A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Koh Lanta vs. Hue for Couples, Food, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Koh Lanta or Hue?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Koh Lanta and Hue 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.

Koh Lanta

Koh Lanta is a tranquil, peaceful, and quiet island. You'll find world class beauty in Koh Lanta as well. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Koh Lanta travel costs.

Hue

Hue is a cultural, authentic, and ancient city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Hue travel costs.

Koh Lanta and Hue: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Lanta or Hue?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Koh Lanta. Although Koh Lanta and Hue are both popular with visitors, Koh Lanta has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Koh Lanta is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Hue is known for its museums and attractions, historical sights, and shopping. Hue is more touristy than Koh Lanta and is known for its imperial buildings and political history as the country's historic capital. Koh Lanta is popular for it's long and sandy beaches, its idyllic paradise atmosphere, and its beautiful national park. It is also home to Long Beach.

How is Koh Lanta different from Hue?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Koh Lanta or Hue?

Hue is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Koh Lanta is a island with minimal options for its historical sights.

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.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Koh Lanta. Nature and tranquil beauty are what this island is all about, so you won't find much in the form of museums or temples.

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

Foodies will find both Koh Lanta and Hue both to be great destinations.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Koh Lanta. There are local markets that pop up in different places each day of the week. You may even get to sample deep-fried cicadas or dried fish. If you're looking for a more mainstream flavor, there are also curries and seafood dishes that are often locally caught.

Hue has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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.

Is Koh Lanta or Hue Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Koh Lanta or Hue has a better nightlife scene.

Koh Lanta has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. This is one of the most chill islands in Thailand, so you won't find the hardcore party scene of some of the more backpacker heavy islands. That doesn't mean you won't find live music or places to hang out any night of the week.

If you're looking for night time activities Hue has a few options to choose from. 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 Koh Lanta or Hue Better for Resorts?

Koh Lanta is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Hue is not a resort destination.

In Koh Lanta, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. Most of the hotels and resorts are small, family-owned businesses that have a local and welcoming atmosphere.

Hue is not a resort destination.

Is Koh Lanta or Hue Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Koh Lanta is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. There are snorkeling and diving trips that leave from the island daily. It's also possible to snorkel off some of the beaches around the island without organizing a group trip.

Hue is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Koh Lanta or Hue Better for Beaches?

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

Koh Lanta is considered to be a world-class beach destination. For a quiet and tranquil beach holiday, this is your spot. You can enjoy long walks along sandy beaches on the north side of the island, and on the south side you'll find dramatic beauty. The most well known beach is Long Beach, which is also the longest on the island.

Hue is not a beach destination.

Is Koh Lanta or Hue Better for its Old Town?

Hue is a great destination for its old town. However, Koh Lanta 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.

Koh Lanta does not have a historic old town.

Is Koh Lanta or Hue Better for Hiking?

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

Koh Lanta is a popular spot for hiking. You'll find hiking trails in Koh Lanta National Park, which is at the southern tip of the island. You'll wander through the jungle, see wildlife, and take in breathtaking views.

Hue is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Lanta or Hue?

Hue is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Koh Lanta is a island with minimal options for its shopping areas.

Hue is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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 in Koh Lanta can be found for those interested. The island doesn't have the huge tourist crowds of many places in Thailand, so you'll find few shops in the towns. If you need to buy clothes or other items, it's better to go to the mainland.

Is Koh Lanta or Hue More Beautiful?

Koh Lanta is terrific for its scenery and beauty. However, Hue is not a destination known for its beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Koh Lanta as well. It's among Thailand's most beautiful islands and it's not as touristy or built up as some of the more popular areas.

Hue is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Koh Lanta or Hue Better for Families?

Koh Lanta 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.

Koh Lanta is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. This is among the best island's in Thailand for kids. The waters are calm and the nightlife scene is relaxed. There are hotels that have kiddy pools and some even have kid's clubs. There are also kid-friendly menus at many of the restaurants.

Hue is a family-friendly island. 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 Koh Lanta or Hue Better for Couples?

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

Koh Lanta is a great island for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The laid back vibe offers a bit of romance for couples. The beaches are beautiful and the island isn't as built up as many islands are in Thailand. And while you'll find places to go in the evening near the backpacker areas, most of the island has a chill and relaxed atmosphere.

