A Travel Price Comparison for Vietnam Hue vs. Halong Bay for Couples, Attractions, Food, and Families

Should you visit Hue or Halong Bay?

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 Halong Bay 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 cultural, authentic, and ancient city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Halong Bay

Halong Bay is a stunning, dramatic, and spectacular bay. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include food, beaches, and hiking.

Hue and Halong Bay: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Hue or Halong Bay?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Hue. Although Hue and Halong Bay are both popular with visitors, Hue has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Hue is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Halong Bay is known for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Hue is popular for its imperial buildings and political history as the country's historic capital. It is also home to Imperial City. Halong Bay is popular for its stunning limestone mountains, dramatic water caves, peaceful fishing villages, and unique liveaboard boat trips.

How is Hue different from Halong Bay?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Hue
Halong Bay

Hue is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Halong Bay is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

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 Halong Bay. While the bay is really about its stunning natural beauty, you can also visit the Quang Ninh Museum, which will give you some insight into the area. The Cai Bau Pagoda is also impressive, as is the Vung Vieng Floating Village.


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

Hue
Halong Bay

Hue is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Halong Bay is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit 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.

Halong Bay is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Because most visitors travel to Halong Bay as part of an overnight boat tour, meals are usually included in the package. The dishes are usually local Vietnamese dishes, and the luxury level varies depending on the tour you book.

Is Hue or Halong Bay Better for Nightlife?

Hue
Halong Bay

Hue is a city with good options for nightlife and partying. However, Halong Bay is not particularly known for its evening party scene.

Hue has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Halong Bay Many tours, particularly those that cater to the backpacker crowd, have a social atmosphere, but there isn't a nightlife scene and this area isn't a trip that's known for its party atmosphere. Most tourists stay up in the evening swapping travel stories with their fellow boatmates.

Is Hue or Halong Bay Better for Beaches?

Hue
Halong Bay

Halong Bay is a well-known place for the beach. However, Hue is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Halong Bay attract visitors from all over. Many boat tours spend a day or half day hanging out on a beach. The setting is stunning with emerald blue water and dramatic limestone karsts climbing out of the water.

Hue is not a beach destination.


Is Hue or Halong Bay Better for its Old Town?

Hue
Halong Bay

Hue is well known for its old town. However, Halong Bay 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.

Halong Bay does not have a historic old town.

Is Hue or Halong Bay Better for Hiking?

Hue
Halong Bay

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

Halong Bay is a popular spot for hiking. Most tours stop off at Cat Ba Island and lead travelers through spectacular hikes. You'll take a guided walk through jungles and reach spectacular viewpoints.

Hue is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hue or Halong Bay?

Hue
Halong Bay

Hue is well known for its shopping opportunities. However, Halong Bay is not particularly known for its shopping areas.

Hue is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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 in Halong Bay can be found for those interested. Most people don't spend their time shopping while they're visiting the area. If you're looking for a local souvenir, there are a few places to pick things up during your trip.


Is Hue or Halong Bay Better for Families?

Hue
Halong Bay

Halong Bay 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.

Halong Bay is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Most people visit the area on board an overnight boat from Hanoi. The boats range in style and luxury level, but whatever you choose, your kids will love the novelty of sleeping aboard a boat and exploring the truly stunning islands.

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 Halong Bay Better for Couples?

Hue
Halong Bay

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

Halong Bay is a great bay for couples, as it has plenty to offer. This truly world-class setting makes a perfect honeymoon or romantic destination. You'll likely want to book a luxury boat with plenty of amenities and delicious dining options. The setting is spectacular, and among the most unique in the world.

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 Halong Bay Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hue
Halong Bay

Both Hue and Halong Bay 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.

Halong Bay is very popular with the backpacker crowd. This is one of those places that you can't really visit independently, because you'll need to arrange a boat. There are countless travel agencies in Hanoi that you can book your trip through. The prices vary widely, as do the activities and amenities. Most backpackers enjoy exploring the bay aboard a Chinese Sail Boat or 'Junk'.


