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

Should you visit Ho Chi Minh City or Ubud?

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 Ubud 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 food, shopping, and museums.

Ubud

Ubud is a famous, cultural, and breathtaking town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Ho Chi Minh City and Ubud: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Ho Chi Minh City. Although Ho Chi Minh City and Ubud are popular destinations, Ho Chi Minh City has more sights and attractions for tourists. Ho Chi Minh City is very popular for its museums & sights, theatre productions, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Ubud attracts visitors for its resorts, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Ubud is more touristy than Ho Chi Minh City and is popular for its cultural and religious sites, dramatic rice paddies, and local handicrafts. 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 Ubud?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Ho Chi Minh City is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Ubud is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Ho Chi Minh City on the map. 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.

Ubud offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The town is filled with temples and cultural sights such as the Ubud Monkey Forest, Goa Gajah (the Elephant Cave), the Ubud Royal Palace, and the Blanco Renaissance Museum.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Ubud Better for Theater?

Ho Chi Minh City is a good destination for its shows and theatre. However, Ubud 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.

Ubud is not a theatre destination.

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

Foodies will find both Ho Chi Minh City and Ubud 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, Ubud is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. You'll find some of the best restaurants on Bali in this town. There is everything from family-owned eateries to award winning restaurants. Dishes range from vegan to meat-filled and you'll find both local favorites and western cuisine.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Ubud Better for Nightlife?

Ho Chi Minh City is a world-class destination for its evening party scene. Also, Ubud is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

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.

If you're looking for night time activities Ubud has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is mostly focused on cultural activities and live music. Many people head here to escape the party scene that is so popular elsewhere on the island.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Ubud Better for Resorts?

Ubud 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, Ubud is a perfect choice. You'll find beautiful luxury resorts with impressive pools and dramatic landscapes.

Ho Chi Minh City is not a resort destination.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Ubud Better for Hiking?

Ubud is great for hiking. However, Ho Chi Minh City is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Ubud for the hiking trails. There are many stunning walks and hikes just outside of town. There are stunning views from Campuhan Ridge Walk, which is best enjoyed at sunrise or sunset. Jalan Subak Sok Wayah Walk will take you through the rice paddies and Kajeng Rice Field Walk is close to town but tucked away from the crowds. One of the biggest draws of the area is the Tegallalang Rice Terraces Walk.

Ho Chi Minh City is not a hiking destination.

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

Ho Chi Minh City is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. Also, Ubud is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Ho Chi Minh City is a world class destination for shoppers. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Ubud. Head to the Ubud shopping street for boutiques, markets, and local items. The town has grown into a shopper's paradise with many Balinese handicrafts around.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Ubud Better for Families?

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

Ubud offers lots of family activities. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the jungles and rice paddies. There are also many great restaurants that are family-friend. Ubud is a bit cooler than the beach towns of Bali, so kids will enjoy an escape from the hotter temperatures.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Ubud Better for Couples?

Ubud 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, Ubud has plenty to offer. Honeymooners flock to this small town for its stunning scenery and beautiful temples. There are luxury hotels, spas, massages, and poolside escapes that will make for the perfect honeymoon. You'll also find world class restaurants and breathtaking hikes in the area.

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 Ubud Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ho Chi Minh City is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, Ubud is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Ho Chi Minh City is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. 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.

Ubud is very popular with the backpacker crowd. If you need a break from the party scene on Bali, then you'll enjoy the reprieve of this small town. There are still plenty of backpackers and hostels, but the town itself offers a more relaxed setting.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Ubud Better for Students?

Ho Chi Minh City is a good destination for students. However, Ubud 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.

Ubud is not popular with students.

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

Ho Chi Minh City and Ubud both offer reasonable public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly 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.

Public transit is generally limited in Ubud. Many people hire a vehicle or driver to explore the area. There are also tourist shuttles around with Perama Shuttle being one of the most established.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Ubud a more walkable city?

Ubud 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.

Ubud is a very walkable destination. The town is generally walkable and easy to explore on foot, but you'll need other transportation if you want to get outside of town.

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 Ubud Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Ho Chi Minh City or Ubud?

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

Families should spend more time in Ho Chi Minh City than Ubud. 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 Ubud than Ho Chi Minh City. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Ubud 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 Ubud 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 Ubud?

Ho Chi Minh City is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

You'll find food and shopping around the popular destination of Ubud. Hikers are also drawn to this area. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Ho Chi Minh City or Ubud?

Ho Chi Minh City is a fun place to experience. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find shopping and museums around the popular town of Ubud. It's also a relaxing resort destination. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the food. 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 Ubud?

You'll find shopping and museums around the colorful big city of Ho Chi Minh City. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Ubud 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 Ubud?

The diverse city of Ho Chi Minh City offers museums and theater. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

Ubud is a great place to explore. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It is common to spend one week here. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people head to the area for the food. 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 Cultural Tours in Indonesia, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Indonesia.

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

Which is Bigger, Ho Chi Minh City or Ubud?

Ho Chi Minh City has a larger population, and is about 120 times larger than the population of Ubud. When comparing the sizes of Ho Chi Minh City and Ubud, 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.