Which place is cheaper, Shanghai 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 Shanghai?
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 Shanghai 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.
Shanghai
Shanghai is a modern, cosmopolitan, and professional port city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.
Ho Chi Minh City and Shanghai: Pros and Cons
Ho Chi Minh City
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Numerous theater shows
- Active nightlife
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Big city activities
- Public transit not as usable
Shanghai
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Good public transit
- Big city activities
- Impressive beauty
- Home to the Bund
- Less popular for nightlife
Is there more to do in Ho Chi Minh City or Shanghai?
Travelers will generally find more things to do in Ho Chi Minh City than Shanghai. While Shanghai is larger than Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City has more sights and attractions for tourists. Ho Chi Minh City is more popular for its theatre productions and nightlife, while Shanghai is known for its impressive beauty. 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. Shanghai is popular for its historical landmarks, local street food, vibrant markets, and waterfront promenade.
How is Ho Chi Minh City different from Shanghai?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Shanghai 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 Shanghai?
Ho Chi Minh City
Shanghai
You'll find a number of first-rate museums and attractions in both Shanghai 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 Shanghai that are not to be missed. The city's sights mix culture with modern innovation. From the futuristic skyline and the iconic waterfront area known as the Bund, to the classic Yu Garden, there are a diversity of sights around the city. There are also museums like the Shanghai Museum, which educate visitors on Chinese culture.
Is Ho Chi Minh City or Shanghai Better for Theater?
Ho Chi Minh City
Shanghai
Ho Chi Minh City is a good destination for its theatre productions. However, Shanghai 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.
Shanghai is not a theatre destination.
Is the Food Better in Ho Chi Minh City or Shanghai? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Ho Chi Minh City
Shanghai
Foodies will find both Ho Chi Minh City and Shanghai both to be first-rate 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, Shanghai is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The city's cuisine has a long history with many distinct traditional dishes. The foods incorporate a lot of soy sauce and sugar and you'll find most dishes are rice based as opposed to using wheat products. Popular local dishes include the famous Shanghai soup dumplings, steamed crab, and braised pork. The city is also famous for its snacks, which can be purchased at one of the many snack houses or street stalls.
Is Ho Chi Minh City or Shanghai Better for Nightlife?
Ho Chi Minh City
Shanghai
Ho Chi Minh City is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Shanghai is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its evening party scene.
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.
With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Shanghai. A night out can quickly become very expensive. Many of the venues are spread out so you'll likely spend at least some of the time in a taxi. The Bund is one of the most popular areas for nightlife, but this area also has the most expensive bars and clubs. They often offer impressive views of Pudong and the Huangpu River though.
Is the Shopping Better in Ho Chi Minh City or Shanghai?
Ho Chi Minh City
Shanghai
If you're looking to go shopping, Ho Chi Minh City and Shanghai both offer plenty of first-rate 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.
Shanghai is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has many large shopping malls with department stores, name brand fashion, and trendy shops. It is also known for its cheap electronics and tailor-made clothes.
Is Ho Chi Minh City or Shanghai Better for Families?
Ho Chi Minh City
Shanghai
Ho Chi Minh City is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Shanghai is not as famous, but is still a good port 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 Shanghai. Of course there's Disneyland, but kids will also enjoy soaking up the city's culture, trying fun new snacks, and exploring the many science and kid-friendly museums. There are also parks and outdoor spaces as well as skyscrapers and towers that offer incredible views of the city.
Is Ho Chi Minh City or Shanghai Better for Couples?
Ho Chi Minh City
Shanghai
Shanghai 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, Shanghai has plenty to offer. With its east meets west personality, couples will be able to enjoy an amazing culinary experience, beautiful gardens, and luxury hotels and spas. There are many romantic areas around this bustling city, making it the perfect place for a romantic city getaway.
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 Shanghai Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Ho Chi Minh City
Shanghai
Ho Chi Minh City is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, Shanghai is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.
Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit 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.
Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Shanghai. The city is expensive, but there are hostels and cheap eateries that make it accessible even for the budget conscious. Business travelers and local workers give the city a more professional vibe during the day, but if you find the right place to stay you'll quickly be able to meet likeminded travelers.
