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

Should you visit Ho Chi Minh City or Ise?

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 Ise 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.

Ise

Ise is a authentic, off-the-beaten-path, and overlooked city. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and beaches.

Ho Chi Minh City and Ise: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Ho Chi Minh City than Ise, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Ho Chi Minh City is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Ise is known for its beaches. Ho Chi Minh City is more touristy than Ise and 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. Ise is popular for its important Shinto shrines and its coastal setting.

How is Ho Chi Minh City different from Ise?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Ho Chi Minh City is a must-visit destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Ise 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 Ise. While this is an often overlooked part of Japan for tourists, those who venture here will enjoy strolling through the forest and visiting the shrine complex of Ise Jingu.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Ise Better for Theater?

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

Ise is not a theatre destination.

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

Ho Chi Minh City is a must-visit destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Ise 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).

Ise has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find some of Japan's best seafood around town and there are many local delicacies. Head to the downtown area around Iseshi Station to find a high concentration of places. One local specialty is the Japanese spiny lobster (also known as the Ise lobster).

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Ise Better for Nightlife?

Ho Chi Minh City is a must-visit destination for nightlife and partying. However, Ise is not particularly known for its evening party scene.

Ho Chi Minh City is a world class party destination. 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.

Ise doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. Most visitors don't stay long enough to take in the nightlife, which is limited.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Ise Better for Beaches?

Ise is very good for the beach. However, Ho Chi Minh City is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Ise to enjoy the beach. There are several nice and sandy beaches in the area that make for a nice break from the sightseeing.

Ho Chi Minh City is not a beach destination.

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

Ho Chi Minh City is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Ise is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Ise has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There's a shopping street in town with many of the shops housed in traditional buildings, giving the area a nice character.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Ise Better for Families?

Ho Chi Minh City is a must-visit destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Ise 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.

Ise offers lots of family activities. The Ise Jingu Shrine complex is large and sprawling, and has the feel of a park. The kids will likely find visiting all of the temples tedious, but the forest is peaceful and the setting is beautiful.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Ise Better for Couples?

Ho Chi Minh City is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Ise is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Ho Chi Minh City frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Ise is a good city for couples to visit. This is an off-the-beaten path destination that is far more than a shrine - it's a complex of shrines. It's spread out over a large space and filled with forest and peaceful walks that couples will enjoy.

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

Ho Chi Minh City is a must-visit destination for backpackers. Also, Ise 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 backpackers visit Ise. It's off the radar for many backpackers, but those that make it here will find a couple of hostels and affordable accommodation options.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Ise Better for Students?

Ho Chi Minh City is a city with good options for students. However, Ise 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.

Ise is not popular with students.

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

Ise 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 Ise offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The CAN Bus is a tourist bus that connects the train stations to the main attractions and runs every half hour.

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 Ise a more walkable city?

Ho Chi Minh City and Ise are good when it comes to walkability.

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

Ise is somewhat walkable. There are walking paths through the complex that connect the shrines, but some of the distances can be significant.

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

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

How long in Ho Chi Minh City or Ise?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Ho Chi Minh City and Ise. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Ho Chi Minh City than in Ise. Usually, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Ho Chi Minh City, and 1-3 days is enough time in Ise.

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

When visiting Ho Chi Minh City, people usually allow for lots of time. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

You'll find museums and food around the off-the-beaten-path destination of Ise. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Ho Chi Minh City or Ise?

Many people visit Ho Chi Minh City for a weekend. When visiting Ho Chi Minh City, people usually allow for lots of time. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

You'll find food and shopping around the off-the-beaten-path city of Ise. 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 Ise?

The big city destination of Ho Chi Minh City offers food and shopping. It offers something for everyone. Five days 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.

Ise 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 Ise?

Ho Chi Minh City, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Ise 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 Sightseeing Tours in Japan, and The Best Cultural Tours in Japan.

When comparing the travel costs between Ho Chi Minh City and Ise, we can see that Ise is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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 Ise Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ho Chi Minh City or Ise?

Ho Chi Minh City has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Ise. When comparing the sizes of Ho Chi Minh City and Ise, 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.