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

Should you visit Hue or Cromwell?

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 Cromwell 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. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Cromwell

Cromwell is a outdoorsy, historical, and cultural town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. Other popular activities here include food, hiking, and shopping.

Hue and Cromwell: 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 for skiing
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers


Is there more to do in Hue or Cromwell?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Hue. Although Hue and Cromwell are both popular with visitors, Hue has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Hue is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, and shopping, while Cromwell is known for its skiing, hiking, and small town charm. Hue is more touristy than Cromwell and is popular for its imperial buildings and political history as the country's historic capital. It is also home to Imperial City. Cromwell is popular for its fruit farms, orchards, and vineyards.

How is Hue different from Cromwell?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Hue or Cromwell Better for Skiing?

Hue
Cromwell

Cromwell is a town with good options for snow skiing. However, Hue is not a skiing destination.

Head to Cromwell for some great skiing and other winter activities. The town isn't far from several ski fields, so it attracts winter sports enthusiasts when the weather gets cold.

Hue is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Hue or Cromwell?

Hue
Cromwell

Hue is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Cromwell 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Cromwell. There are some interesting historical activities around town like Goldfields Mining Centre.

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

Hue
Cromwell

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

Hue has a huge number of terrific 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Cromwell area. There are charming cafes and bakeries where you can grab a light meal or snack. There are also quaint restaurants and wineries with nice meals available.

Is Hue or Cromwell Better for Nightlife?

Hue
Cromwell

Both Hue and Cromwell are good 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 Cromwell. There are a few breweries and a number of wineries around town where you can have a relaxing night out.


Is Hue or Cromwell Better for its Old Town?

Hue
Cromwell

Hue is a great city for its old town. However, Cromwell 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.

Cromwell does not have a historic old town.

Is Hue or Cromwell Better for Hiking?

Hue
Cromwell

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

Cromwell is a popular spot for hiking. There are many beautiful walks in the area that take you through diverse landscapes and to impressive views.

Hue is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hue or Cromwell?

Hue
Cromwell

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

Hue is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Many visitors go to Cromwell to go shopping. There's a farmers market in town as well as several local vendors and cute shops.


Is Hue or Cromwell Better for Families?

Hue
Cromwell

Cromwell 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.

Cromwell is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The lakefront setting means that there are water activities during the warmer months. There are also ski fields nearby for the winter months. Biking and walking are also popular in the area.

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 Cromwell Better for Couples?

Hue
Cromwell

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

Cromwell is a very popular place to visit for couples. Cycling, walking, kayaking, and skiing all make this a romantic a charming town to visit as a couple. There are also wineries in the area with beautiful vineyards.

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 Cromwell Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hue
Cromwell

Hue is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Cromwell is not as popular, but is still a nice town for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Hue. 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Cromwell. There are a handful of great hostels in the area and plenty of things to keep backpackers entertained.


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

Hue
Cromwell

Hue is a city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Cromwell 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 Cromwell. Public transit around town is limited to a couple of buses.

Is Hue or Cromwell a more walkable city?

Hue
Cromwell

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

Cromwell is a somewhat walkable city. Parts of the town are walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Cromwell or Hue?

How long in Hue or Cromwell?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Hue or Cromwell to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Hue than Cromwell 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 1-2 days is enough time in Cromwell.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Hue than Cromwell 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 Cromwell? Ideal Length of Stay
    Hue 1-3 
    Cromwell 1-2

One day in Hue or Cromwell?

The city of Hue offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

With museums and skiing around the historical destination of Cromwell, there's plenty to do. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.


A weekend in Hue or Cromwell?

Hue is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Hue, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Many people visit Cromwell for a weekend. With skiing and nightlife around the outdoorsy town of Cromwell, there's plenty to do. 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 Cromwell?

Hue is a popular choice for travelers. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

The destination of Cromwell offers nightlife and food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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.

A week in Hue or Cromwell?

Hue is a great place to explore. 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. This city offers something for everyone.

Cromwell, 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in New Zealand, and The Best 2-Week Tours in New Zealand.


Which place is cheaper, Cromwell 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 Cromwell is $81. 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 Cromwell in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hue $23
    Cromwell $39
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hue $46
    Cromwell $78
Compare Hotels in Hue and Cromwell

Looking for a hotel in Hue or Cromwell? 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 Cromwell


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 Cromwell Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hue $12
    Cromwell $25
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

Is it cheaper to fly into Hue or Cromwell?

Prices for flights to both Cromwell 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
    Cromwell $26
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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hue $11
    Cromwell $16
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 Cromwell

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

  • Queenstown: Mount Cook Premium Guided Day Tour: $148
  • Ultimate Lake Dunstan Trail Experience Bike & Boat Return: $172

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hue $5.79
    Cromwell $9.14
Typical Alcohol Prices in Hue

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


  • Beer
    $1.00

Sample the Local Flavors in Cromwell

Also in Cromwell, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Wines and Views: Private Wine Tour of Otago from Queenstow: $1,488


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