Which place is cheaper, Dublin 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 Dublin?
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 Dublin can help you decide which place is right for you.
Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City is a diverse, cultural, and chaotic city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. And you can't forget about the theater, nightlife, and food.
Dublin
Dublin is a laid-back, friendly, and welcoming city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife.
Ho Chi Minh City and Dublin: Pros and Cons
Ho Chi Minh City
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Numerous theater shows
- Popular for food and cuisine
- Active nightlife
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Big city activities
- Less walkable
Dublin
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Good music scene
- Scenic old town
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Very walkable
- Less popular for food
Is there more to do in Ho Chi Minh City or Dublin?
Travelers will usually find more to do in Ho Chi Minh City than Dublin, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Ho Chi Minh City is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, shopping, and big city activities, while Dublin is known for its music and historical sights. Ho Chi Minh City is popular for its motorbike-filled streets, bustling markets, world-class cuisine, and diverse shopping opportunities. It is also home to the War Remnants Museum. Dublin is popular for its friendly and social nightlife, its local pubs, and its role as the birthplace of Guinness.
How is Ho Chi Minh City different from Dublin?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Dublin 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 Dublin?
Ho Chi Minh City
Dublin
Ho Chi Minh City is terrific for its museums and landmarks. Also, Dublin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.
The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Ho Chi Minh City are among the most recognizable in the world. 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.
You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Dublin. There are a number of museums around town including the National Museum of Ireland, the Little Museum of Dublin, and the National Gallery of Ireland.
Is Ho Chi Minh City or Dublin Better for Theater?
Ho Chi Minh City
Dublin
Ho Chi Minh City is a nice place to visit for its theatre productions. However, Dublin is not a theatre destination.
With some theater and performance venues, you might want to see a show 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.
Dublin is not a theatre destination.
Is the Food Better in Ho Chi Minh City or Dublin? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Ho Chi Minh City
Dublin
Ho Chi Minh City is terrific for its restaurant scene. Also, Dublin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.
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).
Dublin is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Seafood has become popular around town, but you can also try traditional favorites like stew, pancakes, or coddle.
Is Ho Chi Minh City or Dublin Better for Nightlife?
Ho Chi Minh City
Dublin
The vibe at night is terrific in both Ho Chi Minh City and Dublin.
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 Dublin is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. Temple Bar is where you'll find the greatest concentration of pubs and nightlife. The city is among the friendliest and most welcoming, and this is seen even in the vibe around town at night.
Is Ho Chi Minh City or Dublin Better for Music?
Ho Chi Minh City
Dublin
Dublin is great for its music scene. However, Ho Chi Minh City is not a live music destination.
The music scene in Dublin draws a good crowd. The best places to hear live music around town are the back street pubs that feature local groups.
Ho Chi Minh City is not a live music destination.
Is Ho Chi Minh City or Dublin Better for its Old Town?
Ho Chi Minh City
Dublin
Dublin 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 Dublin. On the south side of the River Liffey are three different historic parts to the city. The Medieval Quarter is the oldest. To the east is Temple Bar, and further east is the Georgian Quarter.
Ho Chi Minh City does not have a historic old town.
Is the Shopping Better in Ho Chi Minh City or Dublin?
Ho Chi Minh City
Dublin
Ho Chi Minh City is terrific for its shopping opportunities. Also, Dublin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.
The abundance of shops in Ho Chi Minh City make it a world-class shopping destination. 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.
Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Dublin. Head to Grafton Street to see a number of brand name and local shops. It's a pedestrian street that is fun to wander around.
Is Ho Chi Minh City or Dublin Better for Families?
Ho Chi Minh City
Dublin
Ho Chi Minh City is terrific for its family-friendly activities. Also, Dublin is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.
You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Dublin. Explore the waterways with the viking splash, learn about the vikings at the museum Dublina, or visit any of the other kid-friendly museums around town, or see a show at The Gaiety.
Is Ho Chi Minh City or Dublin Better for Couples?
Ho Chi Minh City
Dublin
Both Ho Chi Minh City and Dublin are excellent 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.
Dublin is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's laid-back vibe and countless pubs make it a fun weekend getaway for couples.
Is Ho Chi Minh City or Dublin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Ho Chi Minh City
Dublin
Ho Chi Minh City is terrific for backpackers. Also, Dublin is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.
Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit 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 budget travelers and backpackers visit Dublin. There are a number of popular backpacker hostels around town. The pub scene is also popular with the young crowd.
Is Ho Chi Minh City or Dublin Better for Students?
Ho Chi Minh City
Dublin
For students, both Ho Chi Minh City and Dublin are good 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.
