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

Should you visit Hue or Paihia?

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 Paihia 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 imperial, cultural, and authentic city. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums. See Hue travel costs.

Paihia

Paihia is a fun-filled, beautiful, and relaxing coastal town. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Paihia travel costs.

Hue and Paihia: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hue or Paihia?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Paihia. Although Hue and Paihia are both popular with visitors, Paihia has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Paihia is more popular for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking, while Hue is known for its museums and attractions, historical sights, and shopping. Paihia is more touristy than Hue and is popular for its warm year round climate, impressive beaches, and world class snorkeling and scuba diving. It is also home to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. Hue is popular for its imperial buildings and political history as the country's historic capital.

How is Hue different from Paihia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Hue is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Paihia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

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 Paihia. There are some interesting cultural sights in the area like the Waitangi Treaty Grounds and the Museum of Waitangi.

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

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

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 Paihia. Local seafood, regional produce, and fresh ingredients make dining in the area a rewarding experience. You'll find fine dining restaurants, pizzerias, and local cafes to choose from.

Is Hue or Paihia Better for Nightlife?

Both Hue and Paihia 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 Paihia. As a holiday spot, there are a number of clubs and bars that cater to tourists in the area.

Is Hue or Paihia Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Paihia is a well-known place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Hue is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Paihia is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. There are scuba diving and snorkel shops available around town where you can organize trips and excursions to experience the undersea world.

Hue is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Hue or Paihia Better for Beaches?

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

Paihia is considered to be a world-class beach destination. There are stunning beaches both in Paihia and throughout the Bay of Islands. Paihia Beach is in town. It's small but nice and makes a great picnic spot. For a more secluded spot head to Matauri Bay Beach or Takou Bay.

Hue is not a beach destination.

Is Hue or Paihia Better for its Old Town?

Hue is a very popular place for its old town. However, Paihia 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.

Paihia does not have a historic old town.

Is Hue or Paihia Better for Hiking?

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

Paihia is a popular spot for hiking. The Bay of Islands is filled with coastal walks and peaceful hikes. This is a great way to soak up the area's atmosphere and take in some spectacular views.

Hue is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hue or Paihia?

Hue is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Paihia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Hue is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Many visitors go to Paihia to go shopping. There are plenty of retail stores around town where you can pick up clothes or enjoy some souvenir shopping.

Is Hue or Paihia Better for Families?

Paihia 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.

Paihia is an extremely popular coastal town to visit for families. Beaches, dolphin spotting, ice cream, and chocolate factories make the Bay of Islands the perfect place for a family vacation. There are amazing walking trails like the Manginangina Kauri Walk and opportunities to learn about the Maori culture. There are also adventure spots and great beaches.

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 Paihia Better for Couples?

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

Paihia is a great coastal town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. You can enjoy sunset boat cruises, sip wine with a waterfront view, or walk through pristine natural areas. For thrill seekers there are adrenaline filled activities like parasailing or scuba diving.

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 Paihia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Hue and Paihia are very good 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.

Paihia is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are a handful of hostels around town as well as many great activities for backpackers like scuba diving or parasailing.

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

Both Hue and Paihia offer good 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.

Paihia has some public transit options. There are ferries and some intercity buses through the Bay of Islands.

Is Hue or Paihia a more walkable city?

Hue is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. Also, Paihia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Paihia is a somewhat walkable city. It's possible to explore parts of the town on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Paihia or Hue?

How long in Hue or Paihia?

In either Hue or Paihia, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Paihia 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 Paihia.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Hue than Paihia 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 Paihia?

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 fun-filled destination of Paihia, there's plenty to do. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. 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 Paihia?

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 Paihia for a weekend. With nightlife and food around the relaxing coastal town of Paihia, there's plenty to do. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. 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 Paihia?

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 Paihia, there's plenty to do. Many people spend five days here. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

A week in Hue or Paihia?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the imperial 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.

Paihia, a popular coastal town, 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 Sightseeing Tours in Vietnam, The Best Cultural Tours in Vietnam, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand, and The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand.

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

Which is Bigger, Hue or Paihia?

Hue has a larger population, and is about 150 times larger than the population of Paihia. When comparing the sizes of Hue and Paihia, 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.