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

Should you visit Ho Chi Minh City or Liverpool?

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 Liverpool 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.

Liverpool

Liverpool is a diverse, historic, and fun-filled port city. It's also popular because of the museums, theater, and nightlife.

Ho Chi Minh City and Liverpool: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Numerous theater shows
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Big city activities
Pros
  • Numerous theater shows
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular with backpackers


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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Ho Chi Minh City than Liverpool, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Ho Chi Minh City is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Liverpool is known for its theatre productions and music. Ho Chi Minh City is more touristy than Liverpool 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. Liverpool is popular for its many museums and art galleries, as well as being the hometown of "The Beatles."

How is Ho Chi Minh City different from Liverpool?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Ho Chi Minh City
Liverpool

Ho Chi Minh City is an unbeatable place for its museums and landmarks. Also, Liverpool 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 Liverpool. Popular museums around town include Merseyside Maritime Museum, Victoria Gallery and Museum, and Walker Art Gallery.


Is Ho Chi Minh City or Liverpool Better for Theater?

Ho Chi Minh City
Liverpool

Liverpool is great for its shows and theatre. Also, Ho Chi Minh City is not as popular, but is still a nice city for theatre.

Liverpool has a number of performance venues where you can see a variety of shows. The city has a diverse theater scene with major venues showing world renowned productions as well as cozy, local venues with small shows.

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.

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

Ho Chi Minh City
Liverpool

Ho Chi Minh City is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. However, Liverpool is not particularly known 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).

Liverpool may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. There are a diversity of flavors that are influenced by the city's international population. There are also several famous local dishes including scouse (a meat stew), toad in the hole (a giant yorkie stuffed with British sausages) and wet nelly (a dessert).

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Liverpool Better for Nightlife?

Ho Chi Minh City
Liverpool

Ho Chi Minh City is an unbeatable place for nightlife and partying. Also, Liverpool is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Many people head to Liverpool for the nightlife scene. The nightlife is fun and diverse Head to the waterfront for comedy clubs or the Ropewalks and Seel Street if you want a swanky experience. Cavern Quarter is the place to go for an all night party.


Is Ho Chi Minh City or Liverpool Better for Music?

Ho Chi Minh City
Liverpool

Liverpool is a world-class destination for its music scene. However, Ho Chi Minh City is not a live music destination.

Liverpool has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. Known as the birthplace of the Beatles, the city has been established as a rock and pop capital since the 1950s.

Ho Chi Minh City is not a live music destination.

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

Ho Chi Minh City
Liverpool

Ho Chi Minh City is an unbeatable place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Liverpool 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.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Liverpool. Head to Liverpool ONE for the area's best shopping. This is the largest open-air shopping center in the UK and it's filled with a mix of name brands and independent vendors.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Liverpool Better for Families?

Ho Chi Minh City
Liverpool

Ho Chi Minh City is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Liverpool 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 Liverpool. One of the most popular activities for families is Pleasureland, an amuseument park with rides that are fun for young kids. The city also has many museums and play spaces that are great for families.


Is Ho Chi Minh City or Liverpool Better for Couples?

Ho Chi Minh City
Liverpool

Ho Chi Minh City is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Liverpool 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.

Liverpool is a good city for couples to visit. The city is fun, and the best way to enjoy a romantic getaway is to find a fun or unique activity that you can enjoy together. Going dancing, dining out, or seeing a show are all fun activities in the area.

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

Ho Chi Minh City
Liverpool

Ho Chi Minh City is an unbeatable place for backpackers. Also, Liverpool 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 Liverpool. The city has some fun hostels where you can stay and meet other travelers.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Liverpool Better for Students?

Ho Chi Minh City
Liverpool

Liverpool is great for its student-friendly activities. Also, Ho Chi Minh City is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

Liverpool is very popular with students. The city is diverse, affordable, and offers an excellent academic environment. International students will fill welcomed and enjoy a fun city with a lot to offer.

