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

Should you visit Hue or Lombok?

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 Lombok 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. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food. See Hue travel costs.

Lombok

Lombok is a stunning, peaceful, and laid back island. You'll find world class beauty in Lombok as well. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Lombok travel costs.

Hue and Lombok: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hue or Lombok?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Lombok. Although Hue and Lombok are both popular with visitors, Lombok has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Lombok is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Hue is known for its museums and attractions and historical sights. Hue is popular for its imperial buildings and political history as the country's historic capital. Lombok is popular for its striking natural beauty, pristine beaches, and local culture. It is also home to Mount Rinjani.

How is Hue different from Lombok?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Hue is great for its historical sights. Also, Lombok is not as popular, but is still a nice island 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Lombok. The island has many traditional villages that let you glimpse the fascinating Sasak Tribe's culture. This is the largest tribe on the island and it makes up about 85% of the island's population. Sasak Sade Village is large and popular to visit. A visit offers a unique experience and helps you understand more about the island's culture.

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

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

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 Lombok. The island is considered world renowned for its Halal cuisine, and there are many popular local dishes that you should try. Ayam Taliwang is a grilled chicken dish, Satay Rembiga is grilled meat served over rice, and Bebalung is a soup that's made with goat or cow ribs.

Is Hue or Lombok Better for Nightlife?

Both Hue and Lombok 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 Lombok. While the island is quieter than nearby Bali, it does still have an active nightlife scene. In particular, head to the areas around Senggigi Beach and Kuta Lombok for the most active bars and live music. With the more populated tourist areas and hotels come the more active clubs, bars, and evening entertainment.

Is Hue or Lombok Better for Resorts?

Lombok is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Hue is not a resort destination.

In Lombok, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. The island is filled with luxury resorts, villas, and hotels. You'll want to think about your priorities before booking your hotel. There areas that are better for beaches, hiking, culture or sightseeing, and each has its own personality and style.

Hue is not a resort destination.

Is Hue or Lombok Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Lombok is terrific for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Hue is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Lombok is a world class destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. The island is surrounded by clear waters and colorful coral, making it a superb snorkeling and diving destination. For some of the best dive spots head to the Gili Islands. Around the island you'll find places where you can see turtles, colorful fish, and possibly even Hammerhead Sharks.

Hue is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Hue or Lombok Better for Beaches?

Lombok is terrific for the beach. However, Hue is not a beach destination.

Lombok is considered to be a world-class beach destination. Kuta, Senggigi, and the Gili Islands offer some of the area's best beaches. Many beaches have white sand, clear water, beautiful snorkeling, or fun surfing. Mawun Beach and Pandanan Beach are among the most beautiful beaches, while Selong Belanak Beach is very photogenic with its water buffalo. Tanjung Aan Beach has surfing and Kuta Beach Lombok is the most popular beach, but not among the best.

Hue is not a beach destination.

Is Hue or Lombok Better for its Old Town?

Hue is great for its old town. However, Lombok 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.

Lombok does not have a historic old town.

Is Hue or Lombok Better for Hiking?

Lombok is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Hue is not a hiking destination.

Lombok is a popular spot for hiking. There are many walking and hiking trails around the island, but the most well known is the three day hike to the peak of Mount Rinjani. This is the large and active volcano on the island. The hike is truly beautiful and spectacular, but it's also a challenging climb and the difficulty level should not be underestimated.

Hue is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hue or Lombok?

Both Hue and Lombok 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 Lombok. There are many traditional markets and villages around the island where you can buy Sasak crafts. These items are characterized by bright colors and elaborate patterns. You'll find pottery, fabrics, clothing, and hand-woven baskets.

Is Hue or Lombok More Beautiful?

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

You'll find world class beauty in Lombok as well. The island is filled with stunning beaches, beautiful waterfalls, and colorful marine environments.

Hue is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Hue or Lombok Better for Families?

Lombok 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.

