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

Should you visit Ho Chi Minh City or Glasgow?

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

Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City is a cultural, chaotic, and vibrant city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's also popular because of the theater, nightlife, and food.

Glasgow

Glasgow is a high energy, friendly, and cultural 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 Glasgow: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Ho Chi Minh City than Glasgow. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Ho Chi Minh City is very popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, shopping, and big city activities, while Glasgow attracts visitors for its music and historical sights. Ho Chi Minh City is more touristy than Glasgow and is known for its motorbike-filled streets, bustling markets, world-class cuisine, and diverse shopping opportunities. It is also well known for the War Remnants Museum. Glasgow is famous for its rich culture, its beautiful Victorian and art nouveau architecture, and its large student population.

How is Ho Chi Minh City different from Glasgow?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Ho Chi Minh City is a must-visit destination for its historical sights. Also, Glasgow is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Glasgow. The city is rich in culture and offers many fascinating sights including the Glasgow Cathedral, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, and the Necropolis.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Glasgow Better for Theater?

Ho Chi Minh City is a nice place to visit for its shows and theatre. However, Glasgow 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.

Glasgow is not a theatre destination.

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

Ho Chi Minh City is a must-visit destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Glasgow is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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).

Glasgow offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The city's food scene continues to grow and innovate. You'll find plenty of seafood options as well as international cuisine and everything from fine dining to local cafes.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Glasgow Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is terrific in both Ho Chi Minh City and Glasgow.

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 Glasgow is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The city has some of the best nightlife in the entire country. There are clubs, bars, techno warehouses and more. Some of the best clubs include Sub Club, The Berkeley Suite, and The Garage.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Glasgow Better for Music?

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

Glasgow has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. Known to some as "the city of music", you'll find a wide range of music venues, live shows, festivals, and even a great underground music scene.

Ho Chi Minh City is not a live music destination.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Glasgow Better for its Old Town?

Glasgow is very good for its historic old town charm. However, Ho Chi Minh City does not have a historic old town.

Glasgow has an old town worth visiting. High Street is one of the oldest and most well known streets in the city.

Ho Chi Minh City does not have a historic old town.

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

Ho Chi Minh City is a must-visit destination for its shopping areas. Also, Glasgow is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

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.

Glasgow is a great destination for shopping. The city has independent boutique shops as well as major brands. Head to the "Style Mile" for some of the best shopping. It's a district that offers pedestrian-friendly shopping and includes high end boutiques and independent markets. Also check out The Barras Market, Buchanan Street, and High Street.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Glasgow Better for Families?

Ho Chi Minh City is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Glasgow is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-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.

Glasgow is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has some family-friendly museums including the hands on The Burrell Collection, the Glasgow Science Center, and The Riverside Museum. If you have older kids who enjoy the water, there are some water activities in town. Check out Pinkston Watersports, Glasgow Wake Park or Outdoor Pursuits. There are also climbing gyms and skate parks.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Glasgow Better for Couples?

Ho Chi Minh City is great for couples. Also, Glasgow is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

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.

Glasgow is a nice destination for couples. Couples can enjoy a museum or one of the parks around town. There are also river cruises and spas. For a more locally specific activity, check out the Bothwell Castle.

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

Ho Chi Minh City is a must-visit destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Glasgow is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

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.

Glasgow is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a good number of hostels around town as well as a good social scene, making this a decent option for backpackers.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Glasgow Better for Students?

Glasgow is great for its student-friendly activities. Also, Ho Chi Minh City is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

Glasgow is very popular with students. The city has the second largest student population in the UK, so you'll find plenty of students to hang out with.

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 Glasgow Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

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

Glasgow offers a very effecient public transportation network. The subway is convenient in the city center, west end, and southside. There are also buses throughout the city.

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 Glasgow a more walkable city?

Glasgow 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.

Glasgow is a very walkable destination. The city center is generally walkable and can be explored 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 Glasgow Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Ho Chi Minh City or Glasgow?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Ho Chi Minh City and Glasgow. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Ho Chi Minh City than in Glasgow. Usually, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Ho Chi Minh City, and 2-3 days is enough time in Glasgow.

Families should spend more time in Ho Chi Minh City than Glasgow. 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 Glasgow. 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 Glasgow 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 Glasgow?

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 food and shopping around the friendly destination of Glasgow. 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 Glasgow?

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 shopping and museums around the high energy city of Glasgow. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. 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 Glasgow?

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.

Glasgow is a popular choice for travelers. 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 Glasgow?

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.

Glasgow 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 2-Week Tours from Edinburgh, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Kingdom.

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

Which is Bigger, Ho Chi Minh City or Glasgow?

Ho Chi Minh City has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Glasgow. When comparing the sizes of Ho Chi Minh City and Glasgow, 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.