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

Should you visit Ho Chi Minh City or Gili Trawangan?

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 Gili Trawangan can help you decide which place is right for you.

Ho Chi Minh City

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 museums, theater, and nightlife. See Ho Chi Minh City travel costs.

Gili Trawangan

Gili Trawangan is a laidback, tropical, and idyllic island. With stunning beauty, Gili Trawangan attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the beaches, nightlife, and food. See Gili Trawangan travel costs.

Ho Chi Minh City and Gili Trawangan: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Ho Chi Minh City. Although Ho Chi Minh City and Gili Trawangan are both popular with visitors, Ho Chi Minh City has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Ho Chi Minh City is more popular for its museums and attractions, theatre productions, food, shopping, and big city activities, while Gili Trawangan is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Gili Trawangan is more touristy than Ho Chi Minh City and is known for its beautiful water and impressive scuba diving. 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.

How is Ho Chi Minh City different from Gili Trawangan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Ho Chi Minh City is a world-class destination for its museums and history. However, Gili Trawangan is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Ho Chi Minh City are world-renowned. 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.

Gili Trawangan offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of art and cultural museums on the island, but most people spend their time soaking up the idyllic setting.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Gili Trawangan Better for Theater?

Ho Chi Minh City is very good for its theatre productions. However, Gili Trawangan is not a theatre destination.

You'll find a nice selection of shows 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.

Gili Trawangan is not a theatre destination.

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

Ho Chi Minh City is a world-class destination for its restaurants. Also, Gili Trawangan is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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).

Dining out in Gili Trawangan is an experience not to be missed. As the largest and one of the most touristy of the Gili Islands, you'll find a wide range of cuisines. There's everything from Mexican to Greek available. You'll also find plenty of tropical fruits and some local Indonesian cuisine as well.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Gili Trawangan Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Gili Trawangan is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. This is the "party island" of the Gili Islands. It has a wild nightlife scene that is particularly popular with backpackers. There are tons of beach bars that have live music, DJs, and nightly parties. There are also regular boat parties. The party scene is pretty well coordinated across the bars, and one bar will stay open late each night while the others close around midnight. This keeps the partygoers concentrated in one location and keeps the energy high for everyone.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Gili Trawangan Better for Resorts?

Gili Trawangan is very good for its luxury resorts. However, Ho Chi Minh City is not a resort destination.

Gili Trawangan has a few great resort options. The island was long known for its backpacker vibe which included poorly concentrated beach huts. More recently there's been an upswing in upmarket accommodation, particularly on the quieter western and northern sides of the island.

Ho Chi Minh City is not a resort destination.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Gili Trawangan Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Gili Trawangan is a world-class destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Ho Chi Minh City is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The scuba diving and snorkeling in Gili Trawangan is not to be missed. Snorkeling and diving are a highlight on the island, and a big draw for many visitors. The island is small, with a large concentration of tourists, so if you book a boat trip, you'll likely be surrounded by others. This doesn't mean you won't be able to enjoy colorful fish, a magical undersea world, and the occasional sea turtle.

Ho Chi Minh City is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Gili Trawangan Better for Beaches?

Gili Trawangan is a world-class destination for the beach. However, Ho Chi Minh City is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Gili Trawangan is a very popular vacation destination. The island is filled with white sand beaches, most of which have restaurants and beachside bars nearby. One of the busiest beaches is near the port, but a quieter area is nearby Surf Point. The sunset side of the island is perfect in the evening when the sun starts to dip below the horizon, but the beaches on that side aren't as great as the other side of the island.

Ho Chi Minh City is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ho Chi Minh City or Gili Trawangan?

Ho Chi Minh City is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Gili Trawangan is lacking in good options 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.

Gili Trawangan has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. You'll find most things you need on the island, but this isn't a place people usually shop for fun.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Gili Trawangan More Beautiful?

Gili Trawangan is great for its scenery and beauty. However, Ho Chi Minh City is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Gili Trawangan attracts visitors from all around. Crystal blue waters and white sand beaches make this an idyllic island paradise. The setting is perfect for hanging out by the water and soaking up the island vibe.

Ho Chi Minh City is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Gili Trawangan Better for Families?

Ho Chi Minh City is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Gili Trawangan is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Gili Trawangan is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. There are many kid-friendly activities like snorkeling, kayaking, and biking. There are also glass bottom boat tours and a great laidback island vibe that kids and adults alike will enjoy. Do note that this is one of the more popular islands for backpackers, so there is a big party scene.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Gili Trawangan Better for Couples?

Both Ho Chi Minh City and Gili Trawangan are very good 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.

Gili Trawangan is a very popular place to visit for couples. White sand, blue water, and a true tropical island paradise make this a wonderful honeymoon destination. It's one of the more energetic of the Gili Islands, so if you're looking for a calm retreat, there may be better options, but it still has wonderful resorts and great diving.

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

For backpackers, both Ho Chi Minh City and Gili Trawangan are fantastic 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.

Gili Trawangan is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. It's the most popular of the Gili Islands for backpackers so you'll find tons of hostels and a great nightlife scene. The energy is high and the scenery and idyllic beaches are wonderful.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Gili Trawangan Better for Students?

Ho Chi Minh City is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Gili Trawangan is not popular with students.

Plenty of students 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.

Gili Trawangan is not popular with students.

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

Gili Trawangan 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 Gili Trawangan offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Many tourists enjoy getting around the island by cidomo, which are horse-drawn carts. Otherwise, walking or biking are your best options.

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 Gili Trawangan a more walkable city?

Gili Trawangan 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.

Gili Trawangan is a very walkable destination. While it's the largest of the Gili Islands, it still small enough to walk around in about two hours and it's relatively easy to explore 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 Gili Trawangan Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Ho Chi Minh City or Gili Trawangan?

It's fun to spend time in either Ho Chi Minh City or Gili Trawangan. Both can be explored in comparable amounts of time. In general, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Ho Chi Minh City, and 2-4 days is enough time in Gili Trawangan.

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

One day in Ho Chi Minh City or Gili Trawangan?

Because Ho Chi Minh City is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife around the idyllic destination of Gili Trawangan. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Ho Chi Minh City or Gili Trawangan?

Ho Chi Minh City is a great place to explore. Anyone can find something fun to do here. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

You'll find nightlife and food around the laidback island of Gili Trawangan. If you have a weekend, this island makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 Gili Trawangan?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ho Chi Minh City. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Gili Trawangan is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Gili Trawangan?

Travelers enjoy the museums and theater when visiting the city of Ho Chi Minh City. Your budget might influence how long you stay. 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.

Gili Trawangan is a great place to explore. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 2-Week Tours from Ho Chi Minh City, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Vietnam, The Best Tours for Seniors to Indonesia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Indonesia.

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

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 Gili Trawangan Expensive?.