Which place is cheaper, Penang or Da Nang?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Da Nang or Penang?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Da Nang or Penang? 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.
Where Should I go: Da Nang or Penang?
Da Nang
Halfway between Ho Chi Minh City in the south and Hanoi in the North is the easy-going beach city of Da Nang (or Danang, for some). The third most populated city in Vietnam, Da Nang draws in crowds with its beautiful and calm beaches as well as its history as a French colonial port.
With beaches, mountains, and cityscape, there's bound to be a point of interest for all travelers. Da Nang is also a transit hub to get to the four Vietnamese UNESCO World heritage sites: Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park, Hue, Hoi An, and My Son.
Da Nang experiences wet season from September through March and dry season from April through August with average temperatures of around 80℉.
Da Nang is also known to have some of the friendliest locals, probably due to the peace and quiet and lack of heavy traffic, even in the city.
Penang
Just off the northwestern coast of Malaysia is the charming and diverse island state of Penang. As the link between the ancient kingdoms of Asia and Europe's colonial empire, this area is enriched with Malay, Chinese, Indian and European influences. This exciting culture is centered in George Town, the main city of the state.
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 10-Day Tours in Malaysia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Malaysia.
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Da Nang Prices
Vietnam PricesPenang Prices
Malaysia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDa Nang $55Penang $144
The average daily cost (per person) in Da Nang is $55, while the average daily cost in Penang is $144. 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 Penang in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDa Nang $18Penang $55
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDa Nang $36Penang $110
Compare Hotels in Da Nang and Penang
Looking for a hotel in Da Nang or Penang? 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.
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 Penang Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Da Nang $11Penang $14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Da Nang
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Da Nang:
- Private Transfer from Danang to Hoi An with WIFI on Board: $20
- Afternoon private transfer from Danang city to the Golden Bridge : $40
- Airport Transfer: Da Nang Airport ⇄ Vietnam City: $11
- Comfy PRIVATE TRANSFER from Hoian & Da Nang to Hue or Vice Versa: $44
- Da Nang - Hoi An Airport Transfer: $16
- Da Nang Airport Arrival Or Departure by private Car Transfer: $9.05
- Da Nang Airport Transfer to Da Nang Hotel by Private Car: $5.00
- Da Nang Airport: Private Transfer to/or from Hoi An: $7.09
- Da Nang Hotel to DA NANG AIRPORT Private Transfer Or Vice versa: $20
- Da Nang To Hoi An Transfer By Limousine Dcar Luxury : $100
- Da Nang airport transfer: Danang Airport to Hoi An Hotels: $27
- Da Nang to Hue: Tours, Transfers & Transportation Options: $31
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Penang
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Penang:
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Local Bus$1.43
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Island Ferry$0.57
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Bus From Airport to George Town$0.64
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Taxi From Airport to George Town$11
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Motorbike Rental (One Day)$7.13
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Bicycle Rental (One Day)$2.38
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Penang
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Penang:
- Private Penang Arrival transfer to Hotel: $12
- Private Arrival Transfer : Penang International Airport: $13
- Private Transfer : Penang International Airport Departure: $13
- Private Departure Transfer : Penang International Airport: $19
- Private Arrival Transfer : Penang International Airport: $19
- Private Departure Transfer - Penang International Airport: $19
- Penang Island to Penang Airport(PEN) - Departure Private transfer: $19
- Private Transfer from Penang Island to Swettenham Cruise Terminal: $22
- Private Transfer - Swettenham Cruise Port to Penang Airport (PEN): $22
- Private Transfer - Penang Airport (PEN) to Swettenham Cruise Port: $22
- Private Transfer from Swettenham Cruise Terminal to Penang Island: $22
- Swettenham Pier to Penang Airport(PEN)-Departure Private Transfer: $23
Is it cheaper to fly into Da Nang or Penang?
Prices for flights to both Penang 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
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Food Meals for one dayDa Nang $27Penang $64
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Da Nang
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Da Nang.
- Market Tour, Basket Boat Ride & Cooking Class by Hangcoconut: $10
- COOKING CLASS -BASKET BOAT: $15
- Hoi An: Lantern Making, Basket Boat, and Cooking Class: $15
- Poseidon Cruise with Dinner and Dragon Bridge Show: $16
- Experience a Magical Sunset Dinner Cruise in DN Bay: $16
- Da Nang Vegetarian Cooking and coffee Class: $17
- Tasty Dinner Da Nang on Han River Cruise by Yatch & Champa Show: $17
- Poseidon Cruise with Dinner and Dragon Bridge Show: $17
- Da Nang Family Cooking Class - with Local Family in Da Nang: $22
- Da Nang Cooking: Market tour, farming, and cooking class: $25
- HộiAnTrà Quế farming &Cooking Class-BasketBoat Ride,Crab fishing: $26
- Vegan & Vegetarian Street Food Tour by Scooter: $27
Typical Food Prices in Penang
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Penang:
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Snack$1.90
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Dinner at The Suffolk House (for 2)$81
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Lunch at Sakae Sushi (for 2)$69
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Lassy Juice$1.66
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Dinner for 2$3.57
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Street Stall Food$0.67
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$4.52
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Italian Lunch (for Two)$11
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Penang
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Penang.