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.


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

Ho Chi Minh City
Liverpool

Liverpool 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 Liverpool offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are trains, buses, and ferries around the area.

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 Liverpool a more walkable city?

Ho Chi Minh City
Liverpool

Liverpool is great for its ease of walking around. Also, Ho Chi Minh City is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

Liverpool is a very walkable destination.

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 Liverpool Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Ho Chi Minh City or Liverpool?

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

Families should spend more time in Ho Chi Minh City than Liverpool. 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 Liverpool. 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 Liverpool 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 Liverpool? Ideal Length of Stay
    Ho Chi Minh City 3-4 
    Liverpool 2-3

One day in Ho Chi Minh City or Liverpool?

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 shopping and museums around the fun-filled destination of Liverpool. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from.


A weekend in Ho Chi Minh City or Liverpool?

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 museums and theater around the diverse port city of Liverpool. If you have a weekend, this port city makes for a great vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the live music. 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 Liverpool?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the colorful 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.

Liverpool 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 Liverpool?

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.

Liverpool is a great place to explore. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people head to the area for the live music. 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 Adventure Tours to United Kingdom, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in United Kingdom.


Which place is cheaper, Liverpool 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 $80, while the average daily cost in Liverpool is $202. 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 Liverpool in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ho Chi Minh City $48
    Liverpool $95
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ho Chi Minh City $96
    Liverpool $190
Compare Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City and Liverpool

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


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 Liverpool Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ho Chi Minh City $15
    Liverpool $33
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
    $1.38
  • Taxi From Airport
    $7.87
  • Cyclo Ride (One Hour)
    $1.57

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ho Chi Minh City

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

  • Airport Transfer (From Hotels in Ho Chi Minh to Airport) Private 4 Seats Car: $38
  • Airport Transfer (From Hotels in Ho Chi Minh to Airport) Private 7 Seats Car: $47
  • Airport Transfer From Hotel in Ho Chi Minh to Airport By 4 Seats Car: $35
  • Airport Transfer From Hotel in Ho Chi Minh to Airport By 7 Seats Car: $41
  • Airport Transfers (Airport - Ho Chi Minh,Private 16 Seats Car): $52
  • Airport transfer from TAN SON NHAT airport to HO CHI MINH: $23
  • CONVENIENT AIRPORT TRANSFER by PRIVATE CAR or SCOOTERS | Kiss Tours: $28
  • Duyen Ha Resort to Nha Trang - Private Transfer: $20
  • Fusion Resort to Nha Trang - Private Transfer: $20
  • Golden Bridge Trip with guide, lunch &Transfer from Chan May Port: $189
  • Golden peak Resort to Nha Trang - Private Transfer: $20
  • HO CHI MINH AIRPORT: CAR 7s PICK UP <-> HOTEL (one way transfer): $22

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Liverpool

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


  • City bike hire Liverpool
    $7.53

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Liverpool

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Liverpool:

  • ROUND TRIP: transfer to Liverpool John Lennon Airport (LPL): $232
  • Departure Private Transfer: Liverpool to Manchester Airport MAN in Luxury Van: $195
  • Beatles-Themed Private Taxi Tour with Transfers: $163
  • Private Transfer from Liverpool Airport (LPL) to Manchester Airport (MAN): $150
  • Liverpool Airport (LPL): Transfer to Liverpool Cruise Port: $149
  • Liverpool Airport (LPL): Transfer to Liverpool Accommodation: $149
  • Liverpool Cruise Port: Private Transfer to Liverpool: $149
  • Liverpool Private Transfer from central Liverpool to Liverpool Airport: $123
  • Departure Private Transfer: Liverpool to Manchester Airport MAN in Business Car: $121
  • Private Transfer from Bootle to Manchester Airport (MAN): $116
  • Private Transfer from Liverpool Hotels to Holyhead Cruise Port: $103
  • Liverpool to Manchester Airport(MAN) - Departure Private Transfer: $79

