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

Should you visit Dubai or Da Nang?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Dubai and Da Nang can help you decide which place is right for you.

Dubai

Dubai is a glamorous, opulent, and modern city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Da Nang

Da Nang is a coastal, accessible, and authentic city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Dubai and Da Nang: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dubai or Da Nang?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Dubai than Da Nang, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Dubai is more touristy than Da Nang and is popular for its luxury shopping, glamorous resorts, city beaches, and ultramodern development style. It is also home to Burj Khalifa. Da Nang is popular for its traditional pagodas, nearby beaches, and high end resorts.

Burj Khalifa

How is Dubai different from Da Nang?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Dubai or Da Nang Better for Skiing?

Dubai is a moderate city for snow skiing. However, Da Nang is not a skiing destination.

Dubai is a fun local destination for snow skiers. Despite being a desert city, Dubai became famous for its massive indoor ski complex that covers 22,500 square meters. It is located in the Mall of the Emirates.

Da Nang is not a skiing destination.

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

Dubai 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.

Dubai offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city's most famous landmark is the Burj Khalifa, which is the tallest building in the world. Head to the observation deck for stunning views.

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 Dubai or Da Nang? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Dubai and Da Nang both to be great destinations.

Dubai has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The national dish in the area is khuzi, or ghuzi, which is a meal of roasted lamb or mutton, prepared with rice vegetables and nuts.

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).

Is Dubai or Da Nang Better for Nightlife?

Dubai is terrific for nightlife and partying. Also, Da Nang is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

Dubai is a must-see party destination. Frequented by the wealthy and opulent, the city has world class night clubs and DJs that travel from around to world to perform.

Da Nang has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Is Dubai or Da Nang Better for Music?

Dubai is terrific for its live music scene. However, Da Nang is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Dubai The city attracts world famous international DJs and musicians giving it one of the world's best music scenes.

Da Nang is not a live music destination.

Is Dubai or Da Nang Better for Resorts?

Dubai 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, Dubai is a great choice. Some of the most famous include Atlantis - The Palm, The Four Seasons, and Burj Al Arab Jumeirah.

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 Dubai or Da Nang Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Dubai is a popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Da Nang is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Dubai has a few good snorkeling spots. One of the best scuba diving spots is Jumeirah Beach.

Da Nang is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Dubai or Da Nang Better for Beaches?

Dubai and Da Nang are good choices for a beach vacation.

Many people head to Dubai to enjoy the beach. There are a number of both private and public beaches in the city. They are almost all man-made, so they are large, flat, and have soft sand. It's also generally safe to swim at most beaches.

Da Nang has a beach worth visiting. 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 the Shopping Better in Dubai or Da Nang?

Dubai is terrific for its shopping opportunities. However, Da Nang is not a good city for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Dubai make it a world-class shopping destination. With its many malls, souks, and shopping areas, this is the place to go for luxury shopping. Popular items to purchase include gold and diamond jewelry, shawls, and Persian rugs.

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 Dubai or Da Nang Better for Families?

You'll find great kid-friendly activities in either Dubai or Da Nang.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Dubai. This city has family-friendly resorts, skyscrapers with spectacular views, and amusement parks that are fun for the whole family. There are also plenty of fountains that the kids can splash around in.

Da Nang is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Is Dubai or Da Nang Better for Couples?

Da Nang is a great city for couples. Also, Dubai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Da Nang is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The surrounding area has luxury resorts and nice beaches that make for a romantic getaway.

Dubai is a nice destination for couples. From the spectacular views to the high end resorts, couples can enjoy a romantic retreat to the city.

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

Da Nang is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Dubai is not known for backpackers.

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.

Dubai is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It is known to be an expensive and not so backpacker friendly city, but there are some hostels around that you can stay at.

Is Dubai or Da Nang Better for Students?

Dubai is terrific for students. However, Da Nang is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Dubai. Many major universities from around the world have campuses in this city, making this a top destination for international students.

Da Nang is not popular with students.

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

Dubai and Da Nang both offer good public transit to get you around.

While Dubai offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The city's public transportation system includes buses, water buses, a monorail system, and a metro.

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

Is Dubai or Da Nang a more walkable city?

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

Dubai is generally not very walkable. It is one of the less pedestrian-friendly cities around the world. There is lots of road work, even in the more walkable areas, so getting around on foot can be challenging.

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 Dubai Worth Visiting? and Is Da Nang Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Da Nang or Dubai?

How long in Dubai or Da Nang?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Dubai or Da Nang to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Dubai than Da Nang because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Dubai, and 1-2 days is enough time in Da Nang.

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

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

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

One day in Dubai or Da Nang?

Because Dubai is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Da Nang, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this authentic destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Dubai or Da Nang?

Because Dubai is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Da Nang. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Dubai or Da Nang?

Dubai 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 Dubai has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Da Nang is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Da Nang. 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.

A week in Dubai or Da Nang?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dubai. Because Dubai is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

You'll find nightlife and food around the authentic destination of Da Nang. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Day Tours from Dubai, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Arab Emirates, The Best Adventure Tours to Vietnam, and The Best Eco Tours in Vietnam.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dubai and Da Nang, we can see that Dubai is more expensive. And not only is Da Nang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dubai is in Middle East and Da Nang is in Asia, 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 Dubai would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dubai 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 Dubai Expensive? and Is Da Nang Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Dubai or Da Nang?

Dubai has a larger population, and is about 51% larger than the population of Da Nang. When comparing the sizes of Dubai and Da Nang, 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 Dubai or Da Nang?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.

Should I visit Dubai or Da Nang in the Summer?

Both Da Nang and Dubai during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Dubai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Da Nang year-round.

June to August is the dry season in Dubai. January to July is the dry season in Da Nang. August to December is the rainy season in Da Nang. Dubai usually gets less rain in July than Da Nang. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Da Nang receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Dubai can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Dubai is generally a little warmer than Da Nang. Daily temperatures in Dubai average around 35°C (95°F), and Da Nang fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).

Should I visit Dubai or Da Nang in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Dubai and Da Nang. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dubai year-round. Da Nang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Also, August to December is the rainy season in Da Nang. Da Nang receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Dubai usually receives less rain than Da Nang. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Da Nang receives 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Dubai is a little warmer than Da Nang in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dubai averages around 29°C (84°F) in October, and Da Nang fluctuates around 25°C (78°F).

Should I visit Dubai or Da Nang in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Dubai as well as Da Nang. Dubai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Da Nang throughout the year.

January to March in Dubai is the rainy season. Also, January to July in Da Nang is the dry season. It's quite rainy in Da Nang. Dubai usually gets less rain in January than Da Nang. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Da Nang receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the winter, Dubai is cooler than Da Nang. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dubai in January average around 19°C (66°F), and Da Nang averages at about 22°C (71°F).

Should I visit Dubai or Da Nang in the Spring?

Both Da Nang and Dubai are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Dubai throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Da Nang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

The dry season in Dubai is June to August. In April, Dubai usually receives less rain than Da Nang. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Da Nang receives 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

In April, Dubai is generally around the same temperature as Da Nang. Daily temperatures in Dubai average around 26°C (79°F), and Da Nang fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

Typical Weather for Da Nang and Dubai