Which place is cheaper, Prague or Ho Chi Minh City?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Ho Chi Minh City or Prague?
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 Prague can help you decide which place is right for you.
Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City is a diverse, cultural, and chaotic city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. And you can't forget about the food, shopping, and museums.
Prague
Prague is a festive, fun-filled, and cultural city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and live music.
Ho Chi Minh City and Prague: Pros and Cons
Ho Chi Minh City
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Numerous theater shows
- Popular for food and cuisine
- Active nightlife
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Big city activities
- Less popular for students
- Public transit not as usable
- Less walkable
Prague
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Good music scene
- Scenic old town
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Good for students
- Good public transit
- Very walkable
- Big city activities
- Impressive beauty
- Less popular for food
Is there more to do in Ho Chi Minh City or Prague?
Travelers will generally find more things to do in Prague than Ho Chi Minh City. While Ho Chi Minh City is larger than Prague, Prague has more sights and attractions for tourists. Prague is more popular for its music, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Ho Chi Minh City is known for its theatre productions, food, shopping, and big city activities. Prague is more touristy than Ho Chi Minh City and is popular for its world-famous old town, local beer, wild nightlife, historic landmarks, and the Charles Bridge. It is also home to The Prague Castle. Ho Chi Minh City is popular for its motorbike-filled streets, bustling markets, world-class cuisine, and diverse shopping opportunities.
How is Ho Chi Minh City different from Prague?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Prague 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 Prague?
Ho Chi Minh City
Prague
You'll find a number of first-rate museums and attractions in both Prague 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 Prague that are not to be missed. Most of the city's historic sights are found in the Old Town. Famous landmarks include the Charles Bridge, the Prague Castle, and the National Museum.
Is Ho Chi Minh City or Prague Better for Theater?
Ho Chi Minh City
Prague
Ho Chi Minh City is a good destination for its theatre productions. However, Prague is not a theatre destination.
Ho Chi Minh City offers a number of shows and performances. 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.
Prague is not a theatre destination.
Is the Food Better in Ho Chi Minh City or Prague? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Ho Chi Minh City
Prague
Ho Chi Minh City is an unbeatable place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Prague is not a good city for its restaurants.
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).
Prague may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. The meals are hearty and filling. There's lots of stew and dumplings that make for a soothing meal on a cold winter day. Goulash is a favorite dish at most of the traditional restaurants around town.
Is Ho Chi Minh City or Prague Better for Nightlife?
Ho Chi Minh City
Prague
The vibe at night is first-rate in both Ho Chi Minh City and Prague.
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 Prague is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The city has long been famous as a beer drinking capital, and although prices are higher than they once were, the fun is the same. The nightlife vibe is great any night of the week, but weekends tend to be the most active.
Is Ho Chi Minh City or Prague Better for Music?
Ho Chi Minh City
Prague
Prague is a world-class destination for its music scene. However, Ho Chi Minh City is not a live music destination.
Prague has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The city has a long history of classical music, but rock, pop, and almost any other genre is popular here as well.
Ho Chi Minh City is not a live music destination.
Is Ho Chi Minh City or Prague Better for its Old Town?
Ho Chi Minh City
Prague
Prague is a world-class destination for its historic old town charm. However, Ho Chi Minh City does not have a historic old town.
The historic old town of Prague is revered around the world. Based around Old Town Square, this city has one of the most impressive old towns in the world.
Ho Chi Minh City does not have a historic old town.
Is the Shopping Better in Ho Chi Minh City or Prague?
Ho Chi Minh City
Prague
Ho Chi Minh City is an unbeatable place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Prague is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping areas.
The abundance of shops in Ho Chi Minh City make it a world-class shopping destination. 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.
Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Prague. There are many brand name stores in New Town, particularly around Wenceslas Square. In Old Town, Czech porcelain and Bohemia Crystal are popular things to buy.
Is Ho Chi Minh City or Prague Better for Families?
Ho Chi Minh City
Prague
Ho Chi Minh City is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Prague is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-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.
You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Prague. The city has a fun energy that appeals to adults and kids alike. Make sure you check out the Astronomical Clock and tour the famous Prague Castle. You'll also find the best playgrounds in town around Slavonic Island.
Is Ho Chi Minh City or Prague Better for Couples?
Ho Chi Minh City
Prague
Prague is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Ho Chi Minh City is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.
For those traveling as a couple, Prague has plenty to offer. Whether you're enjoy beautiful architecture, historical buildings, or a night out drinking, this city makes a great stop for a couple's vacation.
Ho Chi Minh City is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.
Is Ho Chi Minh City or Prague Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Ho Chi Minh City
Prague
For backpackers, both Ho Chi Minh City and Prague are first-rate 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.
