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

Should you visit Ho Chi Minh City or Surfers Paradise?

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 Surfers Paradise can help you decide which place is right for you.

Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City is a cultural, chaotic, and vibrant city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's also popular because of the theater, nightlife, and food. See Ho Chi Minh City travel costs.

Surfers Paradise

Surfers Paradise is a ritzy, glamourous, and high energy city. It's also popular because of the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Surfers Paradise travel costs.

Ho Chi Minh City and Surfers Paradise: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Ho Chi Minh City. Although Ho Chi Minh City and Surfers Paradise are popular destinations, Ho Chi Minh City has more sights and attractions for tourists. Ho Chi Minh City is very popular for its museums and attractions, theatre productions, food, and big city activities, while Surfers Paradise attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. Surfers Paradise is more touristy than Ho Chi Minh City and is known for its long sandy beaches, glamourous party scene, colorful amusement parks, and active water sports. Ho Chi Minh City is famous for its motorbike-filled streets, bustling markets, world-class cuisine, and diverse shopping opportunities. It is also well known for the War Remnants Museum.

How is Ho Chi Minh City different from Surfers Paradise?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Ho Chi Minh City is terrific for its museums and history. Also, Surfers Paradise is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Surfers Paradise. For the best views of the coastline head to the SkyPoint Observation Deck at the Q1 Resort and Spa. It's in Australia's tallest residential tower. You can also visit the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, or the Sea World Marine Park, as well as countless other amusement parks or entertainment centers.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Surfers Paradise Better for Theater?

Ho Chi Minh City is a nice place to visit for its shows and theatre. However, Surfers Paradise is not a theatre destination.

You'll find a nice selection of shows 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.

Surfers Paradise is not a theatre destination.

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

Ho Chi Minh City is terrific for its restaurants. Also, Surfers Paradise is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Ho Chi Minh City is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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).

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Surfers Paradise makes for a great culinary experience. There's a trendy food scene with a number of award winning restaurants in the area. There are high end seafood restaurants, modern international eateries, and niche food bars that all cater to the tourist crowd.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Surfers Paradise Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is terrific in both Ho Chi Minh City and Surfers Paradise.

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 Surfers Paradise is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. This high energy area is filled with glitzy nightclubs and trendy cocktail bars. There are parties that last until the early morning hours and you'll find the most active nightlife scene along the famous Surfers Paradise glitter strip.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Surfers Paradise Better for Resorts?

Surfers Paradise is a world-class destination for its luxury resorts. However, Ho Chi Minh City is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Surfers Paradise is a perfect choice. The high-rise skyline is filled with luxury resorts and trendy hotels. Fancy pools and rooftop views make this is a glitzy and lively place to stay.

Ho Chi Minh City is not a resort destination.

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

Surfers Paradise is great for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Ho Chi Minh City is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in Surfers Paradise. There's no shortage of scuba diving and snorkeling excursions that leave from the area. You'll see a diversity of marine life and interesting undersea reefs.

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

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Surfers Paradise Better for Beaches?

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

With world-famous beaches, Surfers Paradise is a very popular vacation destination. It's at the heart of the Gold Coast, and you'll enjoy two kilometers of golden sand and beautiful surf. The beaches are lined with high rise buildings and there's plenty of energy and amenities for visitors. This is a popular tourist destination and there is no shortage of water sports and other activities along the beaches.

Ho Chi Minh City is not a beach destination.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Surfers Paradise Better for Hiking?

Surfers Paradise is very good for hiking. However, Ho Chi Minh City is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Surfers Paradise. Outside of town you'll find many coastal hikes and inland trails. You can see waterfalls or breathtaking views of the water.

Ho Chi Minh City is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ho Chi Minh City or Surfers Paradise?

If you're looking to go shopping, Ho Chi Minh City and Surfers Paradise both offer plenty of terrific 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.

Surfers Paradise is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. Beachside markets sell local items. There are also large shopping malls that are filled with international fashion brands and boutique shops that sell unique items.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Surfers Paradise Better for Families?

You'll find terrific kid-friendly activities in either Ho Chi Minh City or Surfers Paradise.

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.

Surfers Paradise is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. It's filled with activities that kids and adults will enjoy. There's everything from sandy beaches to amusement park rides and entertainment centers. Check out Infinity, Ripley's Believe It Or Not, or the view from Q1 SkyPoint. There's also countless minigolf places, kayaking, and other water sports.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Surfers Paradise Better for Couples?

Both Ho Chi Minh City and Surfers Paradise are excellent 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.

Surfers Paradise is a very popular place to visit for couples. Walk along the beach or take in the view from Q1 SkyPoint. There are also many fun-filled adventure activities as well as restaurants and a lively party scene.

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

For backpackers, both Ho Chi Minh City and Surfers Paradise are terrific 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.

Surfers Paradise is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. Backpackers who want fun entertainment, a lively beach scene, and water sports will find their place here. There are also hostels with reasonable rates and plenty of backpackers to hang out with.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Surfers Paradise Better for Students?

Ho Chi Minh City is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Surfers Paradise is not popular with students.

Plenty of students 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.

Surfers Paradise is not popular with students.

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

Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Without a car, you can use the shuttle buses, public buses, and light rail to get around.

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 Surfers Paradise a more walkable city?

Ho Chi Minh City and Surfers Paradise are nice 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.

Surfers Paradise is somewhat walkable. There are walking and bike paths around town.

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

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

How long in Ho Chi Minh City or Surfers Paradise?

Both Ho Chi Minh City and Surfers Paradise have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Surfers Paradise than in Ho Chi Minh City. Usually, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Ho Chi Minh City, and 3-7 days is enough time in Surfers Paradise.

Families should spend more time in Surfers Paradise than Ho Chi Minh City. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Surfers Paradise, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise.

One day in Ho Chi Minh City or Surfers Paradise?

People visit Ho Chi Minh City because there is so much to do. 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.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the high energy destination of Surfers Paradise. 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 Surfers Paradise?

People visit Ho Chi Minh City because there is so much to do. 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.

You'll find shopping and museums around the thrilling city of Surfers Paradise. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 Surfers Paradise?

Ho Chi Minh City is a popular choice for travelers. 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.

Surfers Paradise is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Surfers Paradise?

Ho Chi Minh City 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.

Surfers Paradise is a great place to explore. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 2-Week Tours from Ho Chi Minh City, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Vietnam, The Best Luxury Tours to Australia, and The Best Adventure Tours to Australia.

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

Which is Bigger, Ho Chi Minh City or Surfers Paradise?

Ho Chi Minh City has a larger population, and is about 190 times larger than the population of Surfers Paradise. When comparing the sizes of Ho Chi Minh City and Surfers Paradise, 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.