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

Prices for flights to both Liverpool 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 $14
    Liverpool $75
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)
    $4.21
  • Pizza
    $5.12
  • Sweet Rice
    $1.18
  • Pork Sandwich
    $0.59
  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    $6.68
  • 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:

  • Saigon Unseen & Food Tour By scooter w Student | Saigon Adventure: $19
  • Ho Chi Minh City Street Food Tour by Motorbike/ Car with Student : $19
  • Ho Chi Minh Street Food Tour By Motorbike (Unique & Authentic): $26
  • Private Walking Food Tour with Local Students : $26
  • Saigon: Backstreets Private Walking Food Tour & 10 Tastings: $27
  • Food Tour by Scooter with Eleven Tastings: $27
  • Super Niche Walking Street Food Tour in Ho Chi Minh City: $28
  • Ho Chi Minh Street Food Tour By Motorbike/Car + Sightseeing + Fun: $28
  • Top Notch Street Food Tour With Saigon Vibes: $28
  • Private Walking Food Tour with 13 Tastings: $28
  • Private Half-Day Ho Chi Minh Food Tour with Local Students: $29
  • Ho Chi Minh City Food Tour With Saigon Vibes: $29

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Liverpool

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

  • Brewery Bus Tour with Beer Tasting and Pizza: $82
  • Brewery bus tour, 5 breweries, 12 beers, 1 pizza, 1 bus: $89
  • Small-Group: Experience Local Food Tour in Liverpool : $89
  • Guided Food Tour with Tastings: $100

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ho Chi Minh City $20
    Liverpool $45
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
    $5.51

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 Walking Tour Ho Chi Minh City: $0.80
  • Ho Chi Minh City Free Walking Tour: $0.80
  • Ho Chi Minh City Free Walking Tour - Architecture, History & Food: $1.86
  • Ho Chi Minh City private walking tours with young local volunteers: $1.86
  • Saigon: Free Food Walking Tour: $2.13
  • Walking Tour: $5.00
  • City Sightseeing Panoramic Bus Tour: $7.00
  • Saigon: City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $7.00
  • Saigon: City Sightseeing 45-Minute Panoramic Night Tour: $7.00
  • Ho Chi Minh Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.73
  • Ho Chi Minh Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.78
  • 3-Hours Trekking Tour to Hidden Waterfall and Sturgeon Farm: $8.09

Tours and Activities in Liverpool

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

  • A Hope Street Stroll: A self-guided tour from the Metropolitan Cathedral to LIPA: $5.20
  • A Walk Through Time: History of Liverpool Walking Tour: $22
  • Alcotraz Prison Cocktail Experience in Liverpool: $51
  • Awesome Corners of Liverpool – Family Walking Tour: $287
  • BEST OF LIVERPOOL History & Culture Tour-From The Cruise Terminal: $27
  • BEST OF LIVERPOOL-Heritage, History & Culture Guided Walking Tour: $27
  • Beatles & Beyond: A Liverpool Legacy Tour: $305
  • Beatles Classic Tour of Liverpool by Private Taxi: $235
  • Beatles Famous Walking Tour Of Liverpool-From the Cruise Terminal: $27
  • Beatles Magical Mystery Tour: $25
  • Best of Liverpool Sightseeing Tour by Private Taxi: $253
  • City & Beatles Tour - BLUE ROUTE: $25

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ho Chi Minh City $7.86
    Liverpool $16
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
    $0.39

Sample the Local Flavors in Liverpool

Also in Liverpool, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • FunnyBoyz Liverpool - Drag Shows, Tributes, Brunches & Bar Crawls: $19
  • Liverpool Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $50
  • Pirate Pub Crawl & Boat Tour: $56


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


Which is Bigger, Ho Chi Minh City or Liverpool?

Ho Chi Minh City has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Liverpool. When comparing the sizes of Ho Chi Minh City and Liverpool, 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.