A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hue vs. Nara for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Old Town

Should you visit Hue or Nara?

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 Nara 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 ancient, imperial, and cultural city. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping. See Hue travel costs.

Nara

Nara is a historic, cultural, and traditional city. Nara offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and hiking. See Nara travel costs.

Hue and Nara: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hue or Nara?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Nara than Hue, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Nara is more popular for its nightlife, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Hue is known for its food and historical sights. Hue is more touristy than Nara and is known for its imperial buildings and political history as the country's historic capital. Nara is popular for its many temples and shrines, its beautiful natural areas, and its free roaming deer. It is also home to Nara Park.

How is Hue different from Nara?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Nara 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 Nara?

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Hue or Nara.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Nara. The city is filled with history. There are many ancient temples such as Tōdai-ji Temple, Kofuku-ji Temple, Yakushi-ji Temple, and Tōshōdai-ji Temple. You can also visit the Nara National Museum as well as the many parks and gardens.

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

Hue is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Nara is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Hue. 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.

Nara is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The cuisine is simple and traditional with its roots in the history of the area. Many residents start their morning with a simple rice porridge. The area is also known for its persimmon leaf sushi and miwa somen (a thin, chewy noodle).

Is Hue or Nara Better for Nightlife?

Nara 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.

Nara offers plenty to do in the evening. The town offers a serene and relaxed atmosphere at night. There are plenty of bars around town that are known for their friendly bartenders and you'll find many of the bars in Naramachi, which is the old town area.

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 Nara Better for its Old Town?

Hue is notable for its old town. Also, Nara is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its historic old town charm.

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.

Nara has an old town worth visiting. Naramachi is the old town of Nara. This is the old merchant district and today you'll find several traditional residential buildings and warehouses that are open to the public.

Is Hue or Nara Better for Hiking?

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

Nara is a popular spot for hiking. The city is all about its surrounding nature. There are historic pilgrim routes that pass through the hills and mountains, taking you by sacred sights and ancient forests. In the area you'll find some of Japan's most ancient byways.

Hue is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hue or Nara?

Both Hue and Nara are excellent shopping destinations.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Nara. Sanjo-dori is the main street through town. This is where you'll find many souvenir shops that sell local items and traditional food. Mochiido Center Town is the oldest shopping arcade in town and it is filled with history.

Is Hue or Nara More Beautiful?

Nara is a city with good options for its scenery and beauty. However, Hue is not a destination known for its beauty.

Nara offers plenty of beauty for visitors. The city is filled with green space, parks, and natural areas. You'll find deer roaming freely and tranquil lawns where you can relax.

Hue is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Hue or Nara Better for Families?

Nara 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.

Nara is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Head to Nara Park for a bit of nature in the city. Deer roam freely in the park, which is filled with pine trees and beautiful lawns. Kids will also appreciate a visit to Ikomasanjo Amusement Park or the NARAMACHI-KARAKURI Toy Museum. You can also take a ride on the Ikoma Cable Line or spend some time at the Tennenyamato Hot Spring Nara Kenko Land.

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 Nara Better for Couples?

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

Nara is a very popular place to visit for couples. The city is smaller than you might expect, and it's filled with green space and parks. You can wander through Nara Park, see the deer, and soak up the romantic atmosphere. You can also visit one of the beautiful temples such as Todaiji Temple. Many couples also enjoy exploring Yoshikien Garden.

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 Nara Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Hue is a great city to visit for backpackers. 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.

Nara is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a couple of hostels in the area that cater to backpackers and the budget travel crowd.

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

Nara is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Hue is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Nara offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are city buses that will take you through town and to the many tourist spots.

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

Is Hue or Nara a more walkable city?

Hue and Nara both are excellent 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.

Nara is very walkable. Many of the sights are within walking distance of each other, so many visitors enjoy exploring on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Nara or Hue?

How long in Hue or Nara?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Hue or Nara to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Hue than Nara 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 1-2 days is enough time in Nara.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Hue than Nara 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 Nara?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Hue. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

With nightlife and food around the natural destination of Nara, there's plenty to do. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A weekend in Hue or Nara?

Hue is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Many people visit Nara for a weekend. With food and shopping around the natural city of Nara, 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 Nara?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the imperial destination of Hue. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

The destination of Nara offers shopping and museums. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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.

A week in Hue or Nara?

The authentic city of Hue offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.

Nara, a popular city, 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 Sightseeing Tours in Japan, and The Best Cultural Tours in Japan.

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

Which is Bigger, Hue or Nara?

Nara has a larger population, and is about 28% larger than the population of Hue. When comparing the sizes of Hue and Nara, 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 Nara?

Nara 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 Nara in the Summer?

Both Nara and Hue are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hue throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Nara in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Hue is generally around the same temperature as Nara. Daily temperatures in Hue average around 29°C (85°F), and Nara fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hue. Hue usually receives more sunshine than Nara during summer. Hue gets 242 hours of sunny skies, while Nara receives 183 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nara. In July, Hue usually receives less rain than Nara. Hue gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Nara receives 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain each month for the summer. The dry season in Hue is March to August. The rainy season in Hue is September to December.

Should I visit Hue or Nara in the Autumn?

Both Nara and Hue during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Hue because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, most visitors come to Nara for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Hue is a little warmer than Nara in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hue averages around 25°C (78°F) in October, and Nara fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Hue often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Nara. Hue gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nara receives 159 hours of full sun.

Nara gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Hue. Hue usually gets more rain in October than Nara. Hue gets 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain, while Nara receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year. September to December is the rainy season in Hue.

Should I visit Hue or Nara in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hue and Nara. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hue year-round. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Nara because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Nara can be very cold. In the winter, Hue is much warmer than Nara. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hue in January average around 22°C (71°F), and Nara averages at about 4°C (40°F).

Hue usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Nara during winter. Hue gets 136 hours of sunny skies, while Nara receives 140 hours of full sun in the winter.

Hue gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Hue usually receives more rain than Nara. Hue gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Nara receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter. March to August in Hue is the dry season.

Should I visit Hue or Nara in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Hue as well as Nara. Hue attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the natural beauty are the main draw to Nara this time of year.

In April, Hue is generally much warmer than Nara. Daily temperatures in Hue average around 26°C (80°F), and Nara fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hue this time of the year. In the spring, Hue often gets more sunshine than Nara. Hue gets 210 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nara receives 176 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Nara. Hue usually gets less rain in April than Nara. Hue gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Nara receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Nara and Hue