Prague is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. It has its share of fun hostels that often have a social vibe that can't beat. The city is also a fun and affordable place to explore.
Is Ho Chi Minh City or Prague Better for Students?
Ho Chi Minh City
Prague
Prague 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 Prague. If you're studying abroad and want a cultural city with a young and fun vibe, the this is among the best.
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 Prague Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Ho Chi Minh City
Prague
Prague 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 Prague can get you around easily. Metro lines, trams, and buses will take you smoothly through old and new town.
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 Prague a more walkable city?
Ho Chi Minh City
Prague
Prague is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Ho Chi Minh City is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.
Prague is a very easy city to get around on foot. The tourist area through old town is easily explored on foot. Walking around town is the best way to soak up the atmosphere.
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 Prague Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Prague or Ho Chi Minh City?
How long in Ho Chi Minh City or Prague?
Both Ho Chi Minh City and Prague have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Prague than in Ho Chi Minh City. Usually, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Ho Chi Minh City, and 2-7 days is enough time in Prague.
Families should spend more time in Ho Chi Minh City than Prague. 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 Prague than Ho Chi Minh City. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Prague that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Prague 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 Prague.
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How many days in Ho Chi Minh City or Prague? Ideal Length of StayHo Chi Minh City 3-4Prague 2-7
One day in Ho Chi Minh City or Prague?
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 live music and shopping around the fun-filled big city of Prague. 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 Prague?
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 fun-filled city of Prague. 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 Prague?
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.
Prague is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Prague?
Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the busy 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.
Prague is a great place to explore. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It is common to spend one week here. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in Vietnam, The Best 10-Day Tours in Vietnam, The Best Budget Tours to Czech Republic, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Czech Republic.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHo Chi Minh City $81Prague $109
The average daily cost (per person) in Ho Chi Minh City is $81, while the average daily cost in Prague is $109. 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 Prague in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHo Chi Minh City $49Prague $67
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHo Chi Minh City $98Prague $134
Compare Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City and Prague
Looking for a hotel in Ho Chi Minh City or Prague? 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.
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 Prague Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Ho Chi Minh City $15Prague $8.08
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:
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Short Taxi Ride$1.40
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Taxi From Airport$7.99
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Cyclo Ride (One Hour)$1.60
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ho Chi Minh City
Also for Ho Chi Minh City, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Mui Ne Beach: Bus transfer from/to Saigon City: $7.73
- Ho Chi Minh City airport transfer: $10
- Nha Trang: Bus transfer from/to Saigon City: $11
- Private Arrival Transfer: Tan Son Nhat Airport to Ho Chi Minh City Hotels: $15
- SGN Airport: the private transfer to Center (District 1 & 3): $16
- Private Transfer From Saigon Center To Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN): $16
- Ho Chi Minh City Airport Arrival Transfer to Hotel: $16
- Ho Chi Minh to Ho Chi Minh City Airport (SGN) Departure Transfer: $16
- Ho Chi Minh to Ho Chi Minh Airport (SGN) - Departure Transfer: $16
- Transfer from Ho Chi Minh to Airport Tan Sơn Nhat: $17
- Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in Cam Ranh HTL-APT (CXR): $18
- Tan Son Nhat International Airport Private Transfer: $19
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Prague
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Prague:
- Private transfer from Prague to Budapest: $1,054
- Private transfer from Prague to Munich: $692
- Private transfer from Prague to Vienna: $628
- Private transfer from Prague to Vilshofen: $585
- Airport Transfer Beer Party Bus with Unlimited Beer: $584
- Private sightseeing transfer Prague - Vienna: $420
- Luxury transfer from Prague to Česky Krumlov: $311
- Private Transfer from Prague to Salzburg with 2h of Sightseeing, Local Driver: $299
- Prague to Munich - Private Transfer with 2 hours of Sightseeing: $299
- Scenic Transfer from Prague to Munich with 2h stop in Plzen Beer Factory: $299
- Private Transfer from Prague to Salzburg with local English-speaking driver: $288
- 1-way Prague to Dresden - private transfer - Mercedes Benz - up to 7 passengers: $283
Is it cheaper to fly into Ho Chi Minh City or Prague?
