A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Chennai vs. Hue for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Chennai or Hue?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Chennai or Hue? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Chennai or Hue?

Chennai

Formerly known as Madras from its colonial history, Chennai today is one of India's largest cities and capital of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is located on the Bay of Bengal in southeastern India with an extensive stretch of sandy beaches, plenty of dining and shopping, a number of historic temples, monuments, and churches, plus amusement parks and more.

Hue

Hue is a major city in central Vietnam and was historically the imperial capital. The city was the base for the imperial Nguyen Dynasty, which ruled from 1802 to 1945. During the Vietnam War the city faced many challenges. It was conquered by the Viet Cong and held for 24 days. During this time about 3,000 people were slaughtered for their political views, education level, or religious affiliation.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to India, The Best Sightseeing Tours in India, The Best Eco Tours in Vietnam, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in Vietnam.


Which place is cheaper, Hue or Chennai?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Chennai is $29, while the average daily cost in Hue is $48. 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 Chennai and Hue in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Chennai $15
    Hue $23
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Chennai $30
    Hue $46
Compare Hotels in Chennai and Hue

Looking for a hotel in Chennai or Hue? 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 Chennai


Hotels in Hue


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: Chennai Hotel Prices and Hue Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Chennai $2.61
    Hue $12

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chennai

Also for Chennai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Chennai Airport to Hotel Transfer: $13
  • Chennai Airport Transfers : Budget Sedan and SUV Cabs: $15
  • Departure transfer: Chennai hotels to Chennai International Airport: $19
  • Chennai - Private Departure Transfer from Hotel to Airport : $19
  • Departure Transfer from Chennai Hotels to Chennai airport: $20
  • Chennai - Private Arrival Transfer - From Airport to Hotel: $20
  • Affordable Chennai Airport Transfer: $24
  • Chennai International Airport to Hotel-Private Arrival transfer: $25
  • Bangalore - private departure transfer from Hotel to Airport : $35
  • Private Transfer from Chennai (MAA) Airport to Chennai City: $37
  • Private Transfer from Chennai City to Chennai (MAA) Airport: $37
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Chennai International Airport to Hotel: $40

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hue

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Hue:


  • Cyclo
    $0.48
  • Short Taxi Ride
    $0.88
  • Taxi Ride to Tombs
    $14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hue

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hue:

  • Golden Bridge Trip with Guide, Lunch &transfer from Chan May Port: $165
  • Da Nang: Private Car Transfer to Hue Via My Son Sanctuary: $139
  • Private Transfer from Hue (HUI) Airport to Dong Hoi: $136
  • Hue Transfer to Hoi An Via Hai Van Pass &Sightseeing Private: $135
  • Private Transfer From Hue To Phong Nha: $135
  • Private Transfer To Hue Via My Son Sanctuary :Hoi An/Da Nang: $131
  • Hue & Hoi An Transfer: Private Car Sightseeing Trip: $131
  • Private Car Transfer to Hue Via Hai Van Pass & Golden Bridge: $131
  • From Bach Ma National Park Private Car Transfer: $121
  • Private Transfer: Hoi An City Center - Hue City Center: $115
  • Sightseeing Transfer Between Hue and Hoi An: $113
  • Hue Transfer to Hoi An Via Hai Van Pass & Golden Bridge: $111

Is it cheaper to fly into Chennai or Hue?

Prices for flights to both Hue and Chennai 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
    Chennai $6.40
    Hue $15

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chennai

For Chennai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • 2 Hour Street Food Tour in Sowcarpet Chennai : $37
  • Private In-Home Vegetarian Cooking Class and Meal in Chennai: $46
  • Private Vegetarian South Indian Cooking Class in Chennai : $48
  • South Indian Cooking Class in Chennai with a Passionate Baker: $48
  • South Indian Vegetarian Cooking Class in Chennai with Menna: $54
  • South Indian Vegetarian Cooking Class Near the Chennai airport: $62
  • Traditional Tamil Brahmin Vegetarian Cooking Lesson with a Local in Her Home: $74
  • Private Authentic Indian Cooking Class in Chennai with a Local: $76
  • Private 3-Hour Cooking Lesson and Meal in Chennai: $100
  • Authentic South Indian Cooking Class and Vegetarian Meal with a Local in Chennai: $122
  • Food Trail In Sowcarpet With Transport And Dinner - Chennai: $216

