A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Da Nang vs. Yaeyama Islands for Resorts, Beaches, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Da Nang or Yaeyama Islands?

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

Should I visit Da Nang or Yaeyama Islands? 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.

Yaeyama Islands

Yaeyama Islands is a pristine, luxurious, and serene archipelago. You'll find world class beauty in Yaeyama Islands as well. And you can't forget about the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. See Yaeyama Islands travel costs.

Da Nang and Yaeyama Islands: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Da Nang or Yaeyama Islands?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Yaeyama Islands. Although Da Nang and Yaeyama Islands are popular destinations, Yaeyama Islands has more sights and attractions for tourists. Yaeyama Islands is very popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Da Nang attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and shopping. Yaeyama Islands is more touristy than Da Nang and is known for its jungle, tropical setting, and pristine beaches. It is also well known for Nishihama Beach. Da Nang is famous for its traditional pagodas, nearby beaches, and high end resorts.

How is Da Nang different from Yaeyama Islands?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Da Nang is a good destination for its sights and museums. However, Yaeyama Islands is not a good archipelago 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 Yaeyama Islands specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. The islands are known for their beaches, snorkeling, and jungles, but don't expect much in the form of museums.

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

Da Nang is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Yaeyama Islands is not as famous, but is still a good archipelago to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Da Nang makes for a great culinary experience. 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).

Yaeyama Islands has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are many fruits and vegetables that are local to the region. Tropical fruits are common including pineapples, passionfruit, mango, shikuwasa, watermelon, papaya, and dragon fruit. You can try Yaeyama Soba (noodle soup) or any other local favorite at the restaurants in the area, most of which are usually concentrated around the villages on the island.

Is Da Nang or Yaeyama Islands Better for Nightlife?

Da Nang is a well-known place for nightlife. Also, Yaeyama Islands is not as famous, but is still a good archipelago to visit for nightlife and 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Yaeyama Islands. The nightlife is laid back and relaxed. You can sip a cocktail and enjoy the view from your resort's bar.

Is Da Nang or Yaeyama Islands Better for Resorts?

Yaeyama Islands is terrific for its resorts. Also, Da Nang is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its luxury resorts.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Yaeyama Islands is a great choice. There are luxury international resorts as well as smaller upscale hotels. Many resorts are found on the largest island, Ishigaki.

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

Is Da Nang or Yaeyama Islands Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Yaeyama Islands is a well-known place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Da Nang is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting Yaeyama Islands. The islands offer great scuba diving and snorkeling with coral reefs and tropical fish as well as manta rays and pelagic fish.

Da Nang is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Da Nang or Yaeyama Islands Better for Beaches?

Yaeyama Islands is terrific for the beach. Also, Da Nang is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for the beach.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Yaeyama Islands. This tropical paradise has white sand beaches and turquoise water. There are water sports, including snorkeling and diving, and the beaches on each island have their own atmosphere and vibe.

Many people head to Da Nang to enjoy the beach. 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.

Is Da Nang or Yaeyama Islands Better for Hiking?

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

Yaeyama Islands is a popular spot for hiking. The islands offer relatively easy access to jungle hikes, which will quickly make you feel like you've been swept into a hidden paradise. There are waterfalls, wildlife, butterflies, and scenic spots to explore.

Da Nang is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Da Nang or Yaeyama Islands?

Da Nang is a moderate city for shopping. However, Yaeyama Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Da Nang is a good destination for 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.

Yaeyama Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Da Nang or Yaeyama Islands More Beautiful?

Yaeyama Islands is terrific for its scenery and beauty. However, Da Nang is not a destination known for its beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Yaeyama Islands as well. White sand, blue water, tropical jungles and coral reefs make this a breathtakingly beautiful part of Japan.

Da Nang is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Da Nang or Yaeyama Islands Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Da Nang or Yaeyama Islands.

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 Yaeyama Islands. This island setting has blue waters and water sports that the whole family can enjoy. There are also family-friendly resorts with kids clubs and nearby nature.

Is Da Nang or Yaeyama Islands Better for Couples?

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

Yaeyama Islands makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Beautiful blue water and fun water sports make this a wonderful destination for couples. There are nice resorts and fine dining opportunities that make this a great couple's retreat.

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 Yaeyama Islands Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Da Nang is a good destination for backpackers. However, Yaeyama Islands is not a good archipelago for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers 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.

Yaeyama Islands is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Backpacking can be challenging as transportation is limited and accommodation can be expensive.

