Which place is cheaper, Xiamen 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 Xiamen?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Da Nang or Xiamen? 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 Xiamen?
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.
Xiamen
Xiamen is a coastal city in the Fujian Province of China and has been a major port city and gateway to China for centuries. This vibrant and modern city was named the most livable city in the world in 2002 and one of the first cities to be named a Special Economic Zone. Xiamen is best known for being home to Gulangyu Island, a beautiful island full of historic colonial buildings and lovely walking paths.
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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in China, and The Best Historical Tours in China.
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Da Nang Prices
Vietnam PricesXiamen Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDa Nang $55Xiamen $84
The average daily cost (per person) in Da Nang is $55, while the average daily cost in Xiamen is $84. 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 Xiamen in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDa Nang $18Xiamen $31
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDa Nang $36Xiamen $62
Compare Hotels in Da Nang and Xiamen
Looking for a hotel in Da Nang or Xiamen? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Da Nang $11Xiamen $6.08
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Da Nang
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Da Nang:
- Transfer from Hoi An to Hue by private car with stops for picture: $45
- Transfer from Da Nang to Hue : $70
- Transfer from Da Nang Hotel to Airport by Private Car: $5.00
- Transfer Private from Da Nang to Bana Hills aroundtrip : $40
- Private transfer Danang airport - Hotels in Danang: $15
- Private Transfer from Hue to Hoi An orHoi An to Hue via Hai Van Pass,Lang Co Bay: $75
- Private Transfer From Hue to Hoi An by Car: $90
- Private Transfer From Da Nang to Hoi An or from Hoi An to Da Nang: $28
- Private Transfer Da nang or Hoi An To Hue Via Ba Na Hill Golden Bridge : $55
- Private Da Nang Airport Transfer Service: $19
- Private Car Transfer to MY LAI MASSACRE & MY SON HOLYAND : $99
- Private Car Transfer Da Nang Airport To Hoi An : $21
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Xiamen
Also for Xiamen, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Arrival Transfer from Gaoqi Airport to Xiamen City Hotel: $10
- Private Transfer from Xiamen North Railway Station to City Area: $19
- Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport Chauffeur Service ,Xiamen Airport Transfer: $25
- Private Xiamen Gaoqi Airport Arrival Transfer to City Area: $30
- Private Xiamen Gaoqi Airport Departure Transfer from City Areas: $33
- Private Transfer Service between Xiamen and Anxi : $89
- Private Transfer between Xiamen City and Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster : $89
- Private Transfer Between Xiamen City and HongKeng Hakka Tulou Cluster: $89
- Private Transfer between Xiamen City and Hui'an county in Quanzhou: $89
- Private Transfer to Tianluokeng and HekengHakka Tulou fromXiamen: $90
- Private Transfer to Gaobei Tulou and Yunshuiyao Village from Xiamen City: $98
- Private Transfer to Tianluokeng Tulou and Hekeng Hakka Tulou from Xiamen City : $98
Is it cheaper to fly into Da Nang or Xiamen?
Prices for flights to both Xiamen 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 $27Xiamen $46
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Da Nang
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Da Nang.
