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

Should you visit Zanzibar 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 Zanzibar 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: Zanzibar or Hue?

Zanzibar

Just off the coast of Tanzania lies an entrancing archipelago known as Zanzibar. This gorgeous string of islands is the land of sultans, palaces beaches and spice-filled markets. Once an important trading center, many restorations have been done in recent years to restore Zanzibar to its ancient grandeur - earning its capital city UNESCO World Heritage status in 2000.

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 Eco Tours in Tanzania, The Best Cultural Tours in Tanzania, The Best Eco Tours in Vietnam, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in Vietnam.


Which place is cheaper, Hue or Zanzibar?

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 Zanzibar is $62, while the average daily cost in Hue is $56. 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 Zanzibar and Hue in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Zanzibar $24
    Hue $22
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Zanzibar $48
    Hue $44
Compare Hotels in Zanzibar and Hue

Looking for a hotel in Zanzibar 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 Zanzibar


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: Zanzibar Hotel Prices and Hue Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Zanzibar $11
    Hue $12

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zanzibar

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zanzibar:

  • Premium Private Transfer in Zanzibar – Airport, Hotels, Beaches: $20
  • Zanzibar Airport Transfers Pickup and Drop off/departure: $20
  • Zanzibar Taxi & Transfer Services – From Airport to All Resorts: $20
  • Zanzibar Airport Private Transfer to/from Hotel: $20
  • Zanzibar Airport Transfers to Hotels: $20
  • Zanzibar Airport Transfers to Hotels: $20
  • Zanzibar Departure Transfer from Stone Town Hotels to the Airport: $20
  • Airport to Stown Town or Stown Town To Airport transfer: $20
  • Abeid Amani Karume Airport Pick-Up & Hotel Transfer in Zanzibar: $20
  • Private Airport Transfers to Stone Town and Beyond: $20
  • Airport Taxi and Hotel Transfer Service in Zanzibar: $20
  • Zanzibar Arrival Transfer: Zanzibar Airport to Hotel: $20

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
    $0.84
  • Taxi Ride to Tombs
    $13

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hue

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hue:

  • Bus Transfer From Hue - Phong Nha: $16
  • Da Nang Airport: Private Transfer to/from Hue City: $94
  • From Hue : Transfer Hue To Hoi An with Sightseeing Stops: $16
  • From Hue Sightseeing Transfer to Hoi An and An Bang Cemetery: $50
  • From Bus Transfer to Hoi An with Sightseeing Stops: $15
  • From Hoi An Bus Transfer with 4 Sightseeing Stops: $13
  • From Hoi An Bus Transfer with Hai Van Pass & Marble …: $16
  • From Hoi An Bus Transfer with Hai Van Pass & Marble …: $15
  • From One-Way Shared Bus Transfer to Da Nang: $12
  • From Private Car Transfer to Da Nang: $45
  • From Private Transfer to Phong Nha with DMZ Sightseeing: $75
  • From Sightseeing Transfer to Hoi An & An Bang Cemetery: $26

Is it cheaper to fly into Zanzibar or Hue?

Prices for flights to both Hue and Zanzibar 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
    Zanzibar $28
    Hue $25

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zanzibar

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

  • Authentic Street Food Tours in Stone Town, Zanzibar: $40
  • Zanzibar Walking Spice Farm with Local Cooking Class: $50
  • Local Cooking Class with Spice Tour in Zanzibar: $60
  • Zanzibar Cooking Lesson: $70
  • Traditional Cooking Class in Zanzibar: $76
  • Zanzibar Spice & Night Market: Cooking & Street Food Tour: $80
  • Zanzibar Private Tour & Cooking Class: $110
  • Zanzibar Sunset Dinner Dhow Cruise Kendwa Nungwi: $130
  • Zanzibar Full-Day Tour Jozani Forest and Swahili Cooking Class: $130
  • Exclusive Private Sunset Dinner Sail along North Coast Zanzibar: $140
  • Spice Tour; Secret Garden Restaurant; Stone Town; Dinner at The Rock Restaurant: $140
  • Private Dinner on Sandbank in Zanzibar: $150

Typical Food Prices in Hue

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


  • River Night Market Dinner (for Two)
    $7.60
  • Two Sugarcane Drinks
    $0.76
  • Quick Lunch (for Two)
    $2.09
  • Sitdown Dinner (for Two)
    $4.18

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
  • Hue Specialty Food Cooking Class-Authentic experience with local: $29
  • Hue Night Walking And Street Food Tour: $30
  • 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
  • Hue : Night Street Food Tour with a Local Guide: $33
  • Guided Local Food Tour with Tastings: $33
  • Street Food Tour with a Local Guide: $33

