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

Should you visit Ho Chi Minh City or Pattaya?

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

Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City is a vibrant, colorful, and busy city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Pattaya

Pattaya is a high energy, colorful, and active resort city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Ho Chi Minh City and Pattaya: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Ho Chi Minh City than Pattaya, 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, shopping, and big city activities, while Pattaya is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Pattaya is more touristy than Ho Chi Minh City and is known for its beautiful beaches, plethora of amusement parks, and its party town reputation. 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.

How is Ho Chi Minh City different from Pattaya?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Ho Chi Minh City is terrific for its historical sights. Also, Pattaya is not as popular, but is still a nice resort city for its sights and museums.

The museums and tourist attractions in Ho Chi Minh City are world-renowned. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Pattaya. There are several cultural attractions near town such as the Sanctuary of Truth, Wat Yansangwararam, and Wat Phra Yai (the Big Buddha).

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Pattaya Better for Theater?

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

Pattaya is not a theatre destination.

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

Ho Chi Minh City is terrific for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Pattaya is not as popular, but is still a nice resort city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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).

Dining out in Pattaya is an experience not to be missed. Street food is what this city is all about. You'll find streets lined with restaurants, but you'll also find snacks and other culinary treats at every corner. Khao Gaeng (curried rice with meat or vegetables), Kai Jeow (omelet over rice), and Moo Ping (grilled pork) are among the favorites.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Pattaya Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Pattaya is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. Despite a promotional campaign to promote family vacations, this city still holds tight to its party hard reputation. You'll find live bands, international DJs, and rooftop parties any night of the week.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Pattaya Better for Resorts?

Pattaya is great for its luxury resorts. However, Ho Chi Minh City is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Pattaya. If you're looking for built-up, all-the-frills, beach resorts, then this is your place. It's a touristy beach city with hotels are resorts that line the waterfront.

Ho Chi Minh City is not a resort destination.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Pattaya Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Pattaya is very good for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Ho Chi Minh City is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Pattaya. There are snorkeling and dive excursions that leave from town, or you could throw on a mask and snorkel and look for marine life right off the beach.

Ho Chi Minh City is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Pattaya Better for Beaches?

Pattaya is great for the beach. However, Ho Chi Minh City is not a beach destination.

Pattaya is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. There are countless white sand beaches in the area that range from party-focused, to romantic, to family-friendly. The blue waters and silky sand have long made this one of the most popular beach areas in Thailand.

Ho Chi Minh City is not a beach destination.

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

Ho Chi Minh City is terrific for its shopping opportunities. Also, Pattaya is not as popular, but is still a nice resort city for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Ho Chi Minh City draws large crowds to its stores. 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.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Pattaya. The city is filled with markets, malls, bazaars, and street vendors that sells everything from clothes and bathing suits, to Thai crafts or local foods.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Pattaya Better for Families?

Ho Chi Minh City is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Pattaya is not as popular, but is still a nice resort 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.

Pattaya is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love the amusement parks, water parks, and cultural parks. Highlights for families include Columbia Pictures Aquaverse, Ramayana Water Park, and Mini Siam. For something totally unique, check out the ice sculptures at Frost Magical Ice of Siam and for something cultural and fun you can head to Legend Siam Pattaya. Despite local efforts to promote family-friendly activities, it's important to remember that the city does still has a party town reputation. There are areas that you should avoid with kids.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Pattaya Better for Couples?

Ho Chi Minh City is a great city for its romantic activities. Also, Pattaya is not as popular, but is still a nice resort city for couples.

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.

Pattaya is a good city for couples to visit. There are many beach-oriented activities around town like boat rides and water sports. You could also enjoy a spa day or simply lounge on the beach and soak up the sun for the day.

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

Ho Chi Minh City is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Pattaya is not as popular, but is still a nice resort city for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Ho Chi Minh City is extremely popular for backpackers. 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 Pattaya. While it used to be a party town, these days Pattaya is more of a family destination that's filled with amusement parks and family-friendly resorts. Backpackers will still find hostels and budget accommodation, but that backpacker atmosphere isn't what it used to be.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Pattaya Better for Students?

Ho Chi Minh City is a city with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Pattaya is not popular with students.

It's common for students to 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.

Pattaya is not popular with students.

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

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

While Pattaya offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The baht bus (songthaew) is the cheapest way to get around town. These are colorful pickup trucks with seats in the back. There are also motorbike taxis as well as regular taxis.

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 Pattaya a more walkable city?

Ho Chi Minh City is a city with good options for its high level of walkability. However, Pattaya is not known for its ease of walking around.

Ho Chi Minh City is a somewhat walkable place. In certain neighborhoods it's fairly walkable, but you may have to dodge a motorbike here or there.

Pattaya is generally not very walkable. There's a walking street, as well as several walkable areas, but the city is relatively large and you'll likely want to catch a ride most places.

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

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

How long in Ho Chi Minh City or Pattaya?

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

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

Because Ho Chi Minh City is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the high energy destination of Pattaya. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This resort city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Ho Chi Minh City or Pattaya?

Because Ho Chi Minh City is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

You'll find shopping and museums around the active resort city of Pattaya. If you have a weekend, this resort city makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the nightlife. 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 Pattaya?

Ho Chi Minh City is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Pattaya is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Pattaya?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ho Chi Minh City. Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Ho Chi Minh City. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Pattaya is a great place to explore. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people head to the area for the nightlife. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bangkok, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Phuket.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ho Chi Minh City and Pattaya, we can see that Ho Chi Minh City is more expensive. And not only is Pattaya much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Pattaya would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Pattaya 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 Pattaya.

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 Pattaya Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ho Chi Minh City or Pattaya?

Ho Chi Minh City has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Pattaya. When comparing the sizes of Ho Chi Minh City and Pattaya, 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.