A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Koh Tarutao vs. Ho Chi Minh City for Food, Families, Backpackers, and Couples

Should you visit Koh Tarutao or Ho Chi Minh City?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Koh Tarutao and Ho Chi Minh City. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Koh Tarutao

Koh Tarutao is a undiscovered, secluded, and remote island. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the beaches and hiking.

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 food, shopping, and museums.

Koh Tarutao and Ho Chi Minh City: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Ho Chi Minh City. Although Koh Tarutao and Ho Chi Minh City are popular destinations, Ho Chi Minh City has more sights and attractions for tourists. Ho Chi Minh City is very popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Koh Tarutao attracts visitors for its resorts, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Ho Chi Minh City is more touristy than Koh Tarutao and is known for its motorbike-filled streets, bustling markets, world-class cuisine, and diverse shopping opportunities. It is also well known for the War Remnants Museum. Koh Tarutao is famous for its secluded beauty and undiscovered paradise setting.

How is Koh Tarutao different from Ho Chi Minh City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Ho Chi Minh City and Koh Tarutao. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Koh Tarutao or Ho Chi Minh City?

Ho Chi Minh City is an unbeatable place for its museums and history. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options 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.

Koh Tarutao offers a few options for museum-goers. This island is all about remote natural settings that will take your breath away, but you won't find anything in the form of temples or museums.

Is Koh Tarutao or Ho Chi Minh City Better for Theater?

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

Koh Tarutao is not a theatre destination.

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

Ho Chi Minh City is an unbeatable place for its restaurants. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Eat your way through Ho Chi Minh City, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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).

Koh Tarutao offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are three restaurants on the island that have limited hours so, if possible, it's best to arrive with some snacks. The food is simple and can get repetitive if you eat the same meals several days in a row.

Is Koh Tarutao or Ho Chi Minh City Better for Nightlife?

Ho Chi Minh City is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for nightlife.

The nightlife in Ho Chi Minh City is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Koh Tarutao. There's a good chance you'll have this island almost completely to yourself. The few restaurants on the island close early and you'll likely head to bed early after taking in the stunning night sky.

Is Koh Tarutao or Ho Chi Minh City Better for Resorts?

Koh Tarutao is mediocre for its luxury resorts. However, Ho Chi Minh City is not a resort destination.

Not known for its high-end resorts, Koh Tarutao offers a few options. You won't find luxury resorts (or any resorts) on the island. What you will find is simple bungalows, or tents available for rent at the ranger stations.

Ho Chi Minh City is not a resort destination.

Is Koh Tarutao or Ho Chi Minh City Better for Beaches?

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

With world-famous beaches, Koh Tarutao is a very popular vacation destination. A true island paradise, you'll find isolated beaches here that are so remote that you'll likely have them to yourself for large parts of the day.

Ho Chi Minh City is not a beach destination.

Is Koh Tarutao or Ho Chi Minh City Better for Hiking?

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

Many visitors go to Koh Tarutao for the hiking trails. There are hiking trails through mangrove coves, inland through the dramatic vegetation, and up cliffs to impressive viewpoints.

Ho Chi Minh City is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Tarutao or Ho Chi Minh City?

Ho Chi Minh City is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for shopping.

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.

Koh Tarutao has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There's a small shop at the visitor center where you can pick up simple drinks and snacks.

Is Koh Tarutao or Ho Chi Minh City Better for Families?

Ho Chi Minh City is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Koh Tarutao is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-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 kid-friendly things to do in Koh Tarutao. For families who want seclusion, this beautiful island is the place to spend a night or two. There are great beaches, interesting hikes, and kayaks available to visitors.

Is Koh Tarutao or Ho Chi Minh City Better for Couples?

Koh Tarutao and Ho Chi Minh City both high quality destinations for a couple.

Koh Tarutao makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. For a truly remote experience, couples will enjoy this often overlooked island. There are hikes and isolated beaches that offer romance in its most simple form.

Couples visit Ho Chi Minh City frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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 Koh Tarutao or Ho Chi Minh City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ho Chi Minh City is an unbeatable place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Koh Tarutao is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Koh Tarutao. Most backpackers overlook this beautiful island for the more party-oriented destinations of Thailand, but those who spend a night or two here will be rewarded with a truly unique and authentic experience.

Is Koh Tarutao or Ho Chi Minh City Better for Students?

Ho Chi Minh City is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Koh Tarutao 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.

Koh Tarutao is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find reasonable public transit in both Koh Tarutao and Ho Chi Minh City.

Public transit is mostly limited in Koh Tarutao. There are shuttle taxis that travel around the island at fixed times. You can also rent a mountain bike at the ranger stations.

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 Koh Tarutao or Ho Chi Minh City a more walkable city?

Ho Chi Minh City is a good destination for its ease of walking around. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for its 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.

Koh Tarutao is generally not very walkable. The island is quite large and difficult to explore on foot alone.

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

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

How long in Koh Tarutao or Ho Chi Minh City?

It's fun to spend time in either Koh Tarutao or Ho Chi Minh City. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Ho Chi Minh City due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Koh Tarutao, and 3-4 days is enough time in Ho Chi Minh City.

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

You'll find around the undiscovered destination of Koh Tarutao. Hikers are also drawn to this area. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Ho Chi Minh City is a busy city where you can fill many days. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Koh Tarutao or Ho Chi Minh City?

You'll find around the beautiful island of Koh Tarutao. If you have a weekend, this island makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the beaches. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Ho Chi Minh City is a vibrant big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Koh Tarutao or Ho Chi Minh City?

Koh Tarutao is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

The chaotic city of Ho Chi Minh City offers theater and nightlife. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Koh Tarutao or Ho Chi Minh City?

Koh Tarutao is a great place to explore. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people head to the area for the beaches. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Many people enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting Ho Chi Minh City. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Thailand, The Best Cultural Tours in Thailand, The Best Historical Tours in Vietnam, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Vietnam.

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