Which place is cheaper, Guilin or Hue?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Hue or Guilin?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Hue and Guilin 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: Hue or Guilin?
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.
Guilin
Guilin is a city in Southern China situated on the west bank of the Li River with Hunan to the north. Its name means, "Forest of Sweet Osmanthus," owing to the large number of fragrant Sweet Osmanthus trees located in the city. Products like tea, sugar, and wine, can be made from the tree and are found in many shops throughout Guilin. A popular tourist destination, the city is renowned for its scenery of karst topography with unique mountains jutting out of the urban landscape.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Vietnam, The Best Cultural Tours in Vietnam, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in China, and The Best Historical Tours in China.
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Hue Prices
Vietnam PricesGuilin Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHue $56Guilin $84
The average daily cost (per person) in Hue is $56, while the average daily cost in Guilin is $84. 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 Hue and Guilin in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHue $22Guilin $35
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHue $44Guilin $70
Compare Hotels in Hue and Guilin
Looking for a hotel in Hue or Guilin? 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.
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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Hue $12Guilin $5.85
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hue
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Hue:
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Cyclo$0.45
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Short Taxi Ride$0.83
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Taxi Ride to Tombs$13
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hue
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hue:
- Bus Transfer From Hue to Phong Nha 1 Way: $19
- Bus Transfer From Hue - Phong Nha: $16
- Da Nang Airport: Private Transfer to/from Hue City: $94
- Deluxe Transfer Hue to Hoi An by Amazing way: $25
- From Hoi An or Da Nang : Hue City Motorbike Transfer: $61
- From Hue : Transfer Hue To Hoi An with Sightseeing Stops: $16
- From Hue to Golden Bridge - Ba Na Via Hai Van Pass (Private Roundtrip Transfer): $85
- 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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Guilin
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Guilin are as follows:
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Taxi$2.80
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guilin
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Guilin:
- One Way Transfer Service between Guilin city and airport: $17
- Private Arrival Transfer: Guilin Train Stations to Downtown Hotel: $17
- Private Departure Transfer from Hotel to Guilin Train Stations: $17
- Guilin Transfer Services: Airport,train station & hotel: $18
- [Airport Transfer] Haikou Airport ⇔ Haikou City Transfer ☆ High reputation for service! <Charter charter> *: $23
- Private Arrival Transfer: Guilin International Airport (KWL) to Downtown Hotel: $25
- Private Departure Transfer: Downtown Guilin Hotel to Airport (KWL): $25
- Private Airport Transfer:Guilin Hotel to Guilin Liangjiang International Airport: $35
- Private Airport Transfer: Guilin Liangjiang International Aiport to Guilin Hotel: $35
- Transfer from Guilin Hotels to Yangshuo Town: $37
- Private Transfer from Guilin hotel to Yangshuo hotel: $37
- Guilin Railway stations Transfer Service: $37
Is it cheaper to fly into Hue or Guilin?
Prices for flights to both Guilin and Hue 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
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Food Meals for one dayHue $25Guilin $39
Typical Food Prices in Hue
Some typical examples of dining costs in Hue are as follows:
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River Night Market Dinner (for Two)$7.58
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Two Sugarcane Drinks$0.76
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Quick Lunch (for Two)$2.08
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Sitdown Dinner (for Two)$4.17
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hue
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Hue.
- Hue Food Tour by Walking or Cyclo or Motorbike with Driver: $21
- Walking Street Food tour in Hue: $26
- Hue Walking Street Food Tour: $27
- Eat Like a Local with a Local Hue Food Tour : $30
- Home Cooking Class and Dinner with Local Chef in Hue City: $31
- HUE : NIGHT WALKING AND STREET FOOD TOUR: $32
- Hue : Night Street Food Tour with a Local Guide: $32
- Hue Half Day Tour: Sunset on Tam Giang Lagoon with Dinner: $33
- Hue : Cooking Class with Local Family: $33
- Cooking Class with Local Family: $34
- Street Food Tour with a Local Guide: $34
- Guided Local Food Tour with Tastings: $34
Typical Food Prices in Guilin
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Guilin:
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Fresh Coconut Drink$1.40
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Guilin
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Guilin.
