A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Chiang Mai vs. Hue for Attractions, Food, Backpackers, and Nightlife

Should you visit Chiang Mai or Hue?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Chiang Mai and Hue. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is a cultural, welcoming, and natural city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and hiking.

Hue

Hue is a authentic, ancient, and imperial city. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Chiang Mai and Hue: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chiang Mai or Hue?

You'll generally find more things to do in Chiang Mai than Hue. Chiang Mai is bigger than Hue, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Chiang Mai is more touristy than Hue and is popular for its lively night market, historical temples, local cuisine, and cultural rainforest treks. Also, Chiang Mai is famous for Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Hue is well known for its imperial buildings and political history as the country's historic capital.

How is Chiang Mai different from Hue?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Hue and Chiang Mai. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Chiang Mai or Hue?

Chiang Mai is terrific for its sights and museums. Also, Hue is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Chiang Mai on the map. The city is filled with culture and you'll find many beautiful temples in the area. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is a mountain-top temple that is an iconic landmark in the city. Other famous sights include Doi Inthanon and Wat Chedi Luang.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Hue. It's an ancient city that is filled with many sights from its imperial past. The Imperial City in Hue is the city's most important attraction. Other sights include the Thai Hoa Palace, Thien Mu Pagoda, and the Royal Tomb of Emperor Khai Dinh.

Is the Food Better in Chiang Mai or Hue? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Chiang Mai is terrific for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Hue is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Many restaurants in Chiang Mai have been singled out for their culinary prowess. For many, this city offers some of the best food in all of Thailand. The cuisine is influenced by nearby Burma and China, with ginger and turmeric often used. Curries tend to be a bit milder and dishes are often served with sticky rice. Famous dishes around town include Khao Soi, Larb Kua, and Sai Oua. Cooking classes are also very popular around town and the courses often include a trip to a market.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Hue. Local dishes were once served to the city's emperors, but today you'll find them in restaurants and food stalls. Dishes are either sweet or spicy with lemongrass, basil, chilies, and mint herbs mixed in. Soups and grilled meats are popular such as bun bo hue and nem lui.

Is Chiang Mai or Hue Better for Nightlife?

Chiang Mai is a well-known place for its evening party scene. Also, Hue is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

Chiang Mai offers plenty to do in the evening. It is the largest city in Northern Thailand, so it has the most active nightlife scene in the area. Whatever your style, you can find something to do at night here. Many people head to the riverside to drink and listen to music. You'll also find clubs concentrated around Nimmanhaemin Road and Loy Kroh Road. There's also the famous Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, which is packed with stalls and people sampling food and drinks.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Hue. For the best nightlife, many visitors head to the Western Area, particularly around the streets of Pham Ngu Lao, Chu Van An and Vo Thi Sau. Nguyen Dinh Chieu Walking Street is another popular area for nightlife in Hue.

Is Chiang Mai or Hue Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the very good old town areas in both Chiang Mai and Hue.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Chiang Mai. The old city is about 1.5 square kilometers in size and it has four gates, one on each side. The most famous area is Sunday Walking Street, which comes to life at 4pm every day when it is lined with stalls and filled with people.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Hue. As the former imperial capital, you'll see many temples and historical sites in the city.

Is Chiang Mai or Hue Better for Hiking?

Chiang Mai is terrific for the nearby hiking options. However, Hue is not a hiking destination.

Around Chiang Mai visitors will find world-class hiking trails. Many people use this city as a base for a trekking excursion into the surrounding countryside. The land is lush and beautiful and many treks also expose you to the welcoming Hilltribe people of Northern Thailand. Treks can be organized at almost any hotel or hostel as well the many tour agencies around town.

Hue is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Chiang Mai or Hue?

Chiang Mai is terrific for its shopping areas. Also, Hue is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for shopping.

Chiang Mai is a world class destination for shoppers. The city is famous for its night markets, which run every night of the year until around midnight. You'll find the streets packed with people and vendors, rain or shine. This is a great place to search for local handicrafts and try some of the city's famous street food. Popular items to buy include rice boxes, silk, and Thai sky lanterns.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Hue. The city has many local markets where you can find traditional and authentic handicrafts. Some of the most interesting things to purchase at the markets include silk paintings, antiques, and lacquerware.

Is Chiang Mai or Hue Better for Families?

Chiang Mai is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Hue is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Chiang Mai is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. This city is very friendly and welcoming to kids. There are many cultural and adventurous activities that the whole family can enjoy. One of the most popular kid-friendly places to visit is the Elephant Sanctuary, where kids can get up close and personal with these beautiful animals. Kids will also enjoy heading into the countryside to trek or visit one of Thailand’s Hilltribes. The cultural experience and opportunity to meet a diversity of kids will be an experience your children will never forget. In town, a cooking class is a popular option for budding foodies.

Hue is a family-friendly city. Kids will enjoy exploring the Imperial City, visiting Ho Quyen Arena and Long Chau Temple, or wandering through the city's local markets. The Demilitarized Zone is also an interesting side trip.

Is Chiang Mai or Hue Better for Couples?

Chiang Mai is a well-known place for couples. Also, Hue is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

Chiang Mai is a very popular place to visit for couples. Trekking, rafting, temples, and some of the best food in Thailand all make this city a popular destination for a couple's getaway. The region is perfect for adventurous couples who want to experience more of the authentic side of Thailand.

