A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hue vs. Okinawa for Families, Couples, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Hue or Okinawa?

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 Okinawa 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. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping. See Hue travel costs.

Okinawa

Okinawa is a tropical, lush, and serene archipelago. You'll find world class beauty in Okinawa as well. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Okinawa travel costs.

Hue and Okinawa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hue or Okinawa?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Okinawa than Hue. While Hue is larger than Okinawa, Okinawa has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Okinawa is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Hue attracts visitors for its historical sights and shopping. Hue is famous for its imperial buildings and political history as the country's historic capital. Okinawa is famous for its pristine tropical environment, stunning blue water, and impressive marine life. It is also well known for the Kerama Islands.

How is Hue different from Okinawa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Okinawa. Although most visitors come for the natural beauty and beach setting, there are some nice historic sights and museums in the region. Favorites include Shurijo Castle, Futenma Shrine, and Churaumi Aquarium.

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

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

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 Okinawa. Food in the region is truly unique, and sometimes a bit bizarre. There's a surprising amount of international influence on the cuisine because the islands are close to China and Taiwan, and there's a large American presence due to the US military. Despite this, the cuisine has its roots in the area's long history. Local dishes include rafute (pork belly in a stew), goya chanpuru (stir fry with melon, pork, and tofu), and umibudo (sea grapes).

Is Hue or Okinawa Better for Nightlife?

Okinawa 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.

Okinawa offers plenty to do in the evening. The diverse population has impacted the nightlife scene, and you'll see international influences at the bars and clubs in the area. Many locals begin their night out at a izakaya, which is part bar, part restaurant. The cities are also known for their jazz clubs and karaoke scene.

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 Okinawa Better for Resorts?

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

In Okinawa, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. There are large resorts as well as smaller, elegant hotels. If you want to be near the water, check out the coastal areas of Onna, Miyakojima, and Ishigaki.

Hue is not a resort destination.

Is Hue or Okinawa Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Okinawa is a world class destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. The waters around Okinawa are filled with a rich biodiversity of corals and tropical fish. You'll also find sea turtles and other larger marine animals. There are also mangrove forests that form the breeding ground for many types of marine life. The snorkeling and diving in the area is world class, and attracts both beginners and experienced divers.

Hue is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Hue or Okinawa Better for Beaches?

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

Okinawa is considered to be a world-class beach destination. The region is filled with white sand beaches and turquoise water. Some of the beaches are accessible and lively while others are more remote and peaceful. Furuzamami Beach is both easy to access but also has a relaxed atmosphere. Nishihama Beach is more remote but well worth the effort and Aharen Beach is a popular day trip by ferry.

Hue is not a beach destination.

Is Hue or Okinawa Better for its Old Town?

Hue is a well-known place for its historic old town charm. However, Okinawa 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.

Okinawa does not have a historic old town.

Is Hue or Okinawa Better for Hiking?

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

Around Okinawa visitors will find world-class hiking trails. The island's tropical setting provides hikers with lush jungles and unique geology to explore. One of the most popular areas for hiking is Yambaru National Park. In this park you can walk through the mangroves and spot local wildlife. The region also has many off-the-beaten-path hiking opportunities for those looking for an adventure.

Hue is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hue or Okinawa?

Hue is a well-known place for its shopping areas. Also, Okinawa is not as famous, but is still a good archipelago to visit for shopping.

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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Okinawa. There are a number of shopping streets in the urban areas. You'll also find large outlet malls near the US military base. A favorite shopping street in Naha is Kokusai-dori Shopping Street, which has local shops and souvenir vendors.

Is Hue or Okinawa More Beautiful?

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

You'll find world class beauty in Okinawa as well. The islands are filled with beautiful natural environments that range from white sand beaches to mangrove forests. The water is turquoise and the setting is idyllic for vacationers.

Hue is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Hue or Okinawa Better for Families?

