A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hue vs. Milford Sound for Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Hue or Milford Sound?

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

Milford Sound

Milford Sound is a breathtaking, world renowned, and remote fiord. You'll find world class beauty in Milford Sound as well. Other popular activities here include skiing and hiking. See Milford Sound travel costs.

Hue and Milford Sound: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hue or Milford Sound?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hue. Although Hue and Milford Sound are popular destinations, Hue has more sights and attractions for tourists. Hue is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Milford Sound attracts visitors for its skiing, hiking, and impressive beauty. Hue is more touristy than Milford Sound and is popular for its imperial buildings and political history as the country's historic capital. It is also well known for Imperial City. Milford Sound is famous for its iconic hiking trails, stunning boat tours, and dramatic mountains.

How is Hue different from Milford Sound?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Hue or Milford Sound Better for Skiing?

Milford Sound is a well-known place for snow skiing. However, Hue is not a skiing destination.

Milford Sound is a well-known ski destination which attracts visitors from far and wide. Many locals head to the snow-capped peaks to enjoy skiing, but if you're unfamiliar with the area, a ski tour is your best option.

Hue is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Hue or Milford Sound?

Hue is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Milford Sound does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Hue. 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.

Milford Sound does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Hue or Milford Sound? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hue is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options 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.

While Milford Sound is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. You'll find a restaurant or two in the small town of Milford Sound. Your best option is the Milford Sound Lodge. In the park you'll want to come prepared with your own food. Many organized tours include a picnic lunch.

Is Hue or Milford Sound Better for Nightlife?

Hue is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for nightlife.

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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Milford Sound. Things get quiet at night and there's little in the form of nightlife.

Is Hue or Milford Sound Better for its Old Town?

Hue is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Milford Sound does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Hue. As the former imperial capital, you'll see many temples and historical sites in the city.

Milford Sound does not have a historic old town.

Is Hue or Milford Sound Better for Hiking?

Milford Sound is terrific for the nearby hiking options. However, Hue is not a hiking destination.

Around Milford Sound visitors will find world-class hiking trails. The Milford Track has long been considered one of the world's best hikes. It's also, arguably, the most famous hike in New Zealand. The 53 kilometer trek takes you from Lake Te Anau through stunning scenery, alpine settings, and across spectacular suspension bridges.

Hue is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hue or Milford Sound?

Hue is an excellent place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Milford Sound is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Milford Sound is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Hue or Milford Sound More Beautiful?

Milford Sound is terrific for its scenery and beauty. However, Hue is not a destination known for its beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Milford Sound as well. This is one of the most spectacular natural settings in New Zealand. The remoteness, combined with the mountains, waterfalls, and stunning views make this a true bucket list destination.

Hue is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Hue or Milford Sound Better for Families?

Milford Sound is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Hue is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Milford Sound is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The outdoor wonders will impress the kids as much as the adults. There are shorter walks that are family-friendly and the boat rides are also fun for the whole family. You can take a scenic flight or visit the stunning Mirror Lakes. This really is a playground for both kids and adults.

Hue is a family-friendly city. 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 Hue or Milford Sound Better for Couples?

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

Milford Sound is a very popular place to visit for couples. This is one of the most stunning natural areas in the world, and the romance comes from the spectacular beauty, world class hikes, and breathtaking surroundings that will leave you awed and inspired.

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 Milford Sound Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hue is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Milford Sound is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Milford Sound. The area's remoteness and high price tag make it a bit challenging for backpackers and budget travelers. If you have plenty of time and enough money, it is truly a not to be missed destination.

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

Hue is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for its public transit.

Hue has some public transit options. Cyclos, motorbikes, and local bus are the most common ways to get around the city.

Public transit is generally limited in Milford Sound. There are buses in the area, but private vehicles or organized tours are your best option for getting around.

Is Hue or Milford Sound a more walkable city?

Hue is an excellent place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for its walkability.

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

Milford Sound is not a walkable city. This is one of the most remote places in New Zealand so you really must have a car or organized transportation to get around.

For even more information, also check out Is Hue Worth Visiting? and Is Milford Sound Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Milford Sound or Hue?

How long in Hue or Milford Sound?

Hue and Milford Sound both offer a nice selection of activities for visitors. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Milford Sound than Hue because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Hue, and 2-6 days is enough time in Milford Sound.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Hue than Milford Sound 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 Hue or Milford Sound?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the ancient destination of Hue. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

With skiing around the world renowned destination of Milford Sound, there's plenty to do. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. 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 Milford Sound?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hue. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Many people visit Milford Sound for a weekend. With skiing around the remote fiord of Milford Sound, there's plenty to do. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. 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 Milford Sound?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural destination of Hue. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

With skiing around the destination of Milford Sound, there's plenty to do. Many people spend five days here. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

A week in Hue or Milford Sound?

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Hue. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Milford Sound, a popular fiord, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Vietnam, The Best Cultural Tours in Vietnam, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in New Zealand, and The Best Luxury Tours to New Zealand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hue and Milford Sound, we can see that Milford Sound is more expensive. And not only is Hue much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Hue is in Asia and Milford Sound is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Milford Sound would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Milford Sound 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 Milford Sound Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Hue or Milford Sound?

Hue has a larger population, and is about 660 times larger than the population of Milford Sound. When comparing the sizes of Hue and Milford Sound, 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.