Phu Quoc or Da Nang: A comparison of two beach paradises

1. Similarities between Phu Quoc and Da Nang

Phu Quoc and Da Nang share key traits that make them favorite travel destinations.

1.1. Top coastal getaways in Vietnam

Whether it is Phu Quoc or Da Nang, both stand out as famous coastal getaways in Vietnam.

Phu Quoc was ranked second among the top 10 most stunning islands in Asia in Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers' Choice Awards 2024. The island is known for its unspoiled nature and iconic beaches. Among its highlights, Khem Beach was listed by Flight Network (Canada) as one of the 50 most beautiful beaches in the world, placing 43rd. Meanwhile, Sao Beach was voted by CN Traveler readers as one of the 10 most pristine and tranquil beaches worldwide.

Da Nang is known as Vietnam’s most livable city and a haven for beach lovers. Its coastline is home to the stunning My Khe Beach My Khe Beach, which was ranked the 6th most beautiful beach in Asia in 2024 by global travel platform Tripadvisor. Another serene coastal retreat, Non Nuoc Beach, was featured by the UK’s Telegraph in its list of the world’s 50 most captivating beaches.

1.2. Unique ecosystem

Phu Quoc or Da Nang each offers unique ecosystems, from lush forests and vibrant seas to extensive river systems.

Phu Quoc spans a vast area with a diverse ecosystem. The north is covered in dense primary forest and includes key ecological zones like Phu Quoc National Park. The south and east feature lowlands with abundant vegetation and a thriving marine environment.

Meanwhile, Da Nang presents a harmonious blend of beaches, rivers, and mountains. The Son Tra Peninsula, surrounded by sea on three sides, shelters untouched forests and diverse wildlife. Additionally, the city is interlaced with a network of rivers and winding waterways that enrich its natural charm.

1.3. Safe travel destinations

Best Diplomats, an international diplomatic training organization, recently ranked Vietnam 8th among Asia’s safest destinations based on low crime, political stability, and safe living conditions. Da Nang and Phu Quoc are among some of the safest spots in Vietnam. Both cities have received significant investment in infrastructure and maintain strong security measures to support tourism development. However, their popularity means occasional petty theft and scams can occur, so travelers should remain cautious.

>>> Check out: Is Phu Quoc safe? Insights from local perspectives

1.4. Diverse accommodations

Whether in Da Nang or Phu Quoc, visitors can easily find accommodation to suit any budget. In Phu Quoc, Duong Dong Town provides a wide selection of quality hotels ideal for families and group travelers. For a more peaceful experience, visitors can choose quiet seaside stays or explore a range of budget guesthouses, homestays, beachfront resorts, and luxury villas spread across the island. Among many upscale options, Vinpearl Phu Quoc is a world-class destination that blends luxury accommodation with exciting entertainment experiences. 

Book rooms in Vinpearl Phu Quoc

Da Nang offers many accommodations, from budget hotels along My Khe Beach to charming homestays and modern apartments in the city center. For those seeking an upscale escape, Vinpearl Resort & Golf Nam Hoi An is an excellent choice. Located in Binh Minh Commune, Thang Binh District, Quang Nam Province, the resort is just over 40 kilometers from Da Nang City. It features refined rooms, private villas, an infinity pool, premium Akoya Spa treatments, relaxing yoga sessions, and a fully equipped fitness center.

Book rooms in Vinpearl Resort & Golf Nam Hoi An

2. Phu Quoc vs Da Nang: Key difference

According to 2024 statistics from the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, Da Nang recorded 6.8 million domestic tourist arrivals and 4.1 million international arrivals, surpassing Phu Quoc in total tourist arrivals. Meanwhile, Phu Quoc has been named one of the world's best islands for three consecutive years, earning a spot in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards. Each destination has its own appeal. Da Nang impresses with its growing popularity, while Phu Quoc continues to shine on the global stage for its island charm.

2.1. Climate

Weather in Da Nang combines northern and southern tropical patterns, with a dry season lasting from April to mid-September. This is the best time to visit the city. To avoid crowds and save money, consider visiting from mid-September to March.

Weather in Phu Quoc is generally mild throughout the year. The best time to visit is from November to April during the dry season. From May to October, the island sees rain and occasional storms but remains popular in summer.

