A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hue vs. Kamakura for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Old Town

Should you visit Hue or Kamakura?

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 Kamakura 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. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping. See Hue travel costs.

Kamakura

Kamakura is a ancient, quaint, and charming coastal city. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Kamakura travel costs.

Hue and Kamakura: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hue or Kamakura?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Kamakura than Hue. While Hue is larger than Kamakura, Kamakura has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Kamakura is better known for its nightlife, beaches, and hiking, while Hue is more popular for its historical sights and shopping. Hue is well known for its imperial buildings and political history as the country's historic capital. Kamakura is well known for its historic temples and shrines as well as its popular beaches. Also, Kamakura is famous for the Great Buddha.

How is Hue different from Kamakura?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Kamakura. This ancient city is filled with historic landmarks such as the Great Buddha, Hokokuji Temple, Hasedera Temple, and Hachimangu Shrine, among many others.

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

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

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 Kamakura. Dining is part of the fun in this beautiful town. There are many great restaurants where you can sample luxury dishes, but there are also street food stalls with egg pancakes or noodle dishes.

Is Hue or Kamakura Better for Nightlife?

Kamakura is a well-known place for its evening party scene. Also, Hue is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

Kamakura offers plenty to do in the evening. There's a diverse mix of bars and music venues. The nightlife scene is particularly active during the summer months when visitors head to the beach, but throughout the year you'll find tachinomiya standing bars, international style pubs, and jazz clubs where locals like to hang out.

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 Kamakura Better for Beaches?

Kamakura is a coastal city with good options for the beach. However, Hue is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Kamakura. Many locals from Tokyo or Yokohama head here during July and August to cool off at the beach, relax in the sun, and go surfing. The beaches can get crowded, but they're long and sandy and can make for a nice escape.

Hue is not a beach destination.

Is Hue or Kamakura Better for its Old Town?

Hue is a well-known place for its historic old town. Also, Kamakura is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for its old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Hue. As the former imperial capital, you'll see many temples and historical sites in the city.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Kamakura. It's a quaint historic town with many shrines, temples, and historic landmarks that reflect its long running political past.

Is Hue or Kamakura Better for Hiking?

Kamakura is a coastal city with good options for the nearby hiking options. However, Hue is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Kamakura. Just outside of town there are many hiking trails that crisscross through the wooded hills and connect the many temples. Many of the trails are relatively short and take just an hour or two to complete.

Hue is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hue or Kamakura?

Hue is a well-known place for shopping. Also, Kamakura is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Hue is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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 Kamakura. While the city itself is ancient, you can head to Kamakura Komachi-dori Street to find trendy boutiques and modern shopping. This is a popular place to pick up a souvenir or check out the current fashions.

Is Hue or Kamakura Better for Families?

Both Hue and Kamakura are notable to visit with kids.

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.

Kamakura is a family-friendly city. It's a town that's filled with history and character, which isn't every kids cup of tea. If you're traveling with young kids you might want to head to beach for a bit. There are also ice cream and donut shops that you can use as well to break up the sightseeing.

Is Hue or Kamakura Better for Couples?

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

Kamakura is a very popular place to visit for couples. Many couples enjoy visiting this quaint town as a day trip from Tokyo. There are impressive temples as well as restaurants and gardens.

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 Kamakura Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hue is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Kamakura is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to 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.

Kamakura is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. It's an easy day trip from Tokyo, but there are also some affordable hostels that make it an easy place to spend the night.

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

Both Hue and Kamakura 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.

Kamakura has some public transit options. There's a city bus system, but for the more remote places you'll want to take a taxi.

Is Hue or Kamakura a more walkable city?

Hue is a well-known place for its walkability. Also, Kamakura is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for its high level of walkability.

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

Kamakura is a somewhat walkable place. It's a small city, and most of the sights can be reached on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Kamakura or Hue?

How long in Hue or Kamakura?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Hue or Kamakura to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Hue than Kamakura 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 Kamakura.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Hue than Kamakura 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 Kamakura?

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 nightlife and food around the ancient destination of Kamakura, there's plenty to do. 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 Kamakura?

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 Kamakura for a weekend. With food and shopping around the quaint coastal city of Kamakura, there's plenty to do. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Hue or Kamakura?

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 Kamakura offers shopping and museums. 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 Kamakura?

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.

Kamakura, a popular coastal 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 Sightseeing Tours in Vietnam, The Best Cultural Tours in Vietnam, The Best Adventure Tours to Japan, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan.

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

Which is Bigger, Hue or Kamakura?

Hue has a larger population, and is about 73% larger than the population of Kamakura. When comparing the sizes of Hue and Kamakura, 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 Kamakura?

Kamakura has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Hue experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Hue or Kamakura in the Summer?

Both Kamakura and Hue are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hue throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Kamakura in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Hue is a little warmer than Kamakura. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hue in July average around 29°C (85°F), and Kamakura averages at about 25°C (77°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hue. Hue usually receives more sunshine than Kamakura during summer. Hue gets 242 hours of sunny skies, while Kamakura receives 137 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kamakura. In July, Hue usually receives less rain than Kamakura. Hue gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain each month for the summer. The dry season in Hue is March to August. The rainy season in Hue is September to December.

Should I visit Hue or Kamakura in the Autumn?

Both Kamakura 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. Also, most visitors come to Kamakura for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Hue is generally a little warmer than Kamakura. Daily temperatures in Hue average around 25°C (78°F), and Kamakura fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In the autumn, Hue often gets more sunshine than Kamakura. Hue gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kamakura receives 129 hours of full sun.

Kamakura 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 Kamakura. Hue gets 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 177 mm (7 in) of rain this time of the year. September to December is the rainy season in Hue.

Should I visit Hue or Kamakura in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hue and Kamakura. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hue year-round. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Kamakura because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Hue is much warmer than Kamakura in the winter. The daily temperature in Hue averages around 22°C (71°F) in January, and Kamakura fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

Hue usually receives less sunshine than Kamakura during winter. Hue gets 136 hours of sunny skies, while Kamakura receives 175 hours of full sun in the winter.

Hue gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Hue usually receives more rain than Kamakura. Hue gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter. March to August in Hue is the dry season.

Should I visit Hue or Kamakura in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Hue as well as Kamakura. Hue attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the beaches are the main draw to Kamakura this time of year.

In the spring, Hue is much warmer than Kamakura. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hue in April average around 26°C (80°F), and Kamakura averages at about 14°C (58°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hue this time of the year. In the spring, Hue often gets more sunshine than Kamakura. Hue gets 210 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kamakura receives 161 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kamakura. Hue usually gets less rain in April than Kamakura. Hue gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Kamakura and Hue