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

Hue
Halong Bay

Hue is a city with good options for its public transit. However, Halong Bay is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Hue, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Cyclos, motorbikes, and local bus are the most common ways to get around the city.

Public transit is quite limited in Halong Bay. An organized tour is essential for exploring the bay. Most visitors arrange an overnight boat tour, often aboard a Chinese Sail Boat or 'Junk'.

Is Hue or Halong Bay a more walkable city?

Hue
Halong Bay

Hue is well known for its high level of walkability. However, Halong Bay is not particularly known 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.

Halong Bay is not a very walkable city. This is a place that requires an organized tour to visit, as you need a boat to explore.

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

Should I spend more time in Halong Bay or Hue?

How long in Hue or Halong Bay?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Hue and Halong Bay. In our opinion, Hue has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Hue than Halong Bay. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Hue, and 2-3 days is enough time in Halong Bay.

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

Couples should spend more time in Hue than Halong Bay. 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 Halong Bay 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 Halong Bay? Ideal Length of Stay
    Hue 1-3 
    Halong Bay 2-3

One day in Hue or Halong Bay?

With museums and nightlife around the ancient city of Hue, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Hue, one day is sufficent for most.

With food and museums around the stunning destination of Halong Bay, 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 Halong Bay?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Hue, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Many people visit Halong Bay for a weekend. With museums and food around the dramatic bay of Halong Bay, 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 Halong Bay?

Hue, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

The destination of Halong Bay offers food and museums. 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 Halong Bay?

Hue is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Halong Bay, a popular bay, 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 Eco Tours in Vietnam, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in Vietnam, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Vietnam, and The Best Cultural Tours in Vietnam.


Which place is cheaper, Halong Bay or Hue?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Hue is $49, while the average daily cost in Halong Bay is $58. 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 Halong Bay in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hue $23
    Halong Bay $28
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hue $46
    Halong Bay $56
Compare Hotels in Hue and Halong Bay

Looking for a hotel in Hue or Halong Bay? 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 Halong Bay


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hue $12
    Halong Bay $14
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
    $0.89
  • Taxi Ride to Tombs
    $14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hue

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hue:

  • Da Nang Airport: Private Transfer to/from Hue City: $107
  • Da Nang City : Private Car Transfer to Da Nang/From Hue City: $98
  • Da Nang: Private Car Transfer to Hue Via My Son Sanctuary: $147
  • Danang: Transfer to/from Hue by Private Car via Hai Van Pass: $42
  • Deluxe Transfer Hue to Hoi An by Amazing way: $25
  • From Hoi An/Da Nang: Private Transfer to Hue with Stops: $17
  • From Hue : Private Transfer to Da Nang via Hai Van pass: $36
  • From Hue Private Transfer to Phong Nha via DMZ & sightseeing: $72
  • From Hue to Golden Bridge - Ba Na Via Hai Van Pass (Private Roundtrip Transfer): $85
  • From Bach Ma National Park Private Car Transfer: $124
  • From Bus Transfer to Hoi An with Sightseeing Stops: $19
  • From Hoi An Bus Transfer with Sightseeing Stops: $19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Halong Bay

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Halong Bay:

  • Bus Transfer from Cat Ba island to Ninh Binh: $13
  • Bus/Private Transfer Cat Ba Island to Ninh Binh/ Ninh binh to Cat Ba: $19
  • Rosa Eco Bus Luxury Transfer Ha Long to Ha Noi: $27
  • Sunworld Halong theme park ticket with roundtrip transfer: $32
  • Transfer Ha Long to Ha Noi Super Limousine Morning Bus: $33
  • Halong Bay Full Day Cruise from Hanoi by Transfer Expressway: $42
  • Halong Bay Day Tour Roundtrip Transfer by Expressway 2023 - 2024: $42
  • Small Group Halong Day Tour: Islands, Cave, Kayak. Lunch. Expressway Transfers: $45
  • Private Transfer from Halong Bay Cruise Port to Hanoi hotels: $46
  • Alova Premium Cruise to Halong Bay 1 Day Trip by Highway Transfer: $50
  • Private Transfer from Tuan Chau to Haiphong (HPH) Airport: $52
  • Private Transfer from Ha Long to Haiphong (HPH) Airport: $52

Is it cheaper to fly into Hue or Halong Bay?