Is Ho Chi Minh City or Shanghai Better for Students?
Ho Chi Minh City
Shanghai
Shanghai is great for its student-friendly activities. Also, Ho Chi Minh City is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.
Shanghai is very popular with students. The city attracts international and study abroad students who enjoy its long history and fascinating culture. It's a world financial capital with many businesses headquartered here, so employment opportunities are abundant.
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 Shanghai Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Ho Chi Minh City
Shanghai
Shanghai 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.
Shanghai offers a very effecient public transportation network. There is a metro system as well as buses and taxis which are relatively affordable.
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 Shanghai a more walkable city?
Ho Chi Minh City
Shanghai
Shanghai 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.
Shanghai is a very walkable destination. It's possible to explore the major tourist areas on foot but it can be very hot and humid during the summer months.
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 Shanghai Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Shanghai or Ho Chi Minh City?
How long in Ho Chi Minh City or Shanghai?
In either Ho Chi Minh City or Shanghai, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Shanghai than Ho Chi Minh City because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Ho Chi Minh City, and 2-5 days is enough time in Shanghai.
Families should spend more time in Ho Chi Minh City than Shanghai. 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 Shanghai than Ho Chi Minh City. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Shanghai 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 Shanghai 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.
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How many days in Ho Chi Minh City or Shanghai? Ideal Length of StayHo Chi Minh City 3-4Shanghai 2-5
One day in Ho Chi Minh City or Shanghai?
Ho Chi Minh City is a big city with plenty to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.
You'll find food and shopping around the diverse big city of Shanghai. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from.
A weekend in Ho Chi Minh City or Shanghai?
Ho Chi Minh City is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.
You'll find shopping and museums around the diverse port city of Shanghai. If you have a weekend, this port city makes for a great vacation. 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 Shanghai?
Ho Chi Minh City is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.
Shanghai is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. 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 Shanghai?
Ho Chi Minh City is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.
Shanghai is a great place to explore. 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 2-Week Tours from Beijing, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHo Chi Minh City $81Shanghai $115
The average daily cost (per person) in Ho Chi Minh City is $81, while the average daily cost in Shanghai is $115. 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 Shanghai in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHo Chi Minh City $49Shanghai $81
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHo Chi Minh City $98Shanghai $162
Compare Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City and Shanghai
Looking for a hotel in Ho Chi Minh City or Shanghai? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Ho Chi Minh City $15Shanghai $3.87
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
- Try find better than us! Airport Transfer in Ho Chi Minh APT-HTL (SGN): $13
- Private Airport Arrival / Departure transfer Ho Chi Minh City Airport (SGN): $14
- 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
- Ho Chi Minh City Airport Arrival Transfer to Hotel: $16
- Private Transfer From Saigon Center To Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN): $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: $16
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Shanghai
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Shanghai:
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Taxi Ride$3.59
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Two Subway Tickets$0.83
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Shanghai
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Shanghai:
- 1 Day-Pass for Disneyland Shanghai and Private Transfer Package: $245
- Shanghai To Beijing Bullet Train Ticket with Local Private Transfer : $209
- Shanghai-Suzhou private day tour with private transfer and Lunch: $204
- Shanghai to Xi'an Bullet Train Ticket with Hongqiao Station Transfer: $177
- Ningbo City Private Arrival Transfer from Shanghai Pudong International Airport: $177
- Shanghai to Suzhou and Zhouzhuang Self-Guide Trip with Private Transfer: $171
- Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG) Departure Transfer (central Shanghai to Airport): $167
- Shanghai to Hangzhou Private Transfer with Stop at Xitang Water Town: $157
- Shanghai Pudong Airport To Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport one way private transfer: $155
- Shanghai to Beijing Bullet Train Ticket with Hongqiao Station Transfer: $150
- Shanghai Era Theatre Acrobatics Show with Hotel Transfer: $149
- Shanghai Airport to Ningbo City Private Arrival Transfer: $149
Is it cheaper to fly into Ho Chi Minh City or Shanghai?
