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

Should you visit Ho Chi Minh City or Chicago?

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 Chicago can help you decide which place is right for you.

Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City is a colorful, busy, and diverse city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Other popular activities here include museums, theater, and nightlife.

Chicago

Chicago is a diverse, vibrant, and multicultural city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the live music, food, and beaches.

Ho Chi Minh City and Chicago: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Chicago than Ho Chi Minh City. While Ho Chi Minh City is larger than Chicago, Chicago has more sights and attractions for tourists. Ho Chi Minh City is famous for its motorbike-filled streets, bustling markets, world-class cuisine, and diverse shopping opportunities. Chicago is famous for its thriving sports scene, its iconic local cuisine, and its world class shopping at the Magnificent Mile. It is also well known for The Willis Tower (previously the Sears Tower).

How is Ho Chi Minh City different from Chicago?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of fantastic museums and attractions in both Chicago and Ho Chi Minh City.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Ho Chi Minh City has many famous sights for visitors. 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.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Chicago that are not to be missed. There are countless landmarks, museums, and iconic sights in the area. Some of the most famous are the Art Institute of Chicago, Adler Planetarium, and the Museum of Science and Industry. Notable landmarks include the famous Willis Tower - formerly the Sears Tower, Buckingham Fountain, and the iconic Cloud Gate (the bean).

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Chicago Better for Theater?

Chicago is a world-class destination for its shows and theatre. Also, Ho Chi Minh City is not as popular, but is still a nice city for theatre.

The theater scene in Chicago is world-class. Theater is big here with many of the major Broadway productions visiting the city. There is also an endless list of smaller, local theaters to choose from.

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.

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

Foodies will find both Ho Chi Minh City and Chicago both to be fantastic destinations.

Ho Chi Minh City has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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).

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Chicago is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. With everything from award-winning luxury restaurants to local dives, this city has something for everyone. It also has very distinct local flavors and dishes that create an identity and bring great pride to the locals. While you're in town you have to try the famous deep dish pizza, Chicago style hot dogs, and Italian beef.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Chicago Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is fantastic in both Ho Chi Minh City and Chicago.

People head to Ho Chi Minh City just to party. 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.

The nightlife in Chicago is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. It has a wide range of activities at night, with everything from theater and comedy clubs to dance venues, sporting events, and local bars. It's easy to fill many evenings with whatever activity appeals to you. Popular bars and clubs include the Smart Bar, Beauty Bar, and Le Nocturne.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Chicago Better for Music?

Chicago is a world-class destination for its music scene. However, Ho Chi Minh City is not a live music destination.

Chicago has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The city is the birthplace of such interesting styles as modern gospel and the Chicago style blues.

Ho Chi Minh City is not a live music destination.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Chicago Better for Beaches?

Chicago is very good for the beach. However, Ho Chi Minh City is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Chicago to enjoy the beach. While you don't immediately think of beaches when you think of Chicago, there are some nice beaches by the lake. If the weather is nice, it's a great area to spend some time.

Ho Chi Minh City is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ho Chi Minh City or Chicago?

If you're looking to go shopping, Ho Chi Minh City and Chicago both offer plenty of fantastic spots.

Many people travel to Ho Chi Minh City specifically to go shopping. 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.

Chicago is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are countless neighborhoods that are filled with boutiques, local vendors, and art galleries. The city has some of the country's best shopping opportunities, and the most notable area is the famous Michigan Avenue and the Magnificent Mile.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Chicago Better for Christmas?

Chicago is great for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Ho Chi Minh City does not offer Christmas activities.

Chicago is a very popular destination during Christmas. There's a number of seasonal celebrations, ice skating, and excellent shopping.

Ho Chi Minh City does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Chicago Better for Christmas Markets?

Chicago is very good for visiting Christmas markets. However, Ho Chi Minh City does not offer Christmas markets.

Chicago offers some nice Christmas markets. Shopping is a highlight of a trip to the city, and the Christkindlmarkt is not to be missed.

Ho Chi Minh City does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Chicago Better for Families?

You'll find fantastic kid-friendly activities in either Ho Chi Minh City or Chicago.

Ho Chi Minh City is one of the most popular family destinations. 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.

Chicago is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. The city has a large number of activities for kids, including zoos, Shedd Aquarium, impressive children's museums, and large and elaborate playgrounds in Millennium Park. It's easy to keep kids entertained in this very kid-focused city.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Chicago Better for Couples?

Ho Chi Minh City is a great destination for couples. Also, Chicago is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

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.

Chicago is a nice destination for couples. Couples will enjoy exploring the city's vibrant theater scene and diverse neighborhoods. There are many varied restaurants and entertainment options that make for a great date night. There are also sporting events, parks, and gardens where couples can explore.

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

Ho Chi Minh City is renowned for backpackers. Also, Chicago is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Ho Chi Minh City is a very popular city to visit 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Chicago. The city doesn't have a huge backpacker vibe, but it does have a number of hostels that help keep costs in check.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Chicago Better for Students?

Chicago is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, Ho Chi Minh City is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Chicago. The city has a large number of universities that bring in students from around the country and around the globe. It's a huge international city with economic ties and many opportunities connected to the universities.

Ho Chi Minh City is a good city to visit for students. 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.

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

Chicago is a world-class destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Ho Chi Minh City is not a good destination for its public transit.

With a huge network, the transit system in Chicago can get you around easily. There's a subway (the "L"), a commuter well, as well as buses and countless taxis available.

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 Ho Chi Minh City or Chicago a more walkable city?

Chicago 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.

Chicago is a very walkable destination. The city has many restaurants, sights, and hotels that are easily accessible 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 Ho Chi Minh City Worth Visiting? and Is Chicago Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Ho Chi Minh City or Chicago?

In either Ho Chi Minh City or Chicago, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Chicago than Ho Chi Minh City because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Ho Chi Minh City, and 3-5 days is enough time in Chicago.

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

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

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

One day in Ho Chi Minh City or Chicago?

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 theater and nightlife around the diverse big city of Chicago. 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.

A weekend in Ho Chi Minh City or Chicago?

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 live music around the multicultural city of Chicago. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Five days in Ho Chi Minh City or Chicago?

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.

Chicago is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Ho Chi Minh City or Chicago?

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.

Chicago 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 Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, and The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ho Chi Minh City and Chicago, we can see that Chicago 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 Chicago is in North America, 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 Chicago would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Chicago 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 Chicago Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ho Chi Minh City or Chicago?

Ho Chi Minh City has a larger population, and is about 22% larger than the population of Chicago. When comparing the sizes of Ho Chi Minh City and Chicago, 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.