A Travel Price Comparison for Vietnam Ho Chi Minh City vs. Hanoi for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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Should you visit Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi?

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

Where Should I go: Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi?

Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon, is the largest city in Vietnam. It previously served as the capital of the Republic of Vietnam (South Vietnam). The metropolitan area, including Ho Chi Minh City, Thu Dau Mot, Di An, Bien Hoa, and other surrounding towns, has a population of more than 9 million people and continues to grow.

Hanoi

Hanoi is the chaotic capital of Vietnam, and it serves as a great introduction to the country for many travelers. It's the second largest city in the country after Saigon and is an interesting combination of East meets West. There's traditional Vietnamese culture with subtle influences brought by the French. The city continues to grow and change rapidly and it's easy to get lost amidst the chaos.

Which city is cheaper, Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Ho Chi Minh City is $66, while the average daily cost in Hanoi is $39. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ho Chi Minh City $40
    Hanoi $20
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ho Chi Minh City $80
    Hanoi $40
Compare Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi

Looking for a hotel in Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi? 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.

Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City


Hotels in Hanoi


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 Hanoi Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ho Chi Minh City $12
    Hanoi $5.50
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:


  • Short Taxi Ride
    $1.41
  • Taxi From Airport
    $8.07
  • Cyclo Ride (One Hour)
    $1.61

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ho Chi Minh City

Also for Ho Chi Minh City, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • 2-Days Cu Chi Tunnels-Mekong Delta with Airport Transfer Small Group Tour: $69
  • Airport Transfer: $85
  • Airport Transfer (From Airport - Ho Chi Minh City (Private 16 Seats Car): $54
  • Airport Transfer (From Hotels in Ho Chi Minh to Airport) Private 4 Seats Car: $28
  • Airport Transfer (From Hotels in Ho Chi Minh to Airport) Private 7 Seats Car: $34
  • Airport Transfers (Airport - Ho Chi Minh,Private 16 Seats Car): $52
  • Airport Transfers From Airport to Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City 7 seat Car: $46
  • CONVENIENT AIRPORT TRANSFER by PRIVATE CAR or SCOOTERS | Kiss Tours: $28
  • Cu Chi Tunnels VIP Tour from Ho Chi Minh with Transfer by Limo including Lunch: $48
  • Ho Chi Minh Airport Transfer: Hotels to Tan Son Nhat Airport: $35
  • Ho Chi Minh City Private Airport Arrival Transfer: $19
  • Ho Chi Minh City Private Airport Departure Transfer: $19

Typical Local Transportation prices in Hanoi

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Hanoi:


  • Taxi to Bus Station
    $1.21
  • Shuttle Bus From Airport (for Two)
    $3.23
  • Local Bus Ride (for Two)
    $0.40
  • Short Taxi Ride
    $1.37
  • Short Motorbike Ride (10 Minutes)
    $0.81

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hanoi

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hanoi:

  • HaLong-LanHa Bay Day Trip: Lunch, Beach, Kayak, high-way transfer, luxury boat: $1,250
  • Hanoi GOLF TOUR 4Days 3Rounds: Transfer, Hotel, Green & Caddie, Golf Cart, Guide: $687
  • Private Transfer: Hanoi to Hanoi Airport (HAN): $622
  • Halong Bay: 3-Day 2-Night 4-Star Cruise with Transfer: $450
  • Luxury Private Halong Day Tour with 2 Way Expressway Transfer: $376
  • Sapa terrace trek train transfer 2 days 1 night: $364
  • Private Transfer to/from Sapa: $352
  • 3 Days 2 Nights Mai Chau Pu Luong Ethnic Trail E-Bike Tour Private Transfer: $344
  • Private 1-Way Taxi Transfer to Sa Pa: $289
  • Hanoi to Ha Long Transfer by Luxury Car: $289
  • 3-Day Halong Bay Cruise including Swimming and Kayaking with Round-Trip Transfer from Hanoi: $285
  • Over night Signature Cruise Luxury Halong Bay Transfer service & Kayak,: $267

Is it cheaper to fly into Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi?

