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

Should you visit Ho Chi Minh City or Milan?

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 Milan can help you decide which place is right for you.

Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City is a cultural, chaotic, and vibrant city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Milan

Milan is a chic, cultural, and trendy city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Ho Chi Minh City and Milan: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Numerous theater shows
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Big city activities
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for students
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly


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

Visitors will generally find more to do in Milan than Ho Chi Minh City. While Ho Chi Minh City is larger than Milan, Milan has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Milan is very popular for its music, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Ho Chi Minh City attracts visitors for its museums and theatre productions. Ho Chi Minh City is more touristy than Milan and is known for its motorbike-filled streets, bustling markets, world-class cuisine, and diverse shopping opportunities. Milan is famous for its grand squares, dramatic architecture, and its leadership in the fashion world. It is also well known for Piazza del Duomo.

How is Ho Chi Minh City different from Milan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Ho Chi Minh City
Milan

Ho Chi Minh City is an amazing city to visit for its historical sights. Also, Milan is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Ho Chi Minh City has many famous sights for visitors. 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 Milan. The Milan Cathedral is the most famous landmark in the city, but other sights include Castello Sforzesco, Pinacoteca di Brera, and Sant'Ambrogio.


Is Ho Chi Minh City or Milan Better for Theater?

Ho Chi Minh City
Milan

Ho Chi Minh City is a city with good options for its shows and theatre. However, Milan is not a theatre destination.

If you have some extra time in Ho Chi Minh City, take in a show. 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.

Milan is not a theatre destination.

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

Ho Chi Minh City
Milan

Foodies will find both Ho Chi Minh City and Milan both to be amazing destinations.

Ho Chi Minh City has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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).

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Milan is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The city has a mix of traditional dishes combined with modernized, trendy restaurants. You can try a new dish by a groundbreaking chef, or sample a long running favorite like risotto alla Milanese.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Milan Better for Nightlife?

Ho Chi Minh City
Milan

The vibe at night is amazing in both Ho Chi Minh City and Milan.

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 Milan is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The city has a huge number of students and young professionals, which make it a fun place with an active nightlife. There are cocktail bars, trendy clubs, and relaxed pubs that you can chose from.


Is Ho Chi Minh City or Milan Better for Music?

Ho Chi Minh City
Milan

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

Milan has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The diversity of music ranges from classical concerts to techno raves. Popular venues include Blue Note Milan, Santeria Social Club, and Spirit de Milan.

Ho Chi Minh City is not a live music destination.

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

Ho Chi Minh City
Milan

Milan is a world-class destination for its historic old town charm. However, Ho Chi Minh City does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Milan is revered around the world. Known as the Centro Storic, this area is the most popular with tourists. It's where you'll find the most historic buildings and beautiful sights in the city.

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

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

Ho Chi Minh City
Milan

If you're looking to go shopping, Ho Chi Minh City and Milan both offer plenty of amazing spots.

Many people travel to Ho Chi Minh City specifically to go shopping. 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.

Milan is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. Famous as the fashion capital of Italy, shopping is the thing to do here. There are many streets that are lined with the biggest designers in fashion. Make sure you check out Via Monte Napoleone, Via Della Spiga, and Corso Buenos Aires.


Is Ho Chi Minh City or Milan Better for Families?

Ho Chi Minh City
Milan

Ho Chi Minh City is an amazing city to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Milan is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-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.

Milan is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has a science museum and a children's museum, MuBa, that is great for the kids. There are also a number of parks to explore as well as playgrounds where the kids and get out their energy.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Milan Better for Couples?

Ho Chi Minh City
Milan

Both Ho Chi Minh City and Milan are superb 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.

Milan is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are many beautiful buildings, excellent shopping, and romantic restaurants that make for a wonderful couple's getaway.

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

Ho Chi Minh City
Milan

Ho Chi Minh City is an amazing city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Milan is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

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.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Milan. While not as popular with backpackers as some Italian city's, there are a number of hostels and great activities that are fun for visitors.


Is Ho Chi Minh City or Milan Better for Students?

Ho Chi Minh City
Milan

Milan is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, Ho Chi Minh City is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Milan. It is one of the more popular city's for international students in Italy. It is very livable with a lot of culture and a fun nightlife, so you're sure to have the experience of a lifetime.

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 Milan Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Ho Chi Minh City
Milan

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

With a huge network, the transit system in Milan can get you around easily. Options include metro, bus, tram, and train lines.

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 Milan a more walkable city?

Ho Chi Minh City
Milan

Milan is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Ho Chi Minh City is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

Milan is a very easy city to get around on foot. In particular, the city center is walkable.

