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

Should you visit Ho Chi Minh City or Munich?

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

Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City is a colorful, busy, and diverse city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Other popular activities here include theater, nightlife, and food.

Munich

Munich is a high energy, multicultural, and economically thriving 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 shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Ho Chi Minh City and Munich: 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
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Big city activities


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

Both Munich and Ho Chi Minh City have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Ho Chi Minh City is very popular for its museums, theatre productions, and food, while Munich attracts visitors for its music. Ho Chi Minh City is famous for its motorbike-filled streets, bustling markets, world-class cuisine, and diverse shopping opportunities. Munich is famous for its beer halls (particularly during Oktoberfest), its historic buildings and its castles.

How is Ho Chi Minh City different from Munich?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Ho Chi Minh City
Munich

Ho Chi Minh City is a must-visit destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Munich is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Ho Chi Minh City on the map. 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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Munich. Famous sights include the Old Town Hall in Marienplatz, Nymphenburg Palace, and the Munich Residenz.


Is Ho Chi Minh City or Munich Better for Theater?

Ho Chi Minh City
Munich

Ho Chi Minh City is a nice place to visit for its shows and theatre. However, Munich 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.

Munich is not a theatre destination.

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

Ho Chi Minh City
Munich

Ho Chi Minh City is a must-visit destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Munich is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Ho Chi Minh City is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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).

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Munich. Bavaria has some of the best food in Germany. Popular dishes include schnitzel, weisswurst and spätzel.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Munich Better for Nightlife?

Ho Chi Minh City
Munich

The vibe at night is terrific in both Ho Chi Minh City and Munich.

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 Munich is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The city has a young and vibrant population that keep the nightlife scene active and fun. There are many bars and clubs around town, but the city is also famous for Oktoberfest during the months of September and October.


Is Ho Chi Minh City or Munich Better for Music?

Ho Chi Minh City
Munich

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

Munich has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The city is known for its music festivals, large concerts, and small venues that are diverse enough that there is something for everyone.

Ho Chi Minh City is not a live music destination.

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

Ho Chi Minh City
Munich

If you're looking to go shopping, Ho Chi Minh City and Munich both offer plenty of terrific 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.

Munich is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are many pedestrian areas and shopping centers where you can find everything from luxury items to bargain finds.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Munich Better for Families?

Ho Chi Minh City
Munich

Ho Chi Minh City is a must-visit destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Munich is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Ho Chi Minh City is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. 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.

Munich is a very family-friendly destination. Popular kid activities include going to the top of Stadium Roof at Olympic Park, checking out the movie sets at Filmstadt, and taking a paddle boat ride in the city park.


Is Ho Chi Minh City or Munich Better for Couples?

Ho Chi Minh City
Munich

Both Ho Chi Minh City and Munich are excellent 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.

Munich is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples enjoy exploring the palaces around the city, visiting the Roman baths at Müller's Volksbad, and checking out the many great restaurants around town.

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

Ho Chi Minh City
Munich

For backpackers, both Ho Chi Minh City and Munich are terrific 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.

Munich is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. The city has many fun hostels that often host events and activities for guests. It's easy to meet other backpackers and take advantage of the nightlife around town.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Munich Better for Students?

Ho Chi Minh City
Munich

Munich 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 Munich. The city is an economic hub for both Germany and Europe, so it attracts employees from around the world. There are many wonderful university programs, including a great business school in town. The city's multicultural setting makes it great for 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 Munich Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Ho Chi Minh City
Munich

Munich 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 Munich can get you around easily. Transit options include a subway (U-Bahn), suburban trains (S-Bahn), trams, and buses.

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 Munich a more walkable city?

Ho Chi Minh City
Munich

Munich 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.

Munich is a very walkable destination. While walking tours are a great way to explore, the city is quite large so you'll want to take public transit as well.

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 Munich Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Ho Chi Minh City or Munich?

