Which place is cheaper, Hue or Ho Chi Minh City?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Ho Chi Minh City or Hue?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Ho Chi Minh City and Hue can help you decide which place is right for you.
Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City is a colorful, busy, and diverse city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.
Hue
Hue is a authentic, ancient, and imperial city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.
Ho Chi Minh City and Hue: Pros and Cons
Ho Chi Minh City
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Numerous theater shows
- Active nightlife
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Good for students
- Big city activities
Hue
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Scenic old town
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Less popular for nightlife
- Less family-friendly
Is there more to do in Ho Chi Minh City or Hue?
Tourists will generally find more to do in Ho Chi Minh City than Hue. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Ho Chi Minh City is very popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Hue attracts visitors for its historical sights. Ho Chi Minh City is famous for its motorbike-filled streets, bustling markets, world-class cuisine, and diverse shopping opportunities. It is also well known for the War Remnants Museum. Hue is famous for its imperial buildings and political history as the country's historic capital.
How is Ho Chi Minh City different from Hue?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Hue and Ho Chi Minh City. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Ho Chi Minh City or Hue?
Ho Chi Minh City
Hue
Ho Chi Minh City 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 Ho Chi Minh City on the map. It's a day trip outside of town, but the Cu Chi Tunnels are a must-see stop for any visitor. The War Remnants Museum is also a not-to-be-missed spot. Other highlights of the city include Thiên Hau Temple, the Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica, the Saigon Opera House, and the Reunification Palace.
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 Ho Chi Minh City or Hue Better for Theater?
Ho Chi Minh City
Hue
Ho Chi Minh City is a city with good options for its shows and theatre. However, Hue is not a theatre destination.
Ho Chi Minh City offers a number of shows and performances. Water puppetry is a traditional art form that originated in the rural areas and was brought to the city. It is a fun cultural experience that kids and adults both enjoy. You can see it at The Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theatre.
Hue is not a theatre destination.
Is the Food Better in Ho Chi Minh City or Hue? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Ho Chi Minh City
Hue
Ho Chi Minh City 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 Ho Chi Minh City have been singled out for their culinary prowess. This city, arguably, has some of the best food in Vietnam. You'll find everything from food stalls selling mouthwatering street food to luxury restaurants preparing traditional dishes with a modern twist. Banh Mi (a Vietnamese sandwich) and Pho (Vietnamese soup) are the most well known dishes around town, but also try the Bún mắm (a noodle dish) and Bún bò Huế (a beef based 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 Ho Chi Minh City or Hue Better for Nightlife?
Ho Chi Minh City
Hue
Ho Chi Minh City is terrific for its evening party scene. Also, Hue is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.
Ho Chi Minh City is a must-see party destination. The city never settles down and you'll find all night parties and dance clubs open into the early hours. Backpackers keep the energy high, but there are also luxury clubs and more relaxed places where you can have a good night out if the backpacker thing isn't your scene.
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 Ho Chi Minh City or Hue Better for its Old Town?
Ho Chi Minh City
Hue
Hue is great for its historic old town charm. However, Ho Chi Minh City does not have a historic old town.
There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Hue. As the former imperial capital, you'll see many temples and historical sites in the city.
Ho Chi Minh City does not have a historic old town.
Is the Shopping Better in Ho Chi Minh City or Hue?
Ho Chi Minh City
Hue
Ho Chi Minh City is terrific for its shopping areas. Also, Hue is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for shopping.
Ho Chi Minh City is a world class destination for shoppers. The city is filled with a mix of modern shopping centers and local shops selling traditional items. You'll find international brands as well as uniquely Vietnamese products. The city also has some of the best boutique shopping opportunities in Southeast Asia.
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 Ho Chi Minh City or Hue Better for Families?
Ho Chi Minh City
Hue
Ho Chi Minh City is terrific for its family-friendly activities. Also, Hue is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.
Ho Chi Minh City is an extremely popular city to visit for families. Kids may feel overwhelmed at first, but they're sure to fall in love with the energy and kid-friendly activities in this city. There are traditional water puppet shows, kid-friendly restaurants, and fun parks. There's also the Suoi Tien Theme Park, smaller water parks, zoos, and art museums to explore.
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 Ho Chi Minh City or Hue Better for Couples?
Ho Chi Minh City
Hue
Ho Chi Minh City is a well-known place for couples. Also, Hue is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.
Ho Chi Minh City is a very popular place to visit for couples. If you're looking for a vibrant cultural scene with excellent restaurants, great parks, and countless day trips, this is the ultimate couple's getaway.
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 Ho Chi Minh City or Hue Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Ho Chi Minh City
Hue
Ho Chi Minh City is terrific for backpackers. Also, Hue is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.
