A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hue vs. Koh Tao for Backpackers, Food, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit Hue or Koh Tao?

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 Koh Tao 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.

Hue

Hue is a authentic, ancient, and imperial city. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food. See Hue travel costs.

Koh Tao

Koh Tao is a laid back, mellow, and beautiful island. You'll find world class beauty in Koh Tao as well. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. See Koh Tao travel costs.

Hue and Koh Tao: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hue or Koh Tao?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Koh Tao. Although Hue and Koh Tao are both popular with visitors, Koh Tao has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Koh Tao is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Hue is known for its museums and attractions, historical sights, and shopping. Hue is popular for its imperial buildings and political history as the country's historic capital. Koh Tao is popular for its affordable scuba diving courses, laid-back island vibe, popularity with backpackers, and stunning island hikes. It is also home to Mango Bay Viewpoint.

How is Hue different from Koh Tao?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Hue or Koh Tao?

Hue is great for its historical sights. However, Koh Tao is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Hue can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Koh Tao offers a few options for museum-goers. It's a small island that is all about beachfront beauty. Most visitors enjoy the island's outdoor paradise setting, but on those rainy afternoons, there really are very few indoor activities or temples to visit.

Is the Food Better in Hue or Koh Tao? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Hue and Koh Tao.

Dining out in Hue is an experience not to be missed. 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.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Koh Tao. You'll find a huge ex-pat community on the island, and with them they bring a variety of international cuisines. There are also local establishments that sell the typical Thai dishes with lots of seafood, curries, and noodle dishes. It's fun to enjoy a beachside restaurant that lets you sit right by the water looking off into a tropical paradise.

Is Hue or Koh Tao Better for Nightlife?

Koh Tao 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.

Koh Tao offers plenty to do in the evening. While most people head for the island for its scuba diving, when the sun goes down everyone heads to the beach to party. The island has a very active nightlife scene with its own Full Moon Parties, dance clubs, beachside bars, and more. Head to Sairee Beach for the most active nightlife and entertainment options.

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 Hue or Koh Tao Better for Resorts?

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

In Koh Tao, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. While it's mostly famous as a diving destination, there are also a diversity of resorts, from luxury to affordable, available on the island. The beaches are beautiful and many resorts offer scuba diving packages as well.

Hue is not a resort destination.

Is Hue or Koh Tao Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Koh Tao is terrific for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Hue is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Koh Tao is a world class destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. The island is Thailand's most famous scuba diving destination for it's affordable certifications and prolific dive shops. There are a variety of dive sites near the island, but with fame and popularity come challenges. The coral and sealife is feeling the pressure of the high number of tourists, and the reefs show their damage. But the training you receive here is affordable and well-established.

Hue is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Hue or Koh Tao Better for Beaches?

Koh Tao is terrific for the beach. However, Hue is not a beach destination.

Koh Tao is considered to be a world-class beach destination. The white sand beaches have a mellow vibe with beautiful blue waters. This is a true tropical paradise with beachside cafes, easy snorkeling, and warm water. The beaches range from quiet and isolated to high energy and vibrant.

Hue is not a beach destination.

Is Hue or Koh Tao Better for its Old Town?

Hue is great for its old town. However, Koh Tao does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Hue to see the historical old town. As the former imperial capital, you'll see many temples and historical sites in the city.

Koh Tao does not have a historic old town.

Is Hue or Koh Tao Better for Hiking?

Koh Tao is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Hue is not a hiking destination.

Koh Tao is a popular spot for hiking. Hiking is the best way to enjoy the inland beauty of the island. There are paths that take you through the jungle covered land to viewpoints and remote areas. Many paths are rustic and not always well maintained so it's helpful to ask a local for directions beforehand.

Hue is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hue or Koh Tao?

Hue is great for its shopping opportunities. Also, Koh Tao is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its shopping areas.

Hue is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Many visitors go to Koh Tao to go shopping. The main beach areas of Mae Haad, Sairee, and Chalok Baan Kao have the highest concentration of clothing and dive equipment shops. Because it's an island with limited access, prices can be a bit high.

Is Hue or Koh Tao More Beautiful?

Koh Tao is terrific for its scenery and beauty. However, Hue is not a destination known for its beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Koh Tao as well. The island is famous for its cheap diving scene and underwater beauty, but there are also stunning beaches with crystal blue waters as well as quiet bays.

Hue is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Hue or Koh Tao Better for Families?

Both Hue and Koh Tao are good to visit with kids.

Hue is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Koh Tao is a family-friendly city. The island is popular for its affordable scuba diving certifications, so there are a number of options for families with older kids who'd like to get certified. It's also a more laid back and smaller island than some nearby places, so it's possible to find quiet beaches where your family can relax. Some of the quieter beaches include Sai Nuan and Ao Luek. You'll still find a large number of backpackers on the island, but there's a more chill atmosphere with most visitors focused on scuba diving and exploring.

