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

Should you visit Hue or Malang?

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 Malang 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. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Hue travel costs.

Malang

Malang is a cultural, under-rated, and authentic city. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and hiking. See Malang travel costs.

Hue and Malang: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hue or Malang?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Hue than Malang. While Malang is larger than Hue, Hue has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Hue is better known for its museums and attractions, historical sights, and shopping, while Malang is more popular for its food and hiking. Hue is more touristy than Malang and is known for its imperial buildings and political history as the country's historic capital. Also, Hue is famous for Imperial City. Malang is well known for its many nearby natural attractions.

How is Hue different from Malang?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Hue is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Malang is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Hue offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Malang offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a handful of museums around town that provide information on the city's culture and history. There are also mosques, temples, and the famous Rainbow Village.

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

Malang 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 Malang have been singled out for their culinary prowess. This is a top foodie destination and you'll find plenty of amazing street food. It's also the credited with being the birthplace of bakso (meatballs). Many of the dishes around town are sweet, spicy, and served with peanut sauce. It's been influenced by many different cuisines such as Chinese, Javanese, Madurese, Arabic, Dutch, and Indian.

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 Malang Better for Nightlife?

Both Hue and Malang are notable 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 Malang. The universities around town mean that there's a youthful vibe to the nightlife scene. You'll also find a mix of cultural activities as well as modern and trendy venues. There are dance clubs, upscale lounges, and everything in between.

Is Hue or Malang Better for its Old Town?

Hue is well known for its historic old town. However, Malang does not have a historic 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.

Malang does not have a historic old town.

Is Hue or Malang Better for Hiking?

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

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Malang. Many visitors use this city as a base for hiking Mount Bromo. It's popular to hire a jeep tour from town, or you can hire a private driver or motorbike. Near town you'll also find one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Indonesia - Tumpak Sewu Waterfall. It's possible to hike to the base of the waterfall, but it's a very challenging route.

Hue is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hue or Malang?

Hue is well known for shopping. Also, Malang is still popular, but not quite as popular 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 Malang. You'll find places to pick up many local items. The region is known for its ceramics, wood, and rattan (palms).

Is Hue or Malang Better for Families?

Both Hue and Malang 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.

Malang is a family-friendly city. If you're willing to head just outside of town, you'll find theme parks and waterparks. Some of the favorites are Batu Secret Zoo, Jatim Park, Selecta Park, and Batu Night Spectacular.

Is Hue or Malang Better for Couples?

Both Hue and Malang are notable 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.

Malang is a nice destination for couples. Couples who enjoy culture, museums, temples, and great food will have a good time visiting this city. It is also a bit cooler than much of Indonesia, which can make a nice escape from the heat.

Is Hue or Malang Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hue is well known for backpackers. Also, Malang is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Malang is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Most backpackers pass through town when they're headed to climb Mount Bromo. There are plenty of hostels and cheap places to stay as well as some sights that are worth checking out.

Is Hue or Malang Better for Students?

Malang is a city with good options for students. However, Hue is not popular with students.

Malang is a good city to visit for students. The university means that there's a large student population in town.

Hue is not popular with students.

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

Hue is a popular place for its public transit. However, Malang is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Hue, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Cyclos, motorbikes, and local bus are the most common ways to get around the city.

Public transit is mostly limited in Malang. Angkot or mikrolet are small buses or modified cars that carry passengers around town. Many visitors also hire a motor scooter or driver to get around.

Is Hue or Malang a more walkable city?

Hue is well known for its walkability. Also, Malang is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Malang is a somewhat walkable place. The city center is relatively walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Malang or Hue?

How long in Hue or Malang?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Hue and Malang. In our opinion, Hue has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Hue than Malang. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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 nightlife and food around the cultural destination of Malang, there's plenty to do. One of the main draws to the area is the food. 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 Malang?

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 Malang for a weekend. With food and shopping around the authentic city of Malang, there's plenty to do. One of the main draws to the area is the food. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Hue or Malang?

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 Malang offers shopping and museums. It offers something for everyone. One of the main draws to the area is the food. 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 Malang?

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.

Malang, 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 Sightseeing Tours in Vietnam, The Best Cultural Tours in Vietnam, The Best Budget Tours to Indonesia, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Indonesia.

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

Which is Bigger, Hue or Malang?

Malang has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Hue. When comparing the sizes of Hue and Malang, 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.