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

Should you visit Hue or Picton?

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 Picton 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. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Picton

Picton is a scenic, quaint, and relaxing town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. Other popular activities here include food, beaches, and hiking.

Hue and Picton: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Hue or Picton?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Picton. Although Hue and Picton are popular destinations, Picton has more sights and attractions for tourists. Picton is very popular for its beaches, hiking, and small town charm, while Hue attracts visitors for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping. Hue is famous for its imperial buildings and political history as the country's historic capital. Picton is famous for its picturesque scenery, laid back setting, and beautiful walking trails. It is also well known for the Queen Charlotte Track.

How is Hue different from Picton?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Hue
Picton

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

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.

Picton is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a few local museums around town that are fun to visit with the weather isn't cooperating. Edwin Fox Ship is the world's oldest merchant ship. You can also learn about the town's whaling past at the Picton Heritage and Whaling Museum.


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

Hue
Picton

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

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 Picton. The town is filled with restaurants that stay true to New Zealand's culinary traditions. Mussels and salmon are common on menus, and there are many bakeries and waterfront cafes to try.

Is Hue or Picton Better for Nightlife?

Hue
Picton

Hue is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Picton is not a good town for nightlife.

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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Picton. It's a small town with a quiet and calm atmosphere.

Is Hue or Picton Better for Beaches?

Hue
Picton

Picton is a well-known place for the beach. However, Hue is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Picton attract visitors from all over. There are four beaches in the area. Picton Beach is by the town center and near many restaurants and cafes. About a ten minute walk from town is Shelley Beach and if you're up for more walking, Bob's Bay is secluded and nice. If you have a car you can make it to Governer's Bay.

Hue is not a beach destination.


Is Hue or Picton Better for its Old Town?

Hue
Picton

Hue is a well-known place for its historic old town charm. However, Picton 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.

Picton does not have a historic old town.

Is Hue or Picton Better for Hiking?

Hue
Picton

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

Picton is a popular spot for hiking. There are many nice walking paths in the area and this is a great way to explore, reach beaches, and see the surrounding landscapes. If you're up for a longer trip, Queen Charlotte Track is a popular trail.

Hue is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hue or Picton?

Hue
Picton

Hue is a well-known place for its shopping areas. Also, Picton is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for shopping.

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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Picton. There are a few galleries and local shops around town.


Is Hue or Picton Better for Families?

Hue
Picton

Picton 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.

Picton is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy taking a boat cruise to Motuara Island. You can see dolphins, birds, and other wildlife. There are also wildlife centers in the area, family-friendly walking trails, museums, aquariums, and kayaking opportunities.

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 Picton Better for Couples?

Hue
Picton

Picton is a well-known place for couples. Also, Hue is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

Picton is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are romantic and quaint bed and breakfasts, beautiful walking paths, wildlife encounters, and many more fun activities for couples. Kayak trips, vineyard tours, and local spas make this a great couple's getaway destination.

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 Picton Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hue
Picton

Both Hue and Picton 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.

Picton is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are plenty of hostels in the area as well as great transportation links, making this a great spot for backpackers.


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

Hue
Picton

Both Hue and Picton offer nice 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.

Picton has some public transit options. There are water taxis but no buses around town.

Is Hue or Picton a more walkable city?

Hue
Picton

Hue and Picton both are very good 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.

Picton is very walkable. It's a quaint and compact town that's easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Picton or Hue?

How long in Hue or Picton?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Hue or Picton to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Hue than Picton 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 1-2 days is enough time in Picton.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Hue than Picton 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.


  • How many days in Hue or Picton? Ideal Length of Stay
    Hue 1-3 
    Picton 1-2

One day in Hue or Picton?

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 shopping and museums around the quaint destination of Picton, there's plenty to do. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 Picton?

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 Picton for a weekend. With museums and food around the quaint town of Picton, there's plenty to do. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Hue or Picton?

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 Picton offers food and shopping. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. 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 Picton?

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.

Picton, a popular 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 Eco Tours in Vietnam, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in Vietnam, The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Eco Tours in New Zealand.


