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

Should you visit Ho Chi Minh City or Kaikoura?

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 Kaikoura 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 shopping, museums, and theater. See Ho Chi Minh City travel costs.

Kaikoura

Kaikoura is a nature-oriented, biologically diverse, and unique town. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and nightlife. See Kaikoura travel costs.

Ho Chi Minh City and Kaikoura: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Numerous theater shows
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Big city activities
Pros
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping


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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Ho Chi Minh City. Although Ho Chi Minh City and Kaikoura 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 and attractions, theatre productions, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Kaikoura is known for its beaches and hiking. 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. Kaikoura is popular for its local Sperm Whale population, abundance of marine life, and local crayfish (lobster) recipes.

How is Ho Chi Minh City different from Kaikoura?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Ho Chi Minh City
Kaikoura

Ho Chi Minh City is a world-class destination for its sights and museums. However, Kaikoura is not a good town for its museums and history.

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.

While most people don't head to Kaikoura specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There aren't many museums in the area, but it's worth learning more about the region's history with a visit to Kaikoura Museum.


Is Ho Chi Minh City or Kaikoura Better for Theater?

Ho Chi Minh City
Kaikoura

Ho Chi Minh City is a popular place for its theatre productions. However, Kaikoura is not a theatre destination.

Ho Chi Minh City offers a number of shows and performances. 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.

Kaikoura is not a theatre destination.

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

Ho Chi Minh City
Kaikoura

Ho Chi Minh City is a world-class destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Kaikoura is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, Ho Chi Minh City is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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).

Kaikoura has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Seafood lovers will be in heaven in this town! There are many local, freshly caught favorites such as cod, mussels, and crayfish (which is actually lobster). You'll find plenty of casual eateries, including an authentic American diner.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Kaikoura Better for Nightlife?

Ho Chi Minh City
Kaikoura

Ho Chi Minh City is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Kaikoura is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its evening party scene.

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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Kaikoura. This is a small town so the nightlife scene is limited, but there are a few restaurants with bars around town.


Is Ho Chi Minh City or Kaikoura Better for Beaches?

Ho Chi Minh City
Kaikoura

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

Kaikoura is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. There are many black pebble beaches in the area, which are great for wildlife spotting, but not so good for swimming. Gooch's Beach is one of the most popular, and it's sandier than many of the other beaches. South Bay is another popular area to visit.

Ho Chi Minh City is not a beach destination.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Kaikoura Better for Hiking?

Ho Chi Minh City
Kaikoura

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

Many visitors go to Kaikoura for the hiking trails. There are many coastal walks in the area that will take you through a variety of landscapes. This is also a great way to see the many diverse types of wildlife throughout the peninsula.

Ho Chi Minh City is not a hiking destination.

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

Ho Chi Minh City
Kaikoura

Ho Chi Minh City is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Kaikoura is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit 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.

Kaikoura has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are local shops where you can pick up some interesting products that are unique to the area.


Is Ho Chi Minh City or Kaikoura Better for Families?

Ho Chi Minh City
Kaikoura

You'll find world-class kid-friendly activities in either Ho Chi Minh City or Kaikoura.

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.

Kaikoura is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. Kids who love animals will appreciate all of the wildlife in the area. This is one of the best places in the country to see dolphins, whales, and seals. There are world class whale watching trips as well as opportunities to swim with the dolphins and get close to the seals. There is also kayaking, a coastal train, and even sheep shearing. Minigolf is also a fun activity in the area.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Kaikoura Better for Couples?

Ho Chi Minh City
Kaikoura

Both Ho Chi Minh City and Kaikoura are great destinations to visit as a couple.

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.

Kaikoura is a very popular place to visit for couples. The town is all about wildlife, so if whale watching trips, dolphin spotting, and experiencing amazing local wildlife is your thing, then this is your spot! There are also beautiful coastal sights with a dramatic mountain backdrop.

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

Ho Chi Minh City
Kaikoura

Ho Chi Minh City is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, Kaikoura is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit 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 Kaikoura. There are a decent number of hostels in the area and plenty of fun activities that backpackers will enjoy.


Is Ho Chi Minh City or Kaikoura Better for Students?

Ho Chi Minh City
Kaikoura

Ho Chi Minh City is a popular place for students. However, Kaikoura is not popular with students.

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.

Kaikoura is not popular with students.

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

Ho Chi Minh City
Kaikoura

Ho Chi Minh City is a moderate city for its public transit. However, Kaikoura is not a good town 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 Kaikoura. The town is very small and there is no real public transit in the area.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Kaikoura a more walkable city?

Ho Chi Minh City
Kaikoura

Ho Chi Minh City and Kaikoura 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.

Kaikoura is somewhat walkable. There are many coastal walks in the area, which is a great way to soak up the beauty and see the wildlife. The town itself is small and most of the accommodation is along Beach Road, so it's relatively easy to reach places on foot.


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

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

How long in Ho Chi Minh City or Kaikoura?

It's fun to spend time in either Ho Chi Minh City or Kaikoura. In our opinion, Ho Chi Minh City has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Ho Chi Minh City than Kaikoura. In general, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Ho Chi Minh City, and 2-4 days is enough time in Kaikoura.

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


  • How many days in Ho Chi Minh City or Kaikoura? Ideal Length of Stay
    Ho Chi Minh City 3-4 
    Kaikoura 2-4

One day in Ho Chi Minh City or Kaikoura?

Ho Chi Minh City is a big city with plenty to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the unique destination of Kaikoura. Hikers are also drawn to this area. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Ho Chi Minh City or Kaikoura?

