A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hue vs. Bali for Food, Nightlife, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Hue or Bali?

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 Bali 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 ancient, imperial, and cultural city. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping. See Hue travel costs.

Bali

Bali is a stunning, tropical, and lush island. You'll find world class beauty in Bali as well. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. See Bali travel costs.

Hue and Bali: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hue or Bali?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Bali than Hue, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Bali is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Hue is known for its museums and attractions and historical sights. Bali is more touristy than Hue and is known for its many temples, beautiful beaches, world class scuba diving, and cultural retreats. It is also home to Pura Lempuyang. Hue is popular for its imperial buildings and political history as the country's historic capital.

How is Hue different from Bali?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Bali 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 Bali?

Hue is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Bali does not have museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Hue specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Bali does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Bali 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 Bali have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The food is rich and diverse with a lot of spices and complex flavors. Turmeric is a common spice and many dishes use coconut milk. Popular local dishes include Nasi Ayam (a chicken dish), Satay (grilled chicken), and Babi Guling (a pork dish).

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 Hue or Bali Better for Nightlife?

Bali is terrific for its evening party scene. Also, Hue is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

Bali is a must-see party destination. The island is known for its crazy raves and all night pool parties. There are multi-story dance clubs as well as upscale bars and beach clubs that host parties late into the night. The best nightlife areas are around Kuta, Seminyak, and Canggu.

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 Hue or Bali Better for Resorts?

Bali is terrific for its resorts. However, Hue is not a resort destination.

Bali is a world class resort vacation destination. The island has resorts as well as private villas that cater to everyone from celebrities to families or even budget travelers. Private villas offer a more secluded vacation while resorts usually have more amenities and the opportunity to socialize with other guests. There are also many family-friendly resorts around the island.

Hue is not a resort destination.

Is Hue or Bali Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Bali is terrific for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Hue is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Bali is a world class destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. The waters are crystal clear and the marine life is abundant making scuba diving and snorkeling popular around the island. There are many snorkeling day trips that you can arrange and there are also dive shops that will take you out on the water.

Hue is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Hue or Bali Better for Beaches?

Bali is terrific for the beach. However, Hue is not a beach destination.

Bali is considered to be a world-class beach destination. The island is large enough that it has a diversity of beach styles. There are popular beaches with water sports as well as secluded bays where you can enjoy a more peaceful setting. Some beaches are dramatic with limestone cliffs while others are lined with palm trees.

Hue is not a beach destination.

Is Hue or Bali Better for its Old Town?

Hue is a well-known place for its old town. However, Bali 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.

Bali does not have a historic old town.

Is Hue or Bali Better for Hiking?

Bali is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Hue is not a hiking destination.

Bali is a popular spot for hiking. Walking on the island is beautiful and with its varied landscapes you can explore scenic rice paddies or pristine rainforests. You'll find the most challenging hikes in West Bali National Park, where a guide is recommended, but there are many other shorter hikes on the island that can be explored independently.

Hue is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hue or Bali?

Both Hue and Bali are superb shopping destinations.

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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Bali. A big appeal of shopping on the island is the affordability. There are many local items that are fun to bring home including jewelry, handicrafts, furniture, and clothing.

Is Hue or Bali More Beautiful?

Bali is terrific for its scenery and beauty. However, Hue is not a destination known for its beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Bali as well. The island is famous for its beautiful beaches and stunning countryside. It's also a very cultural island with a lot of spirituality.

Hue is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Hue or Bali Better for Families?

Bali 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.

Bali is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The island has countless activities that kids can enjoy. There are watersports, snorkeling, surfing lessons and beautiful beaches. You can also expose your kids to the spiritual side of the island with kid-friendly yoga classes. Animals lovers will enjoy getting to see the monkeys up close and for a unique culinary experience, you can take a family cooking class.

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 Bali Better for Couples?

Bali is terrific for couples. Also, Hue is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

Bali is a great island for couples, as it has plenty to offer. This beautiful island offers stunning beaches, adventure sports, and world class snorkeling. There are beautiful resorts with spas as well as couples yoga classes impressive natural areas.

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 Bali Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Bali is a very popular island to visit for backpackers. Backpackers flock to this beautiful island for its stunning setting and affordable accommodation. There are many nice places where backpackers can hang out and get to know other travelers. If you want to get off the beaten path, it's best to head into the countryside and away from the main tourist hubs.

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

Both Hue and Bali offer good public transit options.

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

Bali has some public transit options. There are minibuses and tourist shuttle buses around the island. You can also hire a taxi or rent a car, scooter, or bicycle.

Is Hue or Bali a more walkable city?

Hue is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. However, Bali is not a good island for its ease of walking around.

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

Bali is generally not a very walkable city. There are some walkable towns and cities on the island, but many areas can be challenging to navigate on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Bali or Hue?

How long in Hue or Bali?

Hue and Bali both offer a nice selection of activities for visitors. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Bali than Hue because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Hue, and 7-14 days is enough time in Bali.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bali 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 Bali.

One day in Hue or Bali?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Hue. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

With nightlife and food around the cultural destination of Bali, there's plenty to do. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 Bali?

Hue is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Many people visit Bali for a weekend. With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the spiritual island of Bali, there's plenty to do. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Hue or Bali?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural destination of Hue. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

With scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the destination of Bali, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, five days is probably not enough for all of it.

A week in Hue or Bali?

The ancient city of Hue offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.

Bali, a popular island, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for one week. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week is usually enough time to experience most activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Vietnam, The Best Cultural Tours in Vietnam, The Best Tours for Seniors to Indonesia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Indonesia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hue and Bali, we can see that Bali 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 Bali would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bali 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 Bali Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Hue or Bali?

Bali has a larger population, and is about 41% larger than the population of Hue. When comparing the sizes of Hue and Bali, 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 Hue or Bali?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.

Should I visit Hue or Bali in the Summer?

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

The dry season in Hue is March to August. The rainy season in Hue is September to December. The dry season in Bali is April to September. In July, Hue usually receives more rain than Bali. Hue gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Bali receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

It's quite sunny in Bali. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hue. Hue usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bali during summer. Hue gets 242 hours of sunny skies, while Bali receives 253 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Hue is generally around the same temperature as Bali. Daily temperatures in Hue average around 29°C (85°F), and Bali fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

Should I visit Hue or Bali in the Autumn?

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

September to December is the rainy season in Hue. October to March is the rainy season in Bali. It rains a lot this time of the year in Hue. Hue usually gets more rain in October than Bali. Hue gets 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain, while Bali receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

In Bali, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Hue often gets less sunshine than Bali. Hue gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bali receives 266 hours of full sun.

Hue is around the same temperature as Bali in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hue averages around 25°C (78°F) in October, and Bali fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

Should I visit Hue or Bali in the Winter?

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

March to August in Hue is the dry season. Also, October to March is the rainy season in Bali. Hue gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Hue usually receives more rain than Bali. Hue gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Bali receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Hue usually receives less sunshine than Bali during winter. Hue gets 136 hours of sunny skies, while Bali receives 170 hours of full sun in the winter.

In the winter, Hue is cooler than Bali. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hue in January average around 22°C (71°F), and Bali averages at about 26°C (79°F).

Should I visit Hue or Bali in the Spring?

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

Also, April to September in Bali is the dry season. Hue usually gets less rain in April than Bali. Hue gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Bali receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bali. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hue this time of the year. In the spring, Hue often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bali. Hue gets 210 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bali receives 226 hours of full sun.

In April, Hue is generally around the same temperature as Bali. Daily temperatures in Hue average around 26°C (80°F), and Bali fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

Typical Weather for Bali and Hue