A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hue vs. Alice Springs for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Hue or Alice Springs?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Hue and Alice Springs can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Hue

Hue is a authentic, ancient, and imperial city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Alice Springs

Alice Springs is a charming, friendly, and laid back town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and hiking.

Hue and Alice Springs: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Hue or Alice Springs?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hue. Although Hue and Alice Springs are popular destinations, Hue has more sights and attractions for tourists. Hue is very popular for its museums, food, historical sights, and shopping, while Alice Springs attracts visitors for its hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Hue is famous for its imperial buildings and political history as the country's historic capital. It is also well known for Imperial City. Alice Springs is famous for its desert landscapes, Outback setting, and location between the East and West MacDonnell Ranges.

How is Hue different from Alice Springs?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Hue or Alice Springs?

Hue
Alice Springs

Hue is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Alice Springs is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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.

Alice Springs is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several wildlife centers in town that let you experience the desert animals first hand. Make sure you check out the Alice Springs Reptile Center, the Alice Springs Desert Park, and the Kangaroo Sanctuary. Another highlight of the town is a visit to the Alice Springs School of the Air.


Is the Food Better in Hue or Alice Springs? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hue
Alice Springs

Hue is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Alice Springs is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Hue has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

Alice Springs offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are casual eateries with local food and decent prices. While it's a small town, there are plenty of tourists passing through so you'll find enough places to eat with a decent selection.

Is Hue or Alice Springs Better for Nightlife?

Hue
Alice Springs

Both Hue and Alice Springs are nice when it comes to partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Alice Springs. It's a laid back small town, but there are still places to hang out in evening. Pubs and taverns are popular with locals and tourists alike. You'll also find a couple of casinos and clubs in town.

Is Hue or Alice Springs Better for its Old Town?

Hue
Alice Springs

Hue is a great city for its historic old town charm. However, Alice Springs does not have a historic old town.

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.

Alice Springs does not have a historic old town.


Is Hue or Alice Springs Better for Hiking?

Hue
Alice Springs

Alice Springs is terrific for the nearby hiking options. However, Hue is not a hiking destination.

Around Alice Springs visitors will find world-class hiking trails. Just outside of town there are wonderful walking routes and hiking trails. You can visit gorges, waterholes, and wander through the stunning red desert landscapes. One of the most famous trails in the area is the Larapinta Trail.

Hue is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hue or Alice Springs?

Hue
Alice Springs

Hue is a great city for its shopping areas. Also, Alice Springs is not as popular, but is still a nice town for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas 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.

Alice Springs is a great destination for shopping. There are many shopping areas around town, particularly at the Yeperenye Shopping Centre, Alice Plaza, and Todd Mall. Prices can be a bit high, so keep that in mind as you're browsing.

Is Hue or Alice Springs Better for Families?

Hue
Alice Springs

Alice Springs 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.

Alice Springs is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy the beautiful setting as much as adults. There are desert animals that you can see at Alice Springs Desert Park or the Kangaroo Sanctuary. The Earth Sanctuary has telescopes and unbeatable views of the night sky. In the area you'll also be able to take a camel ride or visit the National Road Transport Hall of Fame.

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 Hue or Alice Springs Better for Couples?

Hue
Alice Springs

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

Alice Springs is a very popular place to visit for couples. The red desert and stunning landscapes make for a truly one-of-a-kind romantic getaway. In addition to the area's natural beauty, there are hot air balloon rides and camel treks. Hiking and exploring is also at the top of many visitor's lists.

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 Hue or Alice Springs Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hue
Alice Springs

Both Hue and Alice Springs are great destinations for backpackers.

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.

Alice Springs is very popular with the backpacker crowd. Many backpackers stop off here during their Australian adventure. There a few hostels in town as well as a laid back and friendly environment that is perfect for backpacking.

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

Hue
Alice Springs

Hue is a city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Alice Springs is not known 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 Alice Springs. Public transit options are limited but you will find buses that leave from the Yeperenye Shopping Center on Hartley Street. There are also taxis in town.


Is Hue or Alice Springs a more walkable city?

Hue
Alice Springs

Hue is a great city for its ease of walking around. Also, Alice Springs is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its walkability.

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

Alice Springs is somewhat walkable. The downtown area can be explored on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Hue Worth Visiting? and Is Alice Springs Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Alice Springs or Hue?