Which place is cheaper, Picton or Hue?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Hue is $48, while the average daily cost in Picton is $87. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Hue and Picton in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hue $23
    Picton $37
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hue $46
    Picton $74
Compare Hotels in Hue and Picton

Looking for a hotel in Hue or Picton? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Hue


Hotels in Picton


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Hue Hotel Prices and Picton Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hue $12
    Picton -
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hue

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Hue:


  • Cyclo
    $0.48
  • Short Taxi Ride
    $0.88
  • Taxi Ride to Tombs
    $14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hue

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hue:

  • Da Nang: Airport Transfer Pick up Service: $5.91
  • Transfer from Hue airport to Hue city center or vice versa: $7.10
  • Transfer between Hue Hotels and Hue Airport: $7.40
  • Private Transfer: Hue City Center - Hue Train Station: $12
  • Hue and Hoi An/ Da Nang City Shuttle Transfer Service: $13
  • Hue City: Private Transfer to/from Phu Bai International …: $14
  • Phu Bai airport to/from Hue City Center - Private Transfer: $14
  • Privated Hue Airport Transfer-Airport to Hotel or vice versa: $14
  • Private transfer Hoi An , Da Nang, Hue: $14
  • Hue Airport Phu bai Airport to Hue Hotel by Private Transfer: $15
  • Hue Transfer to Hoi An Via Hai Van Pass & Marble Mountain: $16
  • From Hue : Transfer Hue To Hoi An with Sightseeing: $16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Picton

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Picton:

  • Private Transfer from Blenheim city hotels to Picton Cruise Port: $38
  • Private Transfer from Picton Cruise Port to Blenheim City Hotels: $38
  • Private Transfer from Blenheim Airport (BHE) to Picton Port: $46
  • Private Transfer from Picton Port to Blenheim Airport (BHE): $46

Is it cheaper to fly into Hue or Picton?

Prices for flights to both Picton and Hue change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Hue $15
    Picton $20
Typical Food Prices in Hue

Some typical examples of dining costs in Hue are as follows:


  • River Night Market Dinner (for Two)
    $7.99
  • Two Sugarcane Drinks
    $0.80
  • Quick Lunch (for Two)
    $2.20
  • Sitdown Dinner (for Two)
    $4.39

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hue

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Hue.

  • Private Healthy Cooking Class In Ancient Vietnamese Garden: $20
  • Hue Walking Street Food Tour: $27
  • Walking street food tour: $30
  • Hue : Vegetarian Cooking Class with Local Family: $31
  • Vietnamese Cooking Class with Local Family in Hue: $31
  • Hue Food Tour by Walking or Cyclo or Motorcycle with Driver: $33
  • Hue Food Tour by Walking or Cyclo or Motorbike with Driver: $33
  • Hue Walking Food Tour: $35
  • Exploring Hue Food Tour with Local Guide : $35
  • Home Vegan/Vegetarian Cooking Class with Local Girl: $35
  • Home Cooking Class with Local Girl: $37
  • Hue:Exploring Street Food Tour With Local Guide: $37

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hue $11
    Picton $109
Typical Entertainment Prices in Hue

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Hue are as follows:


  • Boat Ride
    $7.79
  • Bicycle Rental (One Day)
    $1.12
  • Imperial Citadel Entrance
    $3.20
  • Massage at Institute for the Blind
    $1.60

Tours and Activities in Hue

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Hue are as follows:

  • Traditional Singing on Huong River Ticket: $3.82
  • Hue City Tour by Private Car & English Speaking Driver: $8.80
  • Hue Car Rental: Sightseeing City Day Trip by Car with Driver: $9.23
  • Discover Vietnamese Cuisine E-Ticket: $15
  • Sightseeing Bus from Hue to Hoi An (Seat in Coach): $15
  • BUS TOUR HUE - PHONG NHA: $16
  • HUE - HOI AN BUS TOUR (S.I.C): $16
  • Hue Imperial City Sightseeing Full-Day Trip From Hue: $16
  • From Hue : Full-Day Hue Imperial City Tour with Lunch: $16
  • Hue : City Highlights Full Day Tour with Lunch: $16
  • Hue Walking Tour to Imperial Citadel and Forbidden City: $19
  • Hue Imperial Walking Tour with Tour Guide: $19

Tours and Activities in Picton

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Picton are as follows:

