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

Should you visit Ho Chi Minh City or Rio de Janeiro?

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 Rio de Janeiro 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 nightlife, food, and shopping. See Ho Chi Minh City travel costs.

Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro is a diverse, high energy, and colorful city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Many visitors also come to Rio de Janeiro because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Rio de Janeiro travel costs.

Ho Chi Minh City and Rio de Janeiro: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ho Chi Minh City or Rio de Janeiro?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Rio de Janeiro than Ho Chi Minh City. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Rio de Janeiro is very popular for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Ho Chi Minh City attracts visitors for its theatre productions. Rio de Janeiro is more touristy than Ho Chi Minh City and is popular for its samba dancing, sandy beaches, and Carnival. It is also well known for Christ the Redeemer. Ho Chi Minh City is famous for its motorbike-filled streets, bustling markets, world-class cuisine, and diverse shopping opportunities.

How is Ho Chi Minh City different from Rio de Janeiro?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro?

You'll find a number of amazing museums and attractions in both Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro that are not to be missed. Looking out over the city is the world famous landmark of Christ the Redeemer. It sits on top of Corcovado Mountain and it is a must-see destination for visitors to the city. Other sights around town include the church and monastery of São Bento, the stunning church of São Francisco da Penitência, the imperial palaces of São Cristóvão, and the baroque church of Nossa Senhora do Carmo.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Rio de Janeiro Better for Theater?

Ho Chi Minh City is a city with good options for its shows and theatre. However, Rio de Janeiro 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.

Rio de Janeiro is not a theatre destination.

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

Foodies will find both Ho Chi Minh City and Rio de Janeiro both to be amazing 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, Rio de Janeiro is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The cuisine around town mixes African and European cooking styles to give it a unique taste. The city is a mix of cultures and flavors and you'll find restaurants that integrate traditional Brazilian dishes with international influences. You'll find a wonderful street food scene, but also fine dining, and everything in between. Some of the most popular dishes include feijoada (beef and bean stew), churrasco (Brazilian barbecue), and pão de queijo (baked dough and cheese).

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Rio de Janeiro Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is amazing in both Ho Chi Minh City and Rio de Janeiro.

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 Rio de Janeiro is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. It has a world famous nightlife scene, and the most popular party neighborhood is Lapa. While the biggest crowds are on the weekends, weeknights stay busy as well. Every weekend in Lapa there's a huge street party, but there are also bars and dance clubs nearby. A more local neighborhood is Botafogo, which is a great area to grab a beer and enjoy a relaxed night out. If you want a beachside bar, check out the touristy neighborhoods of Ipanema and Copacabana.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Rio de Janeiro Better for Beaches?

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

With world-famous beaches, Rio de Janeiro is a very popular vacation destination. The beaches have long been written about and made iconic by songs and literary works. Copacabana and Ipanema are world renowned, and the sandy stretches and vibrant waterfront promenades will not disappoint. There are plenty of recreational activities as well as a striking blue water backdrop. You'll find beach parties, waterside bars, and pickup games of football or volleyball. In addition to these iconic beaches, there are several lesser known places to visit like Joatinga and Barra da Tijuca.

Ho Chi Minh City is not a beach destination.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Rio de Janeiro Better for Hiking?

Rio de Janeiro is a world-class destination for hiking. However, Ho Chi Minh City is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Rio de Janeiro specifically for its hiking. Although it is a bustling megacity, it also offers access to world class hikes. The city is filled with mountains and dramatic peaks, so many hikes take you to spectacular views of the city. There are also jungle hikes and even opportunities to see local wildlife. There's a combination of iconic trails and lesser known strolls that will let you truly absorb what this city has to offer. Some of the best hikes include Pedra Bonita, Dois Irmaos, and Pedra da Gávea.

Ho Chi Minh City is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ho Chi Minh City or Rio de Janeiro?

If you're looking to go shopping, Ho Chi Minh City and Rio de Janeiro both offer plenty of amazing 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.

