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

Should you visit Ho Chi Minh City or Malaga?

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 Malaga 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 food, shopping, and museums.

Malaga

Malaga is a beautiful, friendly, and welcoming port city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and live music.

Ho Chi Minh City and Malaga: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Ho Chi Minh City than Malaga, 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, shopping, and big city activities, while Malaga is known for its music, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, and impressive beauty. 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. Malaga is popular for its perfect blend of sandy beaches, beautiful culture, fascinating history, and a lively nightlife scene.

How is Ho Chi Minh City different from Malaga?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Ho Chi Minh City is a must-visit destination for its sights and museums. However, Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Malaga Better for Theater?

Ho Chi Minh City is a good destination for its theatre productions. However, Malaga 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.

Malaga is not a theatre destination.

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

Ho Chi Minh City is a must-visit destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its restaurants.

Eat your way through Ho Chi Minh City, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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).

Malaga has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Head to any of the local food markets and seafood shops to try local cuisine. Also make sure you try tapas and a filling Andalusian breakfast.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Malaga Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is first-rate in both Ho Chi Minh City and Malaga.

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.

The nightlife in Malaga is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The city has some of the most active nightlife in Europe. There are plenty of opportunities to party in Malaga and you'll find the most vibrant nightlife in the Centro Historico.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Malaga Better for Music?

Malaga is great for its music scene. However, Ho Chi Minh City is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Malaga draws a good crowd. The city has venues that offer pop, rock, blues, soulful, and more. Some of the most popular include ZZ club, Clarence Jazz Club, and Velvet Club.

Ho Chi Minh City is not a live music destination.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Malaga Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Malaga is very good for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Ho Chi Minh City is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Malaga. Water temperatures are mild enough for diving or snorkeling near Malaga. For the best diving, head to Cala del Canuelo Beach. Closer by, Penon del Cuervo Beach offers diving and snorkeling as well.

Ho Chi Minh City is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Malaga Better for Beaches?

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

Many people head to Malaga to enjoy the beach. There are some nice beaches around Malaga, but for the best options you'll have to travel further outside of the city.

Ho Chi Minh City is not a beach destination.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Malaga Better for its Old Town?

Malaga is great for its historic old town charm. However, Ho Chi Minh City does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Malaga. The city's old town is compact and small, making it a fun place to walk. There are historic buildings, museums, churches, and squares, as well as many restaurants and shops.

Ho Chi Minh City does not have a historic old town.

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

Ho Chi Minh City is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city 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.

Malaga has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a number of shopping areas in the city with both local boutiques and name brands.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Malaga Better for Families?

Ho Chi Minh City is a must-visit destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Ho Chi Minh City is very family-friendly. 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.

Malaga is a family-friendly city. The city has castles that you can explore as well as a waterpark.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Malaga Better for Couples?

Ho Chi Minh City is a well-known place for its romantic activities. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for couples.

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.

Malaga is a good city for couples to visit. It has a beautiful coastline and a rich history that makes it unique.

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

For backpackers, both Ho Chi Minh City and Malaga are first-rate places to visit.

A large number of backpackers visit Ho Chi Minh City, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. 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.

Malaga is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. From an endless supply of hostels to plenty of opportunities to meet other backpackers, this is a very backpacker friendly area.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Malaga Better for Students?

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

Malaga is very popular with students. The city has many opportunities to learn Spanish. It's also an affordable city with a young population and a lively atmosphere that appeals to international 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.

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

Malaga 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 Malaga offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is an efficient bus system as well as a light metro system.

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 Malaga a more walkable city?

Malaga 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.

Malaga is a very walkable destination. It has a very compact and walkable historic center with most of the tourist attractions easily accessible on foot.

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 Malaga Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Ho Chi Minh City or Malaga?

Both Ho Chi Minh City and Malaga have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Malaga 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 Malaga.

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

One day in Ho Chi Minh City or Malaga?

Ho Chi Minh City is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the beautiful destination of Malaga. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Malaga?

Ho Chi Minh City is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the beautiful port city of Malaga. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the nightlife. 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 Malaga?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ho Chi Minh City. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Malaga is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Malaga?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the diverse big city of Ho Chi Minh City. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Malaga is a great place to explore. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It is common to spend one week here. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people head to the area for the nightlife. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in Vietnam, The Best 10-Day Tours in Vietnam, The Best Budget Tours to Spain, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Spain.

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

Which is Bigger, Ho Chi Minh City or Malaga?

Ho Chi Minh City has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Malaga. When comparing the sizes of Ho Chi Minh City and Malaga, 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.