Prices for flights to both Shanghai 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 $14Shanghai $21
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 City Street Food Tour by Motorbike/ Car with Student : $19
- Ho Chi Minh Street Food Tour By Motorbike +Sightseeing SAFE & FUN: $25
- Private Saigon Street Food Tour On SCOOTER OR WALKING TOUR: $26
- Private Walking Food Tour with Local Students : $26
- Saigon: Backstreets Private Walking Food Tour & 10 Tastings: $27
- Food Tour by Scooter with Eleven Tastings: $27
- Super Niche Walking Street Food Tour in Ho Chi Minh City: $28
- Ho Chi Minh: Thirteen-Tastings Private Walking Food Tour: $28
- Saigon Private Eleven-Tastings Food Tour by Scooter: $28
- Ho Chi Minh: Original Walking Street Food Tour With Local: $29
- Private Half-Day Ho Chi Minh Food Tour with Local Students: $29
Typical Food Prices in Shanghai
Some typical examples of dining costs in Shanghai are as follows:
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Dumpling Breakfast$1.38
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Desserts in Jinmao Building Observatory$20
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Ajisen Lunch for Two$7.19
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Cantelope$1.66
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Dumplings and Soup$2.07
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Duck Dinner$4.15
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Pastries$2.90
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Barbeque Dinner$8.85
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Shanghai
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Shanghai.
- Online Cooking Class General Tso's Chicken by Sunflower Li: $20
- Online Cooking Class Sesame Chicken by Sunflower Li: $20
- Online Cooking Class Fried Rice by Sunflower Li : $20
- Online Cooking Class Dim Sum by Sunflower Li: $20
- 3-Hour Biking and Local Food Tour: $69
- 2.5hrs Chinese Kitchen Cooking Class: Xiaolongbao Soup Dumplings: $70
- Authentic Local Food Tour in Central Shanghai: $79
- Late night food tour in Shanghai's French Concession: $85
- Shanghai Evening Food Tour/Shanghai tour gastronomico nocturno : $85
- Late Night Food Tour in the Shanghai's French Concession: $89
- Eat Like A Local: Shanghai Night Food Tour: $90
- Shanghai's Koreatown Food Tour: $91
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Ho Chi Minh City $20Shanghai $8.44
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: $2.04
- Saigon: Free Food Walking Tour: $3.27
- Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Double-Decker: $5.88
- 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: $7.36
- Night Bus Tour in Ho Chi Minh City: $7.50
- Ho Chi Minh Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.68
- Ho Chi Minh Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.85
- Ho Chi Minh City Tour and Independence Palace Ticket 2 in 1: $8.46
- 1 ROUND MIDNIGHT BUS TOUR: $9.00
Typical Entertainment Prices in Shanghai
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Shanghai are as follows:
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30 Minute River Cruise for Two$28
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Zoo for Two$14
Tours and Activities in Shanghai
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Shanghai are as follows:
- Private Shanghai Flexible City Highlight Tour with Night Cruise: $221
- Private Shanghai Full Day City Tour with Old and New Highlights: $108
- Shanghai Layover Tour to Xinchang Water Town with City Highlights Option : $135
- Yuyuan Garden and Shanghai Museum Private Shanghai Day Tour: $175
- water village of shagnhai tour: $248
- 1 Day Shanghai Private Tour: $180
- 1 Days Shanghai Quality Group Tour: $110
- 1 day Shanghai City Mini Group tour: $92
- 1 day Shanghai to Hangzhou Mini Group Tour: $131
- 1 day Shanghai to Suzhou Garden Mini Group tour: $116
- 1-Day Private Shanghai City Tour to See Its Past, Present and Future: $229
- 1-Day Private Tour to Shanghai Museum,Yu Garden, the Bund and Nanjing Road: $190
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHo Chi Minh City $7.98Shanghai $7.36
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
Sample the Local Flavors in Shanghai
Also in Shanghai, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Shanghai Pub Crawl: unique bar-hopping tour 2024: $20
- Shanghai Luxury Bar Crawl in 5-star Hotel or Boutique Hotel: $255
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ho Chi Minh City and Shanghai, we can see that Shanghai is more expensive. And not only is Ho Chi Minh City much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Shanghai would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Shanghai 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 Shanghai Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Ho Chi Minh City or Shanghai?
Shanghai has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Ho Chi Minh City. When comparing the sizes of Ho Chi Minh City and Shanghai, 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.