A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Zanzibar vs. Da Nang for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Zanzibar 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 Zanzibar 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.

Where Should I go: Zanzibar or Da Nang?

Zanzibar

Just off the coast of Tanzania lies an entrancing archipelago known as Zanzibar. This gorgeous string of islands is the land of sultans, palaces beaches and spice-filled markets. Once an important trading center, many restorations have been done in recent years to restore Zanzibar to its ancient grandeur - earning its capital city UNESCO World Heritage status in 2000.

Da Nang

Halfway between Ho Chi Minh City in the south and Hanoi in the North is the easy-going beach city of Da Nang (or Danang, for some). The third most populated city in Vietnam, Da Nang draws in crowds with its beautiful and calm beaches as well as its history as a French colonial port.

With beaches, mountains, and cityscape, there's bound to be a point of interest for all travelers. Da Nang is also a transit hub to get to the four Vietnamese UNESCO World heritage sites: Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park, Hue, Hoi An, and My Son.

Da Nang experiences wet season from September through March and dry season from April through August with average temperatures of around 80℉.

Da Nang is also known to have some of the friendliest locals, probably due to the peace and quiet and lack of heavy traffic, even in the city.

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


Which place is cheaper, Da Nang or Zanzibar?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Zanzibar is $62, while the average daily cost in Da Nang is $55. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Zanzibar and Da Nang in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Zanzibar $24
    Da Nang $18
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Zanzibar $48
    Da Nang $36
Compare Hotels in Zanzibar and Da Nang

Looking for a hotel in Zanzibar or Da Nang? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Zanzibar


Hotels in Da Nang


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Zanzibar Hotel Prices and Da Nang Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Zanzibar $11
    Da Nang $11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zanzibar

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zanzibar:

  • Zanzibar Airport Private Transfer Anywhere: $12
  • Zanzibar Airport Transfers Pickup and Drop off/departure: $20
  • Private Airport Transfers in Zanzibar To Stone Town: $20
  • Zanzibar Taxi & Transfer Services – From Airport to All Resorts: $20
  • Zanzibar Airport Transfers & Island Shuttles – Book Now: $20
  • Zanzibar Airport Transfers to Hotels: $20
  • Zanzibar Arrival Transfer: Zanzibar Airport to Hotel: $20
  • Zanzibar Departure Transfer from Stone Town Hotels to the Airport: $20
  • Private Airport Transfers to Stone Town and Beyond: $20
  • Zanzibar Airport Private Transfer to/from Hotel: $20
  • Zanzibar Aiport transfer services: $23
  • Private Transfer from Zanzibar airport/port - Pick & Drop off: $25

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Da Nang

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Da Nang:

  • Afternoon private transfer from Danang city to the Golden Bridge: $40
  • Asia Park - Sun World Da Nang Wonders Theme Park Ticket With Round Trip Transfer: $38
  • Ba Na Hills and Surroundings Nature Park Pass & Shared Transfer: $58
  • Best Tour/Transfer to Hue Imperial City from Da Nang/ Hoi An: $67
  • Coconut Jungle - Vegetable & Pottery Village- PRIVATE TRANSFER: $56
  • DA NANG AIRPORT TO DA NANG HOTEL by Private Transfer: $8.97
  • DA NANG AIRPORT to Da Nang Hotel by Private Transfer: $19
  • DCAR Limousine to GOLDEN BRIDGE - Private Transfer ( 8-9 Hours): $89
  • Da Nang Airport Arrival Private Transfer: $35
  • Da Nang Airport Private Arrival Transfer: $10
  • Da Nang Airport Private Round-Trip Transfer: $9.00
  • Da Nang Airport Private Transfer to Hoi An & Da Nang City: $4.00

Is it cheaper to fly into Zanzibar or Da Nang?

Prices for flights to both Da Nang and Zanzibar change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Zanzibar $28
    Da Nang $27

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zanzibar

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zanzibar.

  • Zanzibar Traditional Cooking Class: $49
  • Local Cooking Class with Spice Tour in Zanzibar: $60
  • Zanzibar Cultural Cuisines Cooking Class & Spice Farm Tour: $75
  • Traditional Cooking Class in Zanzibar: $75
  • 5 Hours Guided Spice Tour and Cooking Class in Zanzibar: $99
  • Zanzibar Private Tour & Cooking Class: $110
  • Fully Day Private Tour Spice Tour Cooking Class and Stone town: $130
  • Spice Farm with Cooking Class + Lunch and Stone town (City tour): $130
  • Exclusive Private Sunset Dinner Sail along North Coast Zanzibar: $140
  • Spice Tour; Secret Garden Restaurant; Stone Town; Dinner at The Rock Restaurant: $140
  • Private Dinner on Sandbank in Zanzibar: $150
  • Mnemba Snorkeling Tour, Secret Garden, Stone Town Tour, Emerson Spice Dinner: $150

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Da Nang

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Da Nang.