Hue is a nice destination for couples. Couples can enjoy boat rides or sunset cruises along Perfume River. There are also interesting temples and fascinating day trips that you can take from the city.

Is Chiang Mai or Hue Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Chiang Mai is terrific for backpackers. Also, Hue is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Chiang Mai is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. This is one of the biggest backpacker mecca's in Southeast Asia, and you'll find the city flooded with budget travelers out to experience it all. There are countless hostels and budget hotels available and most will organize treks and activities for guests. It's easy to meet other backpackers and many visitors end up staying longer than they planned. Prices in Northern Thailand are also much more affordable than many other areas.

Hue is very popular with the backpacker crowd. It is a popular stop over in central Vietnam. There are plenty of hostels and budget guesthouses to accommodate the backpacker crowds. There are also cheap restaurants and interesting activities relating to the city's long history.

Is Chiang Mai or Hue Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Chiang Mai and Hue both offer notable public transit to get you around.

While Chiang Mai offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Transportation options include red songthaew (converted pick-up trucks), buses, and tuk-tuks.

Hue has a few public transit options. Cyclos, motorbikes, and local bus are the most common ways to get around the city.

Is Chiang Mai or Hue a more walkable city?

Hue is a great city for its walkability. Also, Chiang Mai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its high level of walkability.

Hue is very walkable. Many of the sights can be reached on foot and the city is relatively compact.

Chiang Mai is a somewhat walkable place. Although there are a few walking streets, the city can get very crowded and many places are easier to access with a tuk tuk or taxi.

For even more information, also check out Is Chiang Mai Worth Visiting? and Is Hue Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hue or Chiang Mai?

How long in Chiang Mai or Hue?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Chiang Mai and Hue. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Chiang Mai than in Hue. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Chiang Mai, and 1-3 days is enough time in Hue.

Families should spend more time in Chiang Mai than Hue. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Chiang Mai, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Chiang Mai than Hue. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Chiang Mai that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Chiang Mai than Hue if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Chiang Mai.

One day in Chiang Mai or Hue?

When visiting Chiang Mai, people usually allow for lots of time. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

With museums and nightlife around the ancient city of Hue, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Hue, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Chiang Mai or Hue?

Many people visit Chiang Mai for a weekend. When visiting Chiang Mai, people usually allow for lots of time. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Hue, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Chiang Mai or Hue?

When visiting Chiang Mai, people usually allow for lots of time. Many people spend five days here. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

Hue, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Chiang Mai or Hue?

Chiang Mai, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Visiting the old town is also a must. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Hue is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Thailand, The Best 3-Day Tours from Phuket, The Best Eco Tours in Vietnam, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in Vietnam.

When comparing the travel costs between Chiang Mai and Hue, we can see that Hue is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Chiang Mai or Hue?

Chiang Mai has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Hue. When comparing the sizes of Chiang Mai 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.

When is the best time to visit Chiang Mai or Hue?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Hue in the Summer?

Both Hue and Chiang Mai during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Chiang Mai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hue year-round.

June to September is the rainy season in Chiang Mai. March to August is the dry season in Hue. September to December is the rainy season in Hue. It rains a lot this time of the year in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai usually gets more rain in July than Hue. Chiang Mai gets 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain, while Hue receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

In Hue, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Chiang Mai often gets less sunshine than Hue. Chiang Mai gets 146 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hue receives 242 hours of full sun.

In July, Chiang Mai is generally around the same temperature as Hue. Daily temperatures in Chiang Mai average around 30°C (86°F), and Hue fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Hue in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Chiang Mai and Hue. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Chiang Mai year-round. Hue attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

November to February in Chiang Mai is the dry season. Also, September to December is the rainy season in Hue. Hue receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Chiang Mai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Chiang Mai usually receives less rain than Hue. Chiang Mai gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Hue receives 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

In Chiang Mai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Chiang Mai usually receives more sunshine than Hue during autumn. Chiang Mai gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Hue receives 158 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Chiang Mai is a little warmer than Hue in the autumn. The daily temperature in Chiang Mai averages around 29°C (83°F) in October, and Hue fluctuates around 25°C (78°F).

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Hue in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Chiang Mai as well as Hue. Chiang Mai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hue throughout the year.

Also, November to February in Chiang Mai is the dry season. Also, March to August in Hue is the dry season. It's quite rainy in Hue. Chiang Mai usually gets less rain in January than Hue. Chiang Mai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Hue receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chiang Mai this time of the year. In the winter, Chiang Mai often gets more sunshine than Hue. Chiang Mai gets 283 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hue receives 136 hours of full sun.

In the winter, Chiang Mai is around the same temperature as Hue. Typically, the winter temperatures in Chiang Mai in January average around 23°C (74°F), and Hue averages at about 22°C (71°F).

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Hue in the Spring?

Both Hue and Chiang Mai are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Chiang Mai throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Hue because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

The rainy season in Chiang Mai is June to September. In April, Chiang Mai usually receives more rain than Hue. Chiang Mai gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Hue receives 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

It's quite sunny in Hue. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai usually receives more sunshine than Hue during spring. Chiang Mai gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Hue receives 210 hours of full sun in the spring.

Chiang Mai can become quite hot in the spring. In April, Chiang Mai is generally a little warmer than Hue. Daily temperatures in Chiang Mai average around 31°C (88°F), and Hue fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

Typical Weather for Hue and Chiang Mai