A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Surat Thani vs. Hue for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Surat Thani 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 Surat Thani 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.

Where Should I go: Surat Thani or Hue?

Surat Thani

The best way to see the real culture of a country is to go where the tourists are not. If you are itching to experience real Thai culture, you may want to visit the city of Surat Thani. Located on the central gulf coast of southern Thailand, this city is usually the gateway to other Thai islands – meaning visitors run through it without stopping. Stay a while and get to know Surat Thani – known to the locals as the "City of Good People."

Hue

Hue is a major city in central Vietnam and was historically the imperial capital. The city was the base for the imperial Nguyen Dynasty, which ruled from 1802 to 1945. During the Vietnam War the city faced many challenges. It was conquered by the Viet Cong and held for 24 days. During this time about 3,000 people were slaughtered for their political views, education level, or religious affiliation.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Yoga Tours and Retreats in Thailand, The Best Honeymoon Tours in Thailand, The Best Eco Tours in Vietnam, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in Vietnam.


Which place is cheaper, Hue or Surat Thani?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Surat Thani is $67, while the average daily cost in Hue is $58. 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 Surat Thani and Hue in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Surat Thani $26
    Hue $22
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Surat Thani $52
    Hue $44
Compare Hotels in Surat Thani and Hue

Looking for a hotel in Surat Thani or Hue? 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 Surat Thani


Hotels in Hue


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Surat Thani $26
    Hue $12

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Surat Thani

Also for Surat Thani, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • From URT Airport: Shared Transfer to Koh Samui/Koh Phangan: $3.62
  • Private Transfer Koh Samui Airport to The Ritz Carlton Koh Samui: $21
  • From Koh Phangan: Shared Transfer to Khao Sok/Ao Nang/Phuket: $24
  • Samui Airport Transfer: $33
  • Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Bo Phut: $38
  • Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Chaweng: $38
  • Koh Samui: Full Moon Party Boat Transfer to Koh Phangan: $39
  • Koh Samui: Official Hawk Adventure Zipline Park, No Transfer: $54
  • Koh Samui: Zipline Adventure with Hotel Transfer: $60
  • Transfer to Don Sak Pier: $76
  • Surat Thani Airport to/From Ratchaprapa Dam Private Transfer: $79
  • Surat Thani Airport: Private Transfer to/from Khao Sok: $88

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hue

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


  • Cyclo
    $0.46
  • Short Taxi Ride
    $0.85
  • Taxi Ride to Tombs
    $14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hue

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hue:

  • Hue City Trip With Guide, Lunch & Transfer From Chan May Port: $169
  • Hue to Hoi An: 1-Way Private Sightseeing Transfer for up to 15: $150
  • Hue to Hoi An Jeep Tour Private Transfer via Hai Van Pass 1 Way: $125
  • Hoi An: Hue Transfer stop An Bang Ghost town, Hai Van Pass: $122
  • Hue Transfer to Hoi An Via Hai Van Pass & Golden Bridge: $114
  • Private Transfer: Hoi An City Center - Hue City Center: $100
  • Da Nang Airport: Private Transfer to/from Hue City: $94
  • Private Transfers Hue Hoi An One Way (Free Hotel pickup): $89
  • Private Transfer from Hue City to Da Nang (DAD) Airport: $87
  • Private Transfer from HUE to DA NANG or HOI AN via Hai Van Pass, Golden Bridge: $86
  • Roundtrip Transfer to Ba Na Hills - Golden Bridge via Hai Van Pass from Hue City: $85
  • Private Transfer to Ba Na Hills with Scenic Stops: $83

Is it cheaper to fly into Surat Thani or Hue?

Prices for flights to both Hue and Surat Thani 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
    Surat Thani $26
    Hue $25
Typical Food Prices in Surat Thani

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Surat Thani:


  • Dinner
    $4.44

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Surat Thani

For Surat Thani, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Koh Samui: Island Vista Tour with Dinner and Transfers: $36
  • Jungle Adventure with Bamboo Cooking Class in Khao Sok: $49
  • Bamboo Fire Cooking Survival Experience from Khao Sok: $51
  • Half Day Thai Cooking Class with Sea View from Koh Tao: $61
  • Koh Phangan: The Best Authentic Thai Cooking Class: $76
  • Coastal Village Life Tour w/ Mangrove & Cooking: $91
  • Koh Phangan: Jungle Walk and Authentic Thai Cooking Class: $105
  • Koh Samui: Evening Thai Cooking Class with Organic Garden: $117
  • Koh Samui: Japanese Cooking Class w/ Chef Daniel at W Samui: $124
  • Koh Samui: All-Inclusive Romantic Dinner, Private Beach, and Sunset: $796

Typical Food Prices in Hue

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


  • River Night Market Dinner (for Two)
    $7.74
  • Two Sugarcane Drinks
    $0.77
  • Quick Lunch (for Two)
    $2.13
  • Sitdown Dinner (for Two)
    $4.26

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hue

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

  • VIP Dragon Boat Dinner Cruise on the Perfume River: $18
  • Hue Food Tour by Walking or Cyclo or Motorbike with Driver: $21
  • Hue Walking Street Food Tour: $27
  • Hue City: Cyclo, Market Tour & Cooking Class at Madam Thu: $27
  • Home Cooking Class and Dinner with Local Chef in Hue City: $31
  • HUE : NIGHT WALKING AND STREET FOOD TOUR: $31
  • Hue : Cooking Class with Local Family: $33
  • Cooking Class with Local Family: $33
  • Street Food Tour with a Local Guide: $33
  • Guided Local Food Tour with Tastings: $33
  • Hue : Night Street Food Tour with a Local Guide: $33
  • Home Vegan/Vegetarian Cooking Class with Local Girl: $34

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Surat Thani $5.39
    Hue $11

Tours and Activities in Surat Thani

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Surat Thani.

