A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kathmandu vs. Ho Chi Minh City for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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Should you visit Kathmandu or Ho Chi Minh City?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Kathmandu and Ho Chi Minh City can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Kathmandu or Ho Chi Minh City?

Kathmandu

Kathmandu is the capital and largest city in the country of Nepal. Its metropolitan area forms one large urban area that includes the area of Patan to the south. As of 2011 there were 2.5 million residents in the Kathmandu metropolis and over 3 million in the entire metropolitan area. Kathmandu is likely to be your entry point into Nepal and is a great place to pick up supplies and arrange the details for any treks you hope to do. Many travelers rush through Kathmandu, turned off by the pollution and crowds, but to skip Kathmandu is to miss a major cultural, financial, and influential part of what defines the country of Nepal. The city itself is quite fun to explore if you allow it enough time and an open mind.

Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon, is the largest city in Vietnam. It previously served as the capital of the Republic of Vietnam (South Vietnam). The metropolitan area, including Ho Chi Minh City, Thu Dau Mot, Di An, Bien Hoa, and other surrounding towns, has a population of more than 9 million people and continues to grow.

Which city is cheaper, Ho Chi Minh City or Kathmandu?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Kathmandu is $44, while the average daily cost in Ho Chi Minh City is $69. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Kathmandu and Ho Chi Minh City in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kathmandu $31
    Ho Chi Minh City $42
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kathmandu $62
    Ho Chi Minh City $84
Compare Hotels in Kathmandu and Ho Chi Minh City

Looking for a hotel in Kathmandu or Ho Chi Minh City? 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.

Hotels in Kathmandu


Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City


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: Kathmandu Hotel Prices and Ho Chi Minh City Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kathmandu $5.67
    Ho Chi Minh City $13
Typical Local Transportation prices in Kathmandu

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Kathmandu:


  • Taxi Ride
    $1.53

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kathmandu

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kathmandu:

  • Private Transfer: Kathmandu to Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM): $622
  • Kathmandu to Lumbini or Sunauli Border Transfer by Luxury Private Vehicle: $300
  • Overnight escape at Chandragiri Hills with private transfer and guide: $285
  • Kathmandu to Pokhara transfer by private air conditioned car: $270
  • Private Transfer: Kathmandu to Pokhara Hotels: $244
  • Private Transfer: Kathmandu to Chitwan Hotels: $210
  • Kathmandu to Chitwan Transfer by Luxury Private Car: $200
  • Meet And Greet Service Kathmandu Airport With Private Transfer: $160
  • Private cycle tour from Nagarkot to Bhaktapur via Changu Narayan with transfers: $151
  • Yoga Experience Day Trip with Private Transfer From Kathmandu: $142
  • Private Transfer:Kathmandu to Chitwan hotel: $140
  • Private Transfer:Kathmandu to Pokhara hotel: $140

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:


  • Short Taxi Ride
    $1.48
  • Taxi From Airport
    $8.45
  • Cyclo Ride (One Hour)
    $1.69

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ho Chi Minh City

Also for Ho Chi Minh City, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Airport Transfer: Ho Chi Minh City to Tan Son Nhat Int. Airport (SGN): $10
  • Ho Chi Minh Private Transfer Tan Son Nhat Airport To Hotel: $13
  • Private Departure Transfer: Ho Chi Minh City Hotels to Tan Son Nhat Airport: $13
  • Ho Chi Minh City Shared Arrival Transfer: Tan Son Nhat International Airport to Hotel: $14
  • Ho Chi Minh City Shared Departure Transfer: Hotel to Tan Son Nhat International Airport: $14
  • Private Transfer: Tan Son Nhat Airport to Ho Chi Minh City Hotels: $17
  • Saigon Private Airport Transfer: $17
  • Private Airport Transfers To Or From Ho Chi Minh City: $18
  • Ho Chi Minh City Private Airport Arrival Transfer: $19
  • Ho Chi Minh City Private Airport Departure Transfer: $19
  • Private Arrival or Departure Transfer: Ho Chi Minh Airport: $20
  • Saigon Airport to Ho Chi Minh City Center Private Transfer: $20

Is it cheaper to fly into Kathmandu or Ho Chi Minh City?

Prices for flights to both Ho Chi Minh City and Kathmandu 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Kathmandu $6.92
    Ho Chi Minh City $12
Typical Food prices in Kathmandu

Some typical examples of dining costs in Kathmandu are as follows:


  • Dessert
    $1.38
  • Dinner for Two
    $3.06

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kathmandu

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Kathmandu.

