Which place is cheaper, Belfast or Ho Chi Minh City?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Ho Chi Minh City or Belfast?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Ho Chi Minh City and Belfast can help you decide which place is right for you.
Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City is a chaotic, vibrant, and colorful city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's also known for theater, nightlife, and food.
Belfast
Belfast is a authentic, affordable, and under-rated city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the nightlife and shopping.
Is there more to do in Ho Chi Minh City or Belfast?
You'll generally find more things to do in Ho Chi Minh City than Belfast. Ho Chi Minh City is bigger than Belfast, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Ho Chi Minh City is more touristy than Belfast and is popular for its motorbike-filled streets, bustling markets, world-class cuisine, and diverse shopping opportunities. Also, Ho Chi Minh City is famous for the War Remnants Museum. Belfast is well known for being the birthplace of the Titanic and the location of the era of the "Troubles".
How is Ho Chi Minh City different from Belfast?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Belfast and Ho Chi Minh City. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Ho Chi Minh City or Belfast?
Ho Chi Minh City
Belfast
Ho Chi Minh City is an unbeatable place for its sights and museums. However, Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.
Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Ho Chi Minh City that are not to be missed. 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.
Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.
Is Ho Chi Minh City or Belfast Better for Theater?
Ho Chi Minh City
Belfast
Ho Chi Minh City is a nice place to visit for theatre. However, Belfast is not a theatre destination.
Ho Chi Minh City offers a number of shows and performances. 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.
Belfast is not a theatre destination.
Is the Food Better in Ho Chi Minh City or Belfast? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Ho Chi Minh City
Belfast
Ho Chi Minh City is an unbeatable place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Belfast is not a good city for its restaurants.
Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Ho Chi Minh City is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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).
You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Belfast. While many restaurants have moved towards more modern cuisines, there are still places that hold tight to the traditions of the area. Traditional dishes include pasties, full Irish breakfasts, and oysters.
Is Ho Chi Minh City or Belfast Better for Nightlife?
Ho Chi Minh City
Belfast
Ho Chi Minh City is an unbeatable place for nightlife. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.
The nightlife in Ho Chi Minh City is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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.
With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Belfast. The city has a number of bars and clubs with local DJs or musicians.
Is the Shopping Better in Ho Chi Minh City or Belfast?
Ho Chi Minh City
Belfast
Ho Chi Minh City is an unbeatable place for shopping. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.
Ho Chi Minh City is a famous shopping destination with plenty of 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.
Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Belfast. The main shopping areas in the city are Victoria Square Shopping Centre and CastleCourt.
Is Ho Chi Minh City or Belfast Better for Families?
Ho Chi Minh City
Belfast
Ho Chi Minh City is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-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.
Belfast is a family-friendly city. The city has several great kid-friendly museums, a zoo, and a few indoor or outdoor activity centers where you can let kids play and explore.
Is Ho Chi Minh City or Belfast Better for Couples?
Ho Chi Minh City
Belfast
Ho Chi Minh City is a well-known place for romance. However, Belfast is not a good city for its romantic activities.
Ho Chi Minh City is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.
Most people don't think of Belfast as a couple's destination. There are gardens and parks to explore, several nice hotels with spas, and an Observatory on the 23rd floor of the Grand Central Hotel.
Is Ho Chi Minh City or Belfast Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Ho Chi Minh City
Belfast
Ho Chi Minh City is an unbeatable place for backpackers. However, Belfast is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.
Ho Chi Minh City is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.
Belfast is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's a reasonably affordable destination with a few hostels to choose from, but most backpackers don't make their way to this city.
Is Ho Chi Minh City or Belfast Better for Students?
Ho Chi Minh City
Belfast
For students, both Ho Chi Minh City and Belfast are notable places to visit.
It's common for students to 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.
Belfast is a good city to visit for students. The city's affordability has made it a popular option for international students headed to the area.
Is Ho Chi Minh City or Belfast Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Ho Chi Minh City
Belfast
Ho Chi Minh City and Belfast both offer respectable public transit to get you around.
Public transit is mostly 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.
Public transit is generally limited in Belfast. There is a bus service in the city.
Is Ho Chi Minh City or Belfast a more walkable city?
Ho Chi Minh City
Belfast
Ho Chi Minh City and Belfast are notable when it comes to walkability.
