Which place is cheaper, Edinburgh or Ho Chi Minh City?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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 Edinburgh can help you decide which place is right for you.
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 nightlife, food, and shopping.
Edinburgh is a vibrant, gothic, and ancient city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the museums, theater, and nightlife.
Visitors will generally find more to do in Edinburgh than Ho Chi Minh City. While Ho Chi Minh City is larger than Edinburgh, Edinburgh has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Edinburgh is more popular for its theatre productions, music, historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Ho Chi Minh City is known for its food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities. Edinburgh is more touristy than Ho Chi Minh City and is known for its medieval Old Town, the Royal Mile, and its influence on the Harry Potter series. It is also home to The Edinburgh Castle. Ho Chi Minh City is popular for its motorbike-filled streets, bustling markets, world-class cuisine, and diverse shopping opportunities.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Edinburgh and Ho Chi Minh City. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
You'll find a number of amazing museums and attractions in both Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh that are not to be missed. The most famous sights include the Edinburgh Castle, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and the National Museum of Scotland. There are also kid-friendly museums like Camera Obscura.
Edinburgh is great for its shows and theatre. Also, Ho Chi Minh City is not as popular, but is still a nice city for theatre.
Edinburgh has a number of performance venues where you can see a variety of shows. It's fun to see a live performance or attend one of the festivals in town.
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.
Ho Chi Minh City is terrific for its restaurants. However, Edinburgh is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.
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).
Edinburgh may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. The city has some unique but famous dishes to try including haggis and black pudding. For slightly less intimidating options, check out the cullen skink, porridge, or smoked salmon. There are many fish and chips shops to choose from as well as a diversity of ethnic restaurants including Indian, Thai, and Ethiopian.
Ho Chi Minh City is terrific for nightlife and partying. Also, Edinburgh is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.
Ho Chi Minh City is a must-see 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.
Edinburgh is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. With so many students, the nightlife stays very active. There are a wide range of bars and clubs to choose from as well as some of the country's oldest pubs. Tourists tend to frequent the Old Town area, but you'll find more locals if you head to the student and university areas.
Edinburgh is a world-class destination for its music scene. However, Ho Chi Minh City is not a live music destination.
Edinburgh has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. In addition to a wide range of live music venues, there are also a number of music festivals held in town.
Ho Chi Minh City is not a live music destination.
Edinburgh is a world-class destination for its historic old town charm. However, Ho Chi Minh City does not have a historic old town.
The historic old town of Edinburgh is revered around the world. The city's Old Town attracts international visitors who come to see the Edinburgh Castle, the quaint streets, and the many shops and cafes. The Royal Mile is a popular area with pubs and souvenir shops. It connects the castle to the Scottish Parliament.
Ho Chi Minh City does not have a historic old town.
Ho Chi Minh City is terrific for its shopping opportunities. Also, Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh. Head to Princes Street in the New Town to visit department stores and other name brand shops. Nearby George Street has more boutique style shops and less crowds. In the Old Town, Victoria Street is filled with Harry Potter shops and tourist stores where you can pick up a kilt or Edinburgh sweatshirt.
Ho Chi Minh City is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Edinburgh is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.
Edinburgh is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy wandering down Victoria Street and popping in the Harry Potter shops. There are also a number of fascinating Harry Potter tours that take you through notable landmarks where J.K. Rowling was inspired to write these popular stories. You'll even visit Tom Riddle's gravesite. Other highlights that families will enjoy include Edinburgh Castle and the Edinburgh Dungeon, which is best for older kids or kids that enjoy a good scare. Younger kids will enjoy a trip the illusions museum, Camera Obscura, which also offers one of the best views of the city.
Both Ho Chi Minh City and Edinburgh 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.
Edinburgh is a very popular place to visit for couples. With its castle and the Royal Mile, there are many romantic places to explore as a couple. There are also good restaurants and some nice hotels. Whether you're interested in history, food, or fun, this city makes for a great couples trip.
For backpackers, both Ho Chi Minh City and Edinburgh are amazing places to visit.
A large number of backpackers visit Ho Chi Minh City, as it is a very popular city for 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.
Edinburgh is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. The city has some good hostels and an active nightlife, so it's not hard to find other travelers to hang out with. It's a well visited city with many areas that attracted younger travelers or students.
Edinburgh is great for its student-friendly activities. Also, Ho Chi Minh City is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.
Edinburgh is very popular with students. This multicultural city is popular with international students because of its excellent research and academic centers as well as its unique history.
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.
Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Buses are the best way to get into town from the outer edges if you don't have a car.
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.
Edinburgh 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.
Edinburgh is a very easy city to get around on foot. The Old Town in particular is fun to walk around
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 Edinburgh Worth Visiting?.
In either Ho Chi Minh City or Edinburgh, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh.
Families should spend more time in Ho Chi Minh City than Edinburgh. 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 Edinburgh than Ho Chi Minh City. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Edinburgh that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh.
People visit Ho Chi Minh City because there is so much to do. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
You'll find shopping and museums around the vibrant destination of Edinburgh. 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.
People visit Ho Chi Minh City because there is so much to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.
You'll find museums and theater around the charming city of Edinburgh. 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.
Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the vibrant city of Ho Chi Minh City. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.
Edinburgh 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.
Ho Chi Minh City is a popular choice for travelers. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.
Edinburgh 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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in Vietnam, The Best 10-Day Tours in Vietnam, The Best 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom, and The Best 2-Week Tours in United Kingdom.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Ho Chi Minh City is $82, while the average daily cost in Edinburgh is $179. 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 Edinburgh in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Ho Chi Minh City or Edinburgh? 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.
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Ho Chi Minh City:
Also for Ho Chi Minh City, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Edinburgh:
Also for Edinburgh, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Prices for flights to both Edinburgh 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.
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Ho Chi Minh City:
For Ho Chi Minh City, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
For Edinburgh, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
For Edinburgh, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
For Ho Chi Minh City, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Ho Chi Minh City.
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Edinburgh's activities, tours, and tickets:
For Edinburgh, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Ho Chi Minh City:
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Edinburgh from other travelers:
Also in Edinburgh, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ho Chi Minh City and Edinburgh, we can see that Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh Expensive?.
Ho Chi Minh City has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Edinburgh. When comparing the sizes of Ho Chi Minh City and Edinburgh, 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.