  • Dinner with Cultural Show Kathmandu: $12
  • Virtual Dal Bhat Private Cooking Class from Kathmandu: $24
  • Half day Nepal cooking class in Thamel: $30
  • Half day cooking class in Thamel kathmandu: $31
  • Cultural Dinner Show Kathmandu: $32
  • Nepal Cooking School: $35
  • Private 3-Hour Cooking Class and Meal in a Kathmandu Grill Restaurant & Wine Bar: $38
  • Cooking Class with HSJ: $40
  • Nepali Cooking Training and local cultural experience in Kathmandu: $40
  • cooking class in Kathmandu: $40
  • Cooking with a Family: $45
  • Nepali Dinner and Cultural Show in Kathmandu: $47

Typical Food prices in Ho Chi Minh City

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Ho Chi Minh City:


  • Street Food Dinner (for Two)
    $4.52
  • Pizza
    $5.49
  • Sweet Rice
    $1.27
  • Pork Sandwich
    $0.63
  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    $7.17
  • Western Lunch (for Two)
    $13

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:

  • Ho Chi Minh Private Half Day Street Food Tour with Local Students: $18
  • SaiGon Street Food Tour By Scooter With Student: $22
  • Walking Food Tour With Local Student: $26
  • Private Street Food Tour on Motorbikes: $28
  • Private Half-Day Ho Chi Minh Food Tour with Local Students: $28
  • Saigon Food Tour by Motorbike with Local Students: $30
  • Walking market food tour by night in Ho Chi Minh city - private groups: $32
  • Street food Tours: $35
  • Small Floating Market & Mekong Delta Tour with Kayak, Boat, Bike, Cooking Class: $35
  • Private Street Food Tour by Scooter in Ho Chi Minh City: $35
  • Half-Day Ho Chi Minh City Street Food Tour By Motorbike: $36
  • Private Walking Saigon Food Tour with Ao Dai Girl by Night: $38

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kathmandu $6.55
    Ho Chi Minh City $17
Typical Entertainment prices in Kathmandu

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Kathmandu are as follows:


  • Monkey Temple for Two
    $1.53
  • Patan Durbar Square Entrance for Two
    $3.83
  • Swayambhunath Stupa
    $1.53

Tours and Activities in Kathmandu

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kathmandu are as follows:

  • 1 Day - COFFEE TOUR IN NEPAL: $440
  • 1 Day - Kathmandu Valley Tour: $132
  • 1 Day Cultural Tour in Kathmandu: $45
  • 1 Day Kathmandu Valley Biking Tour (Hills, National Parks, Monasteries): $103
  • 1 Day Valley Rim Biking Tour in Kathmandu: $113
  • 1 Day West Kathmandu Biking Tour: $113
  • 1 Hour Scenic Flight to Mount Everest ( Everest Flight ) - Day Tour: $199
  • 1 Night 2 Days Chitwan Jungle Safari Tour: $105
  • 1 Night 2 Days Chitwan Jungle Safari Tour from Kathmandu: $120
  • 1 Night 2 Days Chitwan Jungle Safari Tour from Pokhara or Kathmandu: $95
  • 1 Night Glimpse of Chitwan Tour from Kathmandu or Pokhara - Vice Versa: $140
  • 1 day Kathmandu World Heritage guided tour group join fixed departure everyday: $21

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:


  • Massage
    $5.91

Tours and Activities in Ho Chi Minh City

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Ho Chi Minh City.

  • The Bachelorette Full Day Private Tour with Pickup: $3.24
  • Bitexco Financial Tower: Saigon Skydeck General Admission Ticket: $9.00
  • Small-Group Half-Day Cu Chi Tunnels Tour from Ho Chi Minh City: $9.24
  • The Insider's Saigon - Private and Custom Motorbike Tour: $12
  • Exploring Cu Chi Tunnel with Pioneer Travel Tour Guide: $12
  • Water Puppet Show Ticket in Ho Chi Minh City with Hotel Delivery: $15
  • Skip the Line: Golden Dragon Water Puppet Tickets: $17
  • Skip the Line: Golden Dragon Water Puppet Tickets: $17
  • Golden Dragon Water Puppet Entrance Tickets: $17
  • Private Ho Chi Minh Sightseeing by Motorbike with Local Students: $19
  • Private City Tour Half Day By Scooter: $19
  • Cu Chi Ben Duoc Tunnel Tour: $20

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kathmandu $4.67
    Ho Chi Minh City $6.75

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:


  • Beer
    $0.42

About these numbers

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kathmandu and Ho Chi Minh City, we can see that Ho Chi Minh City is more expensive. And not only is Kathmandu much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Kathmandu would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kathmandu 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 Ho Chi Minh City would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ho Chi Minh City than you might in Kathmandu.

Budget Your Trip

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Kathmandu vs. Ho Chi Minh City Travel Comparison

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