  • Authentic Street Food Tour in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City or Da Nang: $1.87
  • Da Nang Private Street Food Tour with Students Flexible Itinerary: $5.00
  • Da Nang Street Food Tour with Karaoke, Bar, Acoustic Optional: $5.00
  • Da Nang Live Cooking Experience with Ocean Views: $10
  • Da Nang Egg Coffee and Spring Roll Cooking Class: $15
  • Tasty Dinner Han River Dragon Cruise by Yatch & Tradictional Show: $17
  • Da Nang Food Tour & Hidden Gems w/ Students By Scooter: $19
  • Poseidon Cruise with Dinner and Dragon Bridge Show: $21
  • Home Cooking Class: Market, Garden and cooking 4 dishes: $26
  • Walking Food Tour of Da Nang: $27
  • Trà Quế Vegetable Village, Herbal cocktail & HoiAn Cooking Class: $29
  • Private Traditional Cooking Class and Pho with Local Girl: $29

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Zanzibar $13
    Da Nang $13

Tours and Activities in Zanzibar

Here are a few actual costs in Zanzibar for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Stone Town Self Audio Guide Tour With Tourist Map: $6.00
  • Private Zanzibar Stone Town Heritage Tour: $15
  • Stone town Private Walking Tour: $16
  • Golden Walking Tour Of Stone Town Zanzibar: $17
  • Guided Stone Town Tour In Zanzibar: $17
  • City Tour with French guide: $18
  • Stone Town Walking Tour in Zanzibar: $18
  • 3 Hours Private Stone Town Walking Tour: $19
  • Zanzibar Stone Town Historical Walking Tour: $20
  • Zanzibar stone town city tour: $20
  • Zanzibar Stone Town Walking Tour: $20
  • Best Stone Town Walking Tour in Zanzibar: $20

Tours and Activities in Da Nang

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Da Nang are as follows:

  • Hoi An Ancient Town Tour with Lantern Release, Basket Boat Ride,: $1.87
  • Hue Imperial City and Royal Tombs Scenic Tour With Hai Van Pass: $1.87
  • Da Nang City Sightseeing and My Son Sanctuary Heritage Experience: $1.87
  • Vietnamese Tradition Combo Ao dai Coffee and Banh mi Private Tour: $2.73
  • Da Nang Self-Guided City Walking Tour & Scavenger Hunt: $3.51
  • Vietnam Da Nang Museum Admission Ticket: $3.97
  • Hue City Sightseeing Private Tour With Hai Van Pass Train Ride: $5.00
  • Da Nang Sun World Ba Na Hills & Golden Bridge Tour with Cable Car: $5.00
  • Da Nang Night Cruise on Han River with Optional Shows or Massage: $5.00
  • Cu Lao Cham Island, Coconut Basket Boat, Hoi An Ancient Town Tour: $5.00
  • Da Nang City Tasting Local Streeet Food Private Tour With Student: $5.00
  • My Son Sanctuary UNESCO Tour With Thu Bon River Boat Trip: $5.00

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Zanzibar $6.75
    Da Nang $8.95

Sample the Local Flavors in Zanzibar

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Zanzibar:

  • Thrilling Pub Crawl In Zanzibar. Visit 3 Unique Bars: $26


When comparing the travel costs between Zanzibar and Da Nang, we can see that Zanzibar 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. Even though Zanzibar is in Africa and Da Nang is in Asia, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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


Which is Bigger, Zanzibar or Da Nang?

Da Nang has a larger population, and is about 86% larger than the population of Zanzibar. When comparing the sizes of Zanzibar 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 Zanzibar 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 Zanzibar or Da Nang in the Summer?

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

January to July in Da Nang is the dry season. Also, August to December is the rainy season in Da Nang. In July, Zanzibar usually receives less rain than Da Nang. Zanzibar gets 31 mm (1.2 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 Zanzibar, it's very sunny this time of the year. Zanzibar usually receives less sunshine than Da Nang during summer. Zanzibar gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Da Nang receives 242 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Zanzibar is generally cooler than Da Nang. Daily temperatures in Zanzibar average around 25°C (77°F), and Da Nang fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Zanzibar 25°C (77°F) 
    Da Nang 29°C (85°F)

Should I visit Zanzibar or Da Nang in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Zanzibar as well as Da Nang. Zanzibar 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. Zanzibar usually gets less rain in October than Da Nang. Zanzibar gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Da Nang receives 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zanzibar this time of the year. In the autumn, Zanzibar often gets more sunshine than Da Nang. Zanzibar gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Da Nang receives 158 hours of full sun.

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


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Zanzibar 25°C (78°F) 
    Da Nang 25°C (78°F)

Should I visit Zanzibar or Da Nang in the Winter?

Both Da Nang and Zanzibar are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Zanzibar 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 Da Nang is January to July. It rains a lot this time of the year in Da Nang. In January, Zanzibar usually receives less rain than Da Nang. Zanzibar gets 78 mm (3.1 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 Zanzibar. Zanzibar usually receives more sunshine than Da Nang during winter. Zanzibar gets 236 hours of sunny skies, while Da Nang receives 136 hours of full sun in the winter.

In the winter, Zanzibar is a little warmer than Da Nang. Typically, the winter temperatures in Zanzibar in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Da Nang averages at about 22°C (71°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Zanzibar 28°C (82°F) 
    Da Nang 22°C (71°F)

Should I visit Zanzibar or Da Nang in the Spring?

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

It rains a lot this time of the year in Zanzibar. Zanzibar usually gets more rain in April than Da Nang. Zanzibar gets 269 mm (10.6 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. In the spring, Zanzibar often gets less sunshine than Da Nang. Zanzibar gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Da Nang receives 210 hours of full sun.

In April, Zanzibar is generally around the same temperature as Da Nang. Daily temperatures in Zanzibar average around 27°C (81°F), and Da Nang fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Zanzibar 27°C (81°F) 
    Da Nang 26°C (80°F)

Typical Weather for Da Nang and Zanzibar

Zanzibar Da Nang
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°C (82°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 22°C (71°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 52 mm (2 in) 23°C (73°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Mar 28°C (83°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 24°C (75°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 269 mm (10.6 in) 26°C (80°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
May 26°C (78°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 29°C (83°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 30°C (85°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 29°C (85°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 29°C (85°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Sep 25°C (76°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 28°C (82°F) 331 mm (13 in)
Oct 25°C (78°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 25°C (78°F) 613 mm (24.1 in)
Nov 27°C (80°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 24°C (76°F) 376 mm (14.8 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 23°C (73°F) 223 mm (8.8 in)