Prices for flights to both Hanoi 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Ho Chi Minh City $11
    Hanoi $10
Typical Food prices in Ho Chi Minh City

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Ho Chi Minh City:


  • Street Food Dinner (for Two)
    $4.32
  • Pizza
    $5.25
  • Sweet Rice
    $1.21
  • Pork Sandwich
    $0.61
  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    $6.85
  • 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 Private Half Day Street Food Tour with Local Students: $18
  • SaiGon Street Food Tour By Scooter With Student: $22
  • Walking Food Tour With Local Student: $26
  • Private Street Food Tour on Motorbikes: $28
  • Private Half-Day Ho Chi Minh Food Tour with Local Students: $28
  • Saigon Food Tour by Motorbike with Local Students: $30
  • Walking market food tour by night in Ho Chi Minh city - private groups: $32
  • Street food Tours: $35
  • Small Floating Market & Mekong Delta Tour with Kayak, Boat, Bike, Cooking Class: $35
  • Private Street Food Tour by Scooter in Ho Chi Minh City: $35
  • Half-Day Ho Chi Minh City Street Food Tour By Motorbike: $36
  • Private Walking Saigon Food Tour with Ao Dai Girl by Night: $38

Typical Food prices in Hanoi

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Hanoi:


  • High End Dinner (for Two)
    $12
  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    $4.44
  • Bowl of Pho
    $0.81
  • Italian Dinner (for Food)
    $6.26

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hanoi

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Hanoi.

  • Hanoi Old Quarter Walking Street Food Tour - Small Group: $5.00
  • (Private) Hanoi Street Food Tour By Volunteer Guide: $5.13
  • Hanoi Street Food Tours with Volunteer Guide ($5 / Group): $5.13
  • (Small Group) Hanoi Street Food Tours with Volunteer Guide: $5.13
  • Dinner with a Local Family in Hanoi: $13
  • Street Food Tour + Old City sightseeing Ticket: $15
  • 3-Hours Hanoi Street Food Tour with Guide and Meal: $16
  • Lunchtime Street Food Tour of Hanoi: $21
  • Hanoi Walking Street Food Tour: $21
  • Small Group: Ha Noi Walking Street Food Tour With Professional Tour Guide: $22
  • Guided Street Food Tour: $24
  • Bun's family food tour: $25

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ho Chi Minh City $16
    Hanoi $6.88
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:


  • Massage
    $5.65

Tours and Activities in Ho Chi Minh City

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Ho Chi Minh City.

  • The Bachelorette Full Day Private Tour with Pickup: $3.24
  • Bitexco Financial Tower: Saigon Skydeck General Admission Ticket: $9.00
  • Small-Group Half-Day Cu Chi Tunnels Tour from Ho Chi Minh City: $9.24
  • The Insider's Saigon - Private and Custom Motorbike Tour: $12
  • Exploring Cu Chi Tunnel with Pioneer Travel Tour Guide: $12
  • Water Puppet Show Ticket in Ho Chi Minh City with Hotel Delivery: $15
  • Skip the Line: Golden Dragon Water Puppet Tickets: $17
  • Skip the Line: Golden Dragon Water Puppet Tickets: $17
  • Golden Dragon Water Puppet Entrance Tickets: $17
  • Private Ho Chi Minh Sightseeing by Motorbike with Local Students: $19
  • Private City Tour Half Day By Scooter: $19
  • Cu Chi Ben Duoc Tunnel Tour: $20

Typical Entertainment prices in Hanoi

Here are a few typical costs in Hanoi for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Puppet Theater
    $1.61
  • The Hanoi Hilton Entrance
    $1.61
  • National History Museum
    $1.61
  • Puppet Theater Ticket
    $2.83

Tours and Activities in Hanoi

Here are a few actual costs in Hanoi for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • (Evening) HANOI CUSTOMIZED Walking Tour: $5.00
  • (Half Day) Hanoi Old Quarter Walking Tour: $5.13
  • (Official) Halong Sen luxury cruise - One day tour: $77
  • (Small Group) Hanoi City Insight Motorbike Tour - 4,5 hours: $29
  • (Small Group) Hanoi Street Food Walking Tour: $29
  • 04d 03n Hanoi Sapa Valley Tour Cat Cat Village & Ham Rong Mountain: $367
  • 1 Day Tour of Lan Ha Bay with Luxury Day Cruise from Hanoi: $99
  • 1 Night LeTheatre Cruise Exploring LanHa-HaLong Bay: $250
  • 1 day Private tour Sapa Off The Beaten Path trekking start from Sapa: $58
  • 1 day Private tour Sapa trekking Y Linh Ho - Lao Chai - Ta Van (start from Sapa): $59
  • 1-Night Signature Royal Cruise on Halong Bay: $238
  • 1-day Halong Bay Cruise private tour from Hanoi: $163

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ho Chi Minh City $6.45
    Hanoi $6.22
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:


  • Beer
    $0.40

About these numbers

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

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Ho Chi Minh City vs. Hanoi Travel Comparison

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