Ho Chi Minh City is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

You'll find nightlife and food around the biologically diverse town of Kaikoura. If you have a weekend, this town 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 Kaikoura?

Ho Chi Minh City is a popular choice for travelers. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Kaikoura 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 Kaikoura?

Ho Chi Minh City is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Kaikoura 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 2-Week Tours from Ho Chi Minh City, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Vietnam, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in New Zealand, and The Best 2-Week Tours in New Zealand.


Which place is cheaper, Kaikoura or Ho Chi Minh City?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Ho Chi Minh City is $87, while the average daily cost in Kaikoura is $162. 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 destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Ho Chi Minh City and Kaikoura in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ho Chi Minh City $48
    Kaikoura $48
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ho Chi Minh City $96
    Kaikoura $96
Compare Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City and Kaikoura

Looking for a hotel in Ho Chi Minh City or Kaikoura? 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 Kaikoura


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 Kaikoura Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ho Chi Minh City $14
    Kaikoura $17
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
    $1.33
  • Taxi From Airport
    $7.58
  • Cyclo Ride (One Hour)
    $1.52

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ho Chi Minh City

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

  • Vietnam Fast Track + Private Transfer : $8.23
  • Mui Ne Beach: Bus transfer from/to Saigon City: $8.67
  • Transfer from Ho Chi Minh to Phan Thiet or Mui Ne, Japan Quality: $8.93
  • Private transfer Tan Son Nhat airport - Hotels in Ho Chi Minh : $12
  • Ho Chi Minh City airport transfer: $13
  • Ho Chi Minh Airport Arrival Or Departure By Private Car Transfers: $13
  • Ho Chi Minh Airport Arrival Or Departure Private Car Transfers: $15
  • Private Departure Transfer: Ho Chi Minh City Hotels to Tan Son Nhat Airport: $15
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Tan Son Nhat Airport to Ho Chi Minh City Hotels: $15
  • Private Transfer From Saigon Center To Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN): $16
  • Ho Chi Minh Airport (SGN) to Ho Chi Minh hotels Arrival Transfer: $17
  • Ho Chi Minh to Ho Chi Minh City Airport (SGN) Departure Transfer: $17

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

Prices for flights to both Kaikoura 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 $23
    Kaikoura $65
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)
    $4.06
  • Pizza
    $4.93
  • Sweet Rice
    $1.14
  • Pork Sandwich
    $0.57
  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    $6.43
  • Western Lunch (for Two)
    $11

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:

  • 1 hour Egg Coffee Cooking Class with Snack and Local Instructor : $12
  • Vietnamese Cooking and Craft Workshop by the Lake: $12
  • Saigon Food Tour & Culture Explore Ho Chi Minh City Walking Tour: $15
  • Mekong Delta 4 Islands, TukTuk, Boat, Try Khot Cake Local Cooking: $20
  • Saigon Street Food Tour with Local Guide: $25
  • Ho Chi Minh City Street Food Tour On American Jeep/ Motorbike: $25
  • Committed Non-Touristy Saigon Street Food Tour By Scooters/Car : $25
  • HO CHI MINH Street Food Tour and Vietnamese Coffee: $25
  • Street Food Tour In Ho Chi Minh City By Motorbike: $26
  • Ho Chi Minh Scooter Adventure - City Sights & Street Food Tour: $27
  • Ho Chi Minh City Street Food Tour With Students: $27
  • Saigon - Tasty Food Tour By Scooters: $28

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ho Chi Minh City $19
    Kaikoura $152
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
    $5.31

Tours and Activities in Ho Chi Minh City

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

  • Chinatown Hidden Treasures – Free Walking Tour: $0.74
  • All In One Saigon Walking Tour: $3.11
  • Saigon Local Sightseeing Free Walking Tour: $3.84
  • Ho Chi Minh Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $4.49
  • Walking Tour: $5.00
  • Ho Chi Minh city private tour guide: $5.00
  • Free Walking Tour: Saigon's Sword and Shield: $5.00
  • Essential Ho Chi Minh City Free Walking Tour: All Must-see: $5.00
  • Essential Saigon Free Walking Tour: All Must-see: $5.00
  • Night Bus Tour in Ho Chi Minh City: $7.50
  • Ho Chi Minh City Tour and Independence Palace Ticket 2 in 1: $8.46
  • Private Ho Chi Minh 30 minutes Experience by Electric Cart: $9.71

Tours and Activities in Kaikoura

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kaikoura are as follows:

  • Llama Trek (Taster) - Kowhai River Valley and Native Woodland Tour: $79
  • 1-Hour Private Heli-Picnic Mountain top tour in Kaikoura : $245
  • 40-minute Mt Fyffe Summit Heli Tour in Kaikoura : $233
  • From Christchurch: Private Kaikoura Tour with Guide: $168
  • Half Day Zipline Adventure in Kaikoura: $112
  • Kaikoura Swim with Dolphins Tour from Christchurch: $242
  • Kaikoura Whale Watch Day Tour from Christchurch: $216
  • 1-Hour Whale Watching Helicopter Tour: $768
  • Guided Family Kayaking Adventure: $93
  • Half-Day Wildlife Kayaking Tour: $93
  • Private Guided Kayak Tour with Seals: $174
  • Seal-Watching Pedal Kayak Tour: $81

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ho Chi Minh City $7.57
    Kaikoura -
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
    $0.38


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


Which is Bigger, Ho Chi Minh City or Kaikoura?

Ho Chi Minh City has a larger population, and is about 5060 times larger than the population of Kaikoura. When comparing the sizes of Ho Chi Minh City and Kaikoura, 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.