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

Should you visit Hue or Tauranga?

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 Tauranga 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.

Tauranga

Tauranga is a laid back, relaxing, and nature-filled town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Hue and Tauranga: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Hue or Tauranga?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Tauranga than Hue. While Hue is larger than Tauranga, Tauranga has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Tauranga is very popular for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Hue attracts visitors for its museums, food, historical sights, and shopping. Hue is famous for its imperial buildings and political history as the country's historic capital. Tauranga is famous for its sandy beaches and beautiful walking trails. It is also well known for Mount Maunganui.

How is Hue different from Tauranga?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Hue
Tauranga

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

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.

Tauranga is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a number of historic buildings in town like the Elms Mission Station which dates back to 1847.


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

Hue
Tauranga

Hue is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Tauranga is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Tauranga. You'll find a great mix of restaurants in the town's downtown area. There are international flavors as well as seafood and other local favorites.

Is Hue or Tauranga Better for Nightlife?

Hue
Tauranga

Both Hue and Tauranga are nice 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 Tauranga. The city is known for its laid back bar scene. There are venues with casual live music as well as pubs where locals and tourists intermingle.

Is Hue or Tauranga Better for Beaches?

Hue
Tauranga

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

The beaches at Tauranga attract visitors from all over. Families and travelers head here for the sandy beaches and water activities. Surfing, kayaking, and fishing are all popular in the area. Some of the most popular beaches include Mount Maunganui Beach, Waihī Beach, and Anzac Bay.

Hue is not a beach destination.


Is Hue or Tauranga Better for its Old Town?

Hue
Tauranga

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

Tauranga does not have a historic old town.

Is Hue or Tauranga Better for Hiking?

Hue
Tauranga

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

Tauranga is a popular spot for hiking. The Bay of Plenty is filled with hiking trails that run along the coast or head inland through the mountains. There are forest and bush walks that range in length and skill level and there really is something for everyone.

Hue is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hue or Tauranga?

Hue
Tauranga

Hue is a well-known place for its shopping areas. Also, Tauranga 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 Tauranga. You'll find all of the standard shopping malls, retail outlets, and clothing boutiques around town.


Is Hue or Tauranga Better for Families?

Hue
Tauranga

Tauranga 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.

Tauranga is an extremely popular town to visit for families. Check out the ropes courses at Adrenalin Forest or play in the water at Waimarino Adventure Park. There are also many different walking areas like McLaren Falls Park and Kaiate Falls. Kids will love hanging out at the beach around Mount Maunganui or Papamoa Beach. This is an affordable and kid-family destination for locals and international tourists alike.

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 Tauranga Better for Couples?

Hue
Tauranga

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

Tauranga is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's a romantic destination with great beaches and beautiful waterfalls. You can enjoy a picnic in the park or dine at one of the local restaurants. Kayaking is also a popular activity in the area.

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 Tauranga Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hue
Tauranga

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

Tauranga is a very popular town to visit for backpackers. This is one of the more affordable destinations in New Zealand. There are also a number of backpacker-friendly jobs that make it a great place to base yourself.

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

Hue
Tauranga

Both Hue and Tauranga 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.

Tauranga has some public transit options. There are buses, trains, and ferries in the area.

Is Hue or Tauranga a more walkable city?

Hue
Tauranga

Hue is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. Also, Tauranga is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its walkability.

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

Tauranga is somewhat walkable. There are many walking and cycling paths in the area, but you really need a car to explore the area in depth.

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

Should I spend more time in Tauranga or Hue?

How long in Hue or Tauranga?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Hue and Tauranga. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Hue, and 2-3 days is enough time in Tauranga.

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

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

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


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

One day in Hue or Tauranga?

The city of Hue offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

With nightlife and food around the laid back destination of Tauranga, 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 Tauranga?

Hue is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Hue, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Many people visit Tauranga for a weekend. With food and shopping around the nature-filled town of Tauranga, 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 Tauranga?

Hue is a popular choice for travelers. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

The destination of Tauranga offers shopping and museums. 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 Tauranga?

Hue is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Tauranga, 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in New Zealand, and The Best 2-Week Tours in New Zealand.


Which place is cheaper, Tauranga 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 Tauranga is $103. 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 Tauranga in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hue $23
    Tauranga $74
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hue $46
    Tauranga $148
Compare Hotels in Hue and Tauranga

Looking for a hotel in Hue or Tauranga? 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 Tauranga


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 Tauranga Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hue $12
    Tauranga $6.78
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
  • Privated Hue Airport Transfer - Airport to Hotels or vice versa: $6.75
  • Transfer from Hue airport to Hue city center or vice versa: $7.10
  • Transfer between Hue Hotels and Hue Airport: $7.41
  • Private transfer from Phu Bai Airport to Hue city center: $9.30
  • Hue city Airport transfer - All Inclusive : $9.60
  • Private Transfer: Hue City Center - Hue Train Station: $12
  • Hue and Hoi An/ Da Nang City Shuttle Transfer Service: $13
  • Private Transfer: Hue City Center to Hue Train Station: $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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tauranga

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Tauranga:

  • Roundtrip Transfer from Port of Tauranga Omanu Golf Club: $73

Is it cheaper to fly into Hue or Tauranga?

Prices for flights to both Tauranga 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
    Tauranga $22
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
  • Home Cooking Class in Hue City : $35
  • Hue Walking Food Tour: $35
  • Best Hue Street Food Tour: $35
  • Exploring Hue Food Tour with Local Guide : $35
  • Home Vegan/Vegetarian Cooking Class with Local Girl: $35

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hue $11
    Tauranga $10
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
  • Sightseeing Travel Bus from Hue to Hoi An: $12
  • Discover Vietnamese Cuisine E-Ticket: $15
  • Hue Hoi An Bus Tour Sightseeing via Hai Van Pass 4 Stops: $15
  • Sightseeing Bus from Hue to Hoi An (Seat in Coach): $15
  • 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
  • BUS TOUR HUE - PHONG NHA: $16
  • HUE - HOI AN BUS TOUR (S.I.C): $16

Tours and Activities in Tauranga

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

  • Tauranga Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14
  • Mount Maunganui Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • Tauranga Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • Tauranga Harbour Scenic One Hour Historical Boat Cruise : $24
  • Waimarino Adventure Park Supreme Pass Entry Ticket: $29
  • Waimarino Adventure Park: $30
  • 2-Hour Tauranga & Mount Maunganui City & Scenic Local Tour: $45
  • 3hr Tauranga Sun-downer History Tour COMPLIMENTARY Wine or Beer: $54
  • 4hr Tauranga Scenic History and Tasting Tour FREE Kiwifruit Tasting: $57
  • 4hr Shore Excursion - History and Tasting Tour FREE Kiwifruit Tasting: $57
  • Tauranga Shore Excursion: Small-Group Bay of Plenty and Tauranga Tour: $59
  • Tauranga Shore Excursion: Omanawa Falls & Great Sights Tour: $72

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hue $5.79
    Tauranga $10
Typical Alcohol Prices in Hue

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


  • Beer
    $1.00


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


Which is Bigger, Hue or Tauranga?

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