Wondering how much money you need for a trip to Da Nang? You’ve come to the right place. As a local, I can tell you that Da Nang is one of the most affordable and rewarding cities in Vietnam, offering incredible value whether you’re a backpacker on a shoestring budget or seeking a luxurious beach getaway.
Why Trust This Guide?
This guide is written by our local expert Ngoc Linh, who has lived in Da Nang for 12 years. All recommendations and cost estimates are based on her personal, first-hand experience living and enjoying the city every day. We don’t accept payment for reviews, so you can be sure this advice is 100% authentic and designed to help you plan the perfect trip.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about your Da Nang travel budget. We’ll cover typical daily expenses for three different travel styles, give you detailed price breakdowns for food, accommodation, and transport, and share some local secrets for saving money.
Da Nang Trip Cost: At a Glance (Per Person, Per Day)
The most important information you need is a realistic daily budget. Here are the average daily costs you can expect, depending on your travel style. These estimates include accommodation, 3 meals, a bit of transport, and one activity per day.
Travel Style | Cost in VND | Cost in USD | Who It’s For |
Backpacker | 700,000 – 950,000 | $28 – $38 | Hostel dwellers, street food lovers, and those who walk or use Grab Bike. |
Mid-Range | 1,500,000 – 2,500,000 | $60 – $100 | Travelers staying in 3-4 star hotels, enjoying a mix of local eateries and nice restaurants, and using Grab cars. |
Luxury | 4,000,000+ | $160+ | Visitors staying in 5-star beachfront resorts, enjoying fine dining, spa treatments, and private car services. |
[Local’s Tip:] These are just averages! The biggest factors influencing your budget will be your choice of accommodation and how often you opt for high-end restaurants and bars. You can easily mix and match. For example, stay in a budget-friendly hotel but splurge on a fantastic seafood dinner.
Cost of Accommodation in Da Nang
Your choice of where to stay in Da Nang will be the single biggest part of your budget. The good news is there are fantastic options for every price point.
- Hostels:A bed in a dorm costs between 150,000 – 250,000 VND ($6 – $10 USD) per night. Da Nang has some excellent, modern hostels, many of which are perfect for meeting other travelers. Check out our guide to the best budget hostels in Da Nang for top recommendations.
- Mid-Range Hotels:A comfortable room in a 3-star hotel costs between 600,000 – 1,200,000 VND ($24 – $48 USD) per night. You can find great hotels with pools and breakfast included, especially in the areas around My Khe Beach and the Han River.
- Luxury Resorts & Hotels:A room in a 5-star beachfront resort starts around 3,000,000 VND ($120 USD) and can go much higher. Da Nang is famous for its incredible luxury properties like the InterContinental Da Nang Sun Peninsula Resort, which offer world-class service and amenities.
[Quote: “I always tell my friends to book their accommodation a bit in advance, especially if they are visiting during the high season from April to August. You’ll get better prices and more options.” – Linh]
Cost of Food and Drinks in Da Nang
Eating in Da Nang is a highlight, and it’s incredibly affordable! You can eat like a king for very little money.
- Street Food:A typical street food meal costs between 30,000 – 60,000 VND ($1.20 – $2.40 USD). This is where you’ll find the soul of Da Nang’s cuisine. A bowl of the famous Mi Quang noodles or a delicious Banh Xeo crispy pancake will leave you full and happy.
- Local Restaurants:A meal in a proper local restaurant will set you back 80,000 – 200,000 VND ($3.20 – $8 USD) per person. This is a great way to try a wider variety of dishes in a more comfortable setting.
- Seafood & Upscale Restaurants:A seafood feast or a meal at a high-end restaurant can range from 400,000 – 1,000,000+ VND ($16 – $40+ USD) per person. Fresh seafood is a must-try in Da Nang, and while it’s more expensive, it’s still great value compared to Western countries.
Drinks:
- Local Beer (Bia Larue, Huda): 15,000 – 25,000 VND ($0.60 – $1 USD)
- Vietnamese Coffee (Cà Phê Sữa Đá): 20,000 – 40,000 VND ($0.80 – $1.60 USD)
- Fruit Smoothie (Sinh Tố): 30,000 – 50,000 VND ($1.20 – $2 USD)
- Cocktail in a Rooftop Bar: 120,000 – 250,000 VND ($5 – $10 USD)
[Placeholder for a custom Google Map showing recommended budget eats, mid-range restaurants, and seafood spots.]
Cost of Transportation in Da Nang
Getting around Da Nang is easy and cheap. There’s rarely a need for expensive taxis.
- Grab (Asia’s Uber): This is the best way to get around. It’s reliable, and you see the price upfront.
