Which place is cheaper, Ho Chi Minh City or Krabi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Krabi or Ho Chi Minh City?
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 Krabi and Ho Chi Minh City can help you decide which place is right for you.
Krabi
Krabi is a stunning, local, and vibrant town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.
Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City is a busy, diverse, and cultural city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, theater, and nightlife.
Krabi and Ho Chi Minh City: Pros and Cons
Krabi
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Nice resorts
- Popular beach
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Less popular for food
- Less popular for nightlife
- Less popular with backpackers
Ho Chi Minh City
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Numerous theater shows
- Popular for food and cuisine
- Active nightlife
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Good for students
- Big city activities
Is there more to do in Krabi or Ho Chi Minh City?
Visitors will usually find more to do in Ho Chi Minh City than Krabi, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Ho Chi Minh City is better known for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Krabi is more popular for its resorts, beaches, and small town charm. Ho Chi Minh City is more touristy than Krabi and is known 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. Krabi is well known for its easy access to inland adventures and nearby island hopping as well as its lively night market.
How is Krabi 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 Krabi. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Krabi or Ho Chi Minh City?
Krabi
Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City is an amazing city to visit for its museums and history. Also, Krabi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.
Travelers visit Ho Chi Minh City from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. 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.
With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Krabi can be an interesting and educational experience. In the area you'll find mountain top temples such as Wat Tham Suea and natural spots such as Khao Khanap Nam Cave. In town there's the stunning Wat Kaew Korawaram temple as well.
Is Krabi or Ho Chi Minh City Better for Theater?
Krabi
Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City is very good for theatre. However, Krabi 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.
Krabi is not a theatre destination.
Is the Food Better in Krabi or Ho Chi Minh City? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Krabi
Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City is an amazing city to visit for its restaurants. Also, Krabi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.
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).
Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Krabi. It's not particularly known for its culinary scene, but Krabi Town does have great street food and a lively night market. For some of the best restaurants, head to Chao Fah Road.
Is Krabi or Ho Chi Minh City Better for Nightlife?
Krabi
Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City is an amazing city to visit for nightlife. Also, Krabi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.
Ho Chi Minh City has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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.
Krabi has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There's a decent live music scene, but in general the town is quiet at night. There's also a good night market.
Is Krabi or Ho Chi Minh City Better for Resorts?
Krabi
Ho Chi Minh City
Krabi is adequate for its luxury resorts. However, Ho Chi Minh City is not a resort destination.
You might not think of Krabi as a resort destination, but it has a few places. There's no real beach in town, so the better resorts are found at nearby beach towns.
Ho Chi Minh City is not a resort destination.
Is Krabi or Ho Chi Minh City Better for Beaches?
Krabi
Ho Chi Minh City
Krabi is adequate for the beach. However, Ho Chi Minh City is not a beach destination.
The beach in Krabi is worth checking out. The town itself has no beach, so you'll need to take a day trip to nearby Railay Beach or Ao Nang.
Ho Chi Minh City is not a beach destination.
Is the Shopping Better in Krabi or Ho Chi Minh City?
Krabi
Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City is an amazing city to visit for shopping. Also, Krabi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.
People travel from around the world to go shopping in Ho Chi Minh City. 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.
Krabi is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The town's night market is fun to explore. There's also the popular Krabi Town Walking Street (where you'll find the night market) as well as some larger stores and small malls near town.
Is Krabi or Ho Chi Minh City Better for Families?
Krabi
Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City is an amazing city to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Krabi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.
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.
Krabi is a very kid-friendly town. The town makes a great base for island hopping and exploring the province of Krabi. Nearby you'll find Krabi Fun Park, which includes a ropes course. There are also caves nearby to explore and plenty of stunning natural beauty.
Is Krabi or Ho Chi Minh City Better for Couples?
Krabi
Ho Chi Minh City
Both Krabi and Ho Chi Minh City are very good destinations to visit as a couple.
Krabi makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There's easy access to many beautiful areas with caves, viewpoints, and beaches. Krabi Walking Street also has great restaurants and a lively night market.
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 Krabi or Ho Chi Minh City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Krabi
Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City is an amazing city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Krabi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.
Many backpackers frequent Ho Chi Minh City. 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.
It's common for backpackers to visit Krabi. The town has a more local vibe, as many backpackers head on to Ao Nang or Railay Beach. You'll find affordable accommodation here though, as well as easy access to some great excursions.
Is Krabi or Ho Chi Minh City Better for Students?
Krabi
Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Krabi 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.
Krabi is not popular with students.
Is Krabi or Ho Chi Minh City Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Krabi
Ho Chi Minh City
Visitors will find respectable public transit in both Krabi and Ho Chi Minh City.
Public transit is mostly limited in Krabi. There's no real public transit so you'll need to get around by rental car, motorbike, or songthaew truck (pickup trucks with seats in back).
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 Krabi or Ho Chi Minh City a more walkable city?
Krabi
Ho Chi Minh City
Krabi and Ho Chi Minh City are notable when it comes to walkability.
Krabi is somewhat walkable. There's a walking street and a few parts of town that are relatively walkable.
