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

Should you visit Ao Nang or Hue?

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

Should I visit Ao Nang 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.

Ao Nang

Ao Nang is a accessible, popular, and beachfront town. Ao Nang offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Ao Nang travel costs.

Hue

Hue is a imperial, cultural, and authentic city. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Hue travel costs.

Ao Nang and Hue: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ao Nang or Hue?

Both Hue and Ao Nang have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Ao Nang is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Hue attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, food, historical sights, and shopping. Ao Nang is famous for its easy access to nearby natural beauty. Hue is famous for its imperial buildings and political history as the country's historic capital.

How is Ao Nang different from Hue?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Ao Nang or Hue?

Hue is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Ao Nang is lacking in good options for its 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.

Ao Nang offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most of the fun of this town is the beach setting and easy access to natural beauty. If you're looking for a temple, you can check out nearby Wat Tham Suea (Tiger Cavee Temple).

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

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

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.

Ao Nang offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are plenty of restaurants that are vying for your business. The food is the typical Thai cuisine as well as international options like pizza and burgers.

Is Ao Nang or Hue Better for Nightlife?

Ao Nang is a well-known place for its evening party scene. Also, Hue is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

Ao Nang offers plenty to do in the evening. It has some of the best nightlife in the province of Krabi. There are many bars and restaurants where you can grab a drink and enjoy a fun night out.

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 Ao Nang or Hue Better for Resorts?

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

In Ao Nang, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. It's a resort town with many diverse places to choose from, including budget-friendly and more upscale.

Hue is not a resort destination.

Is Ao Nang or Hue Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Ao Nang is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. There are plenty of dive shops that offer both snorkeling and dive excursions to nearby areas.

Hue is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Ao Nang or Hue Better for Beaches?

Ao Nang is a town with good options for the beach. However, Hue is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Ao Nang. Ao Nang Beach is the most popular beach near town. It is lined with longtail boats and there's often a crowd that keeps things busy and chaotic. Noppharat Thara Beach is popular with the locals and sees less tourists than Ao Nang Beach. It has golden sand and a beautiful setting.

Hue is not a beach destination.

Is Ao Nang or Hue Better for its Old Town?

Hue is a very popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Ao Nang 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.

Ao Nang does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Ao Nang or Hue?

Hue is a very popular place for its shopping areas. Also, Ao Nang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Ao Nang is a great destination for shopping. You'll find some of the best shopping in the province of Krabi along Catalunya Walking Street in Ao Nang.

Is Ao Nang or Hue More Beautiful?

Ao Nang is a town with good options for its scenery and beauty. However, Hue is not a destination known for its beauty.

Ao Nang offers plenty of beauty for visitors. The surrounding area is filled with stunning beauty and wonderful excursions.

Hue is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Ao Nang or Hue Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Ao Nang or Hue.

Ao Nang is a family-friendly town. The sandy beaches are great for kids. This is also a nice base if you want to take day trips to Railay Beach and other nearby areas.

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 Ao Nang or Hue Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Ao Nang and Hue make for a nice place to visit.

Ao Nang is a good town for couples to visit. The area is filled with amazing natural beauty and stunning beaches. You can use Ao Nang as a base for exploring the many impressive areas that aren't far away.

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 Ao Nang or Hue Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ao Nang and Hue are both excellent destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Ao Nang. There are hostels and budget accommodation in abundance in the area. Ao Nang also has some of the best nightlife in Krabi, which attracts a younger crowd.

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

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Ao Nang and Hue.

Ao Nang has some public transit options. Tuk tuks or renting a motorbike are your best bet for reaching places quickly.

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 Ao Nang or Hue a more walkable city?

Ao Nang and Hue are excellent when it comes to walkability.

Ao Nang is a very walkable destination. It's a small town, so most places can be reached on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Hue or Ao Nang?

How long in Ao Nang or Hue?

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

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

With nightlife and food around the beachfront destination of Ao Nang, 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.

In Hue, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Ao Nang or Hue?

Many people visit Ao Nang for a weekend. With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the accessible town of Ao Nang, there's plenty to do. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

In Hue, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Hue has to offer.

Five days in Ao Nang or Hue?

The destination of Ao Nang offers scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. 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.

Hue is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Ao Nang or Hue?

Ao Nang, a popular town, 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hue. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Hue. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in Thailand, The Best Budget Tours to Thailand, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Vietnam, and The Best Cultural Tours in Vietnam.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ao Nang and Hue, we can see that Ao Nang 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 Ao Nang would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ao Nang 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 Ao Nang Expensive? and Is Hue Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ao Nang or Hue?

Hue has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Ao Nang. When comparing the sizes of Ao Nang 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 Ao Nang 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 Ao Nang or Hue in the Summer?

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

August to October in Ao Nang is the rainy season. Also, March to August in Hue is the dry season. September to December in Hue is the rainy season. Ao Nang receives a lot of rain in the summer. Ao Nang usually gets more rain in July than Hue. Ao Nang gets 287 mm (11.3 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. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ao Nang this time of the year. In the summer, Ao Nang often gets less sunshine than Hue. Ao Nang gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hue receives 242 hours of full sun.

Ao Nang is around the same temperature as Hue in the summer. The daily temperature in Ao Nang averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Hue fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).

Should I visit Ao Nang or Hue in the Autumn?

Both Hue and Ao Nang are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ao Nang 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 Ao Nang is December to March. The rainy season in Ao Nang is August 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 Ao Nang. In October, Ao Nang usually receives less rain than Hue. Ao Nang gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Hue receives 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Ao Nang usually receives more sunshine than Hue during autumn. Ao Nang gets 181 hours of sunny skies, while Hue receives 158 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In the autumn, Ao Nang is around the same temperature as Hue. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ao Nang in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Hue averages at about 25°C (78°F).

Should I visit Ao Nang or Hue in the Winter?

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

December to March is the dry season in Ao Nang. March to August is the dry season in Hue. Hue gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Ao Nang usually gets less rain in January than Hue. Ao Nang gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Hue receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

It's quite sunny in Ao Nang. In the winter, Ao Nang often gets more sunshine than Hue. Ao Nang gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hue receives 136 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit Ao Nang or Hue in the Spring?

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

Ao Nang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Ao Nang usually receives more rain than Hue. Ao Nang gets 120 mm (4.7 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 Ao Nang, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ao Nang usually receives more sunshine than Hue during spring. Ao Nang gets 249 hours of sunny skies, while Hue receives 210 hours of full sun in the spring.

Ao Nang is around the same temperature as Hue in the spring. The daily temperature in Ao Nang averages around 29°C (84°F) in April, and Hue fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

Typical Weather for Hue and Ao Nang