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

Should you visit Da Nang or Queenstown?

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

Should I visit Da Nang or Queenstown? 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. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches. See Da Nang travel costs.

Queenstown

Queenstown is a bustling, active, and adventure-filled city. The beauty of Queenstown is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and shopping. See Queenstown travel costs.

Da Nang and Queenstown: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Da Nang or Queenstown?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Queenstown. Although Da Nang and Queenstown are popular destinations, Queenstown has more sights and attractions for tourists. Queenstown is very popular for its skiing, food, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Da Nang attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, resorts, and beaches. Queenstown is more touristy than Da Nang and is known for its world class skiing, adrenaline-filled adventure sports, and stunning mountain scenery. It is also well known for Kawarau Bridge. Da Nang is famous for its traditional pagodas, nearby beaches, and high end resorts.

How is Da Nang different from Queenstown?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Queenstown and Da Nang. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Da Nang or Queenstown Better for Skiing?

Queenstown is terrific for snow skiing. However, Da Nang is not a skiing destination.

If you're an avid snow skiier, Queenstown should be on your list. There are four ski areas that are near the city, and many consider these among the best ski fields in New Zealand. The ski season runs from June until October and the skiing is world class.

Da Nang is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Da Nang or Queenstown?

Da Nang is a good destination for its sights and museums. However, Queenstown is not a good city for its museums and history.

Da Nang is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.

While most people don't head to Queenstown specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. People head to this city for its amazing outdoor activities, but you won't find much if you're looking for museums. You can check out the Lakes District Museum though.

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

Queenstown is terrific for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Da Nang is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, Queenstown is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Located in the heart of the Otago wine region, this city has many award-winning restaurants. Local dishes, vegan cafes, and international flavors all make for a cosmopolitan and world class dining scene.

Da Nang has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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).

Is Da Nang or Queenstown Better for Nightlife?

Both Da Nang and Queenstown 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.

Queenstown has a large number of nightlife venues. This cosmopolitan town has some of the best nightlife in the country. There are laid back pubs, trendy cocktail bars, and live music venues that make for a fun night out.

Is Da Nang or Queenstown Better for Resorts?

Da Nang is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Queenstown is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Da Nang to choose from. The city has a good number of luxury, international brand hotels that are along the beaches.

Queenstown is not a resort destination.

Is Da Nang or Queenstown Better for Beaches?

Da Nang is a good destination for its beaches. However, Queenstown is not a beach destination.

Da Nang offers a nice beach destination. 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.

Queenstown is not a beach destination.

Is Da Nang or Queenstown Better for Hiking?

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

People visit Queenstown specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The city is ideally located near some of the country's best hiking. There are walks through beech forests, along rugged mountains, and to stunning views. Several of the Great Walks are in the area as well, but if you're looking for something a little simpler, then there are many options also.

Da Nang is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Da Nang or Queenstown?

Queenstown is a well-known place for its shopping opportunities. However, Da Nang is not a good city for its shopping areas.

Queenstown is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. It's a bustling city with designer brands and boutique shopping. There are also souvenir shops and retail outlets.

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 Queenstown More Beautiful?

Queenstown is a well-known place for its scenery and beauty. However, Da Nang is not a destination known for its beauty.

The beauty of Queenstown is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. With its mountains and surrounding beauty, this is a breathtakingly beautiful city.

Da Nang is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Da Nang or Queenstown Better for Families?

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

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 Queenstown. Kids will enjoy the Queenstown cable car and the Skyline Gondola. After a ride on the gondola, you can even take the luge back down! The city also offers lake cruises, family-friendly farm tours, boat tours, and kayaking.

Is Da Nang or Queenstown Better for Couples?

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

Queenstown makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The city is known for its adrenaline-filled adventure activities and couples who enjoy a thrill will appreciate the fun. There are also hot springs, boat cruises, and wine tours in the area. One of the most romantic activities is dinner at the Skyline.

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 Queenstown Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Queenstown is terrific for backpackers. Also, Da Nang is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Queenstown. With its thrill-seeking activities and nearby skiing, this is a great backpacker destination year round.

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 Queenstown Better for Students?

Queenstown is a well-known place for students. However, Da Nang is not popular with students.

Queenstown is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. There are excellent universities in the area as well as fun activities and a lively energy that students enjoy.

Da Nang is not popular with students.

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

Both Da Nang and Queenstown offer nice public transit options.

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

Queenstown has some public transit options. There's a decent bus system that travels around town.

Is Da Nang or Queenstown a more walkable city?

Queenstown 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.

Queenstown is a very walkable city. In town, many of the sights and activities can be reached on foot.

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 Queenstown Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Queenstown or Da Nang?

How long in Da Nang or Queenstown?

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

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

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

One day in Da Nang or Queenstown?

With museums and nightlife around the coastal city of Da Nang, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Da Nang, one day is sufficent for most.

In Queenstown, you'll find skiing and nightlife. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 Queenstown?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Da Nang, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

In Queenstown, you'll find nightlife and food. 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. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Queenstown has to offer.

Five days in Da Nang or Queenstown?

Da Nang, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. 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. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Queenstown is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Queenstown has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Da Nang or Queenstown?

Da Nang is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Queenstown. In Queenstown, you'll find shopping and skiing. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

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 Bicycle Tours in New Zealand, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand.

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

Which is Bigger, Da Nang or Queenstown?

Da Nang has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Queenstown. When comparing the sizes of Da Nang and Queenstown, 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.