Ho Chi Minh City is a somewhat walkable place. 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 Krabi Worth Visiting? and Is Ho Chi Minh City Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Ho Chi Minh City or Krabi?
How long in Krabi or Ho Chi Minh City?
It's fun to spend time in either Krabi 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 Krabi, and 3-4 days is enough time in Ho Chi Minh City.
Families should spend more time in Ho Chi Minh City than Krabi. 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 Krabi. 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 Krabi 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.
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How many days in Krabi or Ho Chi Minh City? Ideal Length of StayKrabi 2-3Ho Chi Minh City 3-4
One day in Krabi or Ho Chi Minh City?
You'll find food and shopping around the stunning destination of Krabi. 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.
Each neighborhood in Ho Chi Minh City has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.
A weekend in Krabi or Ho Chi Minh City?
You'll find shopping and museums around the vibrant town of Krabi. If you have a weekend, this town 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.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ho Chi Minh City. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.
Five days in Krabi or Ho Chi Minh City?
Krabi 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.
Ho Chi Minh City is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums and theater when visiting the big city destination of Ho Chi Minh City. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.
A week in Krabi or Ho Chi Minh City?
Krabi 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.
You'll find theater and nightlife around the cultural big city of Ho Chi Minh City. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Thailand, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Thailand, The Best Historical Tours in Vietnam, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Vietnam.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKrabi $55Ho Chi Minh City $81
The average daily cost (per person) in Krabi is $55, while the average daily cost in Ho Chi Minh City is $81. 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 destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Krabi and Ho Chi Minh City in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKrabi $36Ho Chi Minh City $49
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKrabi $72Ho Chi Minh City $98
Compare Hotels in Krabi and Ho Chi Minh City
Looking for a hotel in Krabi 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.
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: Krabi Hotel Prices and Ho Chi Minh City Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Krabi $3.80Ho Chi Minh City $15
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Krabi
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Krabi are as follows:
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Scooter Rental$8.18
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Short Tuk-Tuk Ride$2.73
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2 Bottles of Gasoline$2.18
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Longboat Taxi from Town$5.46
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Krabi
Also for Krabi, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private 4 Islands Krabi Boat Tour from Ao Nang with Transfer: $172
- From Krabi : One Way Private Transfer Phuket,Khaolak and More: $130
- Private Transfer Between Phuket Hotel to/from Krabi Hotel: $130
- Private Transfer between Phuket Airport and Krabi Hotels: $130
- Krabi Transfer to Khao Lak : $117
- Krabi airport to donsak pier Private transfer: $116
- Aonang any hotel to Donsak Pier Private transfer: $116
- From Ao Nang: Similan Islands Boat Trip with Transfer & Food: $101
- Ao Nang Krabi Thai Boxing Stadium Admission Ticket with Return Transfer: $97
- VAN PHUKET AIRPORT TRANSFER to KRABI AIRPORT: $97
- Krabi to Khao Lak and Phang Nga Town: Private City Transfers: $97
- Krabi Mangrove Kayak &Elephant Shelter with Private Transfer: $94
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:
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Short Taxi Ride$1.40
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Taxi From Airport$7.99
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Cyclo Ride (One Hour)$1.60
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ho Chi Minh City
Also for Ho Chi Minh City, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in Cam Ranh HTL-APT (CXR): $18
- Try find better than us! Airport Transfer in Ho Chi Minh HTL-APT (SGN): $19
- Try find better than us! Airport Transfer in Ho Chi Minh APT-HTL (SGN): $13
- Transfer from Ho Chi Minh to Airport Tan Sơn Nhat: $16
- The Anam Resort to Nha Trang - Private Transfer: $20
- Tan Son Nhat International Airport Transfer: $23
- Tan Son Nhat International Airport Private Transfer: $18
- Tan Son Nhat Airport: Private Transfer to/from Ho Chi Minh: $22
- Swandor Cam Ranh Resort to Nha Trang - Private Transfer: $20
- Saigon Airport to Ho Chi Minh City Center Private Transfer: $21
- Sai Gon Airport Departure Private Transfer: $32
- SGN Airport: the private transfer to Center (District 1 & 3): $16
Is it cheaper to fly into Krabi or Ho Chi Minh City?
