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

Okinawa offers some nice shopping areas. There are a number of shopping streets in the urban areas. You'll also find large outlet malls near the US military base. A favorite shopping street in Naha is Kokusai-dori Shopping Street, which has local shops and souvenir vendors.

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 Okinawa Better for Families?

Okinawa is terrific for its family-friendly activities. Also, Da Nang is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Okinawa is a very family-friendly destination. There are so many kid-friendly activities in the area, that this has long been a favorite family vacation destination. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the snorkeling, beaches, mangroves, boat rides, and adventure activities like ziplining. Kayaking in Yambaru Mangrove Forest is a favorite activity, but also check out the sea turtles at Ikei Island.

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.

Is Da Nang or Okinawa Better for Couples?

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

Okinawa makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. With its stunning beaches, world class snorkeling, and relaxing resorts, couples and honeymooners will love a trip to these beautiful islands. There's a mix of outdoor adventures and cultural activities that will keep any couple entertained.

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 Okinawa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Da Nang and Okinawa 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.

Okinawa is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Despite being one of the most fascinating places in Japan to visit, it can be challenging as a backpacker. There aren't many hostels in the area and transportation can be a bit tricky.

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

Both Da Nang and Okinawa offer good public transit options.

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

Okinawa has some public transit options. Public transit through the area is decent in urban areas but gets more limited outside of the cities. On the main island there are buses, shuttles, and a monorail, but off the main island you'll want your own vehicle.

Is Da Nang or Okinawa a more walkable city?

Okinawa is a moderate archipelago for its high level of walkability. However, Da Nang is not a good city for its ease of walking around.

Okinawa is generally not very walkable. The islands range from developed to remote, so if you want to efficiently explore, it's helpful to have a car or at least a bicycle.

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 Okinawa Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Okinawa or Da Nang?

How long in Da Nang or Okinawa?

Both Da Nang and Okinawa have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Okinawa than in Da Nang. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Da Nang, and 3-7 days is enough time in Okinawa.

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

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

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

One day in Da Nang or Okinawa?

In Da Nang, you'll find museums and nightlife. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. 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 Okinawa, you'll find shopping and museums. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This archipelago 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 Okinawa?

In Da Nang, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Da Nang has to offer.

In Okinawa, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Da Nang or Okinawa?

Da Nang is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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.

Okinawa is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Okinawa has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Da Nang or Okinawa?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Da Nang. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Da Nang. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Okinawa. In Okinawa, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Vietnam, The Best Eco Tours in Vietnam, The Best G Adventures Tours to Japan, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Tokyo.

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

Which is Bigger, Da Nang or Okinawa?

Da Nang has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Okinawa. When comparing the sizes of Da Nang and Okinawa, 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 Okinawa?

Okinawa 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 Okinawa in the Summer?

Both Okinawa and Da Nang are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Da Nang throughout the year. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Okinawa because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Da Nang is around the same temperature as Okinawa. Typically, the summer temperatures in Da Nang in July average around 29°C (85°F), and Okinawa averages at about 29°C (84°F).

It's quite sunny in Okinawa. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Da Nang. Da Nang usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Okinawa during summer. Da Nang gets 242 hours of sunny skies, while Okinawa receives 258 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Okinawa. In July, Da Nang usually receives less rain than Okinawa. Da Nang gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Okinawa receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the summer. The dry season in Da Nang is January to July. The rainy season in Da Nang is August to December.

Should I visit Da Nang or Okinawa in the Autumn?

Both Okinawa and Da Nang during the autumn 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 hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Okinawa this time of year.

In October, Da Nang is generally around the same temperature as Okinawa. Daily temperatures in Da Nang average around 25°C (78°F), and Okinawa fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

In the autumn, Da Nang often gets less sunshine than Okinawa. Da Nang gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Okinawa receives 174 hours of full sun.

Okinawa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Da Nang. Da Nang usually gets more rain in October than Okinawa. Da Nang gets 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain, while Okinawa receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year. August to December is the rainy season in Da Nang.

Should I visit Da Nang or Okinawa in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Da Nang and Okinawa. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Da Nang year-round. Also, many travelers come to Okinawa for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Da Nang is a little warmer than Okinawa in the winter. The daily temperature in Da Nang averages around 22°C (71°F) in January, and Okinawa fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Da Nang usually receives more sunshine than Okinawa during winter. Da Nang gets 136 hours of sunny skies, while Okinawa receives 96 hours of full sun in the winter.

Okinawa receives a lot of rain in the winter. Da Nang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Da Nang usually receives less rain than Okinawa. Da Nang gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Okinawa receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain each month for the winter. January to July in Da Nang is the dry season.

Should I visit Da Nang or Okinawa in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Da Nang as well as Okinawa. Da Nang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Okinawa in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Da Nang is a little warmer than Okinawa. Typically, the spring temperatures in Da Nang in April average around 26°C (80°F), and Okinawa averages at about 22°C (71°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Da Nang this time of the year. In the spring, Da Nang often gets more sunshine than Okinawa. Da Nang gets 210 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Okinawa receives 149 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Okinawa. Da Nang usually gets less rain in April than Okinawa. Da Nang gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Okinawa receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Okinawa and Da Nang