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

Should you visit Ho Chi Minh City or Hong Kong?

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 Hong Kong 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 theater, nightlife, and food. See Ho Chi Minh City travel costs.

Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a glamorous, diverse , and compact city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Many visitors also come to Hong Kong because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Hong Kong travel costs.

Ho Chi Minh City and Hong Kong: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hong Kong than Ho Chi Minh City, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Hong Kong is more popular for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Ho Chi Minh City is known for its museums and attractions, theatre productions, and nightlife. Ho Chi Minh City is popular for its motorbike-filled streets, bustling markets, world-class cuisine, and diverse shopping opportunities. Hong Kong is popular for its modern skyscrapers, colorful waterfront, lush parks, and amazing dim sum. It is also home to Victoria Peak.

How is Ho Chi Minh City different from Hong Kong?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Ho Chi Minh City is an unbeatable place for its museums and history. Also, Hong Kong is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Hong Kong. The city's skyline is one of the most famous "landmarks", but you'll also want to visit Victoria Peak, the Tian Tan Buddha Statue, Wong Tai Sin Temple, and Avenue of Stars.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Hong Kong Better for Theater?

Ho Chi Minh City is a nice place to visit for its theatre productions. However, Hong Kong 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.

Hong Kong is not a theatre destination.

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

Foodies will find both Ho Chi Minh City and Hong Kong both to be terrific destinations.

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).

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Hong Kong is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The city's population is famous for its frequency of dining out, and the prolific diversity of restaurants is obvious from the moment you arrive. There are street food stalls and night markets, as well as luxury award winning restaurants. The city holds tight to its culinary traditions, but fusion restaurants are creeping in as well. Some of the most famous Hong Kong foods include dim sum, sweet and sour pork, and roast goose.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Hong Kong Better for Nightlife?

Ho Chi Minh City is an unbeatable place for nightlife and partying. Also, Hong Kong is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Ho Chi Minh City is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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.

Hong Kong is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city lights up after the sun sets. You'll find a diverse range of activities in the evening with everything from night markets to concerts and parties. There's a wonderful mix of traditional and contemporary activities, particularly around Lan Kwai Fong. Many of the most popular venues are found around Central and, like everything else in Hong Kong, the venues are full of energy.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Hong Kong Better for Beaches?

Hong Kong is great for the beach. However, Ho Chi Minh City is not a beach destination.

Hong Kong is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. You actually don't have to travel far from the city center to find a relatively quiet, sandy beach. The different beaches on Hong Kong Island are relatively close to each other, and each has its own atmosphere. If you need a break from the heat and the crowds, then a beach day is a fun option. Hong Kong's natural coastline give way to popular beaches including Repulse Bay Beach and Shek O Beach. Each offers a number of amenities and dining options.

Ho Chi Minh City is not a beach destination.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Hong Kong Better for Hiking?

Hong Kong is great for hiking. However, Ho Chi Minh City is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Hong Kong for the hiking trails. The city is surrounded by dramatic mountains and beautiful viewpoints, making it easy to enjoy a day in nature. The hikes will offer impressive views and dramatic rock formations. Popular hikes in the area include The Peak, Dragon's Back, and the Violet Hill and Twin Peak hike.

Ho Chi Minh City is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ho Chi Minh City or Hong Kong?

If you're looking to go shopping, Ho Chi Minh City and Hong Kong both offer plenty of terrific spots.

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.

Hong Kong is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. There is a high concentration of shopping malls in the city, and you'll likely find yourself cutting through malls to access different parts of town. The city is arguably one of the best shopping cities in the world. Popular items to purchase in the city include designer clothes, handbags, electronics, jewelry, watches, and tailor-made suits.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Hong Kong More Beautiful?

Hong Kong is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Ho Chi Minh City is not a destination known for its beauty.

Many visitors also come to Hong Kong because of it's amazing beauty. The city is home to the nightly Symphony of Lights, which illuminates the waterfront area with a light show.

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

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Hong Kong Better for Families?

You'll find terrific kid-friendly activities in either Ho Chi Minh City or Hong Kong.

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.

Hong Kong is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. In addition to its many fascinating cultural experiences like visiting the markets and historical landmarks, this city also has a diversity of kid-friendly entertainment options. The most obvious is Disneyland, but there are also other amusement parks and aquariums like Ocean Park. Make sure you check out the Symphony of Lights in the evening and head to The Peak Tower during the day.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Hong Kong Better for Couples?

Hong Kong 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, Hong Kong has plenty to offer. This city is filled with luxury hotels, beautiful parks, and impressive restaurants. For a romantic evening, check out the Symphony of Lights over Victoria Harbour after the sun sets.

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 Hong Kong Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ho Chi Minh City is an unbeatable place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Hong Kong is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Ho Chi Minh City is extremely popular for backpackers. 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.

Hong Kong is a good city to visit for backpackers. The city is more expensive than many places, but cheap eateries and free activities are abundant. Many backpackers stay in the Tsim Sha Shui area of Kowloon. This is where you'll find the frequently talked about Chungking Mansions. Times are changing though, and you'll find more hostels on Hong Kong Island these days as well.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Hong Kong Better for Students?

Ho Chi Minh City is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Hong Kong 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.

Hong Kong is not popular with students.

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

Hong Kong is a world-class destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Ho Chi Minh City is not a good destination for its public transit.

With a huge network, the transit system in Hong Kong can get you around easily. Land transportation includes the MTR (Mass Transit Railway), buses, minibuses, and tramways. There are also ferries that connect the different parts of 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 Hong Kong a more walkable city?

Hong Kong 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.

Hong Kong is a very easy city to get around on foot. The city has many parks and walking paths that connect different areas.

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 Hong Kong Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Ho Chi Minh City or Hong Kong?

Both Ho Chi Minh City and Hong Kong have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Hong Kong than in Ho Chi Minh City. Usually, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Ho Chi Minh City, and 3-7 days is enough time in Hong Kong.

Families should spend more time in Hong Kong than Ho Chi Minh City. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Hong Kong, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Ho Chi Minh City than Hong Kong 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 Hong Kong?

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 food and shopping around the diverse big city of Hong Kong. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Hong Kong?

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 shopping and museums around the compact city of Hong Kong. It's also a great beach destination, too. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Five days in Ho Chi Minh City or Hong Kong?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the chaotic 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.

Hong Kong is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

A week in Ho Chi Minh City or Hong Kong?

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.

Hong Kong is a great place to explore. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It is common to spend one week here. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Ho Chi Minh City, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Vietnam.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ho Chi Minh City and Hong Kong, we can see that Hong Kong is more expensive. And not only is Ho Chi Minh City much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Hong Kong would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hong Kong 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 Hong Kong Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ho Chi Minh City or Hong Kong?

Hong Kong has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Ho Chi Minh City. When comparing the sizes of Ho Chi Minh City and Hong Kong, 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.