A Travel Price Comparison for Vietnam Ho Chi Minh City vs. Da Nang for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Ho Chi Minh City 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 Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang can help you decide which place is right for you.

Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City is a diverse, cultural, and chaotic city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and theater.

Da Nang

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

Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ho Chi Minh City or Da Nang?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Ho Chi Minh City than Da Nang, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Ho Chi Minh City is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Da Nang is known for its resorts and beaches. Ho Chi Minh City is more touristy than Da Nang and is popular for its motorbike-filled streets, bustling markets, world-class cuisine, and diverse shopping opportunities. It is also home to the War Remnants Museum. Da Nang is popular for its traditional pagodas, nearby beaches, and high end resorts.

How is Ho Chi Minh City different from Da Nang?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Ho Chi Minh City or Da Nang?

Ho Chi Minh City is terrific 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.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Ho Chi Minh City are among the most recognizable in the world. It's a day trip outside of town, but the Cu Chi Tunnels are a must-see stop for any visitor. The War Remnants Museum is also a not-to-be-missed spot. Other highlights of the city include Thiên Hau Temple, the Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica, the Saigon Opera House, and the Reunification Palace.

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 Ho Chi Minh City or Da Nang Better for Theater?

Ho Chi Minh City is a popular place for its theatre productions. However, Da Nang is not a theatre destination.

Ho Chi Minh City offers a number of shows and performances. Water puppetry is a traditional art form that originated in the rural areas and was brought to the city. It is a fun cultural experience that kids and adults both enjoy. You can see it at The Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theatre.

Da Nang is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Ho Chi Minh City or Da Nang? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Ho Chi Minh City is terrific for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Da Nang is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, Ho Chi Minh City is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. This city, arguably, has some of the best food in Vietnam. You'll find everything from food stalls selling mouthwatering street food to luxury restaurants preparing traditional dishes with a modern twist. Banh Mi (a Vietnamese sandwich) and Pho (Vietnamese soup) are the most well known dishes around town, but also try the Bún mắm (a noodle dish) and Bún bò Huế (a beef based soup).

Da Nang has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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 Ho Chi Minh City or Da Nang Better for Nightlife?

Ho Chi Minh City 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.

Ho Chi Minh City is a must-see party destination. The city never settles down and you'll find all night parties and dance clubs open into the early hours. Backpackers keep the energy high, but there are also luxury clubs and more relaxed places where you can have a good night out if the backpacker thing isn't your scene.

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 Ho Chi Minh City or Da Nang Better for Resorts?

Da Nang is great for its luxury resorts. However, Ho Chi Minh City is not a resort destination.

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.

Ho Chi Minh City is not a resort destination.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Da Nang Better for Beaches?

Da Nang is very good for the beach. However, Ho Chi Minh City is not a beach destination.

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.

Ho Chi Minh City is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ho Chi Minh City or Da Nang?

Ho Chi Minh City is terrific for its shopping opportunities. However, Da Nang is not a good city for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Ho Chi Minh City make it a world-class shopping destination. The city is filled with a mix of modern shopping centers and local shops selling traditional items. You'll find international brands as well as uniquely Vietnamese products. The city also has some of the best boutique shopping opportunities in Southeast Asia.

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 Ho Chi Minh City or Da Nang Better for Families?

Ho Chi Minh City is terrific for its family-friendly activities. Also, Da Nang is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Ho Chi Minh City is a very family-friendly destination. Kids may feel overwhelmed at first, but they're sure to fall in love with the energy and kid-friendly activities in this city. There are traditional water puppet shows, kid-friendly restaurants, and fun parks. There's also the Suoi Tien Theme Park, smaller water parks, zoos, and art museums to explore.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Da Nang. 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 Ho Chi Minh City or Da Nang Better for Couples?

Both Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang are great destinations to visit as a couple.

Ho Chi Minh City is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. If you're looking for a vibrant cultural scene with excellent restaurants, great parks, and countless day trips, this is the ultimate couple's getaway.

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.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Da Nang Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ho Chi Minh City is terrific for backpackers. Also, Da Nang is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Ho Chi Minh City. It's well established on the Southeast Asian backpacker's circuit and you'll find no shortage of hostels in town. You'll find a good number of backpackers in District 1 of the city, near Ben Thanh Market. Many backpackers also arrange trips to the Mekong Delta or elsewhere in Thailand while they're here.

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.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Da Nang Better for Students?

Ho Chi Minh City is a popular place for students. However, Da Nang is not popular with students.

Ho Chi Minh City is a good city to visit for students. Study abroad students appreciate the city's energy and plethora of activities. It also makes a good base for trips to other parts of Southeast Asia.

Da Nang is not popular with students.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Da Nang Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Da Nang is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Ho Chi Minh City is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Da Nang offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are 14 bus routes in the city.

Public transit is generally limited in Ho Chi Minh City. There are public buses around town but motorbike taxis and regular taxis are likely your best bet for getting around.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Da Nang a more walkable city?

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

Ho Chi Minh City is a somewhat walkable place. In certain neighborhoods it's fairly walkable, but you may have to dodge a motorbike here or there.

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 Ho Chi Minh City Worth Visiting? and Is Da Nang Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Da Nang or Ho Chi Minh City?

How long in Ho Chi Minh City or Da Nang?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Ho Chi Minh City or Da Nang to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Ho Chi Minh City than Da Nang because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Ho Chi Minh City, and 1-2 days is enough time in Da Nang.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Ho Chi Minh City 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 Ho Chi Minh City.

One day in Ho Chi Minh City or Da Nang?

Because Ho Chi Minh City is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the accessible destination of Da Nang. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Ho Chi Minh City or Da Nang?

Because Ho Chi Minh City 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. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

You'll find nightlife and food around the accessible city of Da Nang. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Five days in Ho Chi Minh City or Da Nang?

Ho Chi Minh City is a great place to explore. 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.

Da Nang is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

A week in Ho Chi Minh City or Da Nang?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ho Chi Minh City. Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Ho Chi Minh City. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Da Nang is a great place to explore. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in Vietnam, The Best 10-Day Tours in Vietnam, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Vietnam, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Vietnam.

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

Which is Bigger, Ho Chi Minh City or Da Nang?

Ho Chi Minh City has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Da Nang. When comparing the sizes of Ho Chi Minh City 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.