A Travel Price Comparison for Vietnam Ho Chi Minh City vs. Halong Bay for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Ho Chi Minh City or Halong Bay?

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 Halong Bay 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 nightlife, food, and shopping.

Halong Bay

Halong Bay is a breathtaking, stunning, and dramatic bay. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and beaches.

Ho Chi Minh City and Halong Bay: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Ho Chi Minh City. Although Ho Chi Minh City and Halong Bay 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, theatre productions, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Halong Bay is known for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. 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. Halong Bay is popular for its stunning limestone mountains, dramatic water caves, peaceful fishing villages, and unique liveaboard boat trips.

How is Ho Chi Minh City different from Halong Bay?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Ho Chi Minh City is an amazing city to visit for its museums and landmarks. Also, Halong Bay 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Halong Bay. While the bay is really about its stunning natural beauty, you can also visit the Quang Ninh Museum, which will give you some insight into the area. The Cai Bau Pagoda is also impressive, as is the Vung Vieng Floating Village.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Halong Bay Better for Theater?

Ho Chi Minh City is a city with good options for its theatre productions. However, Halong Bay 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.

Halong Bay is not a theatre destination.

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

Ho Chi Minh City is an amazing city to visit for its restaurant scene. Also, Halong Bay is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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).

Halong Bay is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Because most visitors travel to Halong Bay as part of an overnight boat tour, meals are usually included in the package. The dishes are usually local Vietnamese dishes, and the luxury level varies depending on the tour you book.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Halong Bay Better for Nightlife?

Ho Chi Minh City is an amazing city to visit for nightlife and partying. However, Halong Bay is not particularly known for its evening party scene.

Ho Chi Minh City has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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 scene is quiet in Halong Bay Many tours, particularly those that cater to the backpacker crowd, have a social atmosphere, but there isn't a nightlife scene and this area isn't a trip that's known for its party atmosphere. Most tourists stay up in the evening swapping travel stories with their fellow boatmates.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Halong Bay Better for Beaches?

Halong Bay is great for the beach. However, Ho Chi Minh City is not a beach destination.

Halong Bay is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. Many boat tours spend a day or half day hanging out on a beach. The setting is stunning with emerald blue water and dramatic limestone karsts climbing out of the water.

Ho Chi Minh City is not a beach destination.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Halong Bay Better for Hiking?

Halong Bay is great for hiking. However, Ho Chi Minh City is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Halong Bay for the hiking trails. Most tours stop off at Cat Ba Island and lead travelers through spectacular hikes. You'll take a guided walk through jungles and reach spectacular viewpoints.

Ho Chi Minh City is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ho Chi Minh City or Halong Bay?

Ho Chi Minh City is an amazing city to visit for its shopping opportunities. However, Halong Bay is not particularly known 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.

Shopping in Halong Bay can be found for those interested. Most people don't spend their time shopping while they're visiting the area. If you're looking for a local souvenir, there are a few places to pick things up during your trip.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Halong Bay Better for Families?

Ho Chi Minh City is an amazing city to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Halong Bay is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-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.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Halong Bay. Most people visit the area on board an overnight boat from Hanoi. The boats range in style and luxury level, but whatever you choose, your kids will love the novelty of sleeping aboard a boat and exploring the truly stunning islands.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Halong Bay Better for Couples?

Halong Bay is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Ho Chi Minh City is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Halong Bay has plenty to offer. This truly world-class setting makes a perfect honeymoon or romantic destination. You'll likely want to book a luxury boat with plenty of amenities and delicious dining options. The setting is spectacular, and among the most unique in the world.

Ho Chi Minh City is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

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

Ho Chi Minh City is an amazing city to visit for backpackers. Also, Halong Bay 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 Halong Bay. This is one of those places that you can't really visit independently, because you'll need to arrange a boat. There are countless travel agencies in Hanoi that you can book your trip through. The prices vary widely, as do the activities and amenities. Most backpackers enjoy exploring the bay aboard a Chinese Sail Boat or 'Junk'.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Halong Bay Better for Students?

Ho Chi Minh City is a city with good options for students. However, Halong Bay is not popular with students.

Ho Chi Minh City is popular with 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.

Halong Bay is not popular with students.

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

Ho Chi Minh City is a city with a few options for its public transit. However, Halong Bay is not particularly known for times when 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.

Public transit is quite limited in Halong Bay. An organized tour is essential for exploring the bay. Most visitors arrange an overnight boat tour, often aboard a Chinese Sail Boat or 'Junk'.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Halong Bay a more walkable city?

Ho Chi Minh City is a city with good options for its high level of walkability. However, Halong Bay is not particularly known for its ease of walking around.

Ho Chi Minh City is a somewhat walkable place. In certain neighborhoods it's fairly walkable, but you may have to dodge a motorbike here or there.

Halong Bay is not a very walkable city. This is a place that requires an organized tour to visit, as you need a boat to explore.

For even more information, also check out Is Ho Chi Minh City Worth Visiting? and Is Halong Bay Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Ho Chi Minh City or Halong Bay?

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

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

When visiting Ho Chi Minh City, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find museums and food around the breathtaking destination of Halong Bay. Hikers are also drawn to this area. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This bay offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Ho Chi Minh City or Halong Bay?

When visiting Ho Chi Minh City, people usually allow for lots of time. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

You'll find food and museums around the breathtaking bay of Halong Bay. If you have a weekend, this bay 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 Halong Bay?

Ho Chi Minh City, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Halong Bay 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 Halong Bay?

Ho Chi Minh City is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Halong Bay 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Vietnam, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Vietnam.

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

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 Halong Bay Expensive?.