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 Milan Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Ho Chi Minh City or Milan?

In either Ho Chi Minh City or Milan, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Milan than Ho Chi Minh City because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Ho Chi Minh City, and 1-5 days is enough time in Milan.

Families should spend more time in Ho Chi Minh City than Milan. 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 Milan than Ho Chi Minh City. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Milan that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.


  • How many days in Ho Chi Minh City or Milan? Ideal Length of Stay
    Ho Chi Minh City 3-4 
    Milan 1-5

One day in Ho Chi Minh City or Milan?

Each neighborhood in Ho Chi Minh City has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

You'll find food and shopping around the trendy big city of Milan. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Milan?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ho Chi Minh City. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

You'll find shopping and museums around the chic city of Milan. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Milan?

Ho Chi Minh City is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums and theater when visiting the big city destination of Ho Chi Minh City. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Milan 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 Milan?

You'll find theater and nightlife around the busy big city of Ho Chi Minh City. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Milan is a great place to explore. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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 Historical Tours in Vietnam, The Best 10-Day Tours in Vietnam, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Milan 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 $81, while the average daily cost in Milan is $180. 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 Milan in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ho Chi Minh City $49
    Milan $104
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ho Chi Minh City $98
    Milan $208
Compare Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City and Milan

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


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 Milan Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ho Chi Minh City $15
    Milan $38
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
    $1.40
  • Taxi From Airport
    $7.99
  • Cyclo Ride (One Hour)
    $1.60

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ho Chi Minh City

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

  • Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh Transfer 5-Days Trip by Private Car: $613
  • Private Taxi Transfer from Ho Chi Minh to Phnom Penh: $358
  • Private Taxi transfer from Ho Chi Minh to Phnom Penh: $358
  • Private Taxi transfer from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City: $358
  • Private taxi transfer from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh: $358
  • Private Transfer from Tan Son Nhat (SGN) Airport to Phnom Penh: $290
  • Private Transfer from Tan Son Nhat (SGN) Airport to Nha Trang: $273
  • Private Transfer from Tan Son Nhat (SGN) Airport to Nha Trang Cang Pha Vinpearl : $272
  • Private Transfer: Ho Chi Minh City - Chau Doc/Rach Gia: $268
  • Ho Chi Minh to Nha Trang - Private Transfer: $259
  • Private Transfer from Tan Son Nhat (SGN) Airport to Cam Ranh: $259
  • Private Transfer: Ho Chi Minh City Center/ Airport - Mui Ne/Phan Thiet: $258

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Milan

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Milan:


  • Train to Airport
    $7.58
  • Malpensa Airport Train (for Two)
    $24
  • Taxi From Airport
    $97
  • Public Transit Day Pass
    $4.87
  • Short Taxi Ride
    $7.72

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Milan

Also for Milan, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Malpensa Airport (MXP):1-Way Transfer to Trieste Cruise Port: $2,111
  • Private 1-Way Transfer to/from Venice: $1,529
  • Private Transfer to/from Siena and Center of Milan: $1,310
  • Nyon: Private Transfer to/from Malpensa Airport: $1,016
  • Basel : Private Transfer to/from Milan Malpensa Airport: $1,016
  • Interlaken : Private transfer to/from Malpensa Airport: $962
  • SUV LUXURY TRANSFER FROM TÄSCH/ZERMATT TO AIRPORT MALPENSA: $866
  • Zurich : Private Transfer to/from Malpensa Airport: $856
  • Grindelwald: Private Transfer to/from Malpensa Airport: $802
  • Montreux : Private Transfer to/from Malpensa Airport: $802
  • Lousanne : Private transfer to/from Malpensa Airport: $781
  • Bern : Private Transfer to/from Malpensa Airport: $738

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

Prices for flights to both Milan 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
    Milan $42
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)
    $4.27
  • Pizza
    $5.19
  • Sweet Rice
    $1.20
  • Pork Sandwich
    $0.60
  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    $6.78
  • 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:

  • Private Walking Food Tour with Local Students : $26
  • Ho Chi Minh Street Food Tour By Motorbike (Unique & Authentic): $26
  • Ho Chi Minh Street Food Tour By Motorbike + Sightseeing: $27
  • Saigon: Backstreets Private Walking Food Tour & 10 Tastings: $27
  • Food Tour by Scooter with Eleven Tastings: $27
  • Ho Chi Minh Food Tour on Back of Motobike with Local Guide: $27
  • Super Niche Walking Street Food Tour in Ho Chi Minh City: $28
  • Private Walking Food Tour with 13 Tastings: $28
  • Ho Chi Minh: Original Walking Street Food Tour With Local: $29
  • Private Half-Day Ho Chi Minh Food Tour with Local Students: $29
  • Ho Chi Minh: Super Niche Walking Street Food Tour With Local: $29
  • Private 4-Hour Food Tour in Ho Chi Minh City: $29

