A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Koh Lanta vs. Da Nang for Beaches, Couples, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Koh Lanta or Da Nang?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Koh Lanta and Da Nang can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Koh Lanta

Koh Lanta is a quiet, beautiful, and off-the-beaten-path island. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Da Nang

Da Nang is a authentic, coastal, and accessible city. And you can't forget about the beaches, museums, and nightlife.

Koh Lanta and Da Nang: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Lanta or Da Nang?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Koh Lanta than Da Nang, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Koh Lanta is better known for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Da Nang is more popular for its museums, nightlife, and shopping. Koh Lanta is well known for it's long and sandy beaches, its idyllic paradise atmosphere, and its beautiful national park. Also, Koh Lanta is famous for Long Beach. Da Nang is well known for its traditional pagodas, nearby beaches, and high end resorts.

How is Koh Lanta different from Da Nang?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Da Nang is a city with good options for its museums and landmarks. However, Koh Lanta is a island with minimal options for its historical sights.

Da Nang offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Koh Lanta. Nature and tranquil beauty are what this island is all about, so you won't find much in the form of museums or temples.

Is the Food Better in Koh Lanta or Da Nang? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Koh Lanta and Da Nang both to be excellent destinations.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Koh Lanta. There are local markets that pop up in different places each day of the week. You may even get to sample deep-fried cicadas or dried fish. If you're looking for a more mainstream flavor, there are also curries and seafood dishes that are often locally caught.

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 Koh Lanta or Da Nang Better for Nightlife?

Da Nang is a great destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Koh Lanta is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

The people in Da Nang know how to have a good time. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Koh Lanta has a few options to choose from. This is one of the most chill islands in Thailand, so you won't find the hardcore party scene of some of the more backpacker heavy islands. That doesn't mean you won't find live music or places to hang out any night of the week.

Is Koh Lanta or Da Nang Better for Resorts?

If luxury resorts are your style, both Koh Lanta and Da Nang have excellent options.

In Koh Lanta, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. Most of the hotels and resorts are small, family-owned businesses that have a local and welcoming atmosphere.

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

Is Koh Lanta or Da Nang Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Koh Lanta 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 Koh Lanta. There are snorkeling and diving trips that leave from the island daily. It's also possible to snorkel off some of the beaches around the island without organizing a group trip.

Da Nang is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Koh Lanta or Da Nang Better for Beaches?

Koh Lanta is terrific for the beache. 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 Koh Lanta. For a quiet and tranquil beach holiday, this is your spot. You can enjoy long walks along sandy beaches on the north side of the island, and on the south side you'll find dramatic beauty. The most well known beach is Long Beach, which is also the longest on the island.

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 Koh Lanta or Da Nang Better for Hiking?

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

Koh Lanta is a popular spot for hiking. You'll find hiking trails in Koh Lanta National Park, which is at the southern tip of the island. You'll wander through the jungle, see wildlife, and take in breathtaking views.

Da Nang is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Lanta or Da Nang?

Da Nang is a city with a few options for its shopping opportunities. However, Koh Lanta is a island with minimal options for its shopping areas.

If you're looking to go shopping, Da Nang has some nice offerings. There are some shopping malls and local shops that make for interesting shopping experiences, but nothing compared to some of the more popular cities.

Shopping in Koh Lanta can be found for those interested. The island doesn't have the huge tourist crowds of many places in Thailand, so you'll find few shops in the towns. If you need to buy clothes or other items, it's better to go to the mainland.

Is Koh Lanta or Da Nang Better for Families?

Both Koh Lanta and Da Nang are excellent to visit with kids.

Koh Lanta is a very kid-friendly island. This is among the best island's in Thailand for kids. The waters are calm and the nightlife scene is relaxed. There are hotels that have kiddy pools and some even have kid's clubs. There are also kid-friendly menus at many of the restaurants.

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 Koh Lanta or Da Nang Better for Couples?

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

Koh Lanta makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The laid back vibe offers a bit of romance for couples. The beaches are beautiful and the island isn't as built up as many islands are in Thailand. And while you'll find places to go in the evening near the backpacker areas, most of the island has a chill and relaxed atmosphere.

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 Koh Lanta or Da Nang Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Koh Lanta and Da Nang are notable places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Koh Lanta is a good island to visit for backpackers. You'll find backpackers on almost every island in Thailand, but this one is a bit more chill than most. It's not as touristy as most of the country's southern islands, but there are still enough amenities to make it comfortable.

