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

Should you visit Ho Chi Minh City or Perth?

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

Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City is a busy, diverse, and cultural city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, theater, and nightlife. See Ho Chi Minh City travel costs.

Perth

Perth is a friendly, relaxed, and easy-going city. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Perth travel costs.

Ho Chi Minh City and Perth: Pros and Cons

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

You'll generally find more things to do in Ho Chi Minh City than Perth. Ho Chi Minh City is bigger than Perth, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Ho Chi Minh City is better known for its museums and attractions, theatre productions, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Perth is more popular for its beaches. Ho Chi Minh City is more touristy than Perth and is known for its motorbike-filled streets, bustling markets, world-class cuisine, and diverse shopping opportunities. Also, Ho Chi Minh City is famous for the War Remnants Museum. Perth is well known for its beautiful city beaches, sunny weather, and isolated location.

How is Ho Chi Minh City different from Perth?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Travelers visit Ho Chi Minh City from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. 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.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Perth can be an interesting and educational experience. There are some interesting sights and museums around town like the Perth Mint, the Art Gallery of Western Australia, the Bell Tower, and Scitech. There's also the Perth Zoo and the Aviation Heritage Museum.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Perth Better for Theater?

Ho Chi Minh City is very good for theatre. However, Perth 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.

Perth is not a theatre destination.

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

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

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).

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Perth. There's a good selection of restaurants with many great international options as well as fine dining and casual. Family-friendly restaurants are also very common.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Perth Better for Nightlife?

Ho Chi Minh City is very popular for nightlife. Also, Perth is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

Ho Chi Minh City is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Perth. The city has many nightclubs and music venues. There are also low key pubs and trendy wine bars. Northbridge is at the heart of the city's nightlife scene, and this is where you'll find the highest concentration of bars, restaurants, clubs, and cafes.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Perth Better for Beaches?

Perth is a world-class destination for the beach. However, Ho Chi Minh City is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Perth is a very popular vacation destination. There is an 80 kilometer coastline that has beautiful turquoise water and white sandy beaches. Within the city there are 19 beaches that offer snorkeling, swimming, and surfing. Many beaches have any amenity that you might need but it's also very easy to escape the city crowds.

Ho Chi Minh City is not a beach destination.

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

Ho Chi Minh City is very popular for shopping. Also, Perth is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Ho Chi Minh City. 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.

Perth offers some nice shopping areas. There are weekend street markets where you can pick up local crafts. There are also large shopping malls and trendy high end boutiques with international and local brands.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Perth Better for Families?

Ho Chi Minh City is very popular for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Perth is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Ho Chi Minh City is one of the most popular family destinations. 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.

Perth is a very kid-friendly city. It's a family-friendly city with ropes courses, fruit picking, and many different playgrounds and kid-friendly activities. There's also the Perth Zoo and several kid-friendly museums like the Aviation Heritage Museum and Scitech. Kids will also enjoy spending a day or two at the beach.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Perth Better for Couples?

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

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.

Perth makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city has many great restaurants and bars. There's also wine tasting and river cruises on the Swan River.

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

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

Many backpackers frequent Ho Chi Minh City. 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Perth. While most backpackers don't make it all the way to this isolated city, those that do will be rewarded with beautiful beaches, fun festivals, and an authentic and off-the-beaten-path experience.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Perth Better for Students?

For students, both Ho Chi Minh City and Perth are notable places to visit.

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.

Perth is a good city to visit for students. Students love the low cost of living and the year round climate that is sunny and pleasant.

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

Perth 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 Perth offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses, trains, and ferries that help you get around the city.

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 Perth a more walkable city?

Ho Chi Minh City and Perth are notable 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.

Perth is somewhat walkable. There are some pedestrian-friendly areas with streets that are fun to explore on foot.

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

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

How long in Ho Chi Minh City or Perth?

It's fun to spend time in either Ho Chi Minh City or Perth. In our opinion, Ho Chi Minh City has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Ho Chi Minh City than Perth. In general, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Ho Chi Minh City, and 2-4 days is enough time in Perth.

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

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 relaxed destination of Perth. 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 city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Ho Chi Minh City or Perth?

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 isolated city of Perth. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the beaches. 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 Perth?

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.

Perth 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 Perth?

You'll find theater and nightlife around the cultural 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.

Perth 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 beaches. 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 Budget Tours to Australia, and The Best Luxury Tours to Australia.

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

Which is Bigger, Ho Chi Minh City or Perth?

Ho Chi Minh City has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Perth. When comparing the sizes of Ho Chi Minh City and Perth, 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.