Which place is cheaper, Ho Chi Minh City or Mandalay?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Mandalay or Ho Chi Minh City?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Mandalay or Ho Chi Minh City, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Mandalay or Ho Chi Minh City?
Mandalay
Located in Myanmar (formerly known as Burma) on the banks of the Irawaddy River, Mandalay is the nation's second largest city behind Yangon. It is centered on the restored Royal Palace and has a large population of Buddhist monks who frequent the city's many temples and monasteries.
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Ho Chi Minh City, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Vietnam.
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Mandalay Prices
Myanmar PricesHo Chi Minh City Prices
Vietnam Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMandalay $19Ho Chi Minh City $87
The average daily cost (per person) in Mandalay is $19, while the average daily cost in Ho Chi Minh City is $87. 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 Mandalay and Ho Chi Minh City in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMandalay $8.65Ho Chi Minh City $48
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMandalay $17Ho Chi Minh City $96
Compare Hotels in Mandalay and Ho Chi Minh City
Looking for a hotel in Mandalay 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: Ho Chi Minh City Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Mandalay -Ho Chi Minh City $14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mandalay
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Mandalay:
- 2 Days in Mandalay Region, 3 Night in Monywa and 4 Days to transfer Bagan: $260
- Inle Lake Land transfer from Mandalay: $213
- From Mandalay To Kalaw-NyaungShwe-Inle Lake Private Transfer: $200
- Around Mandalay in 2 Day and Next Day to Transfer Bagan: $200
- Mandalay To Bagan Transfer Tour: $150
- Private Transfer Of Mandalay To Bagan: $150
- Private Land Transfer : Mandalay to Bagan: $139
- Bagan Land Transfer form Mandalay: $103
- Mandalay Airport Private Transfer : $55
- Airport Transfer, Paleik Snake Pagoda, a little bit of Bagan and to AVA: $50
- Inle [Heho] Airport Private Transfer : $46
- Private Mandalay Airport Transfer: $27
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$1.33
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Taxi From Airport$7.58
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Cyclo Ride (One Hour)$1.52
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 Transfer from Ho Chi Minh City to Mui Ne Can Tho VungTau: $138
- Airport Transfer (From Airport - Ho Chi Minh City (Private 16 Seats Car): $70
- Airport Transfer From Hotel in Ho Chi Minh to Airport By 4 Seats Car: $35
- Airport Transfer From Hotel in Ho Chi Minh to Airport By 7 Seats Car: $41
- Airport Transfers (Airport - Ho Chi Minh,Private 16 Seats Car): $52
- From Phu My Port: Ho Chi Minh City Tour and Transfers: $143
- HO CHI MINH AIRPORT: CAR 7s PICK UP <-> HOTEL (one way transfer): $20
- Ho Chi Minh Airport (SGN) to Ho Chi Minh hotels Arrival Transfer: $17
- Ho Chi Minh Airport Arrival Or Departure By Private Car Transfers: $13
- Ho Chi Minh Airport Arrival Or Departure Private Car Transfers: $15
- Ho Chi Minh Airport To Cai Be/My Tho Private Car Transfer: $70
- Ho Chi Minh City Airport (SGN) to Ho Chi Minh Round-Trip Transfer: $34
Is it cheaper to fly into Mandalay or Ho Chi Minh City?
Prices for flights to both Ho Chi Minh City and Mandalay 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 dayMandalay $10Ho Chi Minh City $23
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Mandalay
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Mandalay.
- Myanmar traditional cooking class with local: $26
- Bicycle Food Tour in Mandalay: $45
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)$4.06
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Pizza$4.93
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Sweet Rice$1.14
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Pork Sandwich$0.57
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$6.43
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Western Lunch (for Two)$11
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:
- 1 hour Egg Coffee Cooking Class with Snack and Local Instructor : $12
- Saigon Food Tour & Culture Explore Ho Chi Minh City Walking Tour: $15
- Saigon Street Food Tour with Local Guide: $25
- Ho Chi Minh City Street Food Tour By Motorbike or Walking: $26
- Ho Chi Minh City Street Food Tour With Students: $27
- Saigon - Tasty Food Tour By Scooters: $28
- Ho Chi Minh Street Food Tour By Motorbike (Unique & Authentic): $28
- Private Half-Day Ho Chi Minh Food Tour with Local Students: $29
- Ho Chi Minh Street Food Tour With Young Local (Safe & Authentic): $29
- Super Niche Walking Street Food Tour in Ho Chi Minh City: $29
- From Hochiminh & Saigon City: Private Motorbike Street Food Tour : $29
- Midnight Food Tour in Saigon By Cyclo or Taxi or Scooter: $30
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Mandalay -Ho Chi Minh City $19
Tours and Activities in Mandalay
Here are a few actual costs in Mandalay for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Kayah Villages Full Day Tour (Pan Pet & Hta Nee La): $260
- 2 Days Private Tour in Mandalay: $176
- A Little Adventure Village Explore: $17
- Amarapura,Mingun,Sagaing,Innwa Sightseeing Tour: $85
- Amarapura,Sagging,Innwa/Ava Sightseeing : $75
- Ancient Cities, Pagodas, and Sunset Tour from Mandalay: $194
- Ancient City Tour in Mandalay : $70
- Around Mandalay Tour in 2 Days : $100
- Day Tour Of Mingun/Sagaing/Amarapura: $75
- Day Trip Tour From Mandalay To Pyin Oo Lwin: $105
- Full Day Adventure: $153
- Full day Adventure Trip in Mandalay & Amarapura : $61
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$5.31
Tours and Activities in Ho Chi Minh City
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Ho Chi Minh City.
- Chinatown Hidden Treasures – Free Walking Tour: $0.74
- All In One Saigon Walking Tour: $3.11
- Saigon Local Sightseeing Free Walking Tour: $3.84
- Ho Chi Minh Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $4.52
- Ho Chi Minh city private tour guide: $5.00
- Essential Ho Chi Minh City Free Walking Tour: All Must-see: $5.00
- Night Bus Tour in Ho Chi Minh City: $7.50
- Private Ho Chi Minh 30 minutes Experience by Electric Cart: $9.71
- Bitexco Financial Tower: Saigon Skydeck General Admission Ticket: $10
- One hour cyclo tour around Saigon: $11
- Vietnam Saigon Skydeck Admission Ticket: $12
- 1 Hour Saigon River Tour in Ho Chi Minh: $13
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMandalay -Ho Chi Minh City $7.57
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$0.38
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mandalay and Ho Chi Minh City, we can see that Ho Chi Minh City is more expensive. And not only is Mandalay much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Mandalay would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Mandalay 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 Mandalay.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Mandalay Expensive? and Is Ho Chi Minh City Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Mandalay or Ho Chi Minh City?
Ho Chi Minh City has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Mandalay. When comparing the sizes of Mandalay 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.