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 Koh Lanta or Hue Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hue is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Koh Lanta is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Hue is a great city to visit for backpackers. 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 backpackers visit Koh Lanta. You'll find backpackers on almost every island in Thailand, but this one is a bit more chill than most. It's not as touristy as most of the country's southern islands, but there are still enough amenities to make it comfortable.

Is Koh Lanta or Hue 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, Koh Lanta is a island with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is quite limited in Koh Lanta. There really isn't any public transit on the island. Most visitors hire taxis or rent motorbikes to get around.

Is Koh Lanta or Hue a more walkable city?

Hue is a great destination for its high level of walkability. However, Koh Lanta is a island with minimal options 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.

Koh Lanta is not a very walkable island. While there are some parts of the island that can be explored on foot, most people get around by motorbike.

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

Should I spend more time in Hue or Koh Lanta?

How long in Koh Lanta or Hue?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Koh Lanta and Hue. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Koh Lanta than in Hue. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Koh Lanta, and 1-3 days is enough time in Hue.

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

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

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

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the peaceful destination of Koh Lanta, there's plenty to do. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Hue. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Hue has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Koh Lanta or Hue?

Many people visit Koh Lanta for a weekend. With scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife around the tranquil island of Koh Lanta, 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. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the ancient destination of Hue. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Koh Lanta or Hue?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Koh Lanta, there's plenty to do. Many people spend five days here. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the authentic city of Hue. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Koh Lanta or Hue?

Koh Lanta, a popular island, is full of activities for travelers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Thailand, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Thailand, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Vietnam, and The Best Cultural Tours in Vietnam.

When comparing the travel costs between Koh Lanta and Hue, we can see that Koh Lanta 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 Koh Lanta Expensive? and Is Hue Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Koh Lanta or Hue?

Hue has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Koh Lanta. When comparing the sizes of Koh Lanta 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 Koh Lanta or Hue?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.

Should I visit Koh Lanta or Hue in the Summer?

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

Also, June to September is the rainy season in Koh Lanta. March to August in Hue is the dry season. Also, September to December is the rainy season in Hue. Koh Lanta gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Koh Lanta usually receives more rain than Hue. Koh Lanta gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Hue receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hue this time of the year. In Koh Lanta, it's very sunny this time of the year. Koh Lanta usually receives less sunshine than Hue during summer. Koh Lanta gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Hue receives 242 hours of full sun in the summer.

In the summer, Koh Lanta is around the same temperature as Hue. Typically, the summer temperatures in Koh Lanta in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Hue averages at about 29°C (85°F).

Should I visit Koh Lanta or Hue in the Autumn?

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

September to December in Hue is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Hue. Koh Lanta receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Koh Lanta usually gets less rain in October than Hue. Koh Lanta gets 281 mm (11.1 in) of rain, while Hue receives 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the autumn, Koh Lanta often gets more sunshine than Hue. Koh Lanta gets 181 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hue receives 158 hours of full sun.

In October, Koh Lanta is generally around the same temperature as Hue. Daily temperatures in Koh Lanta average around 27°C (81°F), and Hue fluctuates around 25°C (78°F).

Should I visit Koh Lanta or Hue in the Winter?

Both Hue and Koh Lanta are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Lanta 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 Koh Lanta is January to April. The dry season in Hue is March to August. It rains a lot this time of the year in Hue. In January, Koh Lanta usually receives less rain than Hue. Koh Lanta gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Hue receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Koh Lanta. Koh Lanta usually receives more sunshine than Hue during winter. Koh Lanta gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Hue receives 136 hours of full sun in the winter.

Koh Lanta is a little warmer than Hue in the winter. The daily temperature in Koh Lanta averages around 27°C (80°F) in January, and Hue fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

Should I visit Koh Lanta or Hue in the Spring?

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

January to April is the dry season in Koh Lanta. June to September is the rainy season in Koh Lanta. It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Lanta. Koh Lanta usually gets more rain in April than Hue. Koh Lanta gets 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Hue receives 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

In Hue, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Koh Lanta. In the spring, Koh Lanta often gets more sunshine than Hue. Koh Lanta gets 249 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hue receives 210 hours of full sun.

In the spring, Koh Lanta is a little warmer than Hue. Typically, the spring temperatures in Koh Lanta in April average around 29°C (85°F), and Hue averages at about 26°C (80°F).

Typical Weather for Hue and Koh Lanta