Okinawa is terrific for its family-friendly activities. Also, Hue is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Okinawa is an extremely popular archipelago to visit for families. There are so many kid-friendly activities in the area, that this has long been a favorite family vacation destination. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the snorkeling, beaches, mangroves, boat rides, and adventure activities like ziplining. Kayaking in Yambaru Mangrove Forest is a favorite activity, but also check out the sea turtles at Ikei Island.

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 Okinawa Better for Couples?

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

Okinawa is a great archipelago for couples, as it has plenty to offer. With its stunning beaches, world class snorkeling, and relaxing resorts, couples and honeymooners will love a trip to these beautiful islands. There's a mix of outdoor adventures and cultural activities that will keep any couple entertained.

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 Okinawa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hue is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Okinawa is not as famous, but is still a good archipelago to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Okinawa. Despite being one of the most fascinating places in Japan to visit, it can be challenging as a backpacker. There aren't many hostels in the area and transportation can be a bit tricky.

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

Both Hue and Okinawa offer nice public transit options.

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

Okinawa has some public transit options. Public transit through the area is decent in urban areas but gets more limited outside of the cities. On the main island there are buses, shuttles, and a monorail, but off the main island you'll want your own vehicle.

Is Hue or Okinawa a more walkable city?

Hue is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. However, Okinawa is not a good archipelago for its walkability.

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

Okinawa is generally not a very walkable city. The islands range from developed to remote, so if you want to efficiently explore, it's helpful to have a car or at least a bicycle.

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

Should I spend more time in Okinawa or Hue?

How long in Hue or Okinawa?

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

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

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

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

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 museums and nightlife around the lush destination of Okinawa, 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 Okinawa?

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 Okinawa for a weekend. With nightlife and food around the tropical archipelago of Okinawa, there's plenty to do. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Hue or Okinawa?

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 food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the destination of Okinawa, 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 Okinawa?

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.

Okinawa, a popular archipelago, 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 G Adventures Tours to Japan, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Tokyo.

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

Which is Bigger, Hue or Okinawa?

Hue has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Okinawa. When comparing the sizes of Hue and Okinawa, 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 Okinawa?

Okinawa 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 Okinawa in the Summer?

Both Okinawa 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 travelers come to Okinawa for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Hue is around the same temperature as Okinawa in the summer. The daily temperature in Hue averages around 29°C (85°F) in July, and Okinawa fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

It's quite sunny in Okinawa. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hue. Hue usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Okinawa during summer. Hue gets 242 hours of sunny skies, while Okinawa receives 258 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Okinawa. In July, Hue usually receives less rain than Okinawa. Hue gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Okinawa receives 171 mm (6.7 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 Okinawa in the Autumn?

Both Okinawa 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. Also, many visitors come to Okinawa in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Hue is around the same temperature as Okinawa. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hue in October average around 25°C (78°F), and Okinawa averages at about 25°C (77°F).

In the autumn, Hue often gets less sunshine than Okinawa. Hue gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Okinawa receives 174 hours of full sun.

Okinawa 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 Okinawa. Hue gets 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain, while Okinawa receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year. September to December is the rainy season in Hue.

Should I visit Hue or Okinawa in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hue and Okinawa. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hue year-round. Also, most visitors come to Okinawa for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Hue is generally a little warmer than Okinawa. Daily temperatures in Hue average around 22°C (71°F), and Okinawa fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Hue usually receives more sunshine than Okinawa during winter. Hue gets 136 hours of sunny skies, while Okinawa receives 96 hours of full sun in the winter.

Okinawa receives a lot of rain in the winter. Hue gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Hue usually receives less rain than Okinawa. Hue gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Okinawa receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain each month for the winter. March to August in Hue is the dry season.

Should I visit Hue or Okinawa in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Hue as well as Okinawa. Hue attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Okinawa because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

Hue is a little warmer than Okinawa in the spring. The daily temperature in Hue averages around 26°C (80°F) in April, and Okinawa fluctuates around 22°C (71°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 Okinawa. Hue gets 210 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Okinawa receives 149 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Okinawa. Hue usually gets less rain in April than Okinawa. Hue gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Okinawa receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Okinawa and Hue