Typical Food Prices in Hue

Some typical examples of dining costs in Hue are as follows:


  • River Night Market Dinner (for Two)
    $7.99
  • Two Sugarcane Drinks
    $0.80
  • Quick Lunch (for Two)
    $2.20
  • Sitdown Dinner (for Two)
    $4.39

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hue

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

  • Private Healthy Cooking Class In Ancient Vietnamese Garden: $20
  • Hue Walking Street Food Tour: $27
  • Walking street food tour: $30
  • Hue : Vegetarian Cooking Class with Local Family: $31
  • Vietnamese Cooking Class with Local Family in Hue: $31
  • Hue Food Tour: Taste and tales along Perfume River: $32
  • Hue Food Tour by Walking or Cyclo or Motorcycle with Driver: $33
  • Hue Walking Food Tour: $35
  • Home Vegan/Vegetarian Cooking Class with Local Girl: $35
  • Home Cooking Class with Local Girl: $37
  • Hue:Exploring Street Food Tour With Local Guide: $37
  • Hue : Night Street Food Tour with a Local Guide: $38

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Chennai $2.77
    Hue $11

Tours and Activities in Chennai

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Chennai.

  • Chennai Heritage Trails (2 Hour Guided Walking Tour): $13
  • Spiritual Trails of Chennai (2 Hour Guided Walking Tour): $13
  • Explore Chennai in Nightlights (2 Hour Guided Walking Tour): $13
  • Walking Tour Chennai: $14
  • Chennai Night Walk Tour ( 2 hours guided walking tour): $16
  • Chennai Walking Tour ( 2 hours guided tour): $16
  • Magical Chennai Markets Tour (2 Hours Guided Walking Tour): $17
  • Chennai Walk of Divinity (2 Hours Guided Walking Tour): $17
  • 2 Hour Street Food Walking Tour: $21
  • Chennai Cultural Walking Tour: $26
  • Night Walking Tour of Chennai: $26
  • Chennai Food Tasting Trails (2 Hour Guided Tour Experience): $26

Typical Entertainment Prices in Hue

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Hue are as follows:


  • Boat Ride
    $7.79
  • Bicycle Rental (One Day)
    $1.12
  • Imperial Citadel Entrance
    $3.20
  • Massage at Institute for the Blind
    $1.60

Tours and Activities in Hue

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

  • Hue City Full-Day Tour with Boat Trip on Perfume River and Lunch: $128
  • Hue City: Full-Day Guided Tour - Imperial City - All Inclusive: $59
  • Hue Private Guided Tour : Citadel, Royal tombs, Thien Mu pagoda: $57
  • SHORE EXCURSION from CHAN MAY Port to visit HOI AN CITY & HOI AN VILLAGE TOUR : $150
  • 1-day Hue full day city tour: $39
  • 12 Hours Experience Different Hue: $179
  • 13 Days Private Tour Highlights of Cambodia & Vietnam: $4,731
  • 2 Day Motorbike Tour from Hue to Hoi An by Mister T Easy Rider: $160
  • 2,5 hours walking tour inside Hue Imperial city: $35
  • 2-Day Phong Nha-Ke Bang Cave Adventure from Hue: $250
  • 2-Day Sa Pa Adventure with Trekking and Ethnic Homestay: $88
  • 2.5 hours Hue Walking Tour with Tour Guide: $20

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Chennai $3.08
    Hue $5.79

Typical Alcohol Prices in Hue

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Hue:


  • Beer
    $1.00


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chennai and Hue, we can see that Hue is more expensive. And not only is Chennai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Chennai would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Chennai and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Hue would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hue than you might in Chennai.

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


Which is Bigger, Chennai or Hue?

Chennai has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Hue. When comparing the sizes of Chennai and Hue, 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.