Prices for flights to both Ho Chi Minh City and Krabi 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
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Food Meals for one dayKrabi $13Ho Chi Minh City $14
Typical Food Prices in Krabi
For Krabi, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$6.82
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Drinks on the Beach$6.55
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Sit Down Dinner (for Two)$17
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Nice Dinner (for Two)$30
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Mango Shake$1.36
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Pad Thai$2.73
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Fruit from the Market$1.64
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Pancakes$2.73
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Coffee & Cake$2.05
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Krabi
For Krabi, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Traditional Thai Cooking Class with Smart Cook: $36
- Snorkeling and Sunset Dinner Trip From Krabi: $37
- 7 Islands Sunset Tour with BBQ Dinner and Snorkeling: $37
- 7 Islands Sunset Tour with BBQ Dinner & Plankton: $37
- Evening Thai Cooking Class at Ya's Cookery: $39
- 4 Islands Sunset Longtail Boat Tour with BBQ Dinner: $41
- Seven Islands Snorkel Cruise with Dinner: $41
- Authentic Thai cooking class with market tour: $42
- Krabi Thai Cooking Class: $43
- Krabi 4 Islands Sunset Premium Service Trip by Speedboat + BBQ Dinner: $43
- 4 Island Sunset Tour by Luxury Longtail Boat with BBQ Dinner: $44
- Thai Charm Cooking School Krabi: $44
Typical Food Prices in Ho Chi Minh City
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Ho Chi Minh City:
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Street Food Dinner (for Two)$4.27
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Pizza$5.19
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Sweet Rice$1.20
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Pork Sandwich$0.60
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$6.78
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Western Lunch (for Two)$12
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:
- Private Walking Food Tour with Local Students : $26
- Ho Chi Minh Street Food Tour By Motorbike (Unique & Authentic): $26
- Ho Chi Minh Street Food Tour By Motorbike + Sightseeing: $27
- Saigon: Backstreets Private Walking Food Tour & 10 Tastings: $27
- Food Tour by Scooter with Eleven Tastings: $27
- Ho Chi Minh Food Tour on Back of Motobike with Local Guide: $27
- Super Niche Walking Street Food Tour in Ho Chi Minh City: $28
- Private Walking Food Tour with 13 Tastings: $28
- Ho Chi Minh: Original Walking Street Food Tour With Local: $29
- Private Half-Day Ho Chi Minh Food Tour with Local Students: $29
- Ho Chi Minh: Super Niche Walking Street Food Tour With Local: $29
- Private 4-Hour Food Tour in Ho Chi Minh City: $29
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Krabi $10Ho Chi Minh City $20
Typical Entertainment Prices in Krabi
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Krabi's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Thai-English Book$9.00
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Thai Massages (for Two)$22
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Bikini & Sarong$16
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Yoga Class (1 Hour)$12
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Backgammon Set (travel size)$6.82
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Kayak Trip (for Two)$52
Tours and Activities in Krabi
For Krabi, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Full Day Guided Tour in Bor Thor Caves and Mangroves : $146
- Phi Phi Islands Tour with Bioluminescent Planktons from krabi: $78
- 1 Hour Horse Riding Tour On The Beach Krabi: $43
- 2 Hour Horse Riding Tour On The Beach Krabi: $60
- 2-Hour Clear Kayak Illuminated Night Tour in Krabi: $61
- 4 Island Joint Tour by Speed Boat from Krabi: $46
- 4 Island Speed Boat Adventure by Sea Eagle Tour from Krabi: $34
- 4 Island Sunset Snorkeling Cruise + bioluminescent Night Snorkel: $103
- 4 Islands Day Tour from Krabi with Tub, Chicken, Poda Island & Phra Nang Cave: $51
- 4 Islands Full-day Tour from Krabi with Tub, Chicken, Poda Island & Phra Nang: $54
- 4 Islands One Day Tour From Krabi: $28
- 4 Islands Snorkeling Tour by Longtail Boat from Krabi with Walk on Tombolo: $28
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:
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Massage$5.59
Tours and Activities in Ho Chi Minh City
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Ho Chi Minh City.
- Chan May Port to Hoi An Ancient Town & Marble Mountains Car/Tour: $10
- Cu Chi Tunnels half day tours: $39
- From Ho Chi Minh to Mui Ne 3 Days Tour | 4 Star Beach Resort : $170
- Half Day Private Tour in Ho Chi Minh City: $70
- Mekong Delta Discovery Day Tour - My Tho - Ben Tre: $46
- Mekong Vespa Tour 5 hours: $92
- Mui Ne,Fairy Spring, Sand dunes, Fishing Village, Private Tour: $290
- Non-Touristy Mekong Delta with Biking in Ben Tre Private Tour: $40
- SAIGON SHORE EXCURSION: Past and Present Tour from Cruise Port: $111
- Saigon Vegetarian Tour by Motorbike and Scooter: $39
- Vietnam Classic Day Tour in Ho Chi Minh with Cu Chi Tunnels: $18
- 'Cost-Saving' Cu Chi Tunnels & Mekong Delta 1-Day Tour: $65
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKrabi $4.34Ho Chi Minh City $7.98
Typical Alcohol Prices in Krabi
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Krabi are as follows:
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Beer$2.45
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Cocktails (for Two)$8.18
Sample the Local Flavors in Krabi
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Krabi:
- Railay Pub Crawl: $14
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:
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Beer$0.40
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Krabi and Ho Chi Minh City, we can see that Ho Chi Minh City is more expensive. And not only is Krabi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Krabi would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Krabi 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 Krabi.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Krabi Expensive? and Is Ho Chi Minh City Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Krabi or Ho Chi Minh City?
Ho Chi Minh City has a larger population, and is about 110 times larger than the population of Krabi. When comparing the sizes of Krabi and Ho Chi Minh City, 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.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.