Dublin is a good city to visit for students. While student accommodation can be a bit expensive in town, the nightlife and social aspect of living in the city center makes it well worth it.
Is Ho Chi Minh City or Dublin Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Ho Chi Minh City
Dublin
Dublin is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Ho Chi Minh City is not a good destination for its public transit.
While Dublin offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a comprehensive bus system around town.
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 Dublin a more walkable city?
Ho Chi Minh City
Dublin
Dublin is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Ho Chi Minh City is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.
Dublin is a very easy city to get around on foot. Because it is so compact and flat, it is easy to explore the city center 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 Dublin Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Dublin or Ho Chi Minh City?
How long in Ho Chi Minh City or Dublin?
In either Ho Chi Minh City or Dublin, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Dublin 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 2-5 days is enough time in Dublin.
Families should spend more time in Ho Chi Minh City than Dublin. 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 Dublin 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 Dublin? Ideal Length of StayHo Chi Minh City 3-4Dublin 2-5
One day in Ho Chi Minh City or Dublin?
Ho Chi Minh City is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.
You'll find food and shopping around the welcoming destination of Dublin. 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.
A weekend in Ho Chi Minh City or Dublin?
Ho Chi Minh City is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.
You'll find shopping and museums around the fun city of Dublin. 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. Most people head to the area for the nightlife. 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 Dublin?
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ho Chi Minh City. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
Dublin is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Dublin?
Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the vibrant big city of Ho Chi Minh City. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.
Dublin 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 head to the area for the nightlife. 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 Walking Tours in Ireland, and The Best Luxury Tours to Ireland.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHo Chi Minh City $81Dublin $155
The average daily cost (per person) in Ho Chi Minh City is $81, while the average daily cost in Dublin is $155. 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 Dublin in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHo Chi Minh City $49Dublin $74
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHo Chi Minh City $98Dublin $148
Compare Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City and Dublin
Looking for a hotel in Ho Chi Minh City or Dublin? 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 Dublin Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Ho Chi Minh City $15Dublin $21
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$1.40
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Taxi From Airport$7.99
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Cyclo Ride (One Hour)$1.60
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ho Chi Minh City
Also for Ho Chi Minh City, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Transfer From Hotel in Ho Chi Minh to Airport By 7 Seats Car: $41
- Airport Transfers (Airport - Ho Chi Minh,Private 16 Seats Car): $52
- Airport transfer from TAN SON NHAT airport to HO CHI MINH: $22
- Bus transfer between Sai Gon and Da Lat - “City of Flowers”: $27
- Golden Bridge &Marble Mountain With Guide &Transfer from Chan May: $110
- Golden Bridge Trip with guide, lunch &Transfer from Chan May Port: $189
- HO CHI MINH AIRPORT: Car 16s pick up <-> hotel (one way transfer): $32
- Hanoi Private Transfer from Thanh Hoa to Hanoi (HAN) Airport: $158
- Ho Chi Minh Airport (SGN) to Mui Ne - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $96
- Ho Chi Minh Airport (SGN) to Vung Tau - Arrival Private Transfer: $31
- Ho Chi Minh Airport (SGN) to Vung Tau Round-Trip Private Transfer: $61
- Ho Chi Minh City Airport (SGN) to Ho Chi Minh hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $16
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Dublin
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Dublin:
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Rental Car for a Day$16
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dublin
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dublin:
- One-Way Private Transfer to Killarney: $773
- One-Way Private Transfer to Galway: $666
- One-Way Private Transfer to Cork City: $634
- Shannon: Private Airport Arrival Transfer to Dublin: $613
- One-Way Private Transfer to Shannon Airport: $613
- One-Way Private Transfer to Limerick: $581
- Dublin Airport:, Executive/chauffeur transfer to Belfast: $557
- Dublin Glasnevin National Cemetery Audio Tour with Transfers: $338
- Dublin Zoo Skip-the-line Tickets and Private Transfers: $304
- Collon House & Garden To Dublin Airport Or City Private Chauffeur Transfer : $298
- Dublin Airport To Collon House & Garden Private Chauffeur Transfer: $298
- Private Transfer from Dublin Airport to Belfast City Airport (BHD): $292
Is it cheaper to fly into Ho Chi Minh City or Dublin?
