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

Should you visit Da Nang or Rockhampton?

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

Should I visit Da Nang or Rockhampton? 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. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and museums.

Rockhampton

Rockhampton is a charming, cultural, and natural town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Da Nang and Rockhampton: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Da Nang or Rockhampton?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Rockhampton than Da Nang. While Da Nang is larger than Rockhampton, Rockhampton has more sights and attractions for tourists. Rockhampton is more popular for its museums & sights, hiking, shopping, and small town charm, while Da Nang is known for its nightlife and resorts. Rockhampton is more touristy than Da Nang and is popular for its cultural centers and surrounding national parks. It is also home to the Rockhampton Heritage Village. Da Nang is popular for its traditional pagodas, nearby beaches, and high end resorts.

How is Da Nang different from Rockhampton?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Rockhampton 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.

Rockhampton offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. While many people come for the area's natural beauty, there are also educational centers where you can learn about the indigenous culture. Make sure you visit the Dreamtime Cultural Centre as well as the Rockhampton Museum of Art. Also of interest are the Rockhampton Heritage Village and the Mount Morgan Historical Railway Museum.

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 Rockhampton? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

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).

Rockhampton has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Despite its small size, the food scene is surprisingly diverse. There are local cafes that offer local produce, waterfront restaurants that have great views, and casual international eateries, as well as low key pubs.

Is Da Nang or Rockhampton Better for Nightlife?

Da Nang is an excellent place to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Rockhampton is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Da Nang has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Rockhampton has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. It's a small place, but there are still a number of pubs and bars around town. Many visitors enjoy going to a coastal beach bar for the evening.

Is Da Nang or Rockhampton Better for Resorts?

Da Nang is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Rockhampton is not a resort destination.

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.

Rockhampton is not a resort destination.

Is Da Nang or Rockhampton Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Da Nang and Rockhampton are good choices.

Da Nang is a good option for a beach vacation. 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.

Many people head to Rockhampton to enjoy the beach. The town is about 40 kilometers inland from the Capricorn Coast beaches.

Is Da Nang or Rockhampton Better for Hiking?

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

Rockhampton is a popular spot for hiking. The area has several national parks that are perfect for an avid bush walker or anyone looking for an afternoon in nature. Whether you're interested in a day trip or overnight camping trip, there are many natural scenic areas nearby.

Da Nang is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Da Nang or Rockhampton?

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

Rockhampton offers some nice shopping areas. There are several shopping centers in town where you can pick up anything you might need.

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 Rockhampton Better for Families?

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

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 Rockhampton. Kids will enjoy a visit to the Rockhampton Heritage Village. You can also picnic and walk around the nearby Mount Etna Caves National Park or explore the Capricorn Caves which is about half an hour outside of town. Other kid-friendly places include Kershaw Gardens and Rockhampton Botanic Gardens.

Is Da Nang or Rockhampton Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Da Nang and Rockhampton make for a high quality 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.

Rockhampton makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Near several great national parks and interesting outdoor settings, this is a wonderful couple's destination. There are sunset cruises and beautiful gardens as well as wellness spas and great food and wine.

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

Both Da Nang and Rockhampton 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.

Rockhampton is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a couple of hostels in the area as well as a low key backpacker scene.

Is Da Nang or Rockhampton Better for Students?

Rockhampton is a popular place for students. However, Da Nang is not popular with students.

Rockhampton is a good town to visit for students. The city has universities that attract an international crowd. It's a friendly setting that welcomes cultural diversity.

Da Nang is not popular with students.

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

Da Nang is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Rockhampton is lacking in options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Rockhampton. There are regional buses operated by Sunbus.

Is Da Nang or Rockhampton a more walkable city?

Rockhampton is a popular place for its high level of walkability. However, Da Nang is not a good city for its ease of walking around.

Rockhampton is a somewhat walkable place. It's fun to explore the Riverside Precinct 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 Rockhampton Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Rockhampton or Da Nang?

How long in Da Nang or Rockhampton?

It's fun to spend time in either Da Nang or Rockhampton. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Rockhampton 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 Rockhampton.

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

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

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

One day in Da Nang or Rockhampton?

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.

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

Visitors enjoy the food and museums when visiting the accessible 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.

In Rockhampton, you'll find food and shopping. 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 Rockhampton has to offer.

Five days in Da Nang or Rockhampton?

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.

Rockhampton is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this 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 Rockhampton?

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 Rockhampton. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Rockhampton. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Eco Tours in Australia, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Australia.

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

Which is Bigger, Da Nang or Rockhampton?

Da Nang has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Rockhampton. When comparing the sizes of Da Nang and Rockhampton, 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 Rockhampton?

Rockhampton 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 Rockhampton in the Summer?

Both Rockhampton and Da Nang during the summer 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 beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Rockhampton this time of year.

In the summer, Da Nang is around the same temperature as Rockhampton. Typically, the summer temperatures in Da Nang in July average around 29°C (85°F), and Rockhampton averages at about 27°C (81°F)in January.

Rockhampton gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Da Nang usually gets less rain in July than Rockhamptonin January. Da Nang gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Rockhampton receives 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain this time of the year. January to July is the dry season in Da Nang. August to December is the rainy season in Da Nang.

Should I visit Da Nang or Rockhampton in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Da Nang and Rockhampton. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Da Nang year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Rockhampton for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere.

In October, Da Nang is generally around the same temperature as Rockhamptonin April. Daily temperatures in Da Nang average around 25°C (78°F), and Rockhampton fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

Da Nang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Da Nang usually receives more rain than Rockhamptonin April. Da Nang gets 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain, while Rockhampton receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn. Also, August to December is the rainy season in Da Nang.

Should I visit Da Nang or Rockhampton in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Da Nang as well as Rockhampton. Da Nang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Rockhampton in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

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

Da Nang receives a lot of rain in the winter. Da Nang usually gets more rain in January than Rockhamptonin July. Da Nang gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Rockhampton receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, January to July in Da Nang is the dry season.

Should I visit Da Nang or Rockhampton in the Spring?

Both Rockhampton and Da Nang are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Da Nang throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Rockhampton for the beaches and the small town charm during these months.

In the spring, Da Nang is a little warmer than Rockhampton. Typically, the spring temperatures in Da Nang in April average around 26°C (80°F), and Rockhampton averages at about 23°C (74°F)in October.

In April, Da Nang usually receives less rain than Rockhamptonin October. Da Nang gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Rockhampton receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Rockhampton and Da Nang