Prices for flights to both Halong Bay 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
    Halong Bay $16
Typical Food Prices in Hue

Some typical examples of dining costs in Hue are as follows:


  • River Night Market Dinner (for Two)
    $8.07
  • Two Sugarcane Drinks
    $0.81
  • Quick Lunch (for Two)
    $2.22
  • Sitdown Dinner (for Two)
    $4.44

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hue

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Hue.

  • Hue Walking Street Food Tour: $27
  • Walking street food tour: $30
  • Vietnamese Cooking Class with Local Family in Hue: $31
  • Hue : Traditional Cooking Class -Market Trip With Local Chef: $31
  • Hue Food Tour by Walking or Cyclo or Motorcycle with Driver: $34
  • Motorbike Food Tour in Hue Province: $35
  • Best Hue Street Food Tour: $35
  • Home Vegan/Vegetarian Cooking Class with Local Girl: $36
  • Home Cooking Class with Local Girl: $38
  • Hue Specialty Food Cooking Class: $39
  • Experience Vegan Cooking Class in Hue City: $39
  • Hue : Night Street Food Tour with a Local Guide: $39

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Halong Bay

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Halong Bay.

  • 1-day private Hanoi city tour with fun and night street walking food tour: $101
  • Luxury Aspira Cruise from Halong with kayaking,cave,cooking class: $175

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hue $11
    Halong Bay $17
Typical Entertainment Prices in Hue

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Hue are as follows:


  • Boat Ride
    $7.87
  • Bicycle Rental (One Day)
    $1.13
  • Imperial Citadel Entrance
    $3.23
  • Massage at Institute for the Blind
    $1.61

Tours and Activities in Hue

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Hue are as follows:

  • Traditional Singing on Huong River Ticket: $3.85
  • Hue Car Rental: Sightseeing City Tour by Car with Driver: $9.45
  • Sightseeing Travel Bus from Hue to Hoi An: $12
  • Discover Vietnamese Cuisine E-Ticket: $15
  • Sightseeing Bus from Hue to Hoi An (Seat in Coach): $15
  • Hue City Tour by Private Car and English Speaking Driver: $15
  • BUS TOUR HUE - PHONG NHA: $15
  • HUE - HOI AN BUS TOUR (S.I.C): $17
  • Hue : City Highlights Full Day Tour with Lunch: $17
  • Imperial and Forbidden City Guided Tour: $19
  • Hue Walking Tour: Explore The Imperial City & Tour Guide: $19
  • City Sightseeing Hue Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour : $19

Tours and Activities in Halong Bay

Here are a few actual costs in Halong Bay for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Sun World Halong Admission Ticket in Vietnam: $13
  • Halong Bay Discovery With 6 Hours Boat Tour from Halong city: $17
  • City Sightseeing Ha Long Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour : $19
  • Most favorite full day boat tour with kayaking in Lan Ha bay, Ha Long bay: $24
  • Best love - Full Day Boat Tour to Lan Ha Bay and Ha Long Bay: $26
  • From Cat Ba island: full day boat tour to Lan Ha bay - Ha Long bay: $29
  • Ha Long Bay Day Tour with Lunch, Cave Explore & Titop Island: $29
  • Full Day Sea Star Cruise to Lan Ha-Ha Long Bay Viet Hai village: $31
  • Cruise and kayak on Lan Ha bay Ha Long bay with local experts: $32
  • Full Day Trip to Lan Ha Bay with Kayaking in less tourist Areas: $34
  • Lan Ha Bay day tour from Cat Ba Town - Serenity Premium Cruise: $35
  • Lan Ha Bay Day Tour from Cat Ba Island - Serenity Premium Cruises: $36

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hue $5.85
    Halong Bay $13
Typical Alcohol Prices in Hue

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


  • Beer
    $1.01


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