Prices for flights to both Dublin 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 $14Dublin $53
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)$4.27
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Pizza$5.19
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Sweet Rice$1.20
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Pork Sandwich$0.60
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$6.78
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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:
- 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
- Ho Chi Minh Street Food Tour By Motorbike +Sightseeing SAFE & FUN: $27
- Food Tour by Scooter with Eleven Tastings: $27
- Super Niche Walking Street Food Tour in Ho Chi Minh City: $28
- Ho Chi Minh: Thirteen-Tastings Private Walking Food Tour: $28
- Ho Chi Minh: Original Walking Street Food Tour With Local: $29
- Ho Chi Minh: Super Niche Walking Street Food Tour With Local: $29
- Private 4-Hour Food Tour in Ho Chi Minh City: $29
- Private Saigon Street Food Tour On SCOOTER OR WALKING TOUR: $30
- HO CHI MINH Street Food Tour and Vietnamese Coffee: $30
Typical Food Prices in Dublin
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Dublin:
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Lunch Lynam's Pub$4.28
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dublin
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Dublin.
- Walking Street Food Tour with Local Guide: $29
- Dublin 3-Course Dinner and Live Shows at The Irish House Party: $31
- No Diet Club - Best Food Tour in Dublin !: $59
- Dublin Irish Night Show, Dance and Traditional 3-Course Dinner: $60
- Grand Canal Cruise with Dinner: $71
- Delicious Walking Food Tour: $80
- Delicious Dublin Food Tour: $82
- Private Cooking Class in a Modern Home with Sea Views in Skerries, Dublin: $84
- Howth Coastal Craft Beer and Seafood Tour: $95
- The Food Tour: $96
- Private Market Tour and Irish Cooking Class in a Modern Skerries Home: $102
- Irish Craic & Cuisine: Cooking Class & Dinner in Central Dublin: $106
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Ho Chi Minh City $20Dublin $27
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$5.59
Tours and Activities in Ho Chi Minh City
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Ho Chi Minh City.
- Ho Chi Minh City private walking tours with young local volunteers: $1.85
- Saigon: Free Walking Tour: $2.04
- Saigon: Free Food Walking Tour: $3.27
- Walking Tour: $5.00
- Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Double-Decker: $5.88
- Saigon: City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $7.00
- Saigon: City Sightseeing 45-Minute Panoramic Night Tour: $7.00
- City Sightseeing Panoramic Bus Tour: $7.00
- Floating Village Eco-Tourism Tan Lap - Trekking Day Trip: $7.36
- Ho Chi Minh Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.68
- Ho Chi Minh Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.83
- Ho Chi Minh City Tour and Independence Palace Ticket 2 in 1: $8.46
Typical Entertainment Prices in Dublin
Here are a few typical costs in Dublin for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Wild Wicklow Tour$28
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Guinness Brewery for Two$29
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St Pauls Cathedral$4.87
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Dublin Writer's Museum$6.82
Tours and Activities in Dublin
Here are a few actual costs in Dublin for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- A Self Guided Walking Tour of Dublin's Docklands: $12
- (Small Group) Cliffs of Moher and Castle Tour from Dublin: $141
- (Small Group) Shore Tour from Dublin:Dublin Highlights and Glendalough Day Trip: $119
- 1-Hour Cocktail Masterclass Experience in Dublin: $49
- 2-Day Northern Ireland Tour from Dublin Including Belfast and Giants Causeway: $217
- 2-Hour Historical Walking Tour from Dublin : $21
- 2-Hours Indoor Challenge Adventure Experience in Ireland: $31
- 2-Hours and 30 Minutes Historical Walking Tour in Dublin: $28
- 3 Hour Tour Freemasons and Templars Secret Societies: $20
- 3-Hour Drinks on Foot Dublin Walking Guided Tour: $30
- 4-Day Grand Atlantic Rail Tour from Dublin: $1,169
- 5-Day Tour of West Ireland: Blarney Stone & Cliffs of Moher: $1,446
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHo Chi Minh City $7.98Dublin $19
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$0.40
Sample the Local Flavors in Dublin
Also in Dublin, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Authentic Brewery Tour: $11
- Generation Pub Crawl: $15
- Dublin Traditional Irish Pub Crawl: $15
- Dublin Epic Pub Crawl: Experience Dublin's pubs and nightlife: $15
- "Dublin Delight Pub Expedition" Pub Crawl: $16
- The Dublin Liberties Distillery: Tour with Whiskey Tasting: $18
- City Pub Crawl Experience: $20
- Teeling Whiskey Distillery Tour & Tasting: $21
- Skip the Line: Teeling Whiskey Distillery Tour and Tasting in Dublin Ticket: $22
- Pearse Lyons Whiskey Distillery Experience: $23
- Pearse Lyons Whiskey Distillery: Trilogy Experience: $24
- Roe and Co Distillery Cocktail Workshop Experience: $27
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ho Chi Minh City and Dublin, we can see that Dublin 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 Dublin 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 Dublin would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dublin 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 Dublin Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Ho Chi Minh City or Dublin?
Ho Chi Minh City has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Dublin. When comparing the sizes of Ho Chi Minh City and Dublin, 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.