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

Should you visit Ho Chi Minh City or Osaka?

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 Osaka 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 theater, nightlife, and food.

Osaka

Osaka is a cultural, high energy, and colorful city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Ho Chi Minh City and Osaka: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Ho Chi Minh City than Osaka. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Ho Chi Minh City is very popular for its theatre productions and big city activities, while Osaka attracts visitors for its historical sights. Ho Chi Minh City is famous for its motorbike-filled streets, bustling markets, world-class cuisine, and diverse shopping opportunities. It is also well known for the War Remnants Museum. Osaka is famous for its diverse street food, eclectic shopping and its economic roots as a port city.

How is Ho Chi Minh City different from Osaka?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of terrific museums and attractions in both Osaka and Ho Chi Minh City.

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 will find world class museums and historical sights in Osaka that are not to be missed. The city is filled with impressive sights that are both old and new. A highlight is a visit to Osaka Castle, which dates back to the 1500s. The city's most well known temple is Shitennō-ji Temple and the Kobe Port Tower is another recognizable sight. Other highlights include the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, the Tempozan Ferris Wheel, and the National Museum of Art.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Osaka Better for Theater?

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

Osaka is not a theatre destination.

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

Foodies will find both Ho Chi Minh City and Osaka both to be terrific 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, Osaka is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. It's one of the top culinary cities in Japan, and you'll find both local and regional dishes throughout. Street food is famous here, but there are also award winning restaurants and small traditional venues. Sushi and sashimi is a favorite, and it's focused simple and high quality ingredients. You'll find some great sushi restaurants around Kuromon Ichiba Market. Another unique experience is to visit a conveyor belt sushi restaurant. Land lovers should try the Yakiniku and Horumon, which is Japanese barbecue. And, of course, there's the ramen. Don't miss the ramen!

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Osaka Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Osaka is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The city really comes to life after the sun sets. The buildings light up and the energy is palpable. In addition to the many world class restaurants, there are countless bars, pubs and izakaya, which are Japanese-style bars. Beer is popular, with many internationally recognized brands available. The most popular nightlife area is Dotonbori, which is along the Dotonbori River.

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

Osaka 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 Osaka. If you want to step back in time, head to Shinsekai, which holds tight to its traditional street life scene. There are old-school arcades, traditional shops, and local street food to sample.

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

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

If you're looking to go shopping, Ho Chi Minh City and Osaka 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.

Osaka is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. There is everything from grand shopping malls to specialty boutique shops that sell antiques or local trinkets. Umeda Shopping Arcade is a large mall that has everything. For international brands, head to America Mura, which is where many of the younger Japanese hang out. Shinsaibashi-Suji Street is a favorite shopping street in the city and also not-to-be-missed.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Osaka Better for Families?

Ho Chi Minh City is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Osaka is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-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.

Osaka is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy the view from the observatory of the Umeda Sky Building or taking a ride on the HEP Five Ferris Wheel. There is also the Kids Plaza Osaka as well as arcades along Tenjinbashi suji Shopping Street. A highlight of a trip to the city is a visit to the Osaka Castle and museum lovers will also appreciate visiting the Osaka Science Museum or the Osaka Museum of Housing and Living.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Osaka Better for Couples?

Both Ho Chi Minh City and Osaka 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.

Osaka is a very popular place to visit for couples. The city's atmosphere is filled with an energy that couples will enjoy. You can take a walk along the Tombori Riverwalk. For a touch of nature, head to Minoh Park and check out Minoh Falls, or for a relaxing experience, visit the hot springs at Solaniwa Onsen. Other fun activities include taking a ride on the Hep Five Ferris wheel or sampling the city's famous street food.

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

Ho Chi Minh City is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Osaka 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.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Osaka. There are plenty of hostels around town and street food is an affordable and fun way to enjoy the city's culinary scene.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Osaka Better for Students?

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

Osaka is very popular with students. There's a colorful energy and a lively atmosphere that appeals to students. The city is also the second largest economic center in the country.

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

Osaka 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 Osaka can get you around easily. The best way to get around town is by subway or train. The main tourist areas are located along the Midosuji subway line, which runs north to south.

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 Osaka a more walkable city?

Ho Chi Minh City and Osaka are nice when it comes to 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.

Osaka is somewhat walkable. There are parts of the city that are fun to explore on foot.

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

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

How long in Ho Chi Minh City or Osaka?

It's fun to spend time in either Ho Chi Minh City or Osaka. Both can be explored in comparable amounts of time. In general, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Ho Chi Minh City, and 2-4 days is enough time in Osaka.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Ho Chi Minh City than Osaka 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 Osaka?

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 colorful big city of Osaka. 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 city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Ho Chi Minh City or Osaka?

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 high energy city of Osaka. 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 Osaka?

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.

Osaka is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Osaka?

You'll find theater and nightlife around the chaotic 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.

Osaka 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 Coach Bus Tours in Japan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Japan.

When comparing the travel costs between Ho Chi Minh City and Osaka, we can see that Osaka is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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 Osaka Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ho Chi Minh City or Osaka?

Ho Chi Minh City has a larger population, and is about 34% larger than the population of Osaka. When comparing the sizes of Ho Chi Minh City and Osaka, 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.