Ho Chi Minh City is a somewhat walkable city. In certain neighborhoods it's fairly walkable, but you may have to dodge a motorbike here or there.
Belfast is somewhat walkable.
For even more information, also check out Is Ho Chi Minh City Worth Visiting? and Is Belfast Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Belfast or Ho Chi Minh City?
How long in Ho Chi Minh City or Belfast?
Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Ho Chi Minh City and Belfast. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Ho Chi Minh City than in Belfast. Usually, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Ho Chi Minh City, and 1-3 days is enough time in Belfast.
Families should spend more time in Ho Chi Minh City than Belfast. 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.
Couples should spend more time in Ho Chi Minh City than Belfast. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Ho Chi Minh City that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Ho Chi Minh City than Belfast 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.
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How many days in Ho Chi Minh City or Belfast? Ideal Length of StayHo Chi Minh City 3-4Belfast 1-3
One day in Ho Chi Minh City or Belfast?
Because Ho Chi Minh City is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.
You'll find shopping and nightlife around the affordable destination of Belfast. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.
A weekend in Ho Chi Minh City or Belfast?
Because Ho Chi Minh City is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.
You'll find nightlife and shopping around the under-rated city of Belfast. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. 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.
Five days in Ho Chi Minh City or Belfast?
Ho Chi Minh City is a great place to explore. 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.
Belfast is a popular choice for travelers. 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.
A week in Ho Chi Minh City or Belfast?
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ho Chi Minh City. Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Ho Chi Minh City. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.
Belfast is a great place to explore. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in Vietnam, The Best 10-Day Tours in Vietnam, The Best Budget Tours to United Kingdom, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHo Chi Minh City $80Belfast $167
The average daily cost (per person) in Ho Chi Minh City is $80, while the average daily cost in Belfast is $167. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Ho Chi Minh City and Belfast in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHo Chi Minh City $48Belfast $86
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHo Chi Minh City $96Belfast $172
Compare Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City and Belfast
Looking for a hotel in Ho Chi Minh City or Belfast? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Ho Chi Minh City Hotel Prices and Belfast Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Ho Chi Minh City $15Belfast $18
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Ho Chi Minh City
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Ho Chi Minh City:
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Short Taxi Ride$1.38
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Taxi From Airport$7.87
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Cyclo Ride (One Hour)$1.57
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ho Chi Minh City
Also for Ho Chi Minh City, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Mui Ne Beach: Bus transfer from/to Saigon City: $7.73
- Nha Trang: Bus transfer from/to Saigon City: $11
- Try find better than us! Airport Transfer in Ho Chi Minh APT-HTL (SGN): $13
- Private Airport Arrival / Departure transfer Ho Chi Minh City Airport (SGN): $14
- Private Arrival Transfer: Tan Son Nhat Airport to Ho Chi Minh City Hotels: $15
- SGN Airport: the private transfer to Center (District 1 & 3): $16
- Ho Chi Minh City Airport Arrival Transfer to Hotel: $16
- Transfer from Ho Chi Minh to Airport Tan Sơn Nhat: $16
- Ho Chi Minh City Airport (SGN) to Ho Chi Minh hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $16
- Ho Chi Minh to Ho Chi Minh City Airport (SGN) Departure Transfer: $16
- Ho Chi Minh to Ho Chi Minh Airport (SGN) - Departure Transfer: $16
- Private Transfer from Cam Ranh Airport to Nha Trang City Center: $17
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Belfast
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Belfast:
- Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Dublin Airport: $294
- Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Derrylin: $269
- Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Bellanaleck: $269
- Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Kinawley: $264
- Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Kesh: $264
- Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Lisnarick: $259
- Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Ballycassidy: $257
- Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Irvinestown: $252
- Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Castlederg: $248
- Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Ballinamallard: $248
- Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Newtownbutler: $236
- Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Strabane : $227
Is it cheaper to fly into Ho Chi Minh City or Belfast?
