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

Should you visit Hue or Nelson?

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 Nelson 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.

Nelson

Nelson is a natural, beautiful, and outdoorsy city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Hue and Nelson: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hue or Nelson?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Nelson than Hue. While Hue is larger than Nelson, Nelson has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Nelson is better known for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Hue is more popular for its museums, historical sights, and shopping. Hue is well known for its imperial buildings and political history as the country's historic capital. Nelson is well known for its stunning national parks, beautiful coastline, and outdoor adventures. Also, Nelson is famous for Abel Tasman National Park.

How is Hue different from Nelson?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Hue is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Nelson is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

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.

Nelson offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. While most people spend their time enjoying the nature-oriented activities, there are several museums in the area as well. Founder's Heritage Park Museum is a village-like setting that you can explore. There's also the Nelson Classic Car Museum and local art and craft galleries that are fun to walk through.

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

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

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 Nelson. Local ingredients, vineyards, and craft breweries all make the foodie scene around town interesting. There are many great restaurants that offer seasonal menus that change with the season. Eating is an experience in town, and locals take pride in the food they produce.

Is Hue or Nelson Better for Nightlife?

Both Hue and Nelson 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 Nelson. The city attracts a good tourist crowd, and there are bars and clubs that keep things interesting late into the evening.

Is Hue or Nelson Better for Beaches?

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

Nelson is considered to be a world-class beach destination. Beaches in the area are sandy and most are great for swimming. There are many water sports available as well such as kayaking, kite surfing, and paddleboarding. You'll find locals and tourists alike hanging out at the beach and enjoying a barbecue.

Hue is not a beach destination.

Is Hue or Nelson Better for its Old Town?

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

Hue is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. As the former imperial capital, you'll see many temples and historical sites in the city.

Nelson does not have a historic old town.

Is Hue or Nelson Better for Hiking?

Nelson is terrific for the nearby hiking options. However, Hue is not a hiking destination.

Around Nelson visitors will find world-class hiking trails. The area is filled with walking and hiking trails that wander along the coast and soak up the spectacular views. There are also three national parks in the area that are filled with trails. Abel Tasman National Park, Kahurangi National Park, and Nelson Lakes National Park each have their own environments and scenery to explore.

Hue is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hue or Nelson?

Hue is a well-known place for shopping. Also, Nelson is not as famous, but is still a good 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 Nelson. There are weekly markets in the area and a variety of retail shops where you can pick up anything you might need.

Is Hue or Nelson Better for Families?

Nelson is terrific for its family-friendly activities. Also, Hue is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Nelson is an extremely popular city to visit for families. Surrounded by family-friendly national parks, this city has a number of things for kids to do. In particularly, Abel Tasman National Park is a highlight for kids, with canoeing, sailing and other activities. Kids will also enjoy a visit to Cable Bay Adventure Park or seeing the historically themed Founders Park.

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 Nelson Better for Couples?

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

Nelson is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. Wilderness, national parks, beaches, and mountain scenery make this a wonderful couples destination. The area also has beautiful vineyards and gardens as well hiking and outdoor adventures.

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 Nelson Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Nelson is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. There are many hostels in the area as well as outdoor activities and adventure sports that backpackers will love.

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

Hue is a city with good options for its public transit. However, Nelson is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Nelson. The city has a local bus network, but to efficiently explore everything that the area has to offer, you'll want to have a car.

Is Hue or Nelson a more walkable city?

Hue and Nelson both are great when exploring on foot.

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

Nelson is very walkable. There are many great walks in the area and its a wonderful way to get around.

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

Should I spend more time in Nelson or Hue?

How long in Hue or Nelson?

In either Hue or Nelson, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Nelson than Hue because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Hue, and 3-5 days is enough time in Nelson.

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

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

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

One day in Hue or Nelson?

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 natural destination of Nelson, there's plenty to do. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 Nelson?

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 Nelson for a weekend. With food and shopping around the beautiful city of Nelson, 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 Nelson?

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 shopping and museums around the destination of Nelson, there's plenty to do. Many people spend five days here. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

A week in Hue or Nelson?

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.

Nelson, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Family-Friendly Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Wildlife Tours to New Zealand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hue and Nelson, we can see that Nelson is more expensive. And not only is Hue much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Hue is in Asia and Nelson is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Nelson would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nelson 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 Nelson Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Hue or Nelson?

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