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

Should you visit Hue or Hangzhou?

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 Hangzhou 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 Hangzhou?

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.

Hangzhou

Hangzhou is a city in Eastern China, about an hour by train from Shanghai, renowned for its historic relics and natural beauty. Each year it attracts more than 20 million tourists who come to see what the city has to offer. Set amongst the natural scenery of lakes and mountains, Hangzhou is modern city that coexists with the old. Historic pagodas and cultural sites built around the central lake sit like they belong amidst the skyscrapers and bustling markets of today.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Vietnam, The Best Cultural Tours in Vietnam, The Best Adventure Tours to China, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in China.


Which place is cheaper, Hangzhou or Hue?

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 Hue is $56, while the average daily cost in Hangzhou is $80. 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 Hangzhou in more detail.



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

Looking for a hotel in Hue or Hangzhou? 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 Hue


Hotels in Hangzhou


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.
    Hue $12
    Hangzhou $8.24
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hue

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


  • Cyclo
    $0.45
  • Short Taxi Ride
    $0.83
  • 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 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 …: $15
  • From Hoi An Bus Transfer with Hai Van Pass & Marble …: $16
  • From One-Way Shared Bus Transfer to Da Nang: $12
  • From Private Car Transfer to Da Nang: $45

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hangzhou

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Hangzhou:


  • Local Bus for Two
    $0.56

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hangzhou

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hangzhou:

  • Private Transfer between Hangzhou Songcheng Park and City Area: $23
  • Private Transfer to Impression West Lake show in Hangzhou: $27
  • Hangzhou Private Transfer: City Hotels to Railway Station: $28
  • [Airport Transfer] Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport ⇔ Hangzhou City Transfer ☆ High reputation for service! <Charter charter>: $29
  • Hangzhou Railway Station Private Arrival Transfer to City Area : $29
  • Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport Private Arrival Transfer to City Area : $29
  • Hangzhou Xiaoshan Int'l Airport Private Departure Transfer from City Area : $29
  • Hangzhou Downtown transfer to Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport: $35
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Hangzhou Train Station to Hangzhou Downtown Hotel: $39
  • Private Hangzhou Airport Transfer from Railway Station: $41
  • Private Hangzhou Airport Transfer to City Hotels or Railway Station: $41
  • Private Hangzhou Airport Transfer from Xixi Wetland Resorts and Hotels: $43

Is it cheaper to fly into Hue or Hangzhou?

Prices for flights to both Hangzhou 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Hue $25
    Hangzhou $31
Typical Food Prices in Hue

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


  • River Night Market Dinner (for Two)
    $7.58
  • Two Sugarcane Drinks
    $0.76
  • Quick Lunch (for Two)
    $2.08
  • 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
  • Hue City: Cyclo, Market Tour & Cooking Class at Madam Thu: $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: $31
  • Hue : Cooking Class with Local Family: $33
  • Street Food Tour with a Local Guide: $33
  • Cooking Class with Local Family: $33
  • Hue : Night Street Food Tour with a Local Guide: $33
  • Guided Local Food Tour with Tastings: $33

Typical Food Prices in Hangzhou

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Hangzhou:


  • Breakfast Pastries
    $2.38
  • Pizza Hut Lunch
    $11

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hangzhou

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

  • All Inclusive Night Tour with Impression West Lake Show VIP Ticket and Dinner: $117
  • Hangzhou One Day Local Food Tour: $124
  • Private Amazing Hangzhou Airport Layover Tour with Lunch or Dinner Option : $170
  • Xitang Water Town Private Night Tour from Hangzhou with Dinner: $203

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hue $11
    Hangzhou $20
Typical Entertainment Prices in Hue

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


  • Boat Ride
    $7.39
  • Bicycle Rental (One Day)
    $1.06
  • Imperial Citadel Entrance
    $3.03
  • 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:

