Phu Quoc or Da Nang: Which one suits your travel style?

Contents

1. Phu Quoc or Da Nang: Essential factors to consider

1.1. Location & accessibility

Both Phu Quoc and Da Nang occupy key positions on the map of Vietnam travel. Phu Quoc is an island city in the Gulf of Thailand, Kien Giang Province, Southern Vietnam. Meanwhile, Da Nang is a city in Central Vietnam.

Accessibility is a key consideration when considering Phu Quoc or Da Nang.

Phu Quoc: Regarding how to get to Phu Quoc, the island is reachable by air and sea. Phu Quoc International Airport receives many domestic and international flights from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Bangkok, Seoul, Guangzhou, and more. Alternatively, travelers can go to Kien Giang and take a Ha Tien to Phu Quoc ferry or Rach Gia to Phu Quoc ferry.

Da Nang: This city is also very accessible, with Da Nang International Airport receiving regular international flights from Bangkok, Singapore, Incheon, Tokyo, Manila, Almaty, Yangon, and more. It is also well-connected via long-distance trains and coaches from other cities throughout Vietnam.

Da Nang vs Phu Quoc in terms of accessibility? – It’s a tie (Source: Collected)

ALT: Da Nang vs Phu Quoc in terms of accessibility? – It’s a tie

1.2. Weather & best time to visit

Da Nang or Phu Quoc in terms of weather? Both enjoy mild conditions year round.

Phu Quoc: With an average temperature of 27.7°C, Phu Quoc weather has two distinct seasons: the dry season (November to April) and the rainy season (May to October). The best time to visit Phu Quoc is from January to March for sunny days. October to December is also pleasant, as the weather begins to dry and the sea becomes calmer.

Da Nang: Da Nang weather experiences a tropical monsoon climate with temperatures that average 25.6°C annually. There are two main seasons: a dry season (January to July) and a rainy season (August to December), with occasional brief cold spells at the end of the year. The best time to visit Da Nang is from April to August for dry days.

1.3. Beaches & water-based activities

Phu Quoc or Da Nang? In terms of beaches and water-based activities, both cities are equally appealing.

Phu Quoc: Phu Quoc beaches are famous for their pristine beauty with turquoise waters, soft sands, swaying palms, and vibrant coral reefs. Here, you will find stunning beaches like Long Beach, Bai Khem Beach, Sao Beach, and Bai Dai Beach, along with charming islands like May Rut Island. Thanks to this variety, visitors can enjoy endless water-based activities such as Phu Quoc snorkeling, surfing, scuba diving, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, and sea walking.

Da Nang: As one of Vietnam’s top destinations for beach lovers, Da Nang has a 60-kilometer-long coastline. Beaches like My Khe Beach and Non Nuoc Beach are known for calm waves, clear waters, and clean sands. Their depth also makes them suitable for Da Nang surfing. The beaches on Son Tra Peninsula (Bai Nam, Bai Rang, Bai But) are particularly ideal for diving thanks to the abundant marine life.

1.4. Attractions

Are you considering Phu Quoc or Da Nang? Both are rich in attractions.

Phu Quoc: Thanks to the abundance of attractions, Phu Quoc has been included in the list of the 5 fastest-growing destinations in Southeast Asia for 2025 according to Travel Off Path, a renowned American travel news site. Nature lovers can explore Phu Quoc National Park, while culture enthusiasts can visit Phu Quoc Prison and Ho Quoc Pagoda. Ganh Dau Cape is a perfect spot to enjoy breathtaking scenery, while Rach Vem Fishing Village, pepper gardens, sim wine distilleries, and fish sauce factories offer insights into the local life. The lively Phu Quoc Night Market is where visitors can discover local specialties, handmade crafts, and fresh seafood.

For more fun in Phu Quoc, head to Grand World Phu Quoc – a “sleepless city” with exciting activities day and night. VinWonders Phu Quoc, Vietnam’s largest theme park, offers all sorts of thrilling games and mesmerizing shows. Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc is home to over 3,000 animals from 175 species.

Visit VinWonders Phu Quoc for hundreds of fun activities

Book VinWonders Phu Quoc ticket now

Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc – Vietnam’s first semi-wild conservation park

Book Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc ticket now

Da Nang: Ranked second in the top 11 destinations in Asia for 2024 by the magazine Condé Nast Traveller, Da Nang offers a balance of natural wonders and cultural sites. Nature lovers should not miss Son Tra Peninsula with its beautiful beaches, the Marble Mountains with its sacred caves, and Hai Van Pass – one of the most scenic coastal roads in the world. Culture enthusiasts can explore Linh Ung Pagoda, Non Nuoc Stone Carving Village, the Museum of Cham Sculpture, and Da Nang Cathedral. Con Market and Han Market offer a taste of the city’s culinary delights. Da Nang is also known as the “city of bridges,” with the iconic Dragon Bridge and Han River Bridge.

