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

Should you visit Koh Samui or Hue?

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

Should I visit Koh Samui or Hue? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Koh Samui

Koh Samui is a laid back, beautiful, and tropical resort island. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Hue

Hue is a authentic, ancient, and imperial city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Koh Samui and Hue: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Samui or Hue?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Koh Samui. Although Koh Samui and Hue are popular destinations, Koh Samui has more sights and attractions for tourists. Koh Samui is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Hue attracts visitors for its museums, historical sights, and shopping. Koh Samui is more touristy than Hue and is popular for its ornate temples, beautiful beaches, and laid-back atmosphere. It is also well known for The Big Buddha Temple. Hue is famous for its imperial buildings and political history as the country's historic capital.

How is Koh Samui different from Hue?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Hue is a great city for its historical sights. However, Koh Samui does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Koh Samui does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Koh Samui and Hue can be difficult as they are each excellent in their own way.

Koh Samui has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Food on the island is fresh and delicious. You'll find fine dining restaurants as well as hole in the wall dives where you can enjoy local flavors. There are also international restaurants if you need a break from the curries. Beachfront restaurants offer a beautiful setting and sunset dinner cruises are a not to be missed experience. Authentically local dishes usually include some form of coconut but there are also other common Thai dishes available almost anywhere like curries or Pad Thai.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Hue makes for a great culinary experience. 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 Samui or Hue Better for Nightlife?

Koh Samui is terrific for its evening party scene. Also, Hue is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

Koh Samui is a must-see party destination. All night beach parties, cheap bars, and lively dance clubs all give this island its party atmosphere. Young travelers from around the globe head here to enjoy music, cheap drinks, and world class fun. For the most active nightlife, head to Chaweng Beach, Lamai Beach or Bophut Beach.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe 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.

Is Koh Samui or Hue Better for Resorts?

Koh Samui is terrific for its resorts. However, Hue is not a resort destination.

Koh Samui is a world class resort vacation destination. The island is filled with countless resorts, hotels, and private villas that you can rent. You can choose from beachfront properties or resorts that are located in the hills, which offer beautiful views. The resorts often have pools and range from five star all the way down to budget-friendly.

Hue is not a resort destination.

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

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

Koh Samui is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. It's easy to arrange snorkeling or scuba diving trips through hotels or travel companies, but it's also possible to snorkel right off the shore in places like Chaweng Beach. Due to the island's popularity, the coral isn't always the healthiest, but the water is clear and you'll likely see some interesting sea life just off the shore.

Hue is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Koh Samui or Hue Better for Beaches?

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

Koh Samui is considered to be a world-class beach destination. The white sand beaches are lined with coconut trees and look out on crystal blue waters, making this a perfect tropical destination. There are lively activity-filled beaches as well as quiet retreats where you can enjoy a peaceful setting away from the crowds.

Hue is not a beach destination.

Is Koh Samui or Hue Better for its Old Town?

Hue is a great city for its historic old town charm. However, Koh Samui 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.

Koh Samui does not have a historic old town.

Is Koh Samui or Hue Better for Hiking?

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

Koh Samui is a popular spot for hiking. Hikes will take you inland through the beautiful rainforest. There are hidden waterfalls as well as Buddha gardens and ridge trails with breathtaking views. Hikes range from easy to challenging, so make sure you understand the skill level required before you set out.

Hue is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Samui or Hue?

Hue is a great city for its shopping areas. Also, Koh Samui is not as popular, but is still a nice resort island for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas 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.

Koh Samui is a great destination for shopping. The resort areas have the most interesting shops and you'll find the most options around Chaweng. There are boutique shops as well as some malls. You can sometimes negotiate prices down in independently run stores, but some places advertise fixed prices.

Is Koh Samui or Hue Better for Families?

Koh Samui 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 Samui is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The island is one of the slightly calmer, family-friendly options in Thailand. It has a number of activities that all ages can enjoy including water parks, water sports, and temples to explore. Snorkeling is also fun and there's an aquarium and zoo that you can check out.

Hue is a family-friendly resort 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 Samui or Hue Better for Couples?

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

Koh Samui is a very popular place to visit for couples. Dinner cruises, beachfront restaurants, and beautiful sunsets all make this island a romantic destination for couples. There are also spas, resorts, and fine dining restaurants that you can enjoy.

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 Samui or Hue Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Koh Samui and Hue are excellent places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Koh Samui. The island feels a bit more like a holiday destination than a backpacker destination, but it still has a lively nightlife and affordable accommodation around Lamai Beach. It's also a nice place to go for yoga or Muay Thai classes.

Backpackers come from all over to 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.

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

Koh Samui and Hue both offer nice public transit to get you around.

While Koh Samui offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Songthaew, the Thai version of a bus, and taxis or motorbikes are the best ways to get around the island.

Hue has a few public transit options. Cyclos, motorbikes, and local bus are the most common ways to get around the city.

Is Koh Samui or Hue a more walkable city?

Hue is a great city for its ease of walking around. However, Koh Samui is not known for its walkability.

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

Koh Samui is generally not very walkable. The roads have a good amount of traffic and generally aren't designed for walking.

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

Should I spend more time in Hue or Koh Samui?

How long in Koh Samui or Hue?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Koh Samui and Hue. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Koh Samui than in Hue. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Koh Samui, and 1-3 days is enough time in Hue.

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

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

One day in Koh Samui or Hue?

With nightlife and food around the tropical destination of Koh Samui, there's plenty to do. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 Samui or Hue?

Many people visit Koh Samui for a weekend. With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the beautiful resort island of Koh Samui, there's plenty to do. 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.

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 Samui or Hue?

With scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the destination of Koh Samui, 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. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the ancient 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 Samui or Hue?

Koh Samui, a popular resort island, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for one week. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week is usually enough time to experience most activities.

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 Tours Under $1000 in Thailand, The Best Budget Tours to Thailand, The Best Eco Tours in Vietnam, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in Vietnam.

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

Which is Bigger, Koh Samui or Hue?

Hue has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Koh Samui. When comparing the sizes of Koh Samui 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 Samui 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 Koh Samui or Hue in the Summer?

Both Hue and Koh Samui during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Samui 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. September to December is the rainy season in Hue. It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Samui. Koh Samui usually gets more rain in July than Hue. Koh Samui gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Hue receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Koh Samui is cooler than Hue in the summer. The daily temperature in Koh Samui averages around 24°C (76°F) in July, and Hue fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).

Should I visit Koh Samui or Hue in the Autumn?

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

December to February in Koh Samui is the dry season. Also, October to December is the rainy season in Koh Samui. Also, September to December is the rainy season in Hue. Hue receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Koh Samui gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Koh Samui usually receives less rain than Hue. Koh Samui gets 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Hue receives 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

In the autumn, Koh Samui is around the same temperature as Hue. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Koh Samui in October average around 24°C (75°F), and Hue averages at about 25°C (78°F).

Should I visit Koh Samui or Hue in the Winter?

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

Also, December to February in Koh Samui is the dry season. Also, March to August in Hue is the dry season. It's quite rainy in Hue. Koh Samui usually gets less rain in January than Hue. Koh Samui gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Hue receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

In January, Koh Samui is generally around the same temperature as Hue. Daily temperatures in Koh Samui average around 22°C (72°F), and Hue fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

Should I visit Koh Samui or Hue in the Spring?

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

In April, Koh Samui usually receives more rain than Hue. Koh Samui gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Hue receives 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Koh Samui is around the same temperature as Hue in the spring. The daily temperature in Koh Samui averages around 24°C (76°F) in April, and Hue fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

Typical Weather for Hue and Koh Samui