- GrabBike (motorbike): 15,000 – 40,000 VND ($0.60 – $1.60) for most trips within the city.
- GrabCar (car): 40,000 – 100,000 VND ($1.60 – $4) for city trips.
- The trip from Da Nang Airport to the city center by GrabCar is typically around 80,000 VND ($3.20).
- Renting a Motorbike:This costs about 120,000 – 180,000 VND ($5 – $7 USD) per day. It offers the ultimate freedom to explore at your own pace, especially for trips to the Son Tra Peninsula or the Hai Van Pass. Always wear a helmet and have an international driving permit. Our guide to renting a motorbike in Da Nang has all the safety tips you need.
- Cyclo (Xích Lô): A fun, touristy way to see the riverfront. Always agree on the price before you get in. Expect to pay around 100,000 VND ($4) for a short 30-minute ride.
Cost of Activities and Sightseeing
Many of Da Nang’s best attractions are either free or very cheap.
Attraction | Price in VND | Price in USD |
My Khe Beach | Free | Free |
Dragon Bridge (Fire Show) | Free | Free |
Marble Mountains | 40,000 | $1.60 |
Son Tra Peninsula (Lady Buddha) | Free | Free |
Museum of Cham Sculpture | 60,000 | $2.40 |
Ba Na Hills & Golden Bridge | 900,000 | $36 |
My Son Sanctuary Day Trip | 150,000 (entrance) | $6 |
The biggest budget item here is Ba Na Hills. While expensive, it’s a full-day experience with the cable car, French Village, and amusement park included. If you’re on a tight budget, you can save significant money by focusing on the other incredible sights. There are plenty of free things to do in Da Nang to fill your itinerary.
Other Potential Costs to Budget For
- Vietnamese SIM Card: Get one at the airport. A tourist SIM with unlimited data for a month costs around 200,000 – 300,000 VND ($8 – $12).
- ATM Fees: Most local ATMs charge a withdrawal fee of 40,000 – 60,000 VND ($1.60 – $2.40) per transaction, on top of what your home bank charges. It’s better to withdraw larger amounts less frequently.
- Souvenirs: Shopping at local spots like Han Market is fun and affordable. Prices are often negotiable.
- Visa: Depending on your nationality and length of stay, you may need a visa. Check our guide on the Vietnam visa for Da Nang for the latest information.
5 Insider Tips for Saving Money in Da Nang
- Eat Local Street Food: You can have 3 delicious, filling meals a day for under 150,000 VND ($6) if you stick to street food stalls and local eateries. It’s not just cheap; it’s the best food in Da Nang!
- Use GrabBike: For solo travelers, a GrabBike is almost always half the price of a GrabCar and is often faster in traffic.
- Drink Local Beer: Skip the imported brands. Local beers like Larue and Huda are refreshing and cost less than a dollar. Enjoy a “bia hoi” (fresh beer) experience for even cheaper prices.
- Know the Best Time to Visit: Travel during the shoulder seasons (February-March, September-October) to find better deals on flights and hotels. The best time to visit Da Nang isn’t always the most expensive.
- Enjoy the Free Attractions: A perfect day in Da Nang could involve relaxing on My Khe Beach, visiting the Lady Buddha, and watching the Dragon Bridge breathe fire on the weekend—all for free.
Frequently Asked Questions from Travelers
Is Da Nang expensive for tourists?
No, Da Nang is not expensive for tourists. It is considered one of the most affordable major cities in Vietnam and Southeast Asia. You can enjoy a high quality of life and have a fantastic vacation for a fraction of the cost of a trip to Europe or North America.
How much cash should I carry in Da Nang?
It’s a good idea to carry around 1,000,000 VND ($40 USD) in cash per person. While hotels, larger restaurants, and convenience stores accept cards, you will need cash for street food, local markets, and many smaller shops.
Is it cheaper to use a credit card or cash in Vietnam?
It is generally cheaper to use cash for most daily transactions. Using a credit card often comes with foreign transaction fees from your bank. Cash is king for small purchases and getting the best local prices. Use your card for larger expenses like hotel bills.
Can I use US dollars in Da Nang?
No, you should not plan on using US dollars for daily transactions. The official currency is the Vietnamese Dong (VND), and it is required by law to be used for all transactions. While some hotels might quote prices in USD, you will always pay in VND. Exchange your money upon arrival.
About the Author: This guide was written by Ngoc Linh, our resident local expert at Danang Locals. She has lived in Da Nang for 12 years and has personally helped hundreds of friends and travelers plan their budgets to get the most out of their trip to her beautiful city.