A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ho Chi Minh City vs. Chichibu-Tama-Kai for Attractions, Food, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Ho Chi Minh City or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai can help you decide which place is right for you.

Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City is a busy, diverse, and cultural city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a peaceful, relaxing, and natural national park. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the hiking.

Ho Chi Minh City and Chichibu-Tama-Kai: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ho Chi Minh City or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Ho Chi Minh City than Chichibu-Tama-Kai, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Ho Chi Minh City is better known for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Chichibu-Tama-Kai is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Ho Chi Minh City is more touristy than Chichibu-Tama-Kai and is known 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. Chichibu-Tama-Kai is well known for its beautiful hikes and accessibility from Tokyo.

How is Ho Chi Minh City different from Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Chichibu-Tama-Kai 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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

Ho Chi Minh City is a must-visit destination for its historical sights. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

Travelers visit Ho Chi Minh City from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. 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.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are hikes that pass by historic villages and you'll see several ancient shrines such as Musashi-Mitake-jinja Shrine. Between the months of June and November you may even be able to see kagura, which is a traditional Shinto dance performance that has been passed down through the generations.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Chichibu-Tama-Kai Better for Theater?

Ho Chi Minh City is a city with good options for theatre. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a theatre destination.

If you have some extra time in Ho Chi Minh City, take in a show. 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.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Ho Chi Minh City or Chichibu-Tama-Kai? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Ho Chi Minh City is a must-visit destination for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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).

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Chichibu-Tama-Kai. There are a couple of restaurants in and near the park, but if you're going for a longer hike, you're better off packing your own picnic.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Chichibu-Tama-Kai Better for Nightlife?

Ho Chi Minh City is a must-visit destination for nightlife. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Ho Chi Minh City is a world class party destination. 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.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Chichibu-Tama-Kai Better for Hiking?

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is great for hiking. However, Ho Chi Minh City is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Chichibu-Tama-Kai for the hiking trails. There are a range of hikes in this park that include everything from day trip hikes and multi-day treks with camping and mountain huts available. The trails run along gorges, pass by lakes, and take you through pristine forests.

Ho Chi Minh City is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ho Chi Minh City or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

Ho Chi Minh City is a must-visit destination for shopping. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Ho Chi Minh City. 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.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Chichibu-Tama-Kai Better for Families?

Ho Chi Minh City is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not as popular, but is still a nice national park for its family-friendly activities.

Ho Chi Minh City is an extremely popular city to visit for families. 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.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a very kid-friendly city. This national park offers educational programs, hiking, and outdoor adventures that the entire family can enjoy. If you kids need a break from history and cities, then this is the perfect place to reconnect with nature for a few days.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Chichibu-Tama-Kai Better for Couples?

Both Ho Chi Minh City and Chichibu-Tama-Kai are superb destinations to visit as a couple.

Ho Chi Minh City is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. 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.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a very popular place to visit for couples. Hiking, natural beauty, and adrenaline-filled adventures all make this a wonderful couples destination for those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of town.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Chichibu-Tama-Kai Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ho Chi Minh City is a must-visit destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not as popular, but is still a nice national park for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Ho Chi Minh City. 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Chichibu-Tama-Kai. It's less than two hours from Tokyo, so backpackers can enjoy easy access to an accessible natural area.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Chichibu-Tama-Kai Better for Students?

Ho Chi Minh City is a city with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not popular with students.

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.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not popular with students.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Chichibu-Tama-Kai Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Ho Chi Minh City and Chichibu-Tama-Kai 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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai. It's recommended that you have a car to efficiently explore the park. There are some bus options within the park, such as the Nishi Tokyo Bus that runs to popular hiking spots in the Okutama and Mitake areas and the Yamanashi Kotsu bus service that goes to trails in Yamanashi.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Chichibu-Tama-Kai a more walkable city?

Chichibu-Tama-Kai 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.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a very walkable destination. There are hiking trails that cater to every level, from beginner to more experienced.

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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Ho Chi Minh City?

How long in Ho Chi Minh City or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Ho Chi Minh City or Chichibu-Tama-Kai to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Ho Chi Minh City than Chichibu-Tama-Kai because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Ho Chi Minh City, and 1-2 days is enough time in Chichibu-Tama-Kai.

Families should spend more time in Ho Chi Minh City than Chichibu-Tama-Kai. 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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai. 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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai 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 Ho Chi Minh City or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

When visiting Ho Chi Minh City, people usually allow for lots of time. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It offers something for everyone.

You'll find around the beautiful destination of Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here. This national park offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Ho Chi Minh City or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

When visiting Ho Chi Minh City, people usually allow for lots of time. Your budget might influence how long you stay. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

You'll find around the peaceful national park of Chichibu-Tama-Kai. If you have a weekend, this national park makes for a great vacation. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the vibrant big city of Ho Chi Minh City. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

Ho Chi Minh City is a popular choice for travelers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a great place to explore. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in Vietnam, The Best 10-Day Tours in Vietnam, The Best 10-Day Tours in Japan, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Japan.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ho Chi Minh City and Chichibu-Tama-Kai, we can see that Ho Chi Minh City is more expensive. And not only is Chichibu-Tama-Kai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Chichibu-Tama-Kai would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Chichibu-Tama-Kai 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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai.

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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai Expensive?.