Typical Food Prices in Milan

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Milan:


  • Snack at Train Station
    $9.32
  • Restaurant Pizza
    $7.15
  • Casual Cafe Lunch (for Two)
    $30
  • Three Course Dinner (for Two)
    $70
  • Cappuccino
    $1.77

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Milan

For Milan, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • PYT Milano Dinner Show with Live Music and DJ Set: $21
  • Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $29
  • Gourmet Street Food Tour with Sightseeing and Tasting: $45
  • Devour Milan Street Food Tour and Sightseeing: $46
  • Eating Milan Street Food Tour with Guided Tasting and Sightseeing: $46
  • Delicious Milan Street Food Tour Tasting and Sightseeing with Local Guide: $46
  • NO DIET CLUB - Best Food Tour in Milan !: $59
  • NO DIET CLUB - Best Food Tour in Milan !: $60
  • Italian Cooking Class with Food and Wine: $70
  • Local Market and Cooking Class with an Italian Chef: $70
  • Local Cuisine Cooking Class with Wine: $72
  • Fresh pasta experience for children - Cooking Class: $72

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ho Chi Minh City $20
    Milan $33
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
    $5.59

Tours and Activities in Ho Chi Minh City

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

  • Chan May Port to Hoi An Ancient Town & Marble Mountains Car/Tour: $10
  • Cu Chi Tunnels half day tours: $39
  • From Ho Chi Minh to Mui Ne 3 Days Tour | 4 Star Beach Resort : $170
  • Half Day Private Tour in Ho Chi Minh City: $70
  • Mekong Delta Discovery Day Tour - My Tho - Ben Tre: $46
  • Mekong Vespa Tour 5 hours: $92
  • Mui Ne,Fairy Spring, Sand dunes, Fishing Village, Private Tour: $290
  • Non-Touristy Mekong Delta with Biking in Ben Tre Private Tour: $40
  • SAIGON SHORE EXCURSION: Past and Present Tour from Cruise Port: $111
  • Saigon Vegetarian Tour by Motorbike and Scooter: $39
  • Vietnam Classic Day Tour in Ho Chi Minh with Cu Chi Tunnels: $18
  • 'Cost-Saving' Cu Chi Tunnels & Mekong Delta 1-Day Tour: $54

Typical Entertainment Prices in Milan

For Milan, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Stairs to Duomo Rooftop
    $7.58

Tours and Activities in Milan

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Milan.

  • Milan Highlights semi-Private Walking Tour: $43
  • Milan Urban Wonders Small Group Tour: $53
  • Gallery Tour, Terraces of the Duomo & Cathedral: $36
  • Skip-the-Line Duomo Cathedral Tour : $54
  • Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Milan: $6.53
  • "Milano Style: Your Italian Fashion Experience": $164
  • 2 Hours Guided La Scala Theatre Tour in Milan: $125
  • 2-Hour Milan by Night Walking Tour: $156
  • 2-hours Duomo of Milan guided experience with entrance tickets: $71
  • 24 h in Personalized Highlights Tour: $182
  • An Architectural insight of Milan on a Private Tour with a local: $148
  • Bernina Express Tour Swiss Alps & St Moritz From Milan: $156

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ho Chi Minh City $7.98
    Milan $26
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
    $0.40

Typical Alcohol Prices in Milan

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Milan:


  • Cocktail at a Bar
    $9.10
  • Beer
    $3.63

Sample the Local Flavors in Milan

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Milan:

  • Wine Tasting Experience in the City Centre: $43
  • Wine Tasting Experience in Milan city centre: $44
  • Milan Wine Tasting Experience: $52
  • Italian Wine Tasting in Milan: $53
  • Milan Wine Tasting Aperitivo: $56
  • Milan Wine Tasting with Italian Sommelier: $86
  • Private Food and Wine Tasting Experience in the Center of Milan: $87
  • Wine Tasting with an Italian Sommelier: $93
  • Best of Guided Tour with Duomo, Food & Wine Tasting: $159
  • Food and Wine Tasting enjoying the New Milan: $164
  • Brescia & Franciacorta Guided Tour with Wine Tasting: $181
  • Brescia and Franciacorta winery area. Cultural and wine tasting small group tour: $184


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


Which is Bigger, Ho Chi Minh City or Milan?

Ho Chi Minh City has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Milan. When comparing the sizes of Ho Chi Minh City and Milan, 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.