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

Should you visit Ho Chi Minh City or Matsue?

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 Matsue 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.

Matsue

Matsue is a serene, historic, and quiet town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping.

Ho Chi Minh City and Matsue: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Ho Chi Minh City than Matsue, 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 Matsue is known for its 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. Matsue is popular for its 17th century castle and its quaint atmosphere.

How is Ho Chi Minh City different from Matsue?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Ho Chi Minh City is an unbeatable place for its museums and landmarks. Also, Matsue 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.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Matsue. Most people visit town specifically to see the Matsue Castle, which is one of the last original castles left in Japan. The city also has parks and gardens, as well as the Shimane Art Museum, Yaegaki Shrine, and Miho Shrine.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Matsue Better for Theater?

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

Matsue is not a theatre destination.

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

Ho Chi Minh City is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. Also, Matsue 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).

Matsue has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There are peaceful restaurants and cafes around town where you can sample the local dishes. Many restaurants have beautiful gardens and set lunch menus, which is a great way to sample fine dining cuisine at a reasonable price.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Matsue Better for Nightlife?

Ho Chi Minh City is an unbeatable place for nightlife and partying. However, Matsue is a town with minimal options 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.

Matsue doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It's a quiet town and there's not much of a nightlife scene, but if you spend the night you can probably find a quaint local bar where you can hang out.

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

Matsue is very good for its historic old town charm. However, Ho Chi Minh City does not have a historic old town.

Matsue has an old town worth visiting. The town has one of the last of the twelve original castles that are still in Japan. There are also many canals that cross the town.

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

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

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

Matsue has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Kyomise Shopping District is a charming street near Ohashi Bridge. It is lined with shops and restaurants and tourists will enjoy visiting the souvenir and specialty stores in the area.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Matsue Better for Families?

Ho Chi Minh City is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Matsue 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.

Matsue offers lots of family activities. Kids will enjoy the city's history as much as adults. There are several temples and shrines to explore as well as Lake Shinji. The best views of the lake are from the Shimane Art Museum.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Matsue Better for Couples?

Ho Chi Minh City is a great destination for its romantic activities. Also, Matsue 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.

Matsue is a good city for couples to visit. Castles, gardens, and museums all make this a beautiful and romantic destination. Couples will enjoy immersing themselves in the city's history. There's also a beautiful lake and the impressive Matsue Vogel Park.

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

Ho Chi Minh City is an unbeatable place for backpackers. Also, Matsue 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 Matsue. There are a couple of hostels and guesthouses as well as budget hotels around town for backpackers.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Matsue Better for Students?

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

Matsue is not popular with students.

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

Matsue is great for times when you don't have a car. However, Ho Chi Minh City is not a good destination for its public transit.

Matsue offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are city buses as well as Ichibata Bus. Tourists will mostly use the Lakeline loop, which connects the two railway stations with all of the city's major attractions. Buses run every 20 minutes.

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 Matsue a more walkable city?

Matsue 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.

Matsue is a very walkable destination. Most of the town's sights can be reached on foot. You can walk from the JR Matsue Station to the castle in half an hour and it's only 15 minutes from the Shinjiko Onsen Station.

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 Matsue Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Ho Chi Minh City or Matsue?

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

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

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 museums and food around the pretty destination of Matsue. 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 Matsue?

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 food and shopping around the peaceful town of Matsue. If you have a weekend, this town 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 Matsue?

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.

Matsue 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 Matsue?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the chaotic 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.

Matsue 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 Contiki Tours to Japan, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Japan.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ho Chi Minh City and Matsue, we can see that Ho Chi Minh City is more expensive. And not only is Matsue much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Matsue would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Matsue 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 Ho Chi Minh City would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ho Chi Minh City than you might in Matsue.

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 Matsue Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ho Chi Minh City or Matsue?

Ho Chi Minh City has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Matsue. When comparing the sizes of Ho Chi Minh City and Matsue, 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.