A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Chiang Rai vs. Hue for Attractions, Food, Old Town, and Families

Should you visit Chiang Rai or Hue?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Chiang Rai or Hue, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Chiang Rai

Chiang Rai is a friendly, charming, and cultural city. Chiang Rai offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and hiking. See Chiang Rai travel costs.

Hue

Hue is a imperial, cultural, and authentic city. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums. See Hue travel costs.

Chiang Rai and Hue: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chiang Rai or Hue?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Chiang Rai than Hue. While Hue is larger than Chiang Rai, Chiang Rai has more sights and attractions for tourists. Hue is more touristy than Chiang Rai and is popular for its imperial buildings and political history as the country's historic capital. Chiang Rai is popular for its intricate temples, unique cuisine, and being the gateway to the Golden Triangle. It is also home to Wat Rong Khun (The White Temple).

How is Chiang Rai different from Hue?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Chiang Rai 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 Rai on the map. The Old City is filled with breathtaking temples and cultural sites. Wat Rong Khun (the White Temple) is an iconic sight, but you should also visit the Black House, and Wat Rong Seua Ten (the Blue Temple). Wat Tham Pla is the Monkey Temple and has a dramatic effect with its steep staircase. It's a short drive from Chiang Rai, but worth the trip as it's overrun with monkeys.

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 Rai or Hue? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Chiang Rai 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 Rai have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The regional cuisine is famous for its unique dishes and flavors. It's slightly less spicy than the southern Thai cuisine and the dishes are rich in flavor. Northern Thai sausage is a must-try dish, as is Khao Soi Curry, and Khao Soi Gai Nong (coconut curry and chicken soup).

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 Rai or Hue Better for Nightlife?

Both Chiang Rai and Hue have good vibes after the sun sets.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Chiang Rai. The small city has a laid back nightlife scene with a number of bars and cafes along Jetyod Road. You'll find a mix of expats and locals, without the usual backpacker crowds that are common in some cities.

Hue has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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 Rai or Hue Better for its Old Town?

Chiang Rai and Hue both have high quality historical old towns that attract visitors.

Many visitors go to Chiang Rai to see the historical old town. The Old City is filled with intricate temples and impressive beauty. The area is very walkable and you can easily visit the famed Wat Ming Muang, Wat Phra Kaew and Wat Phra Singh.

Hue is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. As the former imperial capital, you'll see many temples and historical sites in the city.

Is Chiang Rai or Hue Better for Hiking?

Chiang Rai is a city with good options for the nearby hiking options. However, Hue is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Chiang Rai. Head out of town to Khun Korn Forest Park Waterfall if you want to enjoy some hiking. It makes an easy half day trip.

Hue is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Chiang Rai or Hue?

Shoppers can find a variety of high quality stores in both Chiang Rai and Hue.

Chiang Rai is well-known for its shopping. Local markets, night markets, and souvenir shops with handcrafted goods all make shopping a fun experience. Head to the Night Bazaar or the Walking Street for some of the best experiences.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in 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 Rai or Hue More Beautiful?

Chiang Rai is a city with good options for its scenery and beauty. However, Hue is not a destination known for its beauty.

Chiang Rai offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Surrounded by the mountains and filled with temples and impressive parks, this city is a beautiful place.

Hue is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Chiang Rai or Hue Better for Families?

Chiang Rai 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 Rai is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. There are parks and outdoor spaces to explore such as Singha Park and the Garden of Reeds. For a little bit of silly fun, check out Nava Land Water Park and if you want to get out of town a bit, you'll find some great hiking nearby at Khun Korn Forest Park Waterfall.

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 Rai or Hue Better for Couples?

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

Chiang Rai is a very popular place to visit for couples. Beautiful temples, impressive gardens, and an authentic Thai experience all make this a romantic and fun destination for couples.

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 Rai or Hue Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Chiang Rai and Hue are both high quality destinations for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Chiang Rai. There is no shortage of affordable hostels around town. There are also enough backpackers around to keep things fun but not so many that the local vibe is lost.

Hue is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. 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 Rai or Hue Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Hue is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Chiang Rai is lacking in options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Chiang Rai. Tuk tuks and taxis are your best bet for getting around town in a vehicle.

Is Chiang Rai or Hue a more walkable city?

Chiang Rai and Hue are high quality when it comes to walkability.

Chiang Rai is a very walkable city. The old city is easy to explore on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Hue or Chiang Rai?

How long in Chiang Rai or Hue?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Chiang Rai and Hue. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Chiang Rai than in Hue. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Chiang Rai, and 1-3 days is enough time in Hue.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Chiang Rai 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 Rai.

One day in Chiang Rai or Hue?

With nightlife and food around the friendly destination of Chiang Rai, there's plenty to do. 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 imperial 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 Rai or Hue?

Many people visit Chiang Rai for a weekend. With food and shopping around the charming city of Chiang Rai, there's plenty to do. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Rai or Hue?

The destination of Chiang Rai offers shopping and museums. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

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 Rai or Hue?

Chiang Rai, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

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 Tours for Seniors to Thailand, The Best Contiki Tours to Thailand, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Vietnam, and The Best Cultural Tours in Vietnam.

When comparing the travel costs between Chiang Rai 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 Rai Expensive? and Is Hue Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Chiang Rai or Hue?

Hue has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Chiang Rai. When comparing the sizes of Chiang Rai 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.