A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ho Chi Minh City vs. Milford Sound for Families, Backpackers, and Couples

Should you visit Ho Chi Minh City or Milford Sound?

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 Milford Sound 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 food, shopping, and museums. See Ho Chi Minh City travel costs.

Milford Sound

Milford Sound is a iconic, breathtaking, and world renowned fiord. Many visitors also come to Milford Sound because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the skiing and hiking. See Milford Sound travel costs.

Ho Chi Minh City and Milford Sound: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Ho Chi Minh City. Although Ho Chi Minh City and Milford Sound are popular destinations, Ho Chi Minh City has more sights and attractions for tourists. Ho Chi Minh City is very popular for its museums and attractions, theatre productions, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Milford Sound attracts visitors for its skiing, hiking, and impressive beauty. Ho Chi Minh City is more touristy than Milford Sound and is known for its motorbike-filled streets, bustling markets, world-class cuisine, and diverse shopping opportunities. It is also well known for the War Remnants Museum. Milford Sound is famous for its iconic hiking trails, stunning boat tours, and dramatic mountains.

How is Ho Chi Minh City different from Milford Sound?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Milford Sound and Ho Chi Minh City. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Milford Sound Better for Skiing?

Milford Sound is great for skiing. However, Ho Chi Minh City is not a skiing destination.

Milford Sound draws a large crowd in the winter for its impressive snow skiing opportunities. Many locals head to the snow-capped peaks to enjoy skiing, but if you're unfamiliar with the area, a ski tour is your best option.

Ho Chi Minh City is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Ho Chi Minh City or Milford Sound?

Ho Chi Minh City is an amazing city to visit for its museums and history. However, Milford Sound does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Milford Sound does not have museums and landmarks.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Milford Sound Better for Theater?

Ho Chi Minh City is a good destination for its shows and theatre. However, Milford Sound is not a theatre destination.

You'll find a nice selection of shows 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.

Milford Sound is not a theatre destination.

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

Ho Chi Minh City is an amazing city to visit for its restaurants. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

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).

While Milford Sound is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. You'll find a restaurant or two in the small town of Milford Sound. Your best option is the Milford Sound Lodge. In the park you'll want to come prepared with your own food. Many organized tours include a picnic lunch.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Milford Sound Better for Nightlife?

Ho Chi Minh City is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for nightlife.

Ho Chi Minh City has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Milford Sound. Things get quiet at night and there's little in the form of nightlife.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Milford Sound Better for Hiking?

Milford Sound is a world-class destination for hiking. However, Ho Chi Minh City is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Milford Sound specifically for its hiking. The Milford Track has long been considered one of the world's best hikes. It's also, arguably, the most famous hike in New Zealand. The 53 kilometer trek takes you from Lake Te Anau through stunning scenery, alpine settings, and across spectacular suspension bridges.

Ho Chi Minh City is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ho Chi Minh City or Milford Sound?

Ho Chi Minh City is an amazing city to visit for its shopping areas. However, Milford Sound is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Milford Sound is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Milford Sound More Beautiful?

Milford Sound is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Ho Chi Minh City is not a destination known for its beauty.

Many visitors also come to Milford Sound because of it's amazing beauty. This is one of the most spectacular natural settings in New Zealand. The remoteness, combined with the mountains, waterfalls, and stunning views make this a true bucket list destination.

Ho Chi Minh City is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Milford Sound Better for Families?

Ho Chi Minh City is an amazing city to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Milford Sound is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-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.

Milford Sound is a very family-friendly place to visit. The outdoor wonders will impress the kids as much as the adults. There are shorter walks that are family-friendly and the boat rides are also fun for the whole family. You can take a scenic flight or visit the stunning Mirror Lakes. This really is a playground for both kids and adults.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Milford Sound Better for Couples?

Both Ho Chi Minh City and Milford Sound are high quality 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.

Milford Sound is a very popular place to visit for couples. This is one of the most stunning natural areas in the world, and the romance comes from the spectacular beauty, world class hikes, and breathtaking surroundings that will leave you awed and inspired.

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

Ho Chi Minh City is an amazing city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Milford Sound is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Milford Sound. The area's remoteness and high price tag make it a bit challenging for backpackers and budget travelers. If you have plenty of time and enough money, it is truly a not to be missed destination.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Milford Sound Better for Students?

Ho Chi Minh City is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Milford Sound is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Ho Chi Minh City. 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.

Milford Sound is not popular with students.

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

Ho Chi Minh City and Milford Sound both offer reasonable public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly 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 generally limited in Milford Sound. There are buses in the area, but private vehicles or organized tours are your best option for getting around.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Milford Sound a more walkable city?

Ho Chi Minh City is a good destination for its ease of walking around. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for its 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.

Milford Sound is not a walkable city. This is one of the most remote places in New Zealand so you really must have a car or organized transportation to get around.

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

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

How long in Ho Chi Minh City or Milford Sound?

Ho Chi Minh City and Milford Sound both offer a nice selection of activities for visitors. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Milford Sound than Ho Chi Minh City because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Ho Chi Minh City, and 2-6 days is enough time in Milford Sound.

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

Ho Chi Minh City is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

You'll find skiing around the iconic destination of Milford Sound. Hikers are also drawn to this area. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This fiord offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Ho Chi Minh City or Milford Sound?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ho Chi Minh City. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

You'll find skiing around the iconic fiord of Milford Sound. If you have a weekend, this fiord makes for a great vacation. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the hiking. 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 Milford Sound?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the cultural big city of Ho Chi Minh City. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

Milford Sound is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Milford Sound?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Ho Chi Minh City. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Milford Sound 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 head to the area for the hiking. 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in New Zealand, and The Best Luxury Tours to New Zealand.

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

Which is Bigger, Ho Chi Minh City or Milford Sound?

Ho Chi Minh City has a larger population, and is about 7970 times larger than the population of Milford Sound. When comparing the sizes of Ho Chi Minh City and Milford Sound, 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.