Both Hoi An and Hue are rich in history and culture, but each offers a unique experience. After spending time in both towns, we compared them to help you decide which might be the best fit for your trip.
A quick note: Scams involving hotels and tours can happen in Vietnam, which is why one of the reasons why we chose a trusted local travel agent to save time in planning our trip. This article is based on our personal experience, research and the information available at the time of our trip. Things may have changed since our visit, and I can’t take responsibility for any issues you might encounter, including scams. Always check recent reviews and trust your instincts if something doesn’t feel right or seems too good to be true. We paid for everything ourselves and never mentioned that we would write about it, so you can trust this is honest feedback. Some links in the article are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a booking through them, at no extra cost to you.
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Hoi An vs Hue: Quick comparison
| Criteria | Hoi An | Hue |
|---|---|---|
| Atmosphere | Picturesque and charming | Historic and cultural |
| Top attractions | Ancient Town, lantern-lit streets, countryside, basket boat ride, river cruises, cooking classes, shopping, beach | Imperial City, royal tombs, pagodas, local food, cooking classes |
| UNESCO status | Ancient Town is UNESCO World Heritage | Complex of Hue Monuments is UNESCO World Heritage |
| Nightlife | Lively but crowded near the night market and river tours, more peaceful outside the centre | Mellow nightlife with restaurants and a few busy streets |
| Budget | Mid-range to high, depending on activities | More budget-friendly overall, especially for food and attractions |
| How to get there | 45 min from Da Nang (airport/train) 3 hrs from Hue by car | Hue airport and train station 2 hrs from Da Nang by car |
| Ideal stay length | 2-3+ days | 1-2 days (read why I recommend staying overnight) |
Our experience in Hoi An (3 days)
Hoi An is unlike anywhere else in Vietnam, shaped by a blend of Hindu, Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese, and European influences. You can see it all in the architecture, food and traditions of the UNESCO-listed Ancient Town. From the Japanese Bridge to old merchant houses and Chinese temples, every corner tells a story.
The lantern-lit evenings near the night market add to the charm, but we found the crowds overwhelming and were much happier just outside the old town. For a deeper dive into Hoi An’s past, the Memories Show at the Hoi An Impression Theme Park* offers an original and visually impressive retelling of its history.
One of the most popular daytime activity in town, the basket boat ride through the coconut forest*, felt too staged, with loud music and photo ops that lacked authenticity. We much preferred the hands-on experiences. In town, we joined workshops to learn how to make Vietnamese coffees* and lanterns. Out in the countryside, the Spring Onion Family Tour* took us cycling through rice paddies to Tra Que village for a relaxed cooking class in a peaceful garden. The nearby pottery village is also an easy ride and a fun option for families with its make-and-paint workshops. Hoi An is also a great place to get clothes tailored or shop for silk.
We skipped the beach, although An Bang is a popular spot for those looking to relax. The nearby UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of the Cham Islands sounded appealing, but the negative TripAdvisor reviews* really put me off. If we’d had more time, we would have also considered joining a fishing trip with a local for a more authentic experience.
We stayed three nights at Kiman Hoi An Hotel, which was comfortable but felt a bit far from everything.
Our experience in Hue (1 day)
Hue was once the capital of Vietnam under the Nguyen dynasty and is famous for its Imperial City and royal heritage sites. We only spent a day there, but it left a lasting impression.
It’s a great destination for history lovers, with impressive tombs and centuries-old architecture. But even as travellers who don’t usually seek out historical sites, we really enjoyed visiting Khai Dinh Tomb, Thien Mu Pagoda, and the Imperial Citadel. It gave us a richer understanding of Vietnam’s past, including its links with France. As the seat of the Nguyen Dynasty from 1802 to 1945, Hue’s history felt very different from what we’d learnt in the other ancient capital of Hoa Lu (Ninh Binh) or Ho Chi Minh City.
We ate at two local restaurants, both serving Hue specialties that ranked among the best dishes we had in Vietnam. Some offered cooking classes too, but our time was too short. We only stayed one night at Romance Hotel and found Hue much quieter and less touristy than Hoi An. If we’d had more time – and no knee injury – we would have loved to visit Phong Nha Cave* from Hue.
Hoi An vs Hue: The winner is…
We spent most of our time in Hoi An but also squeezed in one night in Hue, and I’m really glad we did. I was particularly keen to learn more about Vietnam’s history, and Hue completely delivered on that. The royal tombs, the Citadel, and even the food gave us a new perspective that we didn’t get elsewhere.
Hue was actually my favourite of the two, even though I understand why most people prefer Hoi An. Hue felt quieter, more local, and we had some of the best meals of our trip there. But if you only have time for one destination and want more variety in your itinerary, then Hoi An probably makes more sense.
Splitting our time worked really well: we got to enjoy the history and slower pace of Hue after the hands-on activities in the busy Hoi An.
Choose Hue if:
- You love history
- You’re curious about Vietnam’s imperial past and links with France
- You’ve only got one night and want to stay near the airport or you’re on a budget
- You want to avoid the tourist crowds
- You’re a foodie (the regional dishes here were some of our favourites)
Choose Hoi An if:
- You’ve got a few nights to spend in one place and want a mix of things to do
- You’re attracted by lantern-lit streets for a bit of romance or after laid-back nightlife with cafes and bars
- You like hands-on experiences (lantern making, pottery, Vietnamese coffee workshops)
- You’re travelling with kids (it seemed to have more for families)
- You want a nice beach option nearby, or to explore the countryside and see rice fields
- You love shopping for clothes or shoes
Have you been to Hue or Hoi An? Share your experience in the comments below!
Planning a two or three-week trip to Vietnam? Check out our itinerary with iconic sights to hidden gems from north to south. We mixed cultural experiences with stunning landscapes and had an unforgettable time!
Where are Hue and Hoi An?
Both cities are in Central Vietnam. Hoi An sits on the central coast, just a 30-minute drive from Da Nang, where most travellers arrive by plane or train. Hue is further north, about three hours from Hoi An by car, set along the scenic Perfume River, and it has its own airport.