Is Hue or Koh Tao Better for Couples?

Koh Tao is a well-known place for couples. Also, Hue is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

Koh Tao is a very popular place to visit for couples. This laid back island offers a relaxing honeymoon destination for couples who want to learn to scuba dive and enjoy a bit of tropical paradise. There are beachside restaurants, beautiful blue waters, white sand, and everything you need for your own piece of paradise.

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 Hue or Koh Tao Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Koh Tao is terrific for backpackers. Also, Hue is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Koh Tao is a very popular island to visit for backpackers. The island is an oasis for backpackers who want to enjoy the mellow island life, learn to scuba dive cheaply, and have fun at a beachside party. There are plenty of affordable places to stay and countless opportunities to meet other backpackers. The island is also well connected to other nearby islands.

Hue is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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 Hue or Koh Tao Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Hue is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Koh Tao is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Hue offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Cyclos, motorbikes, and local bus are the most common ways to get around the city.

Public transit is generally limited in Koh Tao. You can rent a motorbike or bicycle to explore the island. There are also taxis and taxi boats available.

Is Hue or Koh Tao a more walkable city?

Hue and Koh Tao both are high quality when exploring on foot.

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

Koh Tao is very walkable. The island is smaller than many islands in Thailand, and the small towns are usually no more than 5 kilometers apart. It's also possible to walk around most of the small towns.

For even more information, also check out Is Hue Worth Visiting? and Is Koh Tao Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Koh Tao or Hue?

How long in Hue or Koh Tao?

Both Hue and Koh Tao have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Koh Tao than in Hue. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Hue, and 2-7 days is enough time in Koh Tao.

Families should spend more time in Koh Tao than Hue. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Koh Tao, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Koh Tao than Hue. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Koh Tao that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Koh Tao than Hue 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 Koh Tao.

One day in Hue or Koh Tao?

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.

With nightlife and food around the beautiful destination of Koh Tao, 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.

A weekend in Hue or Koh Tao?

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.

Many people visit Koh Tao for a weekend. With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the popular island of Koh Tao, there's plenty to do. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Hue or Koh Tao?

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.

With scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the destination of Koh Tao, there's plenty to do. Many people spend five days here. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

A week in Hue or Koh Tao?

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.

Koh Tao, a popular island, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for one week. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week is usually enough time to experience most activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Vietnam, The Best Cultural Tours in Vietnam, The Best Tours for Seniors to Thailand, and The Best Contiki Tours to Thailand.

When comparing the travel costs between Hue and Koh Tao, we can see that Hue 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. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Hue or Koh Tao?

Hue has a larger population, and is about 210 times larger than the population of Koh Tao. When comparing the sizes of Hue and Koh Tao, 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 Koh Tao?

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 Hue or Koh Tao in the Summer?

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

Also, March to August in Hue is the dry season. September to December in Hue is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Koh Tao. Hue usually gets less rain in July than Koh Tao. Hue gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hue this time of the year. In the summer, Hue often gets more sunshine than Koh Tao. Hue gets 242 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Tao receives 195 hours of full sun.

In July, Hue is generally a little warmer than Koh Tao. Daily temperatures in Hue average around 29°C (85°F), and Koh Tao fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).

Should I visit Hue or Koh Tao in the Autumn?

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

The rainy season in Hue is September to December. The rainy season in Koh Tao is October and November. It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Tao. It's quite rainy in Hue. In October, Hue usually receives more rain than Koh Tao. Hue gets 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 276 mm (10.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Hue usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Koh Tao during autumn. Hue gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Tao receives 167 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Hue is around the same temperature as Koh Tao in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hue averages around 25°C (78°F) in October, and Koh Tao fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).

Should I visit Hue or Koh Tao in the Winter?

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

March to August is the dry season in Hue. February to June is the dry season in Koh Tao. It rains a lot this time of the year in Hue. Hue usually gets more rain in January than Koh Tao. Hue gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

In Koh Tao, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Hue often gets less sunshine than Koh Tao. Hue gets 136 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Tao receives 255 hours of full sun.

In the winter, Hue is around the same temperature as Koh Tao. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hue in January average around 22°C (71°F), and Koh Tao averages at about 22°C (72°F).

Should I visit Hue or Koh Tao in the Spring?

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

February to June in Koh Tao is the dry season. In April, Hue usually receives less rain than Koh Tao. Hue gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Koh Tao this time of the year. In Hue, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hue usually receives less sunshine than Koh Tao during spring. Hue gets 210 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Tao receives 239 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Hue is generally around the same temperature as Koh Tao. Daily temperatures in Hue average around 26°C (80°F), and Koh Tao fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

Typical Weather for Koh Tao and Hue