From Da Nang, it is easy to reach VinWonders Nam Hoi An, one of Vietnam’s top amusement parks. Combining cultural shows, nature explorations, water-based activities, and family-friendly attractions, VinWonders Nam Hoi An has something for everyone.

Discover culture and have fun at VinWonders Nam Hoi An

Book VinWonders Nam Hoi An ticket now

1.5. Nightlife

If you are into nightlife, Phu Quoc or Da Nang has unique offerings.

Phu Quoc: Phu Quoc nightlife offers a harmonious mix of dining, shopping, and entertainment. Phu Quoc Night Market is a must-visit for street food, souvenirs, and a lively atmosphere. Visitors can also relax in some of the best bars in Phu Quoc and enjoy the romantic beach view at night. The complex of Phu Quoc United Center, with the sleepless Grand World Phu Quoc, is another popular attraction. For something more unique, you can try night squid fishing.

Da Nang: Da Nang nightlife is just as vibrant. A must-do here is watching the Dragon Bridge’s fire-water show on weekend nights. Visitors can also take a night cruise along the Han River or unwind with lively music at various Da Nang bars and Da Nang beach clubs. For a more relaxing vibe, take a night walk on the beach before heading to Da Nang’s night markets, where both locals and tourists shop and dine late into the night.

Bridges are a highlight of Da Nang’s vibrant nightlife (Source: Collected)

1.6. Cuisine

Phu Quoc: Phu Quoc is a seafood paradise, offering a wide range of Phu Quoc foods including Ham Ninh crab, herring salad, sea urchins, scallops, sea cucumber, and more. The island is also famous for unique delicacies such as quay noodles, ken noodles, and sim wine.

Da Nang: Da Nang food is famed for dishes that highlight the region’s cultural heritage. Notable dishes include mi Quang, fish cake noodles, pork wrapped in rice paper, and a variety of seafood like shrimp, squid, clams, and snails.

The seafood in Phu Quoc or Da Nang is famous for its exceptional freshness (Source: Collected)

1.7. Shopping

Phu Quoc or Da Nang each offers a unique shopping experience.

Phu Quoc: Visitors can enjoy shopping at Phu Quoc markets such as Duong Dong Market, Phu Quoc Night Market, Dinh Cau Market, Ham Ninh Market, and Ganh Dau Market. There, you can buy fresh and dried seafood, from common items like squid to rare delicacies like abalone and sea cucumber. Unique local products like fish sauce, sim wine, pearls, and pepper can also be found. To ensure you get high-quality items, you can visit fish sauce factories or pepper farms directly.

Da Nang: Shopping in Da Nang offers many lively locations like Han Market, Con Market, night markets like Son Tra Night Market, and shopping malls like Vincom Da Nang. Some souvenirs you can buy include dried squid, dried tamarind, dried shrimp, dried mackerel, tamarind-flavored dried squid, coconut cakes, beef rolls, Ba Lieu sesame cakes, and peanut candy.

1.8. Transportation

When it comes to getting around the city, Phu Quoc or Da Nang offers convenient transportation options for tourists. To explore with a sense of adventure, rent a motorbike. Taxis are suitable for families. You can also hop on a bus to mingle with the locals.

1.9. Accommodation

Phu Quoc or Da Nang in terms of accommodation? Both offer a range of options.

Phu Quoc: In Phu Quoc, you can find budget guesthouses, mid-range hotels, and luxury resorts. Popular areas for accommodation include Duong Dong Ward in the island center, and the northern and southern parts of the island, where many beachside resorts are located. In the north, Vinpearl Phu Quoc offers excellent hotels and resorts with outstanding services and breathtaking views.

Vinpearl provides a wide range of luxury resorts and hotels in Phu Quoc

Book rooms in Vinpearl Phu Quoc

Da Nang: In Da Nang, visitors can easily find hotels at various price points along the beachfront. There are also numerous other options such as homestays, apartments, and hostels, catering to different budgets. About 30 kilometers away from Da Nang lies Vinpearl Resort & Golf Nam Hoi An, one of the most luxurious resorts in the region, where tourists can enjoy top-tier amenities amidst a perfect blend of architecture and nature.

