Comparison · Da Nang vs Ha Long Bay · Vietnam
Da Nang vs Ha Long Bay
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Somerset999, CC BY-SA 4.0
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Quick answer
Choose Da Nang for My Khe Beach, Dragon Bridge, lower day-to-day costs and nightlife; choose Ha Long Bay for Limestone karsts and Overnight cruises. Da Nang is generally less expensive, and the two are about 550 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 550 km
- Less expensive
- Da Nang
- Best time for Da Nang
- February–May
- Best time for Ha Long Bay
- April–May and October–November
Side by side
| Da Nang | Ha Long Bay | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Vietnam | Vietnam |
| Known for | My Khe Beach, Dragon Bridge and Marble Mountains | Limestone karsts, Overnight cruises and Sea caves |
| Best time to visit | February–May | April–May and October–November |
| Ideal stay | 4 days | 3 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $60–$130 | $100–$220 |
| Cost level | Very affordable | Affordable |
| Warmest month | June, 34°C (93°F) | July, 32°C (90°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 25°C (77°F) | January, 20°C (68°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 9 | 2 |
| Day trips in our guide | 5 | 4 |
| Beaches | My Khe Beach | Cat Co beaches |
| Airports | DAD | HAN, VDO |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Da Nang for…
My Khe Beach, Dragon Bridge, lower day-to-day costs and nightlife. Da Nang is central Vietnam's largest city, stretched between the Han River and a long sandy beach on the East Sea. Its airport sits only a few kilometres from the centre, which makes it the gateway to Hoi An, Hue and the Hai Van Pass. Visitors split their…
Choose Ha Long Bay for…
Limestone karsts and Overnight cruises. Ha Long Bay is a UNESCO-listed seascape of roughly 1,600 limestone islands and islets in Quang Ninh province, about 160 km east of Hanoi. Most visitors see it from a boat: day cruises and overnight junks leave Bai Chay and Tuan Chau for caves, kayaking…
Top sights compared
| # | Da Nang | Ha Long Bay |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dragon Bridge | Overnight bay cruise |
| 2 | My Khe Beach | Sung Sot Cave |
| 3 | Marble Mountains | Ti Top Island |
| 4 | Linh Ung Pagoda and the Lady Buddha | Luon Cave kayaking |
| 5 | Son Tra Peninsula and Ban Co Peak | Thien Cung Cave |
Food compared
| Da Nang | Ha Long Bay |
|---|---|
| Quang-style noodles | Ha Long squid cake |
| Pork in rice paper with fermented anchovy sauce | Rice rolls with squid cake |
| Fish-cake noodle soup | Mantis shrimp |
| Vermicelli with fermented anchovy sauce | Ngán clams |
Which is cheaper?
Da Nang is usually the less expensive of the two: a mid-range day costs about $60–$130 per person there, against $100–$220 in Ha Long Bay (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Da Nang on a budget.
Can you visit both?
Yes. Da Nang and Ha Long Bay are about 550 km apart, so they combine well in one trip: allow 4 days in Da Nang and 3 in Ha Long Bay.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Da Nang or Ha Long Bay cheaper?
Da Nang is usually less expensive: about $60–$130 a day mid-range against $100–$220 (estimates).
+Is Da Nang or Ha Long Bay better for a first trip?
Pick Da Nang for My Khe Beach, Dragon Bridge, lower day-to-day costs and nightlife, or Ha Long Bay for Limestone karsts and Overnight cruises.
+How far is Da Nang from Ha Long Bay?
About 550 km in a straight line.