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

Should you visit Hue or Kobe?

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 Kobe 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 authentic, ancient, and imperial city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Kobe

Kobe is a multicultural, quaint, and subdued 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 Kobe: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hue or Kobe?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Kobe than Hue. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Kobe is very popular for its big city activities, while Hue attracts visitors for its museums and historical sights. Hue is more touristy than Kobe and is popular for its imperial buildings and political history as the country's historic capital. Kobe is famous for its world renowned Kobe beef and its hot spring resorts. It is also well known for Kobe Harborland.

How is Hue different from Kobe?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Hue is great for its historical sights. Also, Kobe is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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.

Kobe is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Check out the view from the top of the Kobe Port Tower and visit the high energy area of Kobe Harborland. The Disaster Reduction Museum and the nearby Human Renovation Museum are both fascinating to visit as well. Also check out the Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art and Rokko Island.

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

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

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 Kobe. Most people immediately think of Kobe beef when they think of this city, but there are also many other specialties around town. You'll find good sushi as well as akashiyaki, which are octopus dumplings. The city long served as a major port for Japan, so there is a strong Chinese influence over the cuisine. In particular, you should try the chuka ryori (a Chinese dumpling).

Is Hue or Kobe Better for Nightlife?

Both Hue and Kobe 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 Kobe. The nightlife scene is a bit subdued, but that doesn't mean you won't find local bars, karaoke, and live music venues where you can hang out. Many visitors enjoy having a chill night out with a drink in a laid back setting.

Is Hue or Kobe Better for its Old Town?

Hue is great for its historic old town charm. However, Kobe does not have a historic old town.

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.

Kobe does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Hue or Kobe?

Both Hue and Kobe are very good 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 Kobe. It's fun and convenient to shop here, as the best shopping districts are easy to access from the train stations. Sannomiya is a hub of transportation and shopping in the city, but also check out Kobe Harborland for its diverse stores and high energy.

Is Hue or Kobe Better for Families?

Both Hue and Kobe are nice 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.

Kobe is a family-friendly city. There are a number of kid-friendly attractions around Kobe Harborland including a ferris wheel, Anpanman Museum, and the Kobe Maritime Museum. Kids will also enjoy running around Meriken Park or Mount Rokko. Kids who like animals will enjoy a visit to Kobe Animal Kingdom.

Is Hue or Kobe Better for Couples?

Both Hue and Kobe are nice destinations for a couple's getaway.

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.

Kobe is a nice destination for couples. There's a romantic view from the top of the Kobe Port Tower. There are also many parks and a waterfront promenade where you can take a stroll. If you enjoy hiking, you can take the Maya View Line Kikuseidai, which is particularly nice in the evening.

Is Hue or Kobe Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hue is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Kobe is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Kobe. Although many tourists and backpackers don't put Kobe on their itinerary, there are still a handful of hostels around the city.

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

Both Hue and Kobe offer nice 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.

Kobe has some public transit options. While there is a subway system, it's not particularly useful to tourists. There is a bus service that operates a line that targets tourists.

Is Hue or Kobe a more walkable city?

Hue is great for its ease of walking around. Also, Kobe is not as popular, but is still a nice 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.

Kobe is somewhat walkable. It's relatively easy to walk around many parts of the city, although some areas are quite hilly. You can walk from Shin-Kobe Bullet Train Station to the water in about half an hour.

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

Should I spend more time in Kobe or Hue?

How long in Hue or Kobe?

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

Families should spend more time in Hue than Kobe. 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 Kobe. 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 Kobe 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 Kobe?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Hue. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

With nightlife and food around the quaint destination of Kobe, 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 Kobe?

Hue is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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

Five days in Hue or Kobe?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the authentic destination of Hue. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

The destination of Kobe 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 Kobe?

The imperial city of Hue offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

Kobe, 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 2-Week Tours from Tokyo, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Japan.

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

Which is Bigger, Hue or Kobe?

Kobe has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Hue. When comparing the sizes of Hue and Kobe, 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 Kobe?

Kobe 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 Kobe in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Hue as well as Kobe. Hue attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Kobe for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Hue is around the same temperature as Kobe in the summer. The daily temperature in Hue averages around 29°C (85°F) in July, and Kobe fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hue this time of the year. In the summer, Hue often gets more sunshine than Kobe. Hue gets 242 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kobe receives 183 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kobe. Hue usually gets less rain in July than Kobe. Hue gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, March to August in Hue is the dry season. September to December in Hue is the rainy season.

Should I visit Hue or Kobe in the Autumn?

Both Kobe and Hue are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hue throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Kobe in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Hue is a little warmer than Kobe. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hue in October average around 25°C (78°F), and Kobe averages at about 18°C (65°F).

Hue usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kobe during autumn. Hue gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Kobe receives 159 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kobe. It's quite rainy in Hue. In October, Hue usually receives more rain than Kobe. Hue gets 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The rainy season in Hue is September to December.

Should I visit Hue or Kobe in the Winter?

Both Kobe and Hue during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Hue because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, most visitors come to Kobe for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Hue is generally much warmer than Kobe. Daily temperatures in Hue average around 22°C (71°F), and Kobe fluctuates around 5°C (42°F).

In the winter, Hue often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kobe. Hue gets 136 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kobe receives 140 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hue. Hue usually gets more rain in January than Kobe. Hue gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year. March to August is the dry season in Hue.

Should I visit Hue or Kobe in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Hue and Kobe. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hue year-round. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Kobe because of the activities around the city.

Hue is much warmer than Kobe in the spring. The daily temperature in Hue averages around 26°C (80°F) in April, and Kobe fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

In Hue, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hue usually receives more sunshine than Kobe during spring. Hue gets 210 hours of sunny skies, while Kobe receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.

Kobe receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Hue usually receives less rain than Kobe. Hue gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Kobe and Hue