Prices for flights to both Prague 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
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Food Meals for one dayHo Chi Minh City $14Prague $26
Typical Food Prices in Ho Chi Minh City
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Ho Chi Minh City:
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Street Food Dinner (for Two)$4.27
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Pizza$5.19
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Sweet Rice$1.20
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Pork Sandwich$0.60
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$6.78
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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 Street Food Tour By Motorbike +Sightseeing SAFE & FUN: $25
- Private Walking Food Tour with Local Students : $26
- Saigon: Backstreets Private Walking Food Tour & 10 Tastings: $27
- Super Niche Walking Street Food Tour in Ho Chi Minh City: $28
- Food Tour by Scooter with Eleven Tastings: $28
- Ho Chi Minh: Thirteen-Tastings Private Walking Food Tour: $28
- Ho Chi Minh: Original Walking Street Food Tour With Local: $29
- Top Niche Walking Street Food Tour with Uni Student: $29
- Private 4-Hour Food Tour in Ho Chi Minh City: $29
- Ho Chi Minh: Super Niche Walking Street Food Tour With Local: $29
- Walking Street Food Tour Ho Chi Minh City: $30
Typical Food Prices in Prague
Some typical examples of dining costs in Prague are as follows:
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Fruit$4.20
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Lunch for One$13
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Bananas$0.59
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Cookies$0.33
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Prague
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Prague.
- Anti Tour Prague - Self Guided Beer and Food Tour: $17
- Anti Tour Prague - Self Guided Beer and Food Tour: $21
- Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $27
- Hard Rock Cafe Prague with Set Lunch or Dinner: $28
- Sightseeing Boat Cruise with Buffet Dinner: $46
- Vltava River Evening Dinner Cruise: $53
- Folkloric Dinner Show with Unlimited Drinks: $56
- 2-Hour Dinner Cruise with Transfers: $57
- River Cruise with Dinner and Live Music: $57
- Medieval Dinner with Unlimited Drinks: $59
- Prague 5 Courses Medieval Dinner and Live Performances: $60
- Guided Food Tour with Tastings: $63
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Ho Chi Minh City $20Prague $16
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:
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Massage$5.59
Tours and Activities in Ho Chi Minh City
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Ho Chi Minh City.
- Saigon: Free Walking Tour: $2.08
- Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Double-Decker: $2.37
- Saigon: City Sightseeing 45-Minute Panoramic Night Tour: $7.00
- Saigon: City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $7.00
- City Sightseeing Panoramic Bus Tour: $7.00
- Floating Village Eco-Tourism Tan Lap - Trekking Day Trip: $7.48
- Night Bus Tour in Ho Chi Minh City: $7.50
- Ho Chi Minh Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.66
- Ho Chi Minh Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.85
- 1 ROUND MIDNIGHT BUS TOUR: $9.00
- Bitexco Financial Tower: Saigon Sky Deck - Fast Track Ticket: $10
- One hour cyclo tour around Saigon: $11
Typical Entertainment Prices in Prague
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Prague are as follows:
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Opera Tickets$4.20
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Two Tickets for Charles Bridge Tower$5.88
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Image Theatre for Two$40
Tours and Activities in Prague
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Prague are as follows:
- City Tour with Prague Castle with Live guide: $44
- Live Virtual Tour of Prague: $57
- Private live-guided E-Scooter TOURS around Prague : $57
- The Private Prague All Inclusive Tour: $267
- 1 hour Old timer Convertible Prague Sightseeing Tour: $136
- 1 hour Prague Panoramic Vltava River sightseeing Cruise: $17
- 1–Hour Vintage Car Tour: $128
- 1,5 hour oldtimer convertible Prague sightseeing tour: $163
- 1-Hour Introductory Tour of Prague Castle With Fast-GET Admission Ticket: $42
- 1.5 Hour SEGWAY Tour of Prague: $63
- 2 Countries Bohemian and Saxon Switzerland tour from Prague: $169
- 2 Hours Guided Prague Behind The Iron Curtain Communism Tour: $24
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHo Chi Minh City $7.98Prague $11
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:
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Beer$0.40
Typical Alcohol Prices in Prague
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Prague from other travelers:
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A Bottle of Wine$6.68
Sample the Local Flavors in Prague
Also in Prague, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Staropramem Brewery Self-Guided Tour with Tasting: $13
- Clock Tower Bar Crawl with Drinks and Shots: $23
- 1 Hour Exclusive Moravian Wine Tasting in an Art Gallery : $28
- Pub Crawl in Prague: $32
- Pub Crawl and International Party: $34
- Pub Crawl with Open Bar and VIP Entry: $34
- Pub Crawl with 2-Hour Open Bar at Drunken Monkey: $35
- Golden Burlesque Show & Live Music w/ Lady & The Devil: $36
- Drunken Monkey Pub Crawl: $36
- Golden BURLESQUE: $41
- Prague beer tour with brewery visit and tasting: $46
- Wine Tasting and Walking Tour of Prague: $49
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ho Chi Minh City and Prague, we can see that Prague 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 Prague 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 Prague would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Prague 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 Prague Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Ho Chi Minh City or Prague?
Ho Chi Minh City has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Prague. When comparing the sizes of Ho Chi Minh City and Prague, 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.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.