  • Skip the Line: Dangerous Skies WWII Exhibition - Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre: $15
  • Picton Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • Hinterland Cycling Tour, Havelock: $25
  • Skip the Line:WWI & WWII Combo Exhibitions at the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre: $30
  • Winery Express Tour: $39
  • Queen Charlotte Track: Cruise & Self-Guided Hike from Picton: $52
  • Kayaking Mangrove Adventure at Havelock: $56
  • Marlborough Sounds and Ship Cove Cruise from Picton: $57
  • Motuara Island Bird Sanctuary and Ship Cove Cruise from Picton: $58
  • Half-Day Cruise in Marlborough Sounds from Picton: $58
  • Cruise Ship Day - Marlborough: $60
  • Queen Charlotte Sound Mail Boat Cruise from Picton: $67

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hue $5.79
    Picton $35
Typical Alcohol Prices in Hue

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Hue:


  • Beer
    $1.00

Sample the Local Flavors in Picton

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Picton:

  • Self-Guided Biking Wine Tour (full day) in the Marlborough Region.: $37
  • Self-Guided Wine Tours by Bike with Steve & Jo in Marlborough : $40
  • Marlborough: Hop On Hop Off Wine, Brewery, and Wonders Tour: $53
  • Hop on Hop off Wine Tours Marlborough: $54
  • Marlborough Afternoon Wine Tour with Tastings: $70
  • Half-Day Wine Tour from Blenheim: $87
  • Half-Day Wine Tour from Picton: $88
  • Discover Marlborough Wine - Afternoon Marlborough Wine Tour : $90
  • Morning Guided with Afternoon Self-Guided Biking Wine Tour: $91
  • Marlborough Discovery Sampler Wine Tour - 1/2Day Blenheim: $97
  • Taste the Valley Wine Tour in Marlborough with Wine Tasting: $100
  • Half-Day Marlborough Wine Tour & Beer Tour : $109


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


Which is Bigger, Hue or Picton?

Hue has a larger population, and is about 100 times larger than the population of Picton. When comparing the sizes of Hue and Picton, 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 Picton?

Picton 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 Picton in the Summer?

Both Picton and Hue are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hue throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Picton for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Hue is much warmer than Picton in the summer. The daily temperature in Hue averages around 29°C (85°F) in July, and Picton fluctuates around 18°C (64°F)in January.

In July, Hue usually receives more rain than Pictonin January. Hue gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Picton receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer. The dry season in Hue is March to August. The rainy season in Hue is September to December.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Hue 29°C (85°F) 
    Picton 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Hue or Picton in the Autumn?

Both Picton and Hue during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Hue because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Picton in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere.

In the autumn, Hue is much warmer than Picton. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hue in October average around 25°C (78°F), and Picton averages at about 15°C (58°F)in April.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hue. Hue usually gets more rain in October than Pictonin April. Hue gets 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain, while Picton receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year. September to December is the rainy season in Hue.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Hue 25°C (78°F) 
    Picton 15°C (58°F)

Should I visit Hue or Picton in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hue and Picton. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hue year-round. Also, most visitors come to Picton for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Hue is generally much warmer than Pictonin July. Daily temperatures in Hue average around 22°C (71°F), and Picton fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

Picton receives a lot of rain in the winter. Hue gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Hue usually receives around the same amount of rain as Pictonin July. Hue gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Picton receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter. March to August in Hue is the dry season.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Hue 22°C (71°F) 
    Picton 10°C (49°F)

Should I visit Hue or Picton in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Hue as well as Picton. Hue attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Picton because of the beaches and the small town charm.

Hue is much warmer than Picton in the spring. The daily temperature in Hue averages around 26°C (80°F) in April, and Picton fluctuates around 13°C (55°F)in October.

Hue usually gets less rain in April than Pictonin October. Hue gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Picton receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Hue 26°C (80°F) 
    Picton 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Picton and Hue

Hue Picton
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 22°C (71°F) 112 mm (4.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 23°C (73°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 18°C (64°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Mar 24°C (75°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Apr 26°C (80°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 15°C (58°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
May 29°C (83°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 12°C (54°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jun 30°C (85°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 10°C (51°F) 113 mm (4.4 in)
Jul 29°C (85°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 10°C (49°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Aug 29°C (85°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 10°C (50°F) 98 mm (3.9 in)
Sep 28°C (82°F) 331 mm (13 in) 12°C (53°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Oct 25°C (78°F) 613 mm (24.1 in) 13°C (55°F) 93 mm (3.7 in)
Nov 24°C (76°F) 376 mm (14.8 in) 15°C (58°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Dec 23°C (73°F) 223 mm (8.8 in) 17°C (62°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)