Which place is cheaper, Sandakan or Da Nang?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Da Nang or Sandakan?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Da Nang or Sandakan? 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 Sandakan?
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.
Sandakan
Located on the Northeast side of the state of Sabah in Borneo is the city of Sandakan, which is the 2nd largest city in the country. Sandakan was a prosperous port town in the 1800s because of its exports of tobacco, timber, pearls, and ivory. However, this booming town that was formerly the administrative capital in North Borneo was bombed practically out of existence at the end of World War II.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Vietnam, The Best Eco Tours in Vietnam, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Malaysia, and The Best Adventure Tours to Malaysia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDa Nang $46Sandakan $58
The average daily cost (per person) in Da Nang is $46, while the average daily cost in Sandakan is $58. 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 Sandakan in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDa Nang $19Sandakan $20
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDa Nang $38Sandakan $40
Compare Hotels in Da Nang and Sandakan
Looking for a hotel in Da Nang or Sandakan? 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 Sandakan Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Da Nang $11Sandakan $33
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Da Nang
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Da Nang:
- Airport Transfer to Hotel Da Nang city center: $6.15
- Da Nang International Airport Private Transfer: $6.52
- Private transfer from Airport Da Nang/ Hoi An hotel: $6.57
- Private and Shuttle Transfers: Da Nang Airport - Hoi An City: $6.57
- Da Nang Airport Arrival Or Departure Luxury Car Transfers: $7.39
- Da Nang Airport transfer to Hoi An/ Hue/ Chu Lai or Quang Ngai: $8.00
- From Ba Na Hills Round Trip Shuttle Bus Transfer: $9.03
- Da Nang Airport Private Arrival Transfer: $10
- DA NANG AIRPORT To Da Nang Hotel by PRIVATE TRANSFER: $10
- Try find better than us! Airport Transfer in Da Nang HTL-APT (DAD): $10
- Try find better than us! Airport Transfer in Da Nang APT-HTL (DAD): $10
- Private Transfer from Da Nang International Airport (DAD): $11
Is it cheaper to fly into Da Nang or Sandakan?
Prices for flights to both Sandakan 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 $16Sandakan $19
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Da Nang
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Da Nang.
- Dragon bridge show and Da Nang local food tour: $4.10
- Vegetarian Cooking class and Basket Boat Riding: $25
- Happy Cooking Class in Danang : $26
- Cooking Class and tasting Pho with Local Girl: $29
- Vegetarian Home Cooking Class Da Nang: $29
- Da Nang Home Cooking Class: $29
- Da Nang Vegetarian Cooking Class: $29
- Basket Boat Riding and Cooking Class from Da Nang City : $29
- Da Nang Street Walking Food Tour : $29
- Eco Cooking Class and Basket boat tour from Da Nang city: $29
- Making Lantern & Basket Boat & Happy Cooking Class: $30
- Da Nang Home Cooking Class with Market Tour & Coffee Making: $33
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sandakan
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Sandakan.
- Mangrove Cruise with Fireflies Tour Including Dinner from Sandakan: $64
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Da Nang $13Sandakan $7.19
Tours and Activities in Da Nang
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Da Nang are as follows:
- The private tour to Golden Bridge and Marble mountain: $2.05
- Vietnamese Tradition Combo Ao dai Coffee and Banh mi Private Tour: $2.83
- From Monkey Mountain Hidden Gems Full-Day Tour: $4.10
- Local Food Private Walking Tour: $4.10
- Han River by night on boat cruise in Da Nang: $5.50
- Han River Local Cruise by Night: $6.15
- Scenic Han River Night Cruise On My Xuan Cruise.: $6.15
- Han River Cruise & Cham Dancing by Phu Quy Cruise: $6.15
- Super cheap and distinguished Ao Dai Experience in 2 hours - Ao dai retal: $6.16
- Da Nang Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.65
- Da Nang Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.84
- Han River Tour - Da Nang Dragon Cruise: $8.21
Tours and Activities in Sandakan
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Sandakan are as follows:
- Private Tour: Half Day Sandakan City Tour Including Local Lunch: $51
- Borneo Kinabatangan River Cruise Day Trip: $78
- Kinabatangan River Cruise from Sandakan: $90
- Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre & Sepilok Orang Utan Rehab Centre Tour: $105
- Private Full Day Sepilok Orang Utan, Bornean Sun Bear and Rainforest Discovery Center Tour: $125
- Labuk Proboscis, Sepilok, Sun Bear, Sandakan City Tour & Lunch: $138
- Sepilok Orang Utan & Bornean Sun Bear Centre with Sandakan City Tour with Lunch: $191
- Borneo Wildlife Tour 2 Days 1 Night At Tanjung Bulat Jungle Camp Kinabatangan: $197
- Borneo Wildlife Tour 3 Days 2 Nights At Tanjung Bulat Jungle Camp Kinabatangan: $241
- 2D1N Sandakan Private Tour with Kinabatangan River Cruise: $290
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDa Nang $9.39Sandakan $6.59
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Da Nang and Sandakan, we can see that Sandakan 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 Sandakan would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sandakan 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 Sandakan Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Da Nang or Sandakan?