In either Ho Chi Minh City or Munich, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Munich 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 2-5 days is enough time in Munich.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Munich 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 Munich.


  • How many days in Ho Chi Minh City or Munich? Ideal Length of Stay
    Ho Chi Minh City 3-4 
    Munich 2-5

One day in Ho Chi Minh City or Munich?

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 shopping around the bustling big city of Munich. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.


A weekend in Ho Chi Minh City or Munich?

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 shopping and museums around the bustling city of Munich. If you have a weekend, this city 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 Munich?

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.

Munich is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. 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 Munich?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the vibrant 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.

Munich 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Germany, and The Best Walking Tours in Germany.


Which place is cheaper, Munich 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 $82, while the average daily cost in Munich is $161. 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 Munich in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ho Chi Minh City $50
    Munich $97
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ho Chi Minh City $100
    Munich $194
Compare Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City and Munich

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


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 Munich Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ho Chi Minh City $15
    Munich $21
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
    $1.41
  • Taxi From Airport
    $8.07
  • Cyclo Ride (One Hour)
    $1.61

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ho Chi Minh City

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

  • Private Transfer Tan Son Nhat Airport to Hotel: $29
  • Airport Transfer From Hotel in Ho Chi Minh to Airport By 7 Seats Car: $41
  • Airport Transfers From Airport to Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City 7 seat Car: $46
  • Airport transfer from TAN SON NHAT airport to HO CHI MINH: $23
  • Bus transfer between Sai Gon and Da Lat - “City of Flowers”: $26
  • CONVENIENT AIRPORT TRANSFER by PRIVATE CAR or SCOOTERS | Kiss Tours: $28
  • Cam Ranh Riviera to Nha Trang - Private Transfer: $20
  • Can Tho: Bus transfer directly to/from Saigon City: $9.76
  • Da Lat Private Transfer: $110
  • Da Lat central hotel to Mui Ne Private Transfer: $103
  • Da Lat to Nha Trang - Private Transfer: $84
  • Duyen Ha Resort to Nha Trang - Private Transfer: $20

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Munich

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


  • Single Zone Trip on Subway
    $2.50
  • Inner District Subway Day Pass
    $5.66
  • City transport day ticket
    $12

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Munich

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Munich:

  • Private transfer from Munich to Vienna: $945
  • Private transfer from Munich to Prague: $717
  • Private arrival OR departure transfer from/to Munich airport: $294
  • Private Transfer from Munich to Salzburg with 3h on Eagle's Nest: $286
  • Private Transfer from Munich to Prague with 2h of Sightseeing with Local Driver: $282
  • Salzburg to Munich Transfer: $271
  • Private Transfer from Munich to Nuremberg with 2 hours for sightseeing: $264
  • Private Transfer from Munich to Passau, 2 Hour Stop in Dachau: $259
  • Private Transfer from Munich City to Nuremberg City: $253
  • Departure Private Transfer: Munich City to Munich Airport MUC in Luxury Car: $252
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Munich Airport MUC to Munich in Luxury Car: $252
  • Private Transfer from Munich to Prague with 2 hours of Sightseeing, local driver: $249

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

Prices for flights to both Munich 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
    Munich $30
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)
    $4.32
  • Pizza
    $5.25
  • Sweet Rice
    $1.21
  • Pork Sandwich
    $0.61
  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    $6.85
  • 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 Food Tour & Culture Explore Ho Chi Minh City Walking Tour: $15
  • Ho Chi Minh City Street Food Tour by Motorbike/ Car with Student : $19
  • Saigon: Backstreets Private Walking Food Tour & 10 Tastings: $25
  • Private Walking Food Tour with Local Students : $26
  • Ho Chi Minh Street Food Tour By Motorbike +Sightseeing SAFE & FUN: $26
  • Top Niche Walking Street Food Tour with Uni Student: $26
  • Walking Street Food Tour Ho Chi Minh City: $27
  • Food Tour by Scooter with Eleven Tastings: $27
  • Saigon Private Eleven-Tastings Food Tour by Scooter: $28
  • Ho Chi Minh: Thirteen-Tastings Private Walking Food Tour: $29
  • Super Niche Walking Street Food Tour in Ho Chi Minh City: $29
  • Ho Chi Minh Private Half Day Street Food Tour with Local Students: $29