2.2. Transportation

Traveling to Phu Quoc is more complex than reaching Da Nang due to its island location. However, it is still easily accessible via direct flights from major cities like Hanoi or Da Nang. From Ho Chi Minh City, visitors can either fly or combine road and sea travel by taking a car or bus to Rach Gia or Ha Tien City, then boarding a high-speed boat or ferry. The high-speed boat is the more convenient choice.

In contrast, getting to Da Nang is more straightforward. Most travelers from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City choose to fly for speed and convenience. Those with more time can enjoy a scenic train ride across the Hai Van Pass, while traveling by car or coach is better suited for longer holidays.

Getting around Phu Quoc or Da Nang is easy with many options like motorbikes, ride-hailing, buses, and taxis. For a comfortable trip, Xanh SM electric taxis provide a quiet, modern, and widely available choice to explore the city.

2.3. Beaches and islands

Phu Quoc Island in the Gulf of Thailand comprises 22 islands of diverse sizes with rich marine landscapes that outshine those of Da Nang. 

Phu Quoc is home to some of the region’s most spectacular coastal gems, like Fingernail Island, Thom Island, Mot Island, May Rut Island, Gam Ghi Island, Starfish Beach, Long Beach, Khem Beach, Vung Bau Beach, Truong Beach, and Ganh Dau Beach. These paradises feature serene landscapes and exciting underwater exploration, with Phu Quoc snorkeling standing out as a must-try experience.

Da Nang allures visitors with its scenic coastline and the distinctive charm of Son Tra Peninsula. Its famous beaches include My Khe Beach, Non Nuoc Beach, Bai Rang, Nam O Beach, Man Thai Beach, Bai But, Lang Co Beach, Tien Sa Beach, and Xuan Thieu Beach.

2.4. Historical and cultural sites

Da Nang is famed for spiritual tourism, featuring the sacred Marble Mountains and ancient spiritual sites like Tam Thai Pagoda and Linh Ung Pagoda, both nationally recognized since 1825. The city also offers cultural attractions such as the Da Nang Museum and K20 Revolutionary Base. Meanwhile, Phu Quoc stands out with Phu Quoc Prison, known as the “hell on earth,” where restored scenes and artifacts reveal the harsh realities of colonial oppression and the resilience of Vietnamese patriots.

2.5. Man-made structures

Known as the “city of bridges,” Da Nang impresses visitors with six iconic structures spanning the Han River: Han River Bridge, Thuan Phuoc Bridge, Nguyen Van Troi Bridge, Dragon Bridge, Tran Thi Ly Bridge, and Tien Son Bridge. In contrast, Phu Quoc features unique landmarks such as the world’s longest sea-crossing cable car and the Bamboo Legend. The Bamboo Legend, crafted entirely from bamboo and embodying traditional Vietnamese culture, was recently honored in the Hospitality category at the 2024 International Architecture Awards (IAA).

2.6. Side trips

When it comes to side trips, Da Nang serves as a major transportation hub with convenient connections to popular routes such as Da Nang – Lang Co – Hue, Hue – Da Nang – Hoi An, and Da Nang – Quang Ngai. In recent years, routes linking Da Nang to the Central Highlands have also become more accessible. From Da Nang, travelers can easily explore Hue or Hoi An on a day trip.

Unlike other destinations, Phu Quoc is an island surrounded by the sea, making travel to nearby provinces more time-consuming and costly. Visitors often need to take a flight or boat to reach the mainland.

2.7. Entertainment activities

Phu Quoc and Da Nang each cater to different traveler tastes with diverse entertainment options, including water sports, jungle trekking, vibrant nightlife, amusement parks, casinos, walking streets, and bustling shopping centers. However, Phu Quoc truly stands out with its world-class entertainment complexes of VinWonders Phu Quoc and Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc. VinWonders Phu Quoc, one of Asia’s top theme parks, offers thrilling rides, world-class shows, and nonstop fun for both families and adventure lovers.

Book tickets of VinWonders Phu Quoc

Meanwhile, Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc, Vietnam’s first and largest semi-wildlife conservation park, provides an up-close journey into the animal kingdom. 

Book tickets of Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc

2.8. Cuisine

As coastal attractions, Da Nang and Phu Quoc showcase distinct culinary styles that delight visitors differently.