Ho Chi Minh City is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. It's well established on the Southeast Asian backpacker's circuit and you'll find no shortage of hostels in town. You'll find a good number of backpackers in District 1 of the city, near Ben Thanh Market. Many backpackers also arrange trips to the Mekong Delta or elsewhere in Thailand while they're here.
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 Ho Chi Minh City or Hue Better for Students?
Ho Chi Minh City
Hue
Ho Chi Minh City is a city with good options for students. However, Hue is not popular with students.
Ho Chi Minh City is a good city to visit for students. Study abroad students appreciate the city's energy and plethora of activities. It also makes a good base for trips to other parts of Southeast Asia.
Hue is not popular with students.
Is Ho Chi Minh City or Hue Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Ho Chi Minh City
Hue
Hue is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Ho Chi Minh City is not a good destination for its public transit.
While Hue offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Cyclos, motorbikes, and local bus are the most common ways to get around the city.
Public transit is generally limited in Ho Chi Minh City. There are public buses around town but motorbike taxis and regular taxis are likely your best bet for getting around.
Is Ho Chi Minh City or Hue a more walkable city?
Ho Chi Minh City
Hue
Hue is great for its ease of walking around. Also, Ho Chi Minh City is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.
Hue is a very walkable destination. Many of the sights can be reached on foot and the city is relatively compact.
Ho Chi Minh City is somewhat walkable. In certain neighborhoods it's fairly walkable, but you may have to dodge a motorbike here or there.
For even more information, also check out Is Ho Chi Minh City Worth Visiting? and Is Hue Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Hue or Ho Chi Minh City?
How long in Ho Chi Minh City or Hue?
Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Ho Chi Minh City and Hue. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Ho Chi Minh City than in Hue. Usually, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Ho Chi Minh City, and 1-3 days is enough time in Hue.
Families should spend more time in Ho Chi Minh City than Hue. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Ho Chi Minh City, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Ho Chi Minh City than Hue. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Ho Chi Minh City that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Ho Chi Minh City 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 Ho Chi Minh City.
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How many days in Ho Chi Minh City or Hue? Ideal Length of StayHo Chi Minh City 3-4Hue 1-3
One day in Ho Chi Minh City or Hue?
When visiting Ho Chi Minh City, people usually allow for lots of time. 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.
You'll find food and shopping around the imperial destination of Hue. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.
A weekend in Ho Chi Minh City or Hue?
Many people visit Ho Chi Minh City for a weekend. When visiting Ho Chi Minh City, people usually allow for lots of time. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.
You'll find shopping and museums around the imperial city of Hue. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.
Five days in Ho Chi Minh City or Hue?
The big city destination of Ho Chi Minh City offers food and shopping. 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 is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.
A week in Ho Chi Minh City or Hue?
Ho Chi Minh City, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. 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 great place to explore. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in Vietnam, The Best 10-Day Tours in Vietnam, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Vietnam, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Vietnam.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHo Chi Minh City $81Hue $48
The average daily cost (per person) in Ho Chi Minh City is $81, 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 Ho Chi Minh City and Hue in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHo Chi Minh City $49Hue $23
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHo Chi Minh City $98Hue $46
Compare Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City and Hue
Looking for a hotel in Ho Chi Minh City 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.
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: Ho Chi Minh City Hotel Prices and Hue Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Ho Chi Minh City $15Hue $12
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Ho Chi Minh City
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Ho Chi Minh City:
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Short Taxi Ride$1.40
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Taxi From Airport$7.99
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Cyclo Ride (One Hour)$1.60
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ho Chi Minh City
Also for Ho Chi Minh City, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Mui Ne Beach: Bus transfer from/to Saigon City: $7.73
- Ho Chi Minh City airport transfer: $10
- Nha Trang: Bus transfer from/to Saigon City: $11
- Private Arrival Transfer: Tan Son Nhat Airport to Ho Chi Minh City Hotels: $15
- Ho Chi Minh City Airport Arrival Transfer to Hotel: $16
- SGN Airport: the private transfer to Center (District 1 & 3): $16
- Private Transfer From Saigon Center To Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN): $16
- Ho Chi Minh to Ho Chi Minh Airport (SGN) - Departure Transfer: $16
- Ho Chi Minh to Ho Chi Minh City Airport (SGN) Departure Transfer: $16
- Transfer from Ho Chi Minh to Airport Tan Sơn Nhat: $17
- Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in Cam Ranh HTL-APT (CXR): $18
- Tan Son Nhat International Airport Private Transfer: $19
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hue
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Hue:
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Cyclo$0.48
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Short Taxi Ride$0.88
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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
- Hue Day Trip with guide, lunch &transfer From Hoi An/Da nang: $158
- Da Nang: Private Car Transfer to Hue Via My Son Sanctuary: $141
- Hue Transfer to Hoi An Via Hai Van Pass &Sightseeing Private: $137
- Private Transfer From Hue To Phong Nha: $135
- Private Transfer from Hue (HUI) Airport to Dong Hoi: $134
- Private Transfer To Hue Via My Son Sanctuary :Hoi An/Da Nang: $133
- Hue & Hoi An Transfer: Private Car Sightseeing Trip: $133
- Private Car Transfer to Hue Via Hai Van Pass & Golden Bridge: $133
- From Bach Ma National Park Private Car Transfer: $122
- Private Transfer: Hoi An City Center - Hue City Center: $115
- Sightseeing Transfer Between Hue and Hoi An: $114
Is it cheaper to fly into Ho Chi Minh City or Hue?
