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

Should you visit Kanchanaburi or Hue?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Kanchanaburi and Hue. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Kanchanaburi

Kanchanaburi is a reflective, somber, and informative town. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping. See Kanchanaburi travel costs.

Hue

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

Kanchanaburi and Hue: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kanchanaburi or Hue?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hue than Kanchanaburi, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Kanchanaburi is popular for its dark history during World War II as well as the many nearby national parks. Hue is popular for its imperial buildings and political history as the country's historic capital. It is also home to Imperial City.

How is Kanchanaburi different from Hue?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Hue and Kanchanaburi. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Kanchanaburi or Hue?

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Kanchanaburi and Hue.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Kanchanaburi. The city is most recognized for the Bridge on the River Kwai (Death Railway Bridge), which you can walk across or take a train across. The city also has the Thailand Burma Railway Center and Kanchanaburi War Cemetery, the Memorial Museum, Chungkai Cemetery, and the JEATH War Museum.

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.

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

Hue is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Kanchanaburi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Hue has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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 many up and coming restaurants in the Kanchanaburi area. While food isn't the first thing that comes to mind here, you'll find markets with great street food as well as interesting riverside and floating restaurants. A local specialty that you should try is the gaeng paa pla khang (jungle curry). There are also western style restaurants if you need a break from the curry. Many visitors head to Mae Nam Khwae Road for most of their meals.

Is Kanchanaburi or Hue Better for Nightlife?

The good nightlife scene is relatively similar in Kanchanaburi and Hue.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Kanchanaburi. The backpacker scene keeps the nightlife active. You'll find locals and tourists mingling along Maenam Kwai Road. You'll also find several clubs along Song Kwae Road.

Hue has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.

Is Kanchanaburi or Hue Better for its Old Town?

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

Kanchanaburi does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Kanchanaburi or Hue?

Hue is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Kanchanaburi 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 Kanchanaburi to go shopping. There are lively night markets, active walking streets, and independent vendors where you can pick up souvenirs or anything that you might need.

Is Kanchanaburi or Hue Better for Families?

Both Kanchanaburi and Hue are good family-friendly destinations.

Kanchanaburi is a family-friendly town. Although most people think of "The Bridge over the River Kwai" when they think of Kanchanaburi, for families, there are actually a number of outdoor adventures in the area that kids will enjoy. Biking, hiking, and kayaking are all popular. The locals are also very friendly and welcoming to children.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Hue. 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 Kanchanaburi or Hue Better for Couples?

Kanchanaburi and Hue both good destinations for a couple.

Kanchanaburi makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's an educational and informative place to visit, but there are also outdoor activities that couples can enjoy together.

Hue is a good town 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.

Is Kanchanaburi or Hue Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hue is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Kanchanaburi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Kanchanaburi. There are plenty of hostels to choose from in the area, and like many places in Thailand, it is an affordable place to visit.

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

Visitors will find good public transit in both Kanchanaburi and Hue.

Kanchanaburi has some public transit options. The easiest way to get around town is by tuk tuk or songthaew (pick up truck).

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.

Is Kanchanaburi or Hue a more walkable city?

Hue is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. Also, Kanchanaburi 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.

Kanchanaburi is a somewhat walkable town. There is a Walking Street in the town that has restaurants and nightlife.

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

Should I spend more time in Hue or Kanchanaburi?

How long in Kanchanaburi or Hue?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Kanchanaburi and Hue. In our opinion, Hue has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Hue than Kanchanaburi. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Kanchanaburi, and 1-3 days is enough time in Hue.

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

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

With nightlife and food around the informative destination of Kanchanaburi, there's plenty to do. 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.

In Hue, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this authentic city offers. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

A weekend in Kanchanaburi or Hue?

Many people visit Kanchanaburi for a weekend. With food and shopping around the informative town of Kanchanaburi, there's plenty to do. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Hue is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Kanchanaburi or Hue?

The destination of Kanchanaburi offers shopping and museums. 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural destination of Hue. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Kanchanaburi or Hue?

Kanchanaburi, a popular town, 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.

Hue is a popular place to visit. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to Thailand, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Thailand, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Vietnam, and The Best Cultural Tours in Vietnam.

When comparing the travel costs between Kanchanaburi and Hue, we can see that Kanchanaburi is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Kanchanaburi Expensive? and Is Hue Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Kanchanaburi or Hue?

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

Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.

Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Hue in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Kanchanaburi as well as Hue. Kanchanaburi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hue throughout the year.

July to October in Kanchanaburi is the rainy season. Also, March to August in Hue is the dry season. September to December in Hue is the rainy season. Kanchanaburi usually gets more rain in July than Hue. Kanchanaburi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Hue receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hue. In the summer, Kanchanaburi often gets less sunshine than Hue. Kanchanaburi gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hue receives 242 hours of full sun.

In the summer, Kanchanaburi is around the same temperature as Hue. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kanchanaburi in July average around 29°C (84°F), and Hue averages at about 29°C (85°F).

Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Hue in the Autumn?

Both Hue and Kanchanaburi are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kanchanaburi throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Hue because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

The dry season in Kanchanaburi is November to May. The rainy season in Kanchanaburi is July to October. The rainy season in Hue is September to December. It rains a lot this time of the year in Hue. It's quite rainy in Kanchanaburi. In October, Kanchanaburi usually receives less rain than Hue. Kanchanaburi gets 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain, while Hue receives 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kanchanaburi. Kanchanaburi usually receives more sunshine than Hue during autumn. Kanchanaburi gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Hue receives 158 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Kanchanaburi is generally around the same temperature as Hue. Daily temperatures in Kanchanaburi average around 28°C (82°F), and Hue fluctuates around 25°C (78°F).

Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Hue in the Winter?

Both Hue and Kanchanaburi during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Kanchanaburi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hue year-round.

March to August is the dry season in Hue. Hue gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Kanchanaburi usually gets less rain in January than Hue. Kanchanaburi gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Hue receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

It's quite sunny in Kanchanaburi. In the winter, Kanchanaburi often gets more sunshine than Hue. Kanchanaburi gets 276 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hue receives 136 hours of full sun.

Kanchanaburi is a little warmer than Hue in the winter. The daily temperature in Kanchanaburi averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Hue fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Hue in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Kanchanaburi and Hue. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kanchanaburi year-round. Hue attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

November to May in Kanchanaburi is the dry season. In April, Kanchanaburi usually receives more rain than Hue. Kanchanaburi gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Hue receives 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hue this time of the year. In Kanchanaburi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Kanchanaburi usually receives more sunshine than Hue during spring. Kanchanaburi gets 262 hours of sunny skies, while Hue receives 210 hours of full sun in the spring.

The heat can be very extreme in Kanchanaburi. In the spring, Kanchanaburi is a little warmer than Hue. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kanchanaburi in April average around 32°C (89°F), and Hue averages at about 26°C (80°F).

Typical Weather for Hue and Kanchanaburi