Prices for flights to both Belfast and Ho Chi Minh City change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayHo Chi Minh City $14Belfast $64
Typical Food Prices in Ho Chi Minh City
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Ho Chi Minh City:
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Street Food Dinner (for Two)$4.21
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Pizza$5.12
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Sweet Rice$1.18
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Pork Sandwich$0.59
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$6.68
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Western Lunch (for Two)$12
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ho Chi Minh City
For Ho Chi Minh City, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Saigon Unseen & Food Tour By scooter w Student | Saigon Adventure: $19
- Ho Chi Minh City Street Food Tour by Motorbike/ Car with Student : $19
- Ho Chi Minh Street Food Tour By Motorbike (Unique & Authentic): $26
- Private Walking Food Tour with Local Students : $26
- Saigon: Backstreets Private Walking Food Tour & 10 Tastings: $27
- Food Tour by Scooter with Eleven Tastings: $27
- Super Niche Walking Street Food Tour in Ho Chi Minh City: $28
- Ho Chi Minh Street Food Tour By Motorbike/Car + Sightseeing + Fun: $28
- Top Notch Street Food Tour With Saigon Vibes: $28
- Private Walking Food Tour with 13 Tastings: $28
- Private Half-Day Ho Chi Minh Food Tour with Local Students: $29
- Ho Chi Minh City Food Tour With Saigon Vibes: $29
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Belfast
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Belfast.
- Guided Craft Beer and Street Food Tour: $82
- Belfast Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $108
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Ho Chi Minh City $20Belfast $23
Typical Entertainment Prices in Ho Chi Minh City
For Ho Chi Minh City, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Massage$5.51
Tours and Activities in Ho Chi Minh City
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Ho Chi Minh City.
- Chinatown Walking Tour Ho Chi Minh City: $0.80
- Ho Chi Minh City Free Walking Tour: $0.80
- Ho Chi Minh City Free Walking Tour - Architecture, History & Food: $1.86
- Ho Chi Minh City private walking tours with young local volunteers: $1.86
- Saigon: Free Food Walking Tour: $2.13
- Walking Tour: $5.00
- City Sightseeing Panoramic Bus Tour: $7.00
- Saigon: City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $7.00
- Saigon: City Sightseeing 45-Minute Panoramic Night Tour: $7.00
- Ho Chi Minh Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.73
- Ho Chi Minh Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.78
- 3-Hours Trekking Tour to Hidden Waterfall and Sturgeon Farm: $8.09
Typical Entertainment Prices in Belfast
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Belfast are as follows:
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Movie Tickets$10
Tours and Activities in Belfast
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Belfast are as follows:
- Belfast A Music and StreetArt Experience. Small Gr Walking Tour : $25
- Belfast The Troubles cab tour Adventure 2hrs personal guide : $113
- Historical Private Tour in Belfast : $76
- (Small Group) Shore Tour from Giant's Causeway and Belfast Day Trip: $147
- 2 hour Private Political History & Murals Tour Belfast: $70
- 2 hours Belfast Original Drivers The Troubles Black Taxi Tour: $93
- 3 Hour extended Murals Tour: $102
- 4 Hours Private Guided Belfast City Tour: $254
- A History of Terror - Belfast City Centre Walking Tour : $28
- Antrim Coast Carrickfergus and Gobbins Cliff Experience: $439
- Award winners Express 2 hrs Black Taxi tours and Mural Taxi Tour: $159
- Belfast Famous Black taxi political mural peace wall tour 2 hour: $126
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHo Chi Minh City $7.86Belfast $9.86
Typical Alcohol Prices in Ho Chi Minh City
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Ho Chi Minh City:
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Beer$0.39
Sample the Local Flavors in Belfast
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Belfast:
- Pub Crawl and Bar Walking Tour with Two Drinks: $15
- Explore & Taste: Distillery Tour at Titanic Distillers: $32
- Belfast Giant's Causeway and Titanic Distillery Whiskey Tour: $69
- VIP Skip-the Line Titanic Museum and Distillery Tasting Tour: $119
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ho Chi Minh City and Belfast, we can see that Belfast is more expensive. And not only is Ho Chi Minh City much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Ho Chi Minh City is in Asia and Belfast is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Ho Chi Minh City would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ho Chi Minh City 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 Belfast would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Belfast than you might in Ho Chi Minh City.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Ho Chi Minh City Expensive? and Is Belfast Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Ho Chi Minh City or Belfast?
Ho Chi Minh City has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Belfast. When comparing the sizes of Ho Chi Minh City and Belfast, 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.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.