A Travel Price Comparison for Vietnam Hue vs. Hoi An for Food, Old Town, Backpackers, and Attractions

Should you visit Hue or Hoi An?

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 Hoi An 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. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Hoi An

Hoi An is a peaceful, beautiful, and traditional town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food, beaches, and shopping.

Hue and Hoi An: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hue or Hoi An?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Hoi An than Hue, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Hoi An is better known for its food, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Hue is more popular for its nightlife. Hoi An is more touristy than Hue and is popular for its peaceful and traditional old town, its unique culinary traditions, and its affordable custom made clothing. Also, Hoi An is famous for the Fukian Assembly Hall. Hue is well known for its imperial buildings and political history as the country's historic capital.

How is Hue different from Hoi An?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Hue or Hoi An.

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.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Hoi An. The old town is like a living museum. It's pedestrian-friendly and filled with beautiful yellow buildings. Highlights of the town include the Phung Hung House, Fukian Assembly Hall, and the Hoi An Museum.

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

Hoi An 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 Hoi An have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The local cuisine is truly unique from the rest of Vietnam. It's considered to be a culinary city with interesting recipes that depend on local ingredients that can't be found outside of the region. Specialty dishes of the city include Cao Lầu (pork and rice noodles), Bánh Bao Bánh Vạc (white rose dumplings), and Cơm Gà Hoi An (Hoi An chicken rice).

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 Hoi An Better for Nightlife?

Hue is a good destination for nightlife. However, Hoi An is lacking in options for nightlife and partying.

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.

Hoi An is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. It's definitely not your typical backpacker party town, and the city is quietly beautiful in the evening. Many of the bars in the old town close before midnight, but there are some places outside of the area if you're looking for something more lively.

Is Hue or Hoi An Better for Beaches?

Hoi An is a town with good options for the beach. However, Hue is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Hoi An. There is a long stretch of sandy beach in the area, that can be broken into five different sections. Some areas are privately owned, but there is still plenty of public beach to choose from. An Bang Beach is the most developed and popular beach in the area. Coconut Beach is the most luxurious, and Ha My Beach is similar to An Bang, but smaller.

Hue is not a beach destination.

Is Hue or Hoi An Better for its Old Town?

Hoi An is terrific for its historic old town charm. Also, Hue is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its historic old town.

Hoi An has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. The charming old town is recognizable for its striking yellow color and its many tailor shops. It feels like a living museum, and the evening hours are particularly special with the town's lanterns lighting the way.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Hue. As the former imperial capital, you'll see many temples and historical sites in the city.

Is the Shopping Better in Hue or Hoi An?

Hoi An is terrific for its shopping areas. Also, Hue is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for shopping.

Hoi An is a world class destination for shoppers. It is considered to be one of the best and most affordable cities in the world for tailor made clothing. Pop in a shop and have your measurements made. You can pick out a design and in a day or two return for your custom made outfit. It's a truly unique shopping experience.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Is Hue or Hoi An Better for Families?

Hoi An 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.

Hoi An is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will appreciate the thrill of a visit to Ba Na Hills, which is a theme park with roller coasters, zip lines, and more. Near the city you'll also find ancient ruins, outdoor activities, hands-on classes, and, of course, the impressive old town.

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 Hoi An Better for Couples?

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

Hoi An is a very popular place to visit for couples. This charming city has a lot of character and some of Vietnam's best restaurants. The city is also known for its tailor made clothes, so make sure you do some shopping while you're in town.

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 Hoi An Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Hoi An is a very popular town to visit for backpackers. It's solidly on the backpacker trail, and you'll find many visitors who come for the beautiful culture and fascinating setting.

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 Hoi An Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Hue and Hoi An offer notable 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.

Hoi An has some public transit options. Biking, taxis, and motorbikes are the most popular ways to explore the area.

Is Hue or Hoi An a more walkable city?

Hoi An is terrific for its ease of walking around. Also, Hue is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its walkability.

It is easy to get around Hoi An on foot. There are "walking hours" when motorized vehicles aren't allowed in the old town, and this is a particularly good time to explore on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Hoi An or Hue?

How long in Hue or Hoi An?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Hoi An 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 Hoi An.

One day in Hue or Hoi An?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Hue. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

With shopping and museums around the traditional destination of Hoi An, there's plenty to do. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Hoi An?

Hue is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Many people visit Hoi An for a weekend. With museums and food around the quaint town of Hoi An, there's plenty to do. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Hue or Hoi An?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hue. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The destination of Hoi An offers food and shopping. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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 Hoi An?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the ancient destination of Hue. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Hoi An, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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.

When comparing the travel costs between Hue and Hoi An, we can see that Hue is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Hue or Hoi An?

Hue has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Hoi An. When comparing the sizes of Hue and Hoi An, 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 Hoi An?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.

Should I visit Hue or Hoi An in the Summer?

Both Hoi An and Hue during the summer 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 Hoi An year-round.

March to August is the dry season in Hue. September to December is the rainy season in Hue. February to July is the dry season in Hoi An. September to January is the rainy season in Hoi An. Hue usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Hoi An. Hue gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Hoi An receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

In Hoi An, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Hue. In the summer, Hue often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hoi An. Hue gets 242 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hoi An receives 242 hours of full sun.

In the summer, Hue is around the same temperature as Hoi An. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hue in July average around 29°C (85°F), and Hoi An averages at about 29°C (85°F).

Should I visit Hue or Hoi An in the Autumn?

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

Also, September to December is the rainy season in Hue. Hoi An receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Hue gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Hue usually receives around the same amount of rain as Hoi An. Hue gets 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain, while Hoi An receives 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Hue usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hoi An during autumn. Hue gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Hoi An receives 158 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Hue is generally around the same temperature as Hoi An. Daily temperatures in Hue average around 25°C (78°F), and Hoi An fluctuates around 25°C (78°F).

Should I visit Hue or Hoi An in the Winter?

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

Also, March to August in Hue is the dry season. Also, February to July in Hoi An is the dry season. September to January in Hoi An is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Hoi An. Hue receives a lot of rain in the winter. Hue usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Hoi An. Hue gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Hoi An receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the winter, Hue often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hoi An. Hue gets 136 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hoi An receives 136 hours of full sun.

Hue is around the same temperature as Hoi An in the winter. The daily temperature in Hue averages around 22°C (71°F) in January, and Hoi An fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

Should I visit Hue or Hoi An in the Spring?

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

In April, Hue usually receives around the same amount of rain as Hoi An. Hue gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Hoi An receives 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

It's quite sunny in Hoi An. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hue. Hue usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hoi An during spring. Hue gets 210 hours of sunny skies, while Hoi An receives 210 hours of full sun in the spring.

In the spring, Hue is around the same temperature as Hoi An. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hue in April average around 26°C (80°F), and Hoi An averages at about 26°C (80°F).

Typical Weather for Hoi An and Hue