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Zanzibar $13
    Hue $11

Tours and Activities in Zanzibar

Here are a few actual costs in Zanzibar for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Nyange Sandbank & Snorkelling tour with BBQ lunch: $12
  • Stone Town Hidden Gems: Historical Walking Tour with Local Guide: $13
  • Private Stone Town Cultural & Historical Walking Tour - Zanzibar: $16
  • Guided Stone Town Tour In Zanzibar: $18
  • Stone Town Walking Tour in Zanzibar: $18
  • City Tour with French guide: $18
  • Zanzibar Spice Farm Tour & Exotic Fruit Lunch: $19
  • 3 Hours Private Stone Town Walking Tour: $19
  • City tours zanzibar: $20
  • Zanzibar Stone Town Walking Tour: $20
  • Zanzibar stone town city tour: $20
  • Daily Karibu Assalam Tour: $20

Typical Entertainment Prices in Hue

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


  • Boat Ride
    $7.41
  • Bicycle Rental (One Day)
    $1.06
  • Imperial Citadel Entrance
    $3.04
  • Massage at Institute for the Blind
    $1.52

Tours and Activities in Hue

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

  • Hue Imperial Ancient City Walking Tour: $2.00
  • Eat like a local with a local - Walking Tour: $2.00
  • Traditional Singing on Huong River Ticket: $4.03
  • Private City Tour By Car - English Speaking Driver: $4.72
  • Imperial City Walk, Motorbike Tour & Private Car Options: $7.00
  • City Tour with Driver - Customized Your Own Itinerary: $8.66
  • Hue City Flexible Sightseeing Tour by Private Car: $10
  • Experience Paper Flower Making in Hue for a Cause: $10
  • Private City Tour by Car with English-Speaking Driver: $10
  • Hue Royal Tombs Tour Visit 3 Best Tombs & Pagoda: $13
  • Royal Tombs Private Tour with 3 Best Tombs & Pagoda: $13
  • HUE - HOI AN BUS TOUR 4 STOPS VIA HAI VAN PASS: $14

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Zanzibar $6.75
    Hue $5.51

Typical Alcohol Prices in Hue

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


  • Beer
    $0.95


When comparing the travel costs between Zanzibar and Hue, we can see that Zanzibar 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. Even though Zanzibar is in Africa and Hue is in Asia, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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


Which is Bigger, Zanzibar or Hue?

Zanzibar has a larger population, and is about 41% larger than the population of Hue. When comparing the sizes of Zanzibar 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 Zanzibar 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 Zanzibar or Hue in the Summer?

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

March to August in Hue is the dry season. Also, September to December is the rainy season in Hue. In July, Zanzibar usually receives less rain than Hue. Zanzibar gets 31 mm (1.2 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 Zanzibar, it's very sunny this time of the year. Zanzibar usually receives less sunshine than Hue during summer. Zanzibar gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Hue receives 242 hours of full sun in the summer.

Zanzibar is cooler than Hue in the summer. The daily temperature in Zanzibar averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Hue fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Zanzibar 25°C (77°F) 
    Hue 29°C (85°F)

Should I visit Zanzibar or Hue in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Zanzibar as well as Hue. Zanzibar 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. Zanzibar usually gets less rain in October than Hue. Zanzibar gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Hue receives 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zanzibar this time of the year. In the autumn, Zanzibar often gets more sunshine than Hue. Zanzibar gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hue receives 158 hours of full sun.

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


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Zanzibar 25°C (78°F) 
    Hue 25°C (78°F)

Should I visit Zanzibar or Hue in the Winter?

Both Hue and Zanzibar are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Zanzibar 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 Hue is March to August. It rains a lot this time of the year in Hue. In January, Zanzibar usually receives less rain than Hue. Zanzibar gets 78 mm (3.1 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 Zanzibar. Zanzibar usually receives more sunshine than Hue during winter. Zanzibar gets 236 hours of sunny skies, while Hue receives 136 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Zanzibar is generally a little warmer than Hue. Daily temperatures in Zanzibar average around 28°C (82°F), and Hue fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Zanzibar 28°C (82°F) 
    Hue 22°C (71°F)

Should I visit Zanzibar or Hue in the Spring?

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

It rains a lot this time of the year in Zanzibar. Zanzibar usually gets more rain in April than Hue. Zanzibar gets 269 mm (10.6 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. In the spring, Zanzibar often gets less sunshine than Hue. Zanzibar gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hue receives 210 hours of full sun.

Zanzibar is around the same temperature as Hue in the spring. The daily temperature in Zanzibar averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Hue fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Zanzibar 27°C (81°F) 
    Hue 26°C (80°F)

Typical Weather for Hue and Zanzibar

Zanzibar Hue
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°C (82°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 22°C (71°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 52 mm (2 in) 23°C (73°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Mar 28°C (83°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 24°C (75°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 269 mm (10.6 in) 26°C (80°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
May 26°C (78°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 29°C (83°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 30°C (85°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 29°C (85°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 29°C (85°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Sep 25°C (76°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 28°C (82°F) 331 mm (13 in)
Oct 25°C (78°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 25°C (78°F) 613 mm (24.1 in)
Nov 27°C (80°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 24°C (76°F) 376 mm (14.8 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 23°C (73°F) 223 mm (8.8 in)