  • Koh Samui: Minigolf International Entry Ticket: $12
  • Private Taxi Services and Tourism in Koh Samui: $13
  • Samui Go-Karting Experience – Sodikart RT10 Outdoor Race: $21
  • Koh Tao: Full-Day Snorkeling Tour with Lunch & Hotel Pick-up: $25
  • Koh Tao: Half-Day Sunset Snorkeling Tour with Lunch & Pickup: $26
  • Amazing 5 Point Snorkeling Tour in Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan: $28
  • Koh Samui Temple Tour: Big Buddha Guanyin and Na Muang Waterfall: $30
  • Koh Tao: 5-Bay Guided Snorkeling Tour with Photos: $34
  • Ko Samui: Private Longtail Boat Tour to Koh Madsum & Koh Tan: $47
  • Pig Island & Koh Tan Tour by Speed Boat (Snorkeling & Kayaking): $47
  • Koh Pha Ngan: Options Discover of ATV or Zipline Adventures: $48
  • Koh Phangan: Thong Nai Pan & Than Sadet 4x4 Jungle Adventure: $54

Typical Entertainment Prices in Hue

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


  • Boat Ride
    $7.55
  • Bicycle Rental (One Day)
    $1.08
  • Imperial Citadel Entrance
    $3.10
  • Massage at Institute for the Blind
    $1.55

Tours and Activities in Hue

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

  • 13 Days Private Tour Highlights of Cambodia & Vietnam: $4,980
  • 2-Day Scenic Adventure from Hue to Phong Nha and Paradise Caves: $145
  • 3 Hour Guided Sightseeing of Hue Imperial Palace: $27
  • 3 Hours Hue Imperial Walking Tour with Guide: $30
  • 3-Hours Hue Imperial Walking Tour with Guide: $25
  • A Glimpse of Hue Tour: $46
  • All Inclusive Deluxe Hue City Group Tour: $75
  • All Inclusive Hue Private Tour: $185
  • Bach Ma National Park Adventure Trekking Day Trip from Hue: $75
  • Bach Ma National Park And Lang Co Beach Adventure: $129
  • Bach Ma National Park Day Trek Private Tour from Hue: $125
  • Bach Ma National Park Tour From Hue City: $39

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Surat Thani $5.38
    Hue $5.61

Typical Alcohol Prices in Hue

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


  • Beer
    $0.97


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Surat Thani and Hue, we can see that Surat Thani is more expensive. And not only is Hue much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Surat Thani would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Surat Thani 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 Surat Thani Expensive? and Is Hue Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Surat Thani or Hue?

Hue has a larger population, and is about 287220 times larger than the population of Surat Thani. When comparing the sizes of Surat Thani 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 Surat Thani 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 Surat Thani or Hue in the Summer?

Both Hue and Surat Thani during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Surat Thani 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 Surat Thani. Surat Thani usually gets more rain in July than Hue. Surat Thani gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Hue receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

In July, Surat Thani is generally around the same temperature as Hue. Daily temperatures in Surat Thani average around 28°C (82°F), and Hue fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Surat Thani 28°C (82°F) 
    Hue 29°C (85°F)

Should I visit Surat Thani or Hue in the Autumn?

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

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

Surat Thani is around the same temperature as Hue in the autumn. The daily temperature in Surat Thani averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Hue fluctuates around 25°C (78°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Surat Thani 27°C (81°F) 
    Hue 25°C (78°F)

Should I visit Surat Thani or Hue in the Winter?

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

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

In the winter, Surat Thani is a little warmer than Hue. Typically, the winter temperatures in Surat Thani in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Hue averages at about 22°C (71°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Surat Thani 25°C (77°F) 
    Hue 22°C (71°F)

Should I visit Surat Thani or Hue in the Spring?

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

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

In April, Surat Thani is generally around the same temperature as Hue. Daily temperatures in Surat Thani average around 29°C (83°F), and Hue fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Surat Thani 29°C (83°F) 
    Hue 26°C (80°F)

Typical Weather for Hue and Surat Thani

Surat Thani Hue
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 51 mm (2 in) 22°C (71°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)
Feb 26°C (79°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Mar 27°C (81°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 24°C (75°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Apr 29°C (83°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 26°C (80°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
May 29°C (83°F) 164 mm (6.5 in) 29°C (83°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Jun 28°C (83°F) 145 mm (5.7 in) 30°C (85°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 143 mm (5.6 in) 29°C (85°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 29°C (85°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Sep 28°C (82°F) 196 mm (7.7 in) 28°C (82°F) 331 mm (13 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 240 mm (9.5 in) 25°C (78°F) 613 mm (24.1 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 335 mm (13.2 in) 24°C (76°F) 376 mm (14.8 in)
Dec 26°C (78°F) 134 mm (5.3 in) 23°C (73°F) 223 mm (8.8 in)