  • Eat like a local with a local - Walking Tour: $2.00
  • Hue Imperial Ancient City Walking Tour: $2.00
  • Traditional Singing on Huong River Ticket: $4.03
  • Private City Tour By Car - English Speaking Driver: $4.72
  • 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: $8.66
  • Experience Paper Flower Making in Hue for a Cause: $10
  • Private City Tour by Car with English-Speaking Driver: $10
  • Imperial City Walk, Motorbike Tour & Private Car Options: $10
  • Hue Royal Tombs Tour Visit 3 Best Tombs & Pagoda: $13
  • Royal Tombs Private Tour with 3 Best Tombs & Pagoda: $13

Tours and Activities in Hangzhou

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

  • Fei Lai Peak (Lingyin Temple) E-Ticket: $12
  • Hangzhou Ghost Market Adventure: Antique Hunt & Bargain Tour: $40
  • A Local Breakfast Experience and TCM visit: $46
  • Hangzhou Bites: Local Guided Market Tour: $49
  • The Key to Zhejiang Culture – Guided Museum Tour: $53
  • Authentic Hangzhou Longjing Tea Culture Experience Tour : $53
  • Best Price: Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $59
  • Skip the Line: Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $65
  • Zhejiang University Guided Campus Tour: $65
  • Zuiyi Hangzhou Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $75
  • Skip the Line Impression West Lake VIP Seat Ticket: $75
  • Jiaxing Wuzhen East and West Day Tour from Hangzhou: $80

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hue $5.49
    Hangzhou $10
Typical Alcohol Prices in Hue

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


  • Beer
    $0.95


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


Which is Bigger, Hue or Hangzhou?

Hangzhou has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Hue. When comparing the sizes of Hue and Hangzhou, 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 Hangzhou?

Hangzhou 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 Hangzhou in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Hue and Hangzhou. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hue year-round.

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

Hangzhou receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Hue usually receives less rain than Hangzhou. Hue gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Hangzhou receives 129 mm (5.1 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.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Hue 29°C (85°F) 
    Hangzhou 29°C (85°F)

Should I visit Hue or Hangzhou in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Hue as well as Hangzhou. Hue attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Hue is a little warmer than Hangzhou in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hue averages around 25°C (78°F) in October, and Hangzhou fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

Hue receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Hue usually gets more rain in October than Hangzhou. Hue gets 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain, while Hangzhou receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year. September to December in Hue is the rainy season.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Hue 25°C (78°F) 
    Hangzhou 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Hue or Hangzhou in the Winter?

Both Hangzhou and Hue are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hue throughout the year.

Hangzhou can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Hue is much warmer than Hangzhou. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hue in January average around 22°C (71°F), and Hangzhou averages at about 5°C (41°F).

It's quite rainy in Hue. In January, Hue usually receives more rain than Hangzhou. Hue gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Hangzhou receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter. The dry season in Hue is March to August.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Hue 22°C (71°F) 
    Hangzhou 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Hue or Hangzhou in the Spring?

Both Hangzhou 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 April, Hue is generally much warmer than Hangzhou. Daily temperatures in Hue average around 26°C (80°F), and Hangzhou fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Hangzhou gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Hue usually gets less rain in April than Hangzhou. Hue gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Hangzhou receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Hue 26°C (80°F) 
    Hangzhou 16°C (61°F)

Typical Weather for Hangzhou and Hue

Hue Hangzhou
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 22°C (71°F) 112 mm (4.4 in) 5°C (41°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Feb 23°C (73°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 6°C (42°F) 88 mm (3.4 in)
Mar 24°C (75°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 10°C (50°F) 115 mm (4.5 in)
Apr 26°C (80°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 16°C (61°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
May 29°C (83°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 21°C (70°F) 159 mm (6.3 in)
Jun 30°C (85°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 25°C (77°F) 185 mm (7.3 in)
Jul 29°C (85°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 29°C (85°F) 129 mm (5.1 in)
Aug 29°C (85°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 29°C (84°F) 145 mm (5.7 in)
Sep 28°C (82°F) 331 mm (13 in) 24°C (76°F) 171 mm (6.7 in)
Oct 25°C (78°F) 613 mm (24.1 in) 19°C (66°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Nov 24°C (76°F) 376 mm (14.8 in) 13°C (56°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 23°C (73°F) 223 mm (8.8 in) 7°C (45°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)