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

Should you visit Hue or Kyoto?

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 Kyoto 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. See Hue travel costs.

Kyoto

Kyoto is a historic, cultural, and fascinating city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. You'll find world class beauty in Kyoto as well. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping. See Kyoto travel costs.

Hue and Kyoto: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hue or Kyoto?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Kyoto than Hue, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Hue is popular for its imperial buildings and political history as the country's historic capital. Kyoto is popular for its Buddhist temples, cultural activities, and rich history. It is also home to Kinkaku-ji.

How is Hue different from Kyoto?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Kyoto on the map. With its long-running history, there are many traditional buildings and temples in town. Nijo Castle is stunning to explore, but also make sure you visit the Fushimi-Inari Taisha Shrine, the Golden Pavilion, and Kiyomizu-dera Temple.

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.

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

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

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 Kyoto. The local cuisine is as beautiful as it is delicious. There is a long running history to many of the dishes, and the recipes are expertly prepared by world class chefs at many of the restaurants. You can enjoy everything from a tea ceremony to multi-course meals, referred to as kyo kaiseki.

Is Hue or Kyoto Better for Nightlife?

Both Hue and Kyoto are good 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 Kyoto. While it isn't known for its wild nightlife scene, there is a relaxed and active energy in the evenings here. You can visit the beautiful Arashiyama Kimono Forest or explore some of the riverfront areas such as Kamo Riverside.

Is Hue or Kyoto Better for its Old Town?

Kyoto 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.

Kyoto has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. This is among the most historic cities in Japan and there are many traditional buildings and temples. Higashiyama is filled with interesting districts and it has many UNESCO World Heritage temples.

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 Kyoto?

Both Hue and Kyoto 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 Kyoto. There's a mix of modern shopping venues and traditional boutiques. Shijo Street is a popular shopping area, as is the area around JR Kyoto Station.

Is Hue or Kyoto More Beautiful?

Kyoto is terrific for its scenery and beauty. However, Hue is not a destination known for its beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Kyoto as well. It's one of the most historical cities in Japan and it has many beautiful Buddhist temples, gardens, and imperial palaces. It's particularly striking during the cherry blossom season.

Hue is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Hue or Kyoto Better for Families?

Kyoto 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.

Kyoto is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy exploring Nijo Castle as much as adults. If the weather isn't great, you can head to the Kyoto International Manga Museum which is a bit like a library and is perfect for Manga fans. There are also markets to explore such as the Nishiki Markets, which are lined with shops and restaurants.

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 Kyoto Better for Couples?

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

Kyoto is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. This is one of the most historic cities in Japan, and it has many romantic neighborhoods where you can enjoy the atmosphere. Visit Sanneizaka Slope for its traditional shops and restaurants or take a ride on the Sagano Romantic Train. Other romantic highlights include Kimono Forest, which is an art exhibit, and Suzumushidera Temple.

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 Kyoto Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Hue and Kyoto 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.

Kyoto is very popular with the backpacker crowd. It's a popular destination in Japan and there are plenty of hostels and free activities that backpackers can enjoy.

Is Hue or Kyoto Better for Students?

Kyoto is a well-known place for students. However, Hue is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Kyoto. It's a great student city with world class universities and a large student population.

Hue is not popular with students.

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

Kyoto is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Hue is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Kyoto offers a very effecient public transportation network. The city has an extensive system of trains, subways, and buses that make it easy to get around.

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

Is Hue or Kyoto a more walkable city?

Kyoto 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 Kyoto on foot. It's one of the most walkable cities in Japan and there are many sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly areas.

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 Kyoto Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kyoto or Hue?

How long in Hue or Kyoto?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Kyoto 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 Kyoto.

One day in Hue or Kyoto?

In Hue, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this authentic destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

With nightlife and food around the historic destination of Kyoto, there's plenty to do. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. 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 Kyoto?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hue. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Many people visit Kyoto for a weekend. With food and shopping around the traditional city of Kyoto, there's plenty to do. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. 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 Kyoto?

Hue is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Hue. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

The destination of Kyoto offers shopping and museums. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. 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 Kyoto?

You'll find food and shopping around the imperial destination of Hue. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Kyoto, a popular city, 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 Sightseeing Tours in Vietnam, The Best Cultural Tours in Vietnam, The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo.

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

Which is Bigger, Hue or Kyoto?

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

Kyoto 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 Kyoto in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Hue and Kyoto. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hue year-round. Furthermore, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Kyoto this time of year.

In July, Hue is generally around the same temperature as Kyoto. Daily temperatures in Hue average around 29°C (85°F), and Kyoto fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

In Hue, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hue usually receives more sunshine than Kyoto during summer. Hue gets 242 hours of sunny skies, while Kyoto receives 183 hours of full sun in the summer.

Kyoto receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Hue usually receives less rain than Kyoto. Hue gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 236 mm (9.3 in) of rain each month for the summer. March to August in Hue is the dry season. Also, September to December is the rainy season in Hue.

Should I visit Hue or Kyoto in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Hue as well as Kyoto. Hue attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Kyoto for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Hue is a little warmer than Kyoto in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hue averages around 25°C (78°F) in October, and Kyoto fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In the autumn, Hue often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kyoto. Hue gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kyoto receives 159 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kyoto. Hue receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Hue usually gets more rain in October than Kyoto. Hue gets 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year. September to December in Hue is the rainy season.

Should I visit Hue or Kyoto in the Winter?

Both Kyoto and Hue are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hue throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Kyoto in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Kyoto can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Hue is much warmer than Kyoto. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hue in January average around 22°C (71°F), and Kyoto averages at about 5°C (40°F).

Hue usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kyoto during winter. Hue gets 136 hours of sunny skies, while Kyoto receives 140 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Hue. In January, Hue usually receives more rain than Kyoto. Hue gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter. The dry season in Hue is March to August.

Should I visit Hue or Kyoto in the Spring?

Both Kyoto and Hue during the spring 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 Kyoto for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Hue is generally much warmer than Kyoto. Daily temperatures in Hue average around 26°C (80°F), and Kyoto fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

It's quite sunny in Hue. In the spring, Hue often gets more sunshine than Kyoto. Hue gets 210 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kyoto receives 176 hours of full sun.

Kyoto gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Hue usually gets less rain in April than Kyoto. Hue gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Kyoto and Hue