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

Da Nang is a good destination for its public transit. However, Yaeyama Islands is not a good archipelago for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Yaeyama Islands. There is very little in the form of public transit but you can get from the largest island, Ishigaki Island, to nearby islands by ferry.

Is Da Nang or Yaeyama Islands a more walkable city?

Yaeyama Islands is a moderate archipelago for its high level of walkability. However, Da Nang is not a good city for its ease of walking around.

Yaeyama Islands is generally not very walkable. Some of the islands are small enough to get around 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 Yaeyama Islands Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Yaeyama Islands or Da Nang?

How long in Da Nang or Yaeyama Islands?

In either Da Nang or Yaeyama Islands, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Yaeyama Islands than Da Nang because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Da Nang, and 3-5 days is enough time in Yaeyama Islands.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Da Nang than Yaeyama Islands 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 Da Nang.

One day in Da Nang or Yaeyama Islands?

The accessible destination of Da Nang offers food and museums. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Yaeyama Islands, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. This archipelago 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 Yaeyama Islands?

The city of Da Nang offers museums and nightlife. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

In Yaeyama Islands, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Da Nang or Yaeyama Islands?

Da Nang is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Yaeyama Islands is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Yaeyama Islands has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Da Nang or Yaeyama Islands?

Many people enjoy the food and museums when visiting Da Nang. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Yaeyama Islands. Many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife when visiting Yaeyama Islands. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo.

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

When is the best time to visit Da Nang or Yaeyama Islands?

Yaeyama Islands 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 Yaeyama Islands in the Summer?

Both Yaeyama Islands 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. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Yaeyama Islands because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Da Nang is generally around the same temperature as Yaeyama Islands. Daily temperatures in Da Nang average around 29°C (85°F), and Yaeyama Islands fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).

It's quite sunny in Yaeyama Islands. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Da Nang. Da Nang usually receives less sunshine than Yaeyama Islands during summer. Da Nang gets 242 hours of sunny skies, while Yaeyama Islands receives 279 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Yaeyama Islands. In July, Da Nang usually receives less rain than Yaeyama Islands. Da Nang gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Yaeyama Islands receives 179 mm (7 in) of rain each month for the summer. The dry season in Da Nang is January to July. The rainy season in Da Nang is August to December.

Should I visit Da Nang or Yaeyama Islands in the Autumn?

Both Yaeyama Islands 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. Also, the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Yaeyama Islands this time of year.

Da Nang is around the same temperature as Yaeyama Islands in the autumn. The daily temperature in Da Nang averages around 25°C (78°F) in October, and Yaeyama Islands fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

In the autumn, Da Nang often gets less sunshine than Yaeyama Islands. Da Nang gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Yaeyama Islands receives 177 hours of full sun.

Yaeyama Islands 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 Yaeyama Islands. Da Nang gets 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain, while Yaeyama Islands receives 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain this time of the year. August to December is the rainy season in Da Nang.

Should I visit Da Nang or Yaeyama Islands in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Da Nang and Yaeyama Islands. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Da Nang year-round. Also, many travelers come to Yaeyama Islands for the museums and the cuisine.

In the winter, Da Nang is a little warmer than Yaeyama Islands. Typically, the winter temperatures in Da Nang in January average around 22°C (71°F), and Yaeyama Islands averages at about 18°C (64°F).

Da Nang usually receives more sunshine than Yaeyama Islands during winter. Da Nang gets 136 hours of sunny skies, while Yaeyama Islands receives 97 hours of full sun in the winter.

Yaeyama Islands 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 around the same amount of rain as Yaeyama Islands. Da Nang gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Yaeyama Islands receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the winter. January to July in Da Nang is the dry season.

Should I visit Da Nang or Yaeyama Islands in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Da Nang as well as Yaeyama Islands. Da Nang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Yaeyama Islands in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Da Nang is generally a little warmer than Yaeyama Islands. Daily temperatures in Da Nang average around 26°C (80°F), and Yaeyama Islands fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Da Nang this time of the year. In the spring, Da Nang often gets more sunshine than Yaeyama Islands. Da Nang gets 210 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Yaeyama Islands receives 154 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Yaeyama Islands. Da Nang usually gets less rain in April than Yaeyama Islands. Da Nang gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Yaeyama Islands receives 147 mm (5.8 in) of rain this time of the year. May to June in Yaeyama Islands is the rainy season.

Typical Weather for Yaeyama Islands and Da Nang