Da Nang has a larger population, and is about 92% larger than the population of Sandakan. When comparing the sizes of Da Nang and Sandakan, 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 Sandakan?
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 Sandakan in the Summer?
Both Sandakan 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. Plenty of visitors come to Sandakan because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The dry season in Da Nang is January to July. The rainy season in Da Nang is August to December. It rains a lot this time of the year in Sandakan. In July, Da Nang usually receives less rain than Sandakan. Da Nang gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Sandakan receives 195 mm (7.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
It's quite sunny in Sandakan. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Da Nang. Da Nang usually receives more sunshine than Sandakan during summer. Da Nang gets 242 hours of sunny skies, while Sandakan receives 221 hours of full sun in the summer.
Da Nang is around the same temperature as Sandakan in the summer. The daily temperature in Da Nang averages around 29°C (85°F) in July, and Sandakan fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyDa Nang 29°C (85°F)Sandakan 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Da Nang or Sandakan in the Autumn?
Both Sandakan 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Sandakan year-round.
August to December is the rainy season in Da Nang. Sandakan 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 Sandakan. Da Nang gets 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain, while Sandakan receives 253 mm (10 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the autumn, Da Nang often gets less sunshine than Sandakan. Da Nang gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sandakan receives 191 hours of full sun.
In the autumn, Da Nang is around the same temperature as Sandakan. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Da Nang in October average around 25°C (78°F), and Sandakan averages at about 28°C (82°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberDa Nang 25°C (78°F)Sandakan 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Da Nang or Sandakan in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Da Nang and Sandakan. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Da Nang year-round. Sandakan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
January to July in Da Nang is the dry season. Sandakan 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 Sandakan. Da Nang gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Sandakan receives 437 mm (17.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
Da Nang usually receives less sunshine than Sandakan during winter. Da Nang gets 136 hours of sunny skies, while Sandakan receives 156 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Da Nang is generally cooler than Sandakan. Daily temperatures in Da Nang average around 22°C (71°F), and Sandakan fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryDa Nang 22°C (71°F)Sandakan 26°C (80°F)
Should I visit Da Nang or Sandakan in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Da Nang as well as Sandakan. Da Nang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Sandakan throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Sandakan. Da Nang usually gets less rain in April than Sandakan. Da Nang gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Sandakan receives 107 mm (4.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sandakan. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Da Nang this time of the year. In the spring, Da Nang often gets less sunshine than Sandakan. Da Nang gets 210 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sandakan receives 247 hours of full sun.
Da Nang is around the same temperature as Sandakan in the spring. The daily temperature in Da Nang averages around 26°C (80°F) in April, and Sandakan fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilDa Nang 26°C (80°F)Sandakan 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Sandakan and Da Nang
| Da Nang | Sandakan | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 22°C (71°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 437 mm (17.2 in) |
| Feb | 23°C (73°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 268 mm (10.6 in) |
| Mar | 24°C (75°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (80°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (85°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 200 mm (7.9 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (85°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 195 mm (7.7 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 213 mm (8.4 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 331 mm (13 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (78°F) | 613 mm (24.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 253 mm (10 in) |
| Nov | 24°C (76°F) | 376 mm (14.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 344 mm (13.5 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 223 mm (8.8 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 462 mm (18.2 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.