Typical Food Prices in Munich

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Munich:


  • Bratwurst
    $5.44
  • Leberkässemmeln (Veal & Pork Sandwich)
    $2.12

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Munich

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

  • Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $27
  • Viktualienmarkt Gourmet Food Tour: $47
  • Munich Food Tour with Beer Tasting: $48
  • Private Salzburg History & Food Tour with Munich train add-on: $55
  • Beer Tour & Bavarian Dinner with a Local Beer Expert: $75
  • Bavarian Food Tour with 3-Course Meal: $92
  • 6 gears dinner show menu: $101
  • Original Munich Christmas Market Food Tour - all tastings included: $138
  • Lunch Like A Local: The ORIGINAL Viktualienmarkt Food Tour PLUS: $142
  • Munich Food Tour & Food Market with German Delicacies: $265

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ho Chi Minh City $20
    Munich $31
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
    $5.65

Tours and Activities in Ho Chi Minh City

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

  • Ho Chi Minh City private walking tours with young local volunteers: $1.90
  • Saigon: Free Walking Tour: $2.10
  • Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Double-Decker: $3.78
  • Floating Village Eco-Tourism Tan Lap - Trekking Day Trip: $6.80
  • 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
  • Saigon: Experience A Unique Culinary Tour By Night: $7.14
  • Ho Chi Minh Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.80
  • Ho Chi Minh Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.96
  • 1 ROUND MIDNIGHT BUS TOUR: $9.00
  • Chan May Port to Hoi An Ancient Town & Marble Mountain Car/Tour: $10

Typical Entertainment Prices in Munich

Here are a few typical costs in Munich for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Schack Gallery Entrance
    $4.35
  • Munich Zoo Entrance
    $9.80
  • Pub Crawl Munich Tour
    $15
  • Neuschwanstein Castle (2)
    $26

Tours and Activities in Munich

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

  • Access A tour for blind and partially sighted people: $99
  • 2-hour Private Walking Tour in Munich: $216
  • 2H-VIP Private Segway Tour: $92
  • 5 Top Churches in Munich Private Walking Tour : $213
  • Albert Einstein Private Walking Tour in Old Town Munich: $206
  • Albert Einstein Private Walking Tour in Old Town Munich: $209
  • Andechs Monastery Beer Hike Food Experience Private Tour (departs Munich): $209
  • Art & Heritage: Private Walking Tour of Bavarian National Museum: $204
  • Bad Tölz Private Guided Walking Tour: $222
  • Bavarian Beer and Food Evening Tour in Munich: $68
  • Bayern Munich Tour (City, Land, Bazaar, Historical, Taste): $271
  • Bayern Tour (München Nürnberg Erlangen Würzburg Bamberg): $543

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ho Chi Minh City $8.07
    Munich $40
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 Munich

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


  • Hofbrauhaus
    $13

Sample the Local Flavors in Munich

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

  • Exclusive Brewery Tour & Tasting of 4 Organic Beers: $29
  • Munich's Original Pub Crawl: $31
  • English Guided Brewery Tour in Munich beertasting 4 beers: $38
  • Beer and Brewery Tour in Munich: $47
  • Cheese & Wine tasting: $97
  • The ORIGINAL Munich Christmas Market Festive Wine Tour -with food: $142
  • Private Wine Tasting Tour in Munich with a Wine Expert: $292
  • Private Wine Tasting Tour in Munich with a Wine Expert: $297
  • Bachelor(ette) Party with Pub Crawl: $407
  • Bachelor(ette) Party with Pub Crawl: $407


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


Which is Bigger, Ho Chi Minh City or Munich?

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