A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hue vs. Gili Trawangan for Nightlife, Backpackers, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Hue or Gili Trawangan?

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

Gili Trawangan

Gili Trawangan is a laidback, tropical, and idyllic island. With stunning beauty, Gili Trawangan attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Gili Trawangan travel costs.

Hue and Gili Trawangan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hue or Gili Trawangan?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Gili Trawangan. Although Hue and Gili Trawangan are both popular with visitors, Gili Trawangan has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Gili Trawangan is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Hue is known for its museums and attractions, historical sights, and shopping. Gili Trawangan is more touristy than Hue and is popular for its beautiful water and impressive scuba diving. It is also home to beautiful beachfront setting. Hue is popular for its imperial buildings and political history as the country's historic capital.

How is Hue different from Gili Trawangan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Hue is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Gili Trawangan is lacking in good options for its 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.

Gili Trawangan offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of art and cultural museums on the island, but most people spend their time soaking up the idyllic setting.

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

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Hue and Gili Trawangan.

Dining out in Hue is an experience not to be missed. 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.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Gili Trawangan. As the largest and one of the most touristy of the Gili Islands, you'll find a wide range of cuisines. There's everything from Mexican to Greek available. You'll also find plenty of tropical fruits and some local Indonesian cuisine as well.

Is Hue or Gili Trawangan Better for Nightlife?

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

Gili Trawangan is a must-see party destination. This is the "party island" of the Gili Islands. It has a wild nightlife scene that is particularly popular with backpackers. There are tons of beach bars that have live music, DJs, and nightly parties. There are also regular boat parties. The party scene is pretty well coordinated across the bars, and one bar will stay open late each night while the others close around midnight. This keeps the partygoers concentrated in one location and keeps the energy high for everyone.

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 Gili Trawangan Better for Resorts?

Gili Trawangan is a island with good options for its resorts. However, Hue is not a resort destination.

Gili Trawangan has a few great resort options. The island was long known for its backpacker vibe which included poorly concentrated beach huts. More recently there's been an upswing in upmarket accommodation, particularly on the quieter western and northern sides of the island.

Hue is not a resort destination.

Is Hue or Gili Trawangan Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Gili Trawangan is a world class destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. Snorkeling and diving are a highlight on the island, and a big draw for many visitors. The island is small, with a large concentration of tourists, so if you book a boat trip, you'll likely be surrounded by others. This doesn't mean you won't be able to enjoy colorful fish, a magical undersea world, and the occasional sea turtle.

Hue is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Hue or Gili Trawangan Better for Beaches?

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

Gili Trawangan is considered to be a world-class beach destination. The island is filled with white sand beaches, most of which have restaurants and beachside bars nearby. One of the busiest beaches is near the port, but a quieter area is nearby Surf Point. The sunset side of the island is perfect in the evening when the sun starts to dip below the horizon, but the beaches on that side aren't as great as the other side of the island.

Hue is not a beach destination.

Is Hue or Gili Trawangan Better for its Old Town?

Hue is a very popular place for its old town. However, Gili Trawangan 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.

Gili Trawangan does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Hue or Gili Trawangan?

Hue is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Gili Trawangan is lacking in good options 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.

Gili Trawangan has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. You'll find most things you need on the island, but this isn't a place people usually shop for fun.

Is Hue or Gili Trawangan More Beautiful?

Gili Trawangan is a well-known place for its scenery and beauty. However, Hue is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Gili Trawangan attracts visitors from all around. Crystal blue waters and white sand beaches make this an idyllic island paradise. The setting is perfect for hanging out by the water and soaking up the island vibe.

Hue is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Hue or Gili Trawangan Better for Families?

Gili Trawangan 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.

Gili Trawangan is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. There are many kid-friendly activities like snorkeling, kayaking, and biking. There are also glass bottom boat tours and a great laidback island vibe that kids and adults alike will enjoy. Do note that this is one of the more popular islands for backpackers, so there is a big party scene.

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 Gili Trawangan Better for Couples?

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

Gili Trawangan is a very popular place to visit for couples. White sand, blue water, and a true tropical island paradise make this a wonderful honeymoon destination. It's one of the more energetic of the Gili Islands, so if you're looking for a calm retreat, there may be better options, but it still has wonderful resorts and great diving.

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 Gili Trawangan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Gili Trawangan is a very popular island to visit for backpackers. It's the most popular of the Gili Islands for backpackers so you'll find tons of hostels and a great nightlife scene. The energy is high and the scenery and idyllic beaches are wonderful.

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 Gili Trawangan Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Hue and Gili Trawangan 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.

Gili Trawangan has some public transit options. Many tourists enjoy getting around the island by cidomo, which are horse-drawn carts. Otherwise, walking or biking are your best options.

Is Hue or Gili Trawangan a more walkable city?

Hue and Gili Trawangan both are superb when exploring on foot.

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

Gili Trawangan is very walkable. While it's the largest of the Gili Islands, it still small enough to walk around in about two hours and it's relatively easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Gili Trawangan or Hue?

How long in Hue or Gili Trawangan?

It's fun to spend time in either Hue or Gili Trawangan. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Gili Trawangan 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 Gili Trawangan.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Gili Trawangan 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 Gili Trawangan.

One day in Hue or Gili Trawangan?

In Hue, you'll find museums and nightlife. Visiting the old town is also a must. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the laidback destination of Gili Trawangan, there's plenty to do. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 Gili Trawangan?

Hue is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Many people visit Gili Trawangan for a weekend. With scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife around the tropical island of Gili Trawangan, there's plenty to do. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Hue or Gili Trawangan?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hue. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

The destination of Gili Trawangan offers nightlife and food. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 Gili Trawangan?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the city of Hue. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Your budget might influence how long you stay. 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.

Gili Trawangan, a popular island, is full of activities for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 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 Gili Trawangan, we can see that Hue is more expensive. And not only is Gili Trawangan much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Gili Trawangan would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Gili Trawangan 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 Hue would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hue than you might in Gili Trawangan.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Hue Expensive? and Is Gili Trawangan Expensive?.