Vinpearl Resort & Golf Nam Hoi An boasts its stunning location on Binh Minh Beach

Book rooms in Vinpearl Resort & Golf Nam Hoi An

1.10. Travel expenses

Travel expenses are also an important factor to consider Phu Quoc or Da Nang. Below is an estimated cost comparison for both destinations.

*Note: These numbers are for reference purposes only. The actual costs will vary significantly based on your travel style and the time of year.

>>> More on: 

• Is Phu Quoc worth visiting? 11 wonderful reasons why the answer is yes
• Is Da Nang worth visiting? 13 reasons that will inspire your trip

2. Who should choose Phu Quoc?

Phu Quoc is ideal for visitors seeking a balanced mix of relaxation and adventure. Beach lovers will be enchanted by the island’s pristine beaches, which are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, kayaking in Phu Quoc, and snorkeling amidst vibrant coral reefs. Families and couples will enjoy VinWonders Phu Quoc and lively night markets, while culture enthusiasts can explore fishing villages in Phu Quoc.

Discover: Phu Quoc itinerary: A guide to explore the best of the island in 1-5 days

Best-selling products

[02 Day Combo] – Admission to VinWonders + Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc | Gifts: Meal Voucher + Teddy Bear Museum

60 USD

[Buggy Combo] – VinWonders Phu Quoc + Buggy + FREE: Ice Cream + Meal Voucher

40 USD41 USD

[Zoo Tram Combo] – Admission to Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc + Zoo Tram

33 USD

[VinWonders Phu Quoc] – Standard Entrance Ticket

37 USD

[Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc] – Standard Entrance Ticket + Meal voucher gift

29 USD

[01 Day Combo] – Admission to VinWonders + Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc

56 USD

[Onsite service] – VIP Zoo Tour Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc

20 USD

[Buggy Combo] – VinWonders Phu Quoc + Buggy + Free Ice Cream

40 USD41 USD

-31%

[Phu Quoc Passport] – Top Experiences Across 3 Zones + Grand Show + Buffet voucher (2 Days)

72 USD104 USD

[02 Day Unlimited Access] – VinWonders + Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc + Teddy Bear Museum

72 USD

[Onsite service] – VIP Zoo Tour Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc

20 USD

[Onsite service] – Premium VIP Zoo Tour Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc

39 USD

-9%

[-10%] – Zoo Tram Service – Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc

4 USD

[Zoo Tram Combo] – Admission to Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc + Zoo Tram + Meal voucher gift

33 USD

[02 Day Combo] – VinWonders + Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc + Free Teddy Bear Museum

60 USD

[02 Day Combo] – Admission to Vinpearl Safari + VinWonders Phu Quoc | Gifts: Meal Voucher + Teddy Bear Museum

60 USD

[VinWonders Phu Quoc] – Standard Entrance Ticket + Meal voucher gift

37 USD

[Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc] – Standard Entrance Ticket

29 USD

-3%

[On-site combo] – Buggy + Ice Cream – VinWonders Phu Quoc

5 USD

3. Who should choose Da Nang?

Da Nang is a perfect destination for travelers looking for a combination of natural beauty and cultural heritage. Nature lovers will enjoy exploring My Khe Beach, the Marble Mountains, Son Tra Peninsula, and Hai Van Pass. History buffs can delve into the unique Cham Museum, while families and couples will appreciate modern entertainment complexes, lively night markets, and iconic bridges. Additionally, Da Nang’s convenient location near Hoi An and Hue allows for a more extended trip.

Phu Quoc or Da Nang? Both are ideal for all types of travelers (Source: Collected)

More on: Da Nang itinerary: An insider’s guide to your first 1-5 day trip

Whether you choose Phu Quoc or Da Nang, both destinations promise unforgettable experiences filled with nature, culture, and exciting activities. From relaxing on sun-kissed beaches to exploring peaceful villages, Phu Quoc or Da Nang each offers its own charm. Pick the one that matches your travel style and get ready for an incredible journey!

Best-selling products

[Buggy Combo] – VinWonders Phu Quoc + Buggy + Free Ice Cream

40 USD41 USD

[02 Day Combo – Unlimited Access] – VinWonders + Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc | Gifts: Meal Voucher + Teddy Bear Museum

72 USD

[Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc] – Standard Entrance Ticket

29 USD

[01 Day Combo] – Admission to VinWonders + Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc + Meal voucher gift

56 USD