Rio de Janeiro is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The shopping is as diverse as the city itself. Whatever your budget, there are options for you. There are wonderful street markets for those on a budget and grand shopping malls if you're looking for something a bit higher end. Some of the best places for shopping include Rio Sul, Barra Shopping, and SAARA Market.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Rio de Janeiro More Beautiful?

Rio de Janeiro is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Ho Chi Minh City is not a destination known for its beauty.

Many visitors also come to Rio de Janeiro because of it's amazing beauty. The city's mountainous landscapes and striking beaches make it, arguably, one of the most beautiful cities in the world. There are many mountaintop views of the city as well as city hikes and iconic neighborhoods.

Ho Chi Minh City is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Rio de Janeiro Better for Families?

Ho Chi Minh City is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Rio de Janeiro is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-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.

Rio de Janeiro is a very family-friendly destination. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the beaches. It's easy to spend days by the water soaking up the sun. Another must-do is a trip up Sugarloaf Mountain. The cable cars are fun and there are jungle walks and spectacular views. If you need to escape the rain or heat, spend the day at the Museum of Tomorrow.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Rio de Janeiro Better for Couples?

Both Ho Chi Minh City and Rio de Janeiro are superb 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.

Rio de Janeiro is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are many parks and gardens around town that are perfect for a stroll. Nature lovers will enjoy the many hikes in the area, many which go through the jungle, visit waterfalls, or offer spectacular views. And, of course, Sugarloaf Mountain is a must-see destination, as are the many beaches in the area.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Rio de Janeiro Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Ho Chi Minh City and Rio de Janeiro are amazing 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.

Rio de Janeiro is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. Backpackers flock to the city for its wild nightlife scene and beautiful beaches. There's a huge backpacker culture here and many hostels around town that offer a social setting and plenty of activities for guests.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Rio de Janeiro Better for Students?

Ho Chi Minh City is a city with good options for students. However, Rio de Janeiro is not popular with students.

Ho Chi Minh City is popular with 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.

Rio de Janeiro is not popular with students.

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

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

Rio de Janeiro offers a very effecient public transportation network. The city has a subway system, MetroRio, that is relatively reliable and convenient. There are also city buses, trams, and commuter trains.

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 Rio de Janeiro a more walkable city?

Rio de Janeiro 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.

Rio de Janeiro is a very walkable destination. Most of the areas where tourists spend their time are relatively walkable. Centro is compact and many tourists choose to explore areas on foot. As always, remember to take the appropriate safety precautions and always be aware of your surroundings.

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 Rio de Janeiro Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Rio de Janeiro or Ho Chi Minh City?

How long in Ho Chi Minh City or Rio de Janeiro?

Ho Chi Minh City and Rio de Janeiro both offer a nice selection of activities for visitors. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Rio de Janeiro than Ho Chi Minh City because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Ho Chi Minh City, and 4-6 days is enough time in Rio de Janeiro.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro.

One day in Ho Chi Minh City or Rio de Janeiro?

Because Ho Chi Minh City is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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 multicultural big city of Rio de Janeiro. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Rio de Janeiro?

Ho Chi Minh City is a great place to explore. Anyone can find something fun to do here. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

You'll find shopping and museums around the multicultural city of Rio de Janeiro. It's also a great beach destination, too. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Five days in Ho Chi Minh City or Rio de Janeiro?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ho Chi Minh City. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Rio de Janeiro is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Rio de Janeiro?

Travelers enjoy the museums and theater when visiting the city of Ho Chi Minh City. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

Rio de Janeiro is a great place to explore. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 2-Week Tours from Ho Chi Minh City, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Vietnam, The Best G Adventures Tours to Brazil, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Rio de Janeiro.

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

Which is Bigger, Ho Chi Minh City or Rio de Janeiro?

Rio de Janeiro has a larger population, and is about 74% larger than the population of Ho Chi Minh City. When comparing the sizes of Ho Chi Minh City and Rio de Janeiro, 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.