- Half day Yangshuo Cooking lesson Small Group Tour: $62
- Full-Day Li-River with the 4 Star Luxury Boat VIP Room and Yangshuo Cooking Tour: $286
- Countryside Cycling 1-day Tour with Cooking Class: $306
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Hue $11Guilin $28
Typical Entertainment Prices in Hue
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Hue are as follows:
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Boat Ride$7.39
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Bicycle Rental (One Day)$1.06
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Imperial Citadel Entrance$3.03
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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: $4.07
- Private City Tour By Car - English Speaking Driver: $5.91
- Vietnam Song Lab Digital Art Center Entry Ticket: $7.66
- Hue Imperial City 3 Hour Walking Tour for Budget Travelers: $8.00
- City Tour with Driver - Customized Your Own Itinerary: $8.67
- Imperial City Walk, Motorbike Tour & Private Car Options: $10
- Private City Tour by Car with English-Speaking Driver: $10
- Experience Paper Flower Making in Hue for a Cause: $10
- Hue Royal Tombs Tour Visit 3 Best Tombs & Pagoda: $13
- HUE - HOI AN BUS TOUR 4 STOPS VIA HAI VAN PASS: $14
Typical Entertainment Prices in Guilin
Here are a few typical costs in Guilin for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Entrance to the Caves$17
Tours and Activities in Guilin
Here are a few actual costs in Guilin for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Guilin Four lakes night cruise with the English speaking driver from Guilin hotel: $47
- Kayaking Adventure with Local Guide(beginner friendly): $51
- Half-Day Self-Guided Yangshuo Xianggong Hill Sunrise Tour: $52
- 1-Day tour of Guilin-LiRiver cruise-Yangshuo Xianggong hill : $55
- GUILIN:kayaking adventure with local guide: $60
- Private Full-Day City Tour with Fubo Hill: $61
- Guilin English tour guide service : $62
- Private Day Tour: Longji Terraces Cultural Villages and Hike : $69
- Full-Day Guilin Essence and Lifestyle Walking Tour: $69
- Private day tour :Guilin-LiRiver bamboo boat-Yangshuo Highlights : $70
- 1-DAY Private Longji Rice Terraces and Minority Villages Tour: $70
- City Tour with Elephant Hill & Ming Tea Tasting: $71
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHue $5.49Guilin $5.81
Typical Alcohol Prices in Hue
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Hue:
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Beer$0.95
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hue and Guilin, we can see that Guilin 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 Guilin would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Guilin 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 Hue Expensive? and Is Guilin Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Hue or Guilin?
Guilin has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Hue. When comparing the sizes of Hue and Guilin, 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 Hue or Guilin?
Guilin has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Hue experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Hue or Guilin in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Hue and Guilin. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hue year-round.
In the summer, Hue is around the same temperature as Guilin. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hue in July average around 29°C (85°F), and Guilin averages at about 30°C (86°F).
Guilin receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Hue usually receives less rain than Guilin. Hue gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Guilin receives 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain each month for the summer. March to August in Hue is the dry season. Also, September to December is the rainy season in Hue.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyHue 29°C (85°F)Guilin 30°C (86°F)
Should I visit Hue or Guilin in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Hue as well as Guilin. Hue attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In October, Hue is generally a little warmer than Guilin. Daily temperatures in Hue average around 25°C (78°F), and Guilin fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
Hue receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Hue usually gets more rain in October than Guilin. Hue gets 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain, while Guilin receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year. September to December in Hue is the rainy season.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHue 25°C (78°F)Guilin 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Hue or Guilin in the Winter?
Both Guilin and Hue are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hue throughout the year.
Hue is much warmer than Guilin in the winter. The daily temperature in Hue averages around 22°C (71°F) in January, and Guilin fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).
It's quite rainy in Hue. In January, Hue usually receives more rain than Guilin. Hue gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Guilin receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter. The dry season in Hue is March to August.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHue 22°C (71°F)Guilin 10°C (49°F)
Should I visit Hue or Guilin in the Spring?
Both Guilin and Hue during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Hue because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the spring, Hue is a little warmer than Guilin. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hue in April average around 26°C (80°F), and Guilin averages at about 20°C (68°F).
Guilin gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Hue usually gets less rain in April than Guilin. Hue gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Guilin receives 263 mm (10.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilHue 26°C (80°F)Guilin 20°C (68°F)
Typical Weather for Guilin and Hue
| Hue | Guilin | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 22°C (71°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Feb | 23°C (73°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Mar | 24°C (75°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (80°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 263 mm (10.3 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 334 mm (13.2 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (85°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 320 mm (12.6 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (85°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 206 mm (8.1 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 168 mm (6.6 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 331 mm (13 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (78°F) | 613 mm (24.1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) |
| Nov | 24°C (76°F) | 376 mm (14.8 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 223 mm (8.8 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.