A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Chiang Rai vs. Ho Chi Minh City for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Chiang Rai or Ho Chi Minh City?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Chiang Rai or Ho Chi Minh City, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Chiang Rai

Chiang Rai is a beautiful, friendly, and charming city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City is a vibrant, colorful, and busy city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. Visitors also love the theater, nightlife, and food.

Chiang Rai and Ho Chi Minh City: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chiang Rai or Ho Chi Minh City?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Ho Chi Minh City than Chiang Rai, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Ho Chi Minh City is more popular for its theatre productions, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Chiang Rai is known for its historical sights, hiking, and impressive beauty. Ho Chi Minh City is more touristy than Chiang Rai and is known for its motorbike-filled streets, bustling markets, world-class cuisine, and diverse shopping opportunities. It is also home to the War Remnants Museum. Chiang Rai is popular for its intricate temples, unique cuisine, and being the gateway to the Golden Triangle.

How is Chiang Rai different from Ho Chi Minh City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Ho Chi Minh City and Chiang Rai. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Chiang Rai or Ho Chi Minh City?

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Chiang Rai and Ho Chi Minh City.

The museums and tourist attractions in Chiang Rai are world-renowned. The Old City is filled with breathtaking temples and cultural sites. Wat Rong Khun (the White Temple) is an iconic sight, but you should also visit the Black House, and Wat Rong Seua Ten (the Blue Temple). Wat Tham Pla is the Monkey Temple and has a dramatic effect with its steep staircase. It's a short drive from Chiang Rai, but worth the trip as it's overrun with monkeys.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Ho Chi Minh City on the map. It's a day trip outside of town, but the Cu Chi Tunnels are a must-see stop for any visitor. The War Remnants Museum is also a not-to-be-missed spot. Other highlights of the city include Thiên Hau Temple, the Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica, the Saigon Opera House, and the Reunification Palace.

Is Chiang Rai or Ho Chi Minh City Better for Theater?

Ho Chi Minh City is a nice place to visit for its theatre productions. However, Chiang Rai is not a theatre destination.

You'll find a nice selection of shows in Ho Chi Minh City. Water puppetry is a traditional art form that originated in the rural areas and was brought to the city. It is a fun cultural experience that kids and adults both enjoy. You can see it at The Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theatre.

Chiang Rai is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Chiang Rai or Ho Chi Minh City? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Chiang Rai and Ho Chi Minh City can be difficult as they are each terrific in their own way.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Chiang Rai is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The regional cuisine is famous for its unique dishes and flavors. It's slightly less spicy than the southern Thai cuisine and the dishes are rich in flavor. Northern Thai sausage is a must-try dish, as is Khao Soi Curry, and Khao Soi Gai Nong (coconut curry and chicken soup).

Many restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City have been singled out for their culinary prowess. This city, arguably, has some of the best food in Vietnam. You'll find everything from food stalls selling mouthwatering street food to luxury restaurants preparing traditional dishes with a modern twist. Banh Mi (a Vietnamese sandwich) and Pho (Vietnamese soup) are the most well known dishes around town, but also try the Bún mắm (a noodle dish) and Bún bò Huế (a beef based soup).

Is Chiang Rai or Ho Chi Minh City Better for Nightlife?

Ho Chi Minh City is an amazing city to visit for nightlife and partying. Also, Chiang Rai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Ho Chi Minh City has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. The city never settles down and you'll find all night parties and dance clubs open into the early hours. Backpackers keep the energy high, but there are also luxury clubs and more relaxed places where you can have a good night out if the backpacker thing isn't your scene.

Chiang Rai has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The small city has a laid back nightlife scene with a number of bars and cafes along Jetyod Road. You'll find a mix of expats and locals, without the usual backpacker crowds that are common in some cities.

Is Chiang Rai or Ho Chi Minh City Better for its Old Town?

Chiang Rai is great for its historic old town charm. However, Ho Chi Minh City does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Chiang Rai. The Old City is filled with intricate temples and impressive beauty. The area is very walkable and you can easily visit the famed Wat Ming Muang, Wat Phra Kaew and Wat Phra Singh.

Ho Chi Minh City does not have a historic old town.

Is Chiang Rai or Ho Chi Minh City Better for Hiking?

Chiang Rai is very good for hiking. However, Ho Chi Minh City is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Chiang Rai. Head out of town to Khun Korn Forest Park Waterfall if you want to enjoy some hiking. It makes an easy half day trip.

Ho Chi Minh City is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Chiang Rai or Ho Chi Minh City?

Ho Chi Minh City is an amazing city to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Chiang Rai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Ho Chi Minh City draws large crowds to its stores. The city is filled with a mix of modern shopping centers and local shops selling traditional items. You'll find international brands as well as uniquely Vietnamese products. The city also has some of the best boutique shopping opportunities in Southeast Asia.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Chiang Rai. Local markets, night markets, and souvenir shops with handcrafted goods all make shopping a fun experience. Head to the Night Bazaar or the Walking Street for some of the best experiences.