- Penang Plates Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
- Good Morning Penang Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
- Penang Food Tour - Georgetown: $62
- Local Street Food Tour in Georgetown Penang : $62
- Eat Like A Local: Penang Street Food Tour: $62
- 3-Hour Heritage on a Plate Dinner Hop in George Town Penang: $65
- 4-Hour Georgetown Food Tour: $88
- Authentic Local Food Tour with Scenic Walk: $89
- Malay Culinary Journey Cooking Class for the Adventurous Foodie: $92
- Authentic Indian Penang Cooking Class: $92
- Penang Cooking Class:Dive into Malaysian Cuisine with PenangChiak: $94
- Private Half Day Penang Tasty Local Street Food Tour: $99
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Da Nang $13Penang $55
Tours and Activities in Da Nang
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Da Nang are as follows:
- Dalat Half-Day City Tour With Local Students: $1.30
- Han River by night on boat cruise in Da Nang: $5.50
- Day Tour to Bana Hills with Golden Bridge: $7.76
- Ba Na Hills & Golden Bridge Tour from Da Nang: $8.54
- Experience Da Nang Han River Local Cruise by Night: $9.00
- Han River Night Cruise with Sunrise Cocktail: $9.84
- Han River Local Cruise by Night: $10
- Explore Hue: 3 Highlights Tour then Depart to Hoi An: $11
- Da Nang Homemade Food Walking Tour with Cafe Culture: $12
- Man Thai Beach Stand-Up Paddleboarding Tour: $12
- Coral Snorkelling and Jetski Experience: $16
- Hoi An: Private Car to Hue with Multi Sightseeing Stops: $17
Typical Entertainment Prices in Penang
Here are a few typical costs in Penang for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Butterfly Gardens$7.37
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Trishaw Tour (One Hour)$7.13
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Fort Cornwallis Entrance$0.48
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Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi Entrance$2.38
Tours and Activities in Penang
Here are a few actual costs in Penang for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Asia Camera Museum Admission Ticket: $6.10
- Guided Tour of Cheong Fatt Tze's Blue Mansion in George Town: $6.35
- Tech Dome Entrance Ticket: $6.92
- Straits and Oriental Museum Ticket: $7.32
- Tropical Spice Garden Entrance Ticket & Guided Tours: $8.16
- Penang Hill Funicular Ticket: $8.35
- The Vanilla Village Farm Tour by Kairos: $9.39
- Malaysia: Penang Habitat Entry Ticket: $15
- Explore Remarkable Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
- Malaysia: Discover Nature's Wonders with Entopia Entry Ticket: $17
- Penang Rainbow Skywalk at The Top Komtar Observation Deck Tickets: $22
- Entopia Butterfly and Nature Discovery Park Entry Ticket Penang : $28
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDa Nang $8.91Penang $18
Typical Alcohol Prices in Penang
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Penang:
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Beer$1.90
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Da Nang and Penang, we can see that Penang 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 Penang would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Penang 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 Penang Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Da Nang or Penang?
Da Nang has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Penang. When comparing the sizes of Da Nang and Penang, 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 Penang?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Da Nang or Penang in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Da Nang and Penang. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Da Nang year-round. Penang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
January to July in Da Nang is the dry season. Also, August to December is the rainy season in Da Nang. Penang receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Da Nang usually receives less rain than Penang. Da Nang gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Penang receives 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Penang this time of the year. In Da Nang, it's very sunny this time of the year. Da Nang usually receives more sunshine than Penang during summer. Da Nang gets 242 hours of sunny skies, while Penang receives 211 hours of full sun in the summer.
In the summer, Da Nang is around the same temperature as Penang. Typically, the summer temperatures in Da Nang in July average around 29°C (85°F), and Penang averages at about 27°C (81°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyDa Nang 29°C (85°F)Penang 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Da Nang or Penang in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Da Nang as well as Penang. Da Nang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Penang throughout the year.
August to December in Da Nang is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Penang. Da Nang receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Da Nang usually gets more rain in October than Penang. Da Nang gets 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain, while Penang receives 340 mm (13.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
In October, Da Nang is generally around the same temperature as Penang. Daily temperatures in Da Nang average around 25°C (78°F), and Penang fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberDa Nang 25°C (78°F)Penang 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Da Nang or Penang in the Winter?
Both Penang and Da Nang are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Da Nang throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Penang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The dry season in Da Nang is January to July. It's quite rainy in Da Nang. In January, Da Nang usually receives more rain than Penang. Da Nang gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Penang receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.
Da Nang is cooler than Penang in the winter. The daily temperature in Da Nang averages around 22°C (71°F) in January, and Penang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryDa Nang 22°C (71°F)Penang 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Da Nang or Penang in the Spring?
Both Penang and Da Nang during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Da Nang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Penang year-round.
Penang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Da Nang usually gets less rain in April than Penang. Da Nang gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Penang receives 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Penang, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Da Nang. In the spring, Da Nang often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Penang. Da Nang gets 210 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Penang receives 218 hours of full sun.
In the spring, Da Nang is around the same temperature as Penang. Typically, the spring temperatures in Da Nang in April average around 26°C (80°F), and Penang averages at about 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilDa Nang 26°C (80°F)Penang 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Penang and Da Nang
| Da Nang | Penang | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 22°C (71°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Feb | 23°C (73°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | 24°C (75°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (80°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (85°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (85°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 331 mm (13 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 330 mm (13 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (78°F) | 613 mm (24.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 340 mm (13.4 in) |
| Nov | 24°C (76°F) | 376 mm (14.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 223 mm (8.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.