- Tasty Dinner Da Nang on Han River Cruise by Yatch & Champa Show: $17
- Poseidon Cruise with Dinner and Dragon Bridge Show: $17
- HộiAnTrà Quế farming &Cooking Class-BasketBoat Ride,Crab fishing: $26
- Eco Cooking Class and Basket boat tour from Da Nang/ Hoi An: $29
- Da Nang Food Tour Motorbike & Sightseeing By Ao Dai Lady Rider: $38
- 5 traditional dishes Da Nang cooking class with market trip: $39
- Seafood dinner, night market, sightseeing by night: $39
- Happy Cooking Class in Danang : $39
- Da Nang Evening Food Tour: $47
- 6-Hour Cooking Class in Danang (JDN1): $50
- Discover Da Nang by Night on a Private Food Tour: $53
- Hue Countryside Bike Tour & Cooking Class: $71
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Da Nang $13Xiamen $16
Tours and Activities in Da Nang
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Da Nang are as follows:
- Golden Bridge- Early Departure & Marble Mountains- Private Tour: $133
- Hoi An Walking Tour, Sampan Boat Trip , Foodie Tour by Night: $69
- HoiAn Walking Tour with RiverBoat-Night Market-Colourful Lantern: $39
- Jeep Tour Danang to Hai Van Pass Lunch Lang Co Beach & Waterfall: $105
- MY SON HOLYLAND Private Tour-Early Morning at 6A.M or Afternoon : $65
- Marble Mountains - Hoi An Ancient Town Afternoon Tours FROM DANANG(15H30-21H): $35
- My Lai Massacre & My Son Holyland Fullday Private Tour : $165
- My Son Holyland & MARBLE MOUNTAIN Private Tour : $87
- 1 Day Imperial City Hue Tour from Hoi An and Da Nang City : $70
- 4-Day Private Central Vietnam Tour from Hue, My Son, Hoi An: $297
- Ba Na Hill - Golden Bridge Tour: $90
- Ba Na Hill Golden Bridge Tour with Buffet Lunch: $55
Tours and Activities in Xiamen
For Xiamen, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Sailing & Sea Experience.: $22
- Quanzhou Kaiyuan Temple & Luoyang Bridge Tour: $70
- Xiamen Private English Tour Guide Service: $93
- Xiamen Private Half Day Tour of Gulangyu Island and Shuzhuang Garden: $97
- A Night Tour to Xiamen Gulang Island: $100
- 4-Hour Xiamen Private Local Food Market Experience: $103
- 4-hour Xiamen Private Flexible Tour in Your Way: $115
- 4-Hour Xiamen Private Shore Excursion Tour in Your Way: $121
- Shanghai Metro Tour: $127
- Xiamen Layover Day Tour-Gulangyu,Shuzhuang Garden And Piano Museum: $132
- Xiamen Half-Day Private Tour include Gulang Yu Island and Garden : $135
- Tour Guide and Car: Private Day Tour to Yunshuiyao Ancient Village from Xiamen: $140
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDa Nang $8.91Xiamen $17
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Da Nang and Xiamen, we can see that Xiamen 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 Xiamen would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Xiamen 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 Xiamen Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Da Nang or Xiamen?
Da Nang has a larger population, and is about 30% larger than the population of Xiamen. When comparing the sizes of Da Nang and Xiamen, 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 Xiamen?
Xiamen 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 Xiamen in the Summer?
Both Xiamen 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.
In the summer, Da Nang is around the same temperature as Xiamen. Typically, the summer temperatures in Da Nang in July average around 29°C (85°F), and Xiamen averages at about 30°C (86°F).
Xiamen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Da Nang usually gets less rain in July than Xiamen. Da Nang gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Xiamen receives 140 mm (5.5 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.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyDa Nang 29°C (85°F)Xiamen 30°C (86°F)
Should I visit Da Nang or Xiamen in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Da Nang and Xiamen. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Da Nang year-round.
In October, Da Nang is generally around the same temperature as Xiamen. Daily temperatures in Da Nang average around 25°C (78°F), and Xiamen fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
Da Nang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Da Nang usually receives more rain than Xiamen. Da Nang gets 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain, while Xiamen receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn. Also, August to December is the rainy season in Da Nang.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberDa Nang 25°C (78°F)Xiamen 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Da Nang or Xiamen in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Da Nang as well as Xiamen. Da Nang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Da Nang is much warmer than Xiamen in the winter. The daily temperature in Da Nang averages around 22°C (71°F) in January, and Xiamen fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).
Da Nang receives a lot of rain in the winter. Da Nang usually gets more rain in January than Xiamen. Da Nang gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Xiamen receives 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, January to July in Da Nang is the dry season.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryDa Nang 22°C (71°F)Xiamen 14°C (58°F)
Should I visit Da Nang or Xiamen in the Spring?
Both Xiamen 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.
In the spring, Da Nang is a little warmer than Xiamen. Typically, the spring temperatures in Da Nang in April average around 26°C (80°F), and Xiamen averages at about 20°C (69°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Xiamen. In April, Da Nang usually receives less rain than Xiamen. Da Nang gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Xiamen receives 147 mm (5.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilDa Nang 26°C (80°F)Xiamen 20°C (69°F)
Typical Weather for Xiamen and Da Nang
| Da Nang | Xiamen | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 22°C (71°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 37 mm (1.4 in) |
| Feb | 23°C (73°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Mar | 24°C (75°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (80°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (85°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 197 mm (7.7 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (85°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 30°C (85°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 331 mm (13 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (78°F) | 613 mm (24.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Nov | 24°C (76°F) | 376 mm (14.8 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 37 mm (1.4 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 223 mm (8.8 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 25 mm (1 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.