Prices for flights to both Hue and Ho Chi Minh City 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
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Food Meals for one dayHo Chi Minh City $14Hue $15
Typical Food Prices in Ho Chi Minh City
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Ho Chi Minh City:
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Street Food Dinner (for Two)$4.27
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Pizza$5.19
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Sweet Rice$1.20
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Pork Sandwich$0.60
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$6.78
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Western Lunch (for Two)$12
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ho Chi Minh City
For Ho Chi Minh City, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Saigon Food Tour & Culture Explore Ho Chi Minh City Walking Tour: $15
- Ho Chi Minh Street Food Tour By Motorbike +Sightseeing SAFE & FUN: $25
- Private Walking Food Tour with Local Students : $26
- Saigon: Backstreets Private Walking Food Tour & 10 Tastings: $27
- Super Niche Walking Street Food Tour in Ho Chi Minh City: $28
- Food Tour by Scooter with Eleven Tastings: $28
- Ho Chi Minh: Thirteen-Tastings Private Walking Food Tour: $28
- Ho Chi Minh: Original Walking Street Food Tour With Local: $29
- Top Niche Walking Street Food Tour with Uni Student: $29
- Private 4-Hour Food Tour in Ho Chi Minh City: $29
- Ho Chi Minh: Super Niche Walking Street Food Tour With Local: $29
- Walking Street Food Tour Ho Chi Minh City: $30
Typical Food Prices in Hue
Some typical examples of dining costs in Hue are as follows:
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River Night Market Dinner (for Two)$7.99
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Two Sugarcane Drinks$0.80
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Quick Lunch (for Two)$2.20
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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 by Walking or Cyclo or Motorbike with Driver: $33
- 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: $36
- Home Cooking Class with Local Girl: $37
- Hue:Exploring Street Food Tour With Local Guide: $38
- Hue : Night Street Food Tour with a Local Guide: $39
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Ho Chi Minh City $20Hue $11
Typical Entertainment Prices in Ho Chi Minh City
For Ho Chi Minh City, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Massage$5.59
Tours and Activities in Ho Chi Minh City
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Ho Chi Minh City.
- Saigon: Free Walking Tour: $2.08
- Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Double-Decker: $2.37
- Saigon: City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $7.00
- City Sightseeing Panoramic Bus Tour: $7.00
- Saigon: City Sightseeing 45-Minute Panoramic Night Tour: $7.00
- Floating Village Eco-Tourism Tan Lap - Trekking Day Trip: $7.48
- Night Bus Tour in Ho Chi Minh City: $7.50
- Ho Chi Minh Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.66
- Ho Chi Minh Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.85
- 1 ROUND MIDNIGHT BUS TOUR: $9.00
- Bitexco Financial Tower: Saigon Sky Deck - Fast Track Ticket: $10
- One hour cyclo tour around Saigon: $11
Typical Entertainment Prices in Hue
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Hue are as follows:
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Boat Ride$7.79
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Bicycle Rental (One Day)$1.12
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Imperial Citadel Entrance$3.20
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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
- 13 Days Private Tour Highlights of Cambodia & Vietnam: $4,731
- 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: $73
- 2.5 hours Hue Walking Tour with Tour Guide: $20
- 2.5 hours Hue Walking Tour with Tour Guide: $19
- 3 Hour Guided Sightseeing of Hue Imperial Palace: $25
- 3-Hour Hue Royal Palace Small Group Guided Walking Tour: $23
- 3-Hours Hue Imperial Walking Tour with Guide: $22
- A Glimpse of Hue Tour: $46
- All Inclusive Deluxe Hue City Group Tour - Max 12 pax: $65
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHo Chi Minh City $7.98Hue $5.79
Typical Alcohol Prices in Ho Chi Minh City
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Ho Chi Minh City:
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Beer$0.40
Typical Alcohol Prices in Hue
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Hue:
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Beer$1.00
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ho Chi Minh City and Hue, we can see that Ho Chi Minh City is more expensive. And not only is Hue much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hue would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hue 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 Ho Chi Minh City would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ho Chi Minh City than you might in Hue.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Ho Chi Minh City Expensive? and Is Hue Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Ho Chi Minh City or Hue?
Ho Chi Minh City has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Hue. When comparing the sizes of Ho Chi Minh City 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.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.