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

Should you visit Koh Samui or Da Nang?

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

Should I visit Koh Samui or Da Nang? 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.

Koh Samui

Koh Samui is a tropical, rainforest-covered, and lush resort island. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Da Nang

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

Koh Samui and Da Nang: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Koh Samui. Although Koh Samui and Da Nang are both popular with visitors, Koh Samui has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Koh Samui is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Da Nang is known for its museums. Koh Samui is more touristy than Da Nang and is popular for its ornate temples, beautiful beaches, and laid-back atmosphere. It is also home to The Big Buddha Temple. Da Nang is popular for its traditional pagodas, nearby beaches, and high end resorts.

How is Koh Samui 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 Samui. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

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

Da Nang is a popular place for its historical sights. However, Koh Samui does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Koh Samui does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Koh Samui and Da Nang can be difficult as they are each high quality in their own way.

Koh Samui has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Food on the island is fresh and delicious. You'll find fine dining restaurants as well as hole in the wall dives where you can enjoy local flavors. There are also international restaurants if you need a break from the curries. Beachfront restaurants offer a beautiful setting and sunset dinner cruises are a not to be missed experience. Authentically local dishes usually include some form of coconut but there are also other common Thai dishes available almost anywhere like curries or Pad Thai.

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 Koh Samui or Da Nang Better for Nightlife?

Koh Samui 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.

Koh Samui is a must-see party destination. All night beach parties, cheap bars, and lively dance clubs all give this island its party atmosphere. Young travelers from around the globe head here to enjoy music, cheap drinks, and world class fun. For the most active nightlife, head to Chaweng Beach, Lamai Beach or Bophut Beach.

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 Koh Samui or Da Nang Better for Resorts?

Koh Samui 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, Koh Samui is a great choice. The island is filled with countless resorts, hotels, and private villas that you can rent. You can choose from beachfront properties or resorts that are located in the hills, which offer beautiful views. The resorts often have pools and range from five star all the way down to budget-friendly.

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 Koh Samui or Da Nang Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Koh Samui 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 Samui. It's easy to arrange snorkeling or scuba diving trips through hotels or travel companies, but it's also possible to snorkel right off the shore in places like Chaweng Beach. Due to the island's popularity, the coral isn't always the healthiest, but the water is clear and you'll likely see some interesting sea life just off the shore.

Da Nang is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Koh Samui or Da Nang Better for Beaches?

Koh Samui 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 Samui. The white sand beaches are lined with coconut trees and look out on crystal blue waters, making this a perfect tropical destination. There are lively activity-filled beaches as well as quiet retreats where you can enjoy a peaceful setting away from the crowds.

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 Samui or Da Nang Better for Hiking?

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

Koh Samui is a popular spot for hiking. Hikes will take you inland through the beautiful rainforest. There are hidden waterfalls as well as Buddha gardens and ridge trails with breathtaking views. Hikes range from easy to challenging, so make sure you understand the skill level required before you set out.

Da Nang is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Samui or Da Nang?

Koh Samui is a popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Da Nang is not a good city for its shopping areas.

Koh Samui offers some nice shopping areas. The resort areas have the most interesting shops and you'll find the most options around Chaweng. There are boutique shops as well as some malls. You can sometimes negotiate prices down in independently run stores, but some places advertise fixed prices.

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 Koh Samui or Da Nang Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Koh Samui or Da Nang.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Koh Samui. The island is one of the slightly calmer, family-friendly options in Thailand. It has a number of activities that all ages can enjoy including water parks, water sports, and temples to explore. Snorkeling is also fun and there's an aquarium and zoo that you can check out.

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 Koh Samui or Da Nang Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Koh Samui and Da Nang make for a high quality place to visit.

Koh Samui is a great resort island if you're traveling as a couple. Dinner cruises, beachfront restaurants, and beautiful sunsets all make this island a romantic destination for couples. There are also spas, resorts, and fine dining restaurants that you can enjoy.

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

Koh Samui is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Da Nang is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Koh Samui is a great resort island to visit for backpackers. The island feels a bit more like a holiday destination than a backpacker destination, but it still has a lively nightlife and affordable accommodation around Lamai Beach. It's also a nice place to go for yoga or Muay Thai classes.

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

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

While Koh Samui offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Songthaew, the Thai version of a bus, and taxis or motorbikes are the best ways to get around the island.

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

Is Koh Samui or Da Nang a more walkable city?

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

Koh Samui is generally not very walkable. The roads have a good amount of traffic and generally aren't designed for walking.

Da Nang is not a very walkable resort 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 Samui Worth Visiting? and Is Da Nang Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Koh Samui or Da Nang?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Koh Samui or Da Nang to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Koh Samui 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 Koh Samui, and 1-2 days is enough time in Da Nang.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Koh Samui 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 Koh Samui.

One day in Koh Samui or Da Nang?

In Koh Samui, you'll find nightlife and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This resort 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 Samui or Da Nang?

In Koh Samui, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. 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. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the coastal 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 Samui or Da Nang?

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

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the authentic 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 Samui or Da Nang?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koh Samui. In Koh Samui, you'll find shopping and nightlife. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

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 Tours Under $1000 in Thailand, The Best Budget Tours to Thailand, The Best Adventure Tours to Vietnam, and The Best Eco Tours in Vietnam.

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

Which is Bigger, Koh Samui or Da Nang?

Da Nang has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Koh Samui. When comparing the sizes of Koh Samui 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 Samui 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 Koh Samui or Da Nang in the Summer?

Both Da Nang and Koh Samui during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Samui 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 July is the dry season in Da Nang. August to December is the rainy season in Da Nang. It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Samui. Koh Samui usually gets more rain in July than Da Nang. Koh Samui gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Da Nang receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

In July, Koh Samui is generally cooler than Da Nang. Daily temperatures in Koh Samui average around 24°C (76°F), and Da Nang fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).

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

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

December to February in Koh Samui is the dry season. Also, October to December is the rainy season in Koh Samui. Also, August to December is the rainy season in Da Nang. Da Nang receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Koh Samui gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Koh Samui usually receives less rain than Da Nang. Koh Samui gets 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Da Nang receives 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Koh Samui is around the same temperature as Da Nang in the autumn. The daily temperature in Koh Samui averages around 24°C (75°F) in October, and Da Nang fluctuates around 25°C (78°F).

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

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

Also, December to February in Koh Samui is the dry season. Also, January to July in Da Nang is the dry season. It's quite rainy in Da Nang. Koh Samui usually gets less rain in January than Da Nang. Koh Samui gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Da Nang receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the winter, Koh Samui is around the same temperature as Da Nang. Typically, the winter temperatures in Koh Samui in January average around 22°C (72°F), and Da Nang averages at about 22°C (71°F).

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

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

In April, Koh Samui usually receives more rain than Da Nang. Koh Samui gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Da Nang receives 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

In April, Koh Samui is generally around the same temperature as Da Nang. Daily temperatures in Koh Samui average around 24°C (76°F), and Da Nang fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

Typical Weather for Da Nang and Koh Samui