How long in Hue or Alice Springs?

It's fun to spend time in either Hue or Alice Springs. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Alice Springs due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Hue, and 2-4 days is enough time in Alice Springs.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Hue than Alice Springs 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 Hue.


  • How many days in Hue or Alice Springs? Ideal Length of Stay
    Hue 1-3 
    Alice Springs 2-4

One day in Hue or Alice Springs?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the ancient destination of Hue. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Alice Springs is a small town with plenty to do. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. 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.

A weekend in Hue or Alice Springs?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hue. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Many people visit Alice Springs for a weekend. Alice Springs might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. 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.


Five days in Hue or Alice Springs?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the authentic destination of Hue. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

Because Alice Springs is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. 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.

A week in Hue or Alice Springs?

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Hue. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Alice Springs, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Vietnam, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in Vietnam, The Best 10-Day Tours in Australia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Alice Springs or Hue?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Hue is $48, while the average daily cost in Alice Springs is $95. 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 Hue and Alice Springs in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hue $23
    Alice Springs $50
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hue $46
    Alice Springs $100
Compare Hotels in Hue and Alice Springs

Looking for a hotel in Hue or Alice Springs? 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 Hue


Hotels in Alice Springs


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: Hue Hotel Prices and Alice Springs Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hue $12
    Alice Springs $20
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:

  • Hue city day trip with Guide, lunch &transfer from Chan May Port : $169
  • 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: $135
  • Private Transfer From Hue To Phong Nha: $135
  • Hue Transfer to Hoi An Via Hai Van Pass &Sightseeing Private: $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
  • Private transfer from Hue to Hoi An with fabulous stops: $125
  • From Bach Ma National Park Private Car Transfer: $121
  • Private Transfer: Hoi An City Center - Hue City Center: $115

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Alice Springs

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

  • Uluru to Alice Springs or Alice to Uluru 1-Way Luxe Transfer: $127

Is it cheaper to fly into Hue or Alice Springs?

Prices for flights to both Alice Springs and Hue 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
    Hue $15
    Alice Springs $24
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 by Walking or Cyclo or Motorcycle with Driver: $33
  • Hue Food Tour by Walking or Cyclo or Motorbike with Driver: $33
  • Home Cooking Class in Hue City : $35
  • Hue Walking Food Tour: $35
  • Best Hue Street Food Tour: $35
  • Exploring Hue Food Tour with Local Guide : $35
  • Home Vegan/Vegetarian Cooking Class with Local Girl: $35

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Alice Springs

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

  • From Day Trip to Uluru with BBQ Dinner: $219
  • Ayers Rock Day Trip from Alice Springs Including BBQ Dinner: $233

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hue $11
    Alice Springs $14
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 - Bach Ma National Park Group Tour : $300
  • 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
  • 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: $19

Tours and Activities in Alice Springs

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

  • Skip the Line: Alice Springs School of the Air Guided Tour Ticket: $9.25
  • West MacDonnell Ranges: A Self-Guided Driving Tour: $9.99
  • Outback Adventure: A Self-Guided Driving Tour: $9.99
  • Australia’s Red Centre: A Self-Guided West Macs Driving Tour: $9.99
  • Alice Springs Desert Park General Entry Ticket: $26
  • Alice Springs Desert Park Nocturnal Tour: $28
  • Alice Springs Camel Tour: $59
  • West MacDonnell Ranges Half day Tour -Small Group: $92
  • A Town Like Alice: Half-Day Tour of Alice Springs: $95
  • From Alice Spring: West MacDonnell Ranges Half-Day Tour: $97
  • Alice Springs Highlights Tour : $109
  • Historical Alice Tour: $110

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hue $5.79
    Alice Springs $17
Typical Alcohol Prices in Hue

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


  • Beer
    $1.00

Typical Alcohol Prices in Alice Springs

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


  • Glass of Wine in Alice Springs
    $4.54


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hue and Alice Springs, we can see that Alice Springs is more expensive. And not only is Hue much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Hue is in Asia and Alice Springs is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Alice Springs would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Alice Springs 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 Hue Expensive? and Is Alice Springs Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Hue or Alice Springs?

Hue has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Alice Springs. When comparing the sizes of Hue and Alice Springs, 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.