Lombok is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The island is filled with natural beauty, waterfalls, beaches, swimming spots, traditional villages and wildlife. This makes it an idyllic destination for families, whether you're traveling with toddlers or older kids.

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 Lombok Better for Couples?

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

Lombok is a great island for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The island has grown into a world renowned honeymoon destination. It has a more laid back vibe than nearby Bali, and you'll find pristine beaches and a tropical paradise. There are luxury hotels, stunning natural settings, and plenty of romantic or adventurous activities.

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 Lombok Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Lombok is a very popular island to visit for backpackers. This island is often compared to Bali 30 years ago. It's a much quieter island, but there are still bars and towns that attract a crowd. If you're looking for a party, then you'll likely still be able to find one, but if you want a laid back retreat, that's available as well.

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

Hue is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Lombok is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Hue offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Cyclos, motorbikes, and local bus are the most common ways to get around the city.

Public transit is generally limited in Lombok. The island is spread out, so many visitors prefer to hire a car of motorbike. There are also public buses, minibuses, and taxis available.

Is Hue or Lombok a more walkable city?

Hue is great for its high level of walkability. However, Lombok is not a good destination for its ease of walking around.

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

Lombok is generally not very walkable. There are towns on the island that are relatively walkable and there are hiking and walking paths in different places.

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

Should I spend more time in Lombok or Hue?

How long in Hue or Lombok?

Hue and Lombok both offer a nice selection of activities for visitors. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Lombok than Hue 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 10-14 days is enough time in Lombok.

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

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

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

One day in Hue or Lombok?

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 museums and nightlife around the stunning destination of Lombok, there's plenty to do. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 Lombok?

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 Lombok for a weekend. With nightlife and food around the stunning island of Lombok, there's plenty to do. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Hue or Lombok?

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.

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the destination of Lombok, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, five days is probably not enough for all of it.

A week in Hue or Lombok?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the authentic 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.

Lombok, a popular island, is full of activities for travelers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Your budget might influence how long you stay. With so much to do, one week is probably not enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Vietnam, The Best Cultural Tours in Vietnam, The Best Wildlife Tours to Indonesia, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Indonesia.

When comparing the travel costs between Hue and Lombok, we can see that Lombok 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 Lombok Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Hue or Lombok?

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 Lombok in the Summer?

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

Also, March to August in Hue is the dry season. September to December in Hue is the rainy season. Also, May to September in Lombok is the dry season. Hue usually gets more rain in July than Lombok. Hue gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Lombok receives 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

In July, Hue is generally a little warmer than Lombok. Daily temperatures in Hue average around 29°C (85°F), and Lombok fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

Should I visit Hue or Lombok in the Autumn?

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

The rainy season in Hue is September to December. The rainy season in Lombok is November to April. It rains a lot this time of the year in Lombok. It's quite rainy in Hue. In October, Hue usually receives more rain than Lombok. Hue gets 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain, while Lombok receives 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Hue is around the same temperature as Lombok in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hue averages around 25°C (78°F) in October, and Lombok fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Should I visit Hue or Lombok in the Winter?

Both Lombok 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Lombok year-round.

March to August is the dry season in Hue. It rains a lot this time of the year in Hue. Hue usually gets more rain in January than Lombok. Hue gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Lombok receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the winter, Hue often gets less sunshine than Lombok. Hue gets 136 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lombok receives 188 hours of full sun.

In the winter, Hue is cooler than Lombok. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hue in January average around 22°C (71°F), and Lombok averages at about 28°C (82°F).

Should I visit Hue or Lombok in the Spring?

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

May to September in Lombok is the dry season. Also, November to April is the rainy season in Lombok. In April, Hue usually receives less rain than Lombok. Hue gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Lombok receives 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

In April, Hue is generally around the same temperature as Lombok. Daily temperatures in Hue average around 26°C (80°F), and Lombok fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Typical Weather for Lombok and Hue