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

Should you visit Ho Chi Minh City or Yokohama?

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 Yokohama can help you decide which place is right for you.

Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City is a chaotic, vibrant, and colorful city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's also known for theater, nightlife, and food.

Yokohama

Yokohama is a colorful, under-rated, and laid-back city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Ho Chi Minh City and Yokohama: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Ho Chi Minh City than Yokohama, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Ho Chi Minh City is more touristy than Yokohama and is popular for its motorbike-filled streets, bustling markets, world-class cuisine, and diverse shopping opportunities. Also, Ho Chi Minh City is famous for the War Remnants Museum. Yokohama is well known for its tech industry, impressive Chinatown, and brightly lit skyline at night.

How is Ho Chi Minh City different from Yokohama?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Ho Chi Minh City is terrific for its museums and landmarks. Also, Yokohama is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Ho Chi Minh City that are not to be missed. 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 Yokohama. The city has some eclectic museums like Cupnoodles Museum, the Ramen Museum, and the Kirin Beer Factory. There are also zoos, gardens, and the largest Chinatown in Japan.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Yokohama Better for Theater?

Ho Chi Minh City is a nice place to visit for theatre. However, Yokohama 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.

Yokohama is not a theatre destination.

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

Ho Chi Minh City is terrific for its restaurant scene. Also, Yokohama is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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).

Yokohama has a huge number of terrific restaurants. As home to the largest Chinatown in Japan, you'll find no shortage of Chinese restaurants here. You'll also find that the local cuisine uses a lot of vegetables. Local favorites include kenchin-jiru (tofu and vegetable chowder) as well as gyunabe (beef hot pot).

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Yokohama Better for Nightlife?

Ho Chi Minh City is terrific for nightlife. Also, Yokohama is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

Ho Chi Minh City is a must-see party destination. 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.

Many people head to Yokohama for the nightlife scene. The nightlife scene is diverse, with lounges, pubs, and clubs throughout. It is also the home of Japan's first commercial brewery - Kinn. You'll find a good live music scene as well as everything from casual bars to upscale cocktail lounges.

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

Ho Chi Minh City is terrific for shopping. Also, Yokohama is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Ho Chi Minh City is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Yokohama is well-known for its shopping. The shopping scene has a laid back vibe that encourages you to take a stroll and enjoy the sights. Head to Marine & Walk Yokohama, which is right by the Minato Mirai waterfront, to find boutiques and upscale vendors. Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse is also one of the more famous shopping areas, but you should also check out Yokohama World Porters.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Yokohama Better for Families?

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

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.

Yokohama is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. Kodomo no Kuni, or Children’s Land, is a theme park that has a lot to do for younger kids and a few things for older kids as well. Yokohama Cosmo World is another amusement park that is geared towards all ages, including rides for the older kids. Other interesting activities for families include Cupnoodles Museum, Zoorasia, and Hakkeijima Sea Paradise.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Yokohama Better for Couples?

Both Ho Chi Minh City and Yokohama 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.

Yokohama is a very popular place to visit for couples. You can explore the city's impressive Chinatown, enjoy the hot springs at Minato Mirai Manyo Club, or have an adrenaline filled day at Yokohama Cosmo World. There are also many museums and entertainment centers around town.

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

Ho Chi Minh City is terrific for backpackers. Also, Yokohama is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Ho Chi Minh City is a mecca for backpackers and 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.

Yokohama is a good city to visit for backpackers. Most backpackers skip over this city, but there are still a number of hostels around town and some interesting activities that you can enjoy.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Yokohama Better for Students?

For students, both Ho Chi Minh City and Yokohama are notable places to visit.

It's common for students to 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.

Yokohama is a good city to visit for students. Students appreciate the cosmopolitan atmosphere and high quality of the educational institutions.

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

Yokohama 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.

Yokohama offers a very effecient public transportation network. Yokohama Station and Shin-Yokohama Station are the two main train stations. There is a subway system as well as city buses that travel around 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 Yokohama a more walkable city?

Yokohama 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.

Yokohama is a very walkable destination. Many of the central parts of the city can be explored on foot. Most of the sites are concentrated around Minato Mirai, Chinatown, and Yokohama Station, which you can walk between.

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 Yokohama Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Ho Chi Minh City or Yokohama?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Ho Chi Minh City or Yokohama to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Ho Chi Minh City than Yokohama 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 1-2 days is enough time in Yokohama.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Ho Chi Minh City than Yokohama 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 Yokohama?

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 colorful big city of Yokohama. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Ho Chi Minh City or Yokohama?

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 under-rated city of Yokohama. If you have a weekend, this 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 Yokohama?

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.

Yokohama 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.

A week in Ho Chi Minh City or Yokohama?

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.

Yokohama 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 2-Week Tours from Ho Chi Minh City, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Vietnam, The Best G Adventures Tours to Japan, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Tokyo.

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

Which is Bigger, Ho Chi Minh City or Yokohama?

Yokohama has a larger population, and is about 3% larger than the population of Ho Chi Minh City. When comparing the sizes of Ho Chi Minh City and Yokohama, 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.