Is Chiang Rai or Ho Chi Minh City Better for Families?

Ho Chi Minh City is an amazing city to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Chiang Rai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Ho Chi Minh City is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. Kids may feel overwhelmed at first, but they're sure to fall in love with the energy and kid-friendly activities in this city. There are traditional water puppet shows, kid-friendly restaurants, and fun parks. There's also the Suoi Tien Theme Park, smaller water parks, zoos, and art museums to explore.

Chiang Rai is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. There are parks and outdoor spaces to explore such as Singha Park and the Garden of Reeds. For a little bit of silly fun, check out Nava Land Water Park and if you want to get out of town a bit, you'll find some great hiking nearby at Khun Korn Forest Park Waterfall.

Is Chiang Rai or Ho Chi Minh City Better for Couples?

Chiang Rai and Ho Chi Minh City are both excellent to visit as a couple.

Chiang Rai makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Beautiful temples, impressive gardens, and an authentic Thai experience all make this a romantic and fun destination for couples.

Couples visit Ho Chi Minh City frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. If you're looking for a vibrant cultural scene with excellent restaurants, great parks, and countless day trips, this is the ultimate couple's getaway.

Is Chiang Rai or Ho Chi Minh City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ho Chi Minh City is an amazing city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Chiang Rai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Ho Chi Minh City is extremely popular for backpackers. It's well established on the Southeast Asian backpacker's circuit and you'll find no shortage of hostels in town. You'll find a good number of backpackers in District 1 of the city, near Ben Thanh Market. Many backpackers also arrange trips to the Mekong Delta or elsewhere in Thailand while they're here.

Chiang Rai is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. There is no shortage of affordable hostels around town. There are also enough backpackers around to keep things fun but not so many that the local vibe is lost.

Is Chiang Rai or Ho Chi Minh City Better for Students?

Ho Chi Minh City is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Chiang Rai is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Ho Chi Minh City. Study abroad students appreciate the city's energy and plethora of activities. It also makes a good base for trips to other parts of Southeast Asia.

Chiang Rai is not popular with students.

Is Chiang Rai or Ho Chi Minh City Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find decent public transit in both Chiang Rai and Ho Chi Minh City.

Public transit is mostly limited in Chiang Rai. Tuk tuks and taxis are your best bet for getting around town in a vehicle.

Public transit is generally limited in Ho Chi Minh City. There are public buses around town but motorbike taxis and regular taxis are likely your best bet for getting around.

Is Chiang Rai or Ho Chi Minh City a more walkable city?

Chiang Rai is great for its ease of walking around. Also, Ho Chi Minh City is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

Chiang Rai is a very walkable destination. The old city is easy to explore on foot.

Ho Chi Minh City is somewhat walkable. In certain neighborhoods it's fairly walkable, but you may have to dodge a motorbike here or there.

For even more information, also check out Is Chiang Rai Worth Visiting? and Is Ho Chi Minh City Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Ho Chi Minh City or Chiang Rai?

How long in Chiang Rai or Ho Chi Minh City?

It's fun to spend time in either Chiang Rai or Ho Chi Minh City. In our opinion, Ho Chi Minh City has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Ho Chi Minh City than Chiang Rai. In general, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Chiang Rai, and 3-4 days is enough time in Ho Chi Minh City.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Ho Chi Minh City than Chiang Rai 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 Ho Chi Minh City.

One day in Chiang Rai or Ho Chi Minh City?

You'll find food and shopping around the beautiful destination of Chiang Rai. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

When visiting Ho Chi Minh City, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Chiang Rai or Ho Chi Minh City?

You'll find shopping and museums around the charming city of Chiang Rai. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

When visiting Ho Chi Minh City, people usually allow for lots of time. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Chiang Rai or Ho Chi Minh City?

Chiang Rai is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Ho Chi Minh City, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Chiang Rai or Ho Chi Minh City?

Chiang Rai is a great place to explore. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Ho Chi Minh City is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Thailand, The Best Contiki Tours to Thailand, The Best Historical Tours in Vietnam, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Vietnam.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chiang Rai and Ho Chi Minh City, we can see that Ho Chi Minh City is more expensive. And not only is Chiang Rai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Chiang Rai would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Chiang Rai 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 Ho Chi Minh City would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ho Chi Minh City than you might in Chiang Rai.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Chiang Rai Expensive? and Is Ho Chi Minh City Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Chiang Rai or Ho Chi Minh City?

Ho Chi Minh City has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Chiang Rai. When comparing the sizes of Chiang Rai and Ho Chi Minh City, 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.