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.

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

Da Nang is a city with good options for its public transit. However, Koh Lanta is a island with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Da Nang, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are 14 bus routes in the city.

Public transit is quite limited in Koh Lanta. There really isn't any public transit on the island. Most visitors hire taxis or rent motorbikes to get around.

Is Koh Lanta or Da Nang a more walkable city?

Neither Koh Lanta or Da Nang are walkable places.

Koh Lanta is not a walkable island. While there are some parts of the island that can be explored on foot, most people get around by motorbike.

Da Nang is not a very walkable island. 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 Koh Lanta Worth Visiting? and Is Da Nang Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Da Nang or Koh Lanta?

How long in Koh Lanta or Da Nang?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Koh Lanta or Da Nang to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Koh Lanta than Da Nang because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Koh Lanta, and 1-2 days is enough time in Da Nang.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Da Nang than Koh Lanta 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 Koh Lanta or Da Nang?

In Koh Lanta, 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 island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

You'll find food and museums around the city of Da Nang. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Da Nang has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Koh Lanta or Da Nang?

In Koh Lanta, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Koh Lanta has to offer.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the authentic destination of Da Nang. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Koh Lanta or Da Nang?

Koh Lanta 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 Koh Lanta has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the accessible city of Da Nang. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Koh Lanta or Da Nang?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koh Lanta. Many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife when visiting Koh Lanta. 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.

Da Nang is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Thailand, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Thailand, The Best Adventure Tours to Vietnam, and The Best Eco Tours in Vietnam.

When comparing the travel costs between Koh Lanta and Da Nang, we can see that Koh Lanta is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Koh Lanta Expensive? and Is Da Nang Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Koh Lanta or Da Nang?

Da Nang has a larger population, and is about 120 times larger than the population of Koh Lanta. When comparing the sizes of Koh Lanta 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 Koh Lanta or Da Nang?

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 Koh Lanta or Da Nang in the Summer?

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

Also, June to September is the rainy season in Koh Lanta. January to July in Da Nang is the dry season. Also, August to December is the rainy season in Da Nang. Koh Lanta gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Koh Lanta usually receives more rain than Da Nang. Koh Lanta gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Da Nang receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Da Nang this time of the year. In Koh Lanta, it's very sunny this time of the year. Koh Lanta usually receives less sunshine than Da Nang during summer. Koh Lanta gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Da Nang receives 242 hours of full sun in the summer.

Koh Lanta is around the same temperature as Da Nang in the summer. The daily temperature in Koh Lanta averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Da Nang fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).

Should I visit Koh Lanta or Da Nang in the Autumn?

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

August to December in Da Nang is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Da Nang. Koh Lanta receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Koh Lanta usually gets less rain in October than Da Nang. Koh Lanta gets 281 mm (11.1 in) of rain, while Da Nang receives 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the autumn, Koh Lanta often gets more sunshine than Da Nang. Koh Lanta gets 181 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Da Nang receives 158 hours of full sun.

In the autumn, Koh Lanta is around the same temperature as Da Nang. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Koh Lanta in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Da Nang averages at about 25°C (78°F).

Should I visit Koh Lanta or Da Nang in the Winter?

Both Da Nang and Koh Lanta are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Lanta 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 Koh Lanta is January to April. The dry season in Da Nang is January to July. It rains a lot this time of the year in Da Nang. In January, Koh Lanta usually receives less rain than Da Nang. Koh Lanta gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Da Nang receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Koh Lanta. Koh Lanta usually receives more sunshine than Da Nang during winter. Koh Lanta gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Da Nang receives 136 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Koh Lanta is generally a little warmer than Da Nang. Daily temperatures in Koh Lanta average around 27°C (80°F), and Da Nang fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

Should I visit Koh Lanta or Da Nang in the Spring?

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

January to April is the dry season in Koh Lanta. June to September is the rainy season in Koh Lanta. It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Lanta. Koh Lanta usually gets more rain in April than Da Nang. Koh Lanta gets 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Da Nang receives 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

In Da Nang, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Koh Lanta. In the spring, Koh Lanta often gets more sunshine than Da Nang. Koh Lanta gets 249 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Da Nang receives 210 hours of full sun.

Koh Lanta is a little warmer than Da Nang in the spring. The daily temperature in Koh Lanta averages around 29°C (85°F) in April, and Da Nang fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

Typical Weather for Da Nang and Koh Lanta