Da Nang foods reflect the city’s unique fusion of culinary traditions from Vietnam’s three regions. Highlights of the local cuisine are banh trang thit heo (pork wrapped in rice paper), banh xeo Da Nang (crispy savory pancakes), grilled mackerel, bo cuon la lot (beef in betel leaves), nem lui (grilled pork skewers), beef hotpot, beef stew with baguette, peanut candy, mi Quang, and more.

Phu Quoc foods are a true celebration of the abundant seafood and distinctive island flavors. Signature dishes not to be missed include Ham Ninh crab, herring salad, sea urchin, bun ken (noodles in a rich coconut fish broth), bun quay (a fun DIY noodle soup), grilled scallop adductor muscle, and banh canh cha ca thu (thick noodle soup with mackerel fish cake). 

2.9. Nightlife

Nightlife in Da Nang and Phu Quoc promises unforgettable experiences. Phu Quoc's nightlife stands out with the bustling Phu Quoc Night Market, lively Grand World Phu Quoc, vibrant walking streets, beachside cafés, bars, clubs, and late-night restaurants. Visitors can enjoy freshly grilled squid by the sea or join the exciting Night Safari Phu Quoc tour at Vinpearl Safari. During the tour, a tram will take you through the park to see wildlife in their natural habitat.

In contrast, Da Nang Vietnam's nightlife attracts crowds with its vibrant mix of attractions. From lively walking streets and bustling clubs to relaxing spas and seaside entertainment, the city presents something for every taste. Scenic Han River cruises and the spectacular fire and water show at Dragon Bridge add to the charm. Da Nang’s night markets, like An Thuong and Bach Dang Night Market, provide perfect spots to sample local street food and shop for unique souvenirs.

2.10. Travel costs

Phu Quoc is generally pricier than Da Nang due to costly flights, boat transfers, and higher prices for seafood and goods transported from the mainland. Its upscale resorts also add to the expense. Therefore, visiting during the low season or booking package tours can help reduce costs. In contrast, Da Nang, a central city in Vietnam, boasts a more affordable experience with fair prices and quality services. In 2024, Forbes included Da Nang in the list of the world’s most beautiful and cost-effective cities for expatriates, based on a report by Live and Invest Overseas.

2.11. Visa policy

Currently, Phu Quoc Island is the only destination in Vietnam that benefits from a special visa policy. Under this policy, foreign nationals and overseas Vietnamese holding foreign passports are granted Phu Quoc visa exemption when entering, exiting, and staying on Phu Quoc for up to 30 days.

Da Nang follows Vietnam’s standard visa policy. Vietnam provides unilateral visa exemption for 12 countries, including Finland, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Norway, Russia, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. Additionally, bilateral visa exemption applies to 15 countries, such as Belarus, Kazakhstan, Chile, Mongolia, Panama, Kyrgyzstan, and Southeast Asian nations, allowing stays ranging from 14 to 90 days. Vietnam’s e-visa system is accessible to all nationalities, with single or multiple entry options valid for a maximum of 90 days.

>>> Check out: Is Da Nang worth visiting? Uncover the lesser-known facets of the city

3. Which is better to visit, Phu Quoc or Da Nang?

Phu Quoc is an ideal escape for those seeking pristine beaches, clear waters, lush forests, and tranquil waves. It offers luxury resorts, traditional fishing villages, kayaking adventures, and vibrant coral reefs, perfect for couples, families, and nature enthusiasts. In comparison, Da Nang presents a dynamic, modern vibe with attractions like My Khe Beach, Da Nang Museum, and the Dragon Bridge fire show, complemented by lively beachside bars and cafés, making it a great choice for travelers looking for culture, excitement, and convenience.

Travelers can easily plan a journey from Da Nang to Phu Quoc or Phu Quoc to Da Nang, embracing the best of both worlds: serene island relaxation and dynamic coastal city life.

>>> Explore: Phu Quoc Itinerary: The Ultimate Sight-Seeing Guide

Phu Quoc or Da Nang? Whether you are captivated by the tranquil natural beauty of Phu Quoc or the vibrant atmosphere of Da Nang, each destination offers a unique experience tailored to your travel style. Phu Quoc invites you to unwind amid nature’s calm, while Da Nang promises a rich cultural journey.