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

Should you visit Hue or Hat Yai?

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 Hat Yai 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. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Hat Yai

Hat Yai is a colorful, cultural, and lively city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Hue and Hat Yai: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hue or Hat Yai?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Hat Yai than Hue. While Hue is larger than Hat Yai, Hat Yai has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Hat Yai is very popular for its food and big city activities, while Hue attracts visitors for its museums and historical sights. Hue is more touristy than Hat Yai and is known for its imperial buildings and political history as the country's historic capital. Hat Yai is famous for its local markets, its traditional restaurants, and its colorful temples. It is also well known for Wat Hat Yai Nai.

How is Hue different from Hat Yai?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Hue is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Hat Yai is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

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.

Hat Yai is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The city has many temples to explore such as Phra Maha Chedi Tripob Trimongkol and Wat Hat Yai Nai.

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

Hat Yai 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 Hat Yai have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Eating is really what you do in this city. There is amazing street food, impressive floating restaurants, and authentic cuisine that locals and visitors alike enjoy. The dishes include lots of seafood and some Chinese influences.

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 Hat Yai Better for Nightlife?

Both Hue and Hat Yai 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 Hat Yai. It's a big city, so there are plenty of clubs and bars where you can party late into the night.

Is Hue or Hat Yai Better for its Old Town?

Hue is notable for its historic old town charm. However, Hat Yai 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.

Hat Yai does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Hue or Hat Yai?

Both Hue and Hat Yai are great 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 Hat Yai. It's a large commercial hub in southern Thailand and many visitors come specifically for the shopping. There are many markets in town and places to buy everything from local products to trendy clothes.

Is Hue or Hat Yai Better for Families?

Hue is a city with good options for its family-friendly activities. However, Hat Yai is a mediocre city for its kid-friendly activities.

Hue is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Hat Yai is not always a place people visit with their families. There are some play places for the kids and kid-friendly meals are available in many places. There are also some animal farms and parks near town where kids and adults can enjoy a natural setting.

Is Hue or Hat Yai Better for Couples?

Hue is a city with good options for couples. However, Hat Yai is a mediocre city for romance.

Hue is a good city for couples to visit. 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.

Hat Yai is not the best destination for a couple to visit. Most people pass through the city on their way to other places, but if you chose to linger you'll enjoy amazing food and some interesting activities around town.

Is Hue or Hat Yai Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hue is notable for backpackers. However, Hat Yai is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Hat Yai is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are hostels in the city, as well as cheap hotels, but the backpacker vibe isn't the same as what you get in other Thai cities. If you want more authenticity, then this is your place.

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

Hue is a city with good options for its public transit. However, Hat Yai is a mediocre city for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Hat Yai. The easiest and cheapest way to get around is by tuk tuk or motorbike taxi.

Is Hue or Hat Yai a more walkable city?

Hue is notable for its ease of walking around. However, Hat Yai is a mediocre city for its walkability.

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

Hat Yai is generally not a very walkable city. Some parts of the city are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Hat Yai or Hue?

How long in Hue or Hat Yai?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Hue and Hat Yai. In our opinion, Hue has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Hue than Hat Yai. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Couples should spend more time in Hue than Hat Yai. 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 Hat Yai 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.

One day in Hue or Hat Yai?

In Hue, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

With nightlife and food around the colorful destination of Hat Yai, there's plenty to do. One of the main draws to the area is the food. 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 Hat Yai?

In Hue, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Hue has to offer.

Many people visit Hat Yai for a weekend. With food and shopping around the colorful city of Hat Yai, there's plenty to do. One of the main draws to the area is the food. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Hue or Hat Yai?

Hue is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

The destination of Hat Yai offers shopping and museums. It offers something for everyone. One of the main draws to the area is the food. 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 Hat Yai?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hue. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Hue. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Hat Yai, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. 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 Contiki Tours to Thailand, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Thailand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hue and Hat Yai, we can see that Hue is more expensive. And not only is Hat Yai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hat Yai would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hat Yai 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 Hat Yai.

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

Which is Bigger, Hue or Hat Yai?

Hue has a larger population, and is about 50% larger than the population of Hat Yai. When comparing the sizes of Hue and Hat Yai, 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 Hat Yai?

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 Hat Yai in the Summer?

Both Hat Yai 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 Hat Yai 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. It rains a lot this time of the year in Hat Yai. In July, Hue usually receives less rain than Hat Yai. Hue gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Hat Yai receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

It's quite sunny in Hat Yai. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hue. Hue usually receives more sunshine than Hat Yai during summer. Hue gets 242 hours of sunny skies, while Hat Yai receives 206 hours of full sun in the summer.

Hue is around the same temperature as Hat Yai in the summer. The daily temperature in Hue averages around 29°C (85°F) in July, and Hat Yai fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).

Should I visit Hue or Hat Yai in the Autumn?

Both Hat Yai 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 Hat Yai year-round.

September to December is the rainy season in Hue. May to December is the rainy season in Hat Yai. Hat Yai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Hue. Hue usually gets more rain in October than Hat Yai. Hue gets 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain, while Hat Yai receives 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the autumn, Hue often gets less sunshine than Hat Yai. Hue gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hat Yai receives 182 hours of full sun.

In the autumn, Hue is around the same temperature as Hat Yai. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hue in October average around 25°C (78°F), and Hat Yai averages at about 28°C (82°F).

Should I visit Hue or Hat Yai in the Winter?

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

March to August in Hue is the dry season. January to April in Hat Yai is the dry season. Hat Yai receives a lot of rain in the winter. Hue gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Hue usually receives more rain than Hat Yai. Hue gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Hat Yai receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hat Yai this time of the year. Hue usually receives less sunshine than Hat Yai during winter. Hue gets 136 hours of sunny skies, while Hat Yai receives 221 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Hue is generally cooler than Hat Yai. Daily temperatures in Hue average around 22°C (71°F), and Hat Yai fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Should I visit Hue or Hat Yai in the Spring?

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

Also, January to April in Hat Yai is the dry season. May to December in Hat Yai is the rainy season. Hue usually gets less rain in April than Hat Yai. Hue gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Hat Yai 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 Hat Yai. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hue this time of the year. In the spring, Hue often gets less sunshine than Hat Yai. Hue gets 210 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hat Yai receives 265 hours of full sun.

Hue is cooler than Hat Yai in the spring. The daily temperature in Hue averages around 26°C (80°F) in April, and Hat Yai fluctuates around 30°C (85°F).

Typical Weather for Hat Yai and Hue