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

Should you visit Hue or Nikko?

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 Nikko 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. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Hue travel costs.

Nikko

Nikko is a rural, historic, and cultural town. Because it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors for a good reason. You'll find world class beauty in Nikko as well. Other popular activities here include food, hiking, and shopping. See Nikko travel costs.

Hue and Nikko: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hue or Nikko?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Nikko than Hue, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Nikko is better known for its museums and attractions, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Hue is more popular for its nightlife and shopping. Hue is well known for its imperial buildings and political history as the country's historic capital. Nikko is well known for its Shinto and Buddhist mountain temples, its tranquil hot spring baths, and its peaceful natural setting. Also, Nikko is famous for the Toshogu Shrine.

How is Hue different from Nikko?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Nikko is terrific for its sights and museums. Also, Hue is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Nikko on the map. The town sits on the edge of Nikko National Park, where you'll find shrines and temples. Toshogu Shrine is lavishly designed. Other notable temples in the area are Taiyuin, Rinnoji Temple, and Futarasan Temple.

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.

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

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

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 Nikko. There are many traditional dishes in the area, but one of the most famous is yuba. Yuba is made from a part of soy milk, and you'll find it in places all over town. You'll also find sushi, tofu, and tea everywhere.

Is Hue or Nikko Better for Nightlife?

Hue is a city with good options for nightlife. However, Nikko is not a good destination for nightlife and partying.

If you're looking for night time activities Hue has a few options to choose from. 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.

People don't go to Nikko for the nightlife. The town is about relaxing in a tranquil setting and soaking up nature, so you won't find much in the form of nightlife.

Is Hue or Nikko Better for its Old Town?

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

Nikko has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. The ancient town is filled with giant cedar trees that line walking paths that take you to the many shrines and temples in the area.

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.

Is Hue or Nikko Better for Hiking?

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

Nikko is a popular spot for hiking. The town is surrounded by beautiful nature that you can explore on the many walking paths. The forests are well-preserved and they're filled with large cedar trees, dramatic waterfalls, and beautiful hikes. The area embraces the Japanese practice of "forest bathing" where you "bath" yourself in a beautiful natural environment.

Hue is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hue or Nikko?

Hue is great for shopping. Also, Nikko is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Nikko offers some nice shopping areas. There are places in town where you can pick up local handicrafts and traditional items.

Is Hue or Nikko More Beautiful?

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

You'll find world class beauty in Nikko as well. There are striking temples, dramatic waterfalls, and beautiful nature that offers the perfect setting for losing yourself.

Hue is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Hue or Nikko Better for Families?

Nikko 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.

Nikko is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The area offers a unique way for kids to experience Japanese culture. A highlight for the little ones is a ninja show at Grand Ninja Theatre and the Mizugei-za water magic show. Kids will also enjoy staying in a traditional ryokan and floating in the hot spring baths.

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 Nikko Better for Couples?

Nikko is terrific for couples. Also, Hue is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

Nikko is a great town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. While many visitors come to see the shrines and temples, they often end up falling in love with the area's natural beauty, waterfalls, and "forest bathing" (surrounding yourself with nature). Couples will also enjoy dining on the local food and relaxing in a pool fed by a natural hot spring.

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 Nikko Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Hue and Nikko are great destinations for backpackers.

Hue is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Nikko is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are hostels in the area that combine affordability with traditional Japanese customs.

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

Nikko 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.

Nikko offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are buses that run from the main train station to the many tourist sights in the area.

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

Is Hue or Nikko a more walkable city?

Hue and Nikko both are great 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.

Nikko is very walkable. While the town is relatively walkable and there are walking paths through the forest and to most of the temples and shrines, if you want to get further into the region, it's helpful to have a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Nikko or Hue?

How long in Hue or Nikko?

It's fun to spend time in either Hue or Nikko. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Nikko due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Hue, and 1-4 days is enough time in Nikko.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Nikko 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 Nikko.

One day in Hue or Nikko?

In Hue, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this ancient destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

Nikko is a small town with plenty to do. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. 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 Nikko?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hue. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Many people visit Nikko for a weekend. Nikko might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. 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 Nikko?

Hue is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Hue. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Because Nikko is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. 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 Nikko?

You'll find food and shopping around the authentic destination of Hue. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Nikko, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 10-Day Tours in Japan, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Japan.

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

Which is Bigger, Hue or Nikko?

Hue has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Nikko. When comparing the sizes of Hue and Nikko, 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 Nikko?

Nikko 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 Nikko in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Hue as well as Nikko. Hue attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Nikko this time of year.

In the summer, Hue is a little warmer than Nikko. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hue in July average around 29°C (85°F), and Nikko averages at about 25°C (77°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hue this time of the year. In the summer, Hue often gets more sunshine than Nikko. Hue gets 242 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nikko receives 136 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Nikko. Hue usually gets less rain in July than Nikko. Hue gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, March to August in Hue is the dry season. September to December in Hue is the rainy season.

Should I visit Hue or Nikko in the Autumn?

Both Nikko and Hue are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hue throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Nikko for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Hue is generally much warmer than Nikko. Daily temperatures in Hue average around 25°C (78°F), and Nikko fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

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

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nikko. It's quite rainy in Hue. In October, Hue usually receives more rain than Nikko. Hue gets 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The rainy season in Hue is September to December.

Should I visit Hue or Nikko in the Winter?

Both Nikko 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. Furthermore, many visitors come to Nikko in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Nikko can get quite cold in the winter. Hue is much warmer than Nikko in the winter. The daily temperature in Hue averages around 22°C (71°F) in January, and Nikko fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In Nikko, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Hue often gets less sunshine than Nikko. Hue gets 136 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nikko receives 212 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hue. Hue usually gets more rain in January than Nikko. Hue gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year. March to August is the dry season in Hue.

Should I visit Hue or Nikko in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Hue and Nikko. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hue year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Nikko for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Hue is much warmer than Nikko. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hue in April average around 26°C (80°F), and Nikko averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In Hue, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hue usually receives more sunshine than Nikko during spring. Hue gets 210 hours of sunny skies, while Nikko receives 191 hours of full sun in the spring.

Nikko receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Hue usually receives less rain than Nikko. Hue gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 108 mm (4.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Nikko and Hue