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

Should you visit Santorini 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 Santorini 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.

Santorini

Santorini is a romantic, stunning, and historic island. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Since it has a quaint atmosphere, you'll want to spend time soaking it all in. It's also popular because of the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City is a vibrant, colorful, and busy city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. Visitors also love the theater, nightlife, and food.

Santorini and Ho Chi Minh City: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers
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 Santorini or Ho Chi Minh City?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Ho Chi Minh City than Santorini, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Ho Chi Minh City is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Santorini is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Santorini is more touristy than Ho Chi Minh City and is known for its beautiful volcanic beaches, stunning natural beauty, and breathtaking sunsets over the whitewashed villages. Ho Chi Minh City is popular for its motorbike-filled streets, bustling markets, world-class cuisine, and diverse shopping opportunities. It is also home to the War Remnants Museum.

How is Santorini 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 Santorini. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

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

Santorini
Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City is an unbeatable place for its historical sights. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its sights and museums.

The museums and tourist attractions in Ho Chi Minh City are world-renowned. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Santorini. One of the most impressive historical sights is Akrotiri Archaeological Site. The island has many archeological sites as well as the Archeological Museum in Fira.


Is Santorini or Ho Chi Minh City Better for Theater?

Santorini
Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City is a nice place to visit for its theatre productions. However, Santorini is not a theatre destination.

If you have some extra time in Ho Chi Minh City, take in a show. 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.

Santorini is not a theatre destination.

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

Santorini
Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City is an unbeatable place for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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).

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Santorini area. Popular foods on this island include fava, Greek salad, and kofta.

Is Santorini or Ho Chi Minh City Better for Nightlife?

Santorini
Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City is an unbeatable place for nightlife and partying. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its evening party scene.

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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Santorini. It is one of the calmer, more romantic islands in Greece. For the best nightlife, you'll want to stay near Fira.


Is Santorini or Ho Chi Minh City Better for Resorts?

Santorini
Ho Chi Minh City

Santorini is a world-class destination for its luxury resorts. However, Ho Chi Minh City is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Santorini is a perfect choice. The resorts range from all-inclusive options to resorts with a more local feel. The island is one of the most romantic of the Greek Islands, and the resorts are no exception.

Ho Chi Minh City is not a resort destination.

Is Santorini or Ho Chi Minh City Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Santorini
Ho Chi Minh City

Santorini is very good for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Ho Chi Minh City is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Santorini. Some of the best snorkeling places are found at Red Beach, White Beach, and the less accessible Kambia. One of the island's best diving spots is Caldera Beach.

Ho Chi Minh City is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Santorini or Ho Chi Minh City Better for Beaches?

Santorini
Ho Chi Minh City

Santorini is very good for the beach. However, Ho Chi Minh City is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Santorini to enjoy the beach. The island has many beaches, most of which are made of black pebbly sand that are a result of the island's volcanic history. Popular beaches include Perissa Beach, Kamari Beach, and Perivolos Beach.

Ho Chi Minh City is not a beach destination.


Is Santorini or Ho Chi Minh City Better for Hiking?

Santorini
Ho Chi Minh City

Santorini is very good for hiking. However, Ho Chi Minh City is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Santorini. The best hiking trails on the island pass by quaint villages and offers stunning ocean views. You can also hike along the edge of a volcano.

Ho Chi Minh City is not a hiking destination.

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

Santorini
Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City is an unbeatable place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Ho Chi Minh City draws large crowds to its 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.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Santorini. Towns around the island are filled with clothing and jewelry boutiques as well as many unique Greek shopping experiences.

Is Santorini or Ho Chi Minh City Better for Families?

Santorini
Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its family-friendly activities.

Ho Chi Minh City is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. 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.

Santorini is a family-friendly place to visit. It is a calmer destination than many of the Greek Islands. While it's a great place to relax with kids, the beaches aren't as good as they are on some of the other islands. Most families hang out in Kamari and Perissa Beach.


Is Santorini or Ho Chi Minh City Better for Couples?

Santorini
Ho Chi Minh City

Santorini is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Ho Chi Minh City is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Santorini has plenty to offer. It is a dream honeymoon destination that is famous for its picturesque setting and luxury resorts. For many couples, this is a top pick for a romantic trip to the Greek Isles.

Ho Chi Minh City is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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 Santorini or Ho Chi Minh City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Santorini
Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City is an unbeatable place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Ho Chi Minh City is extremely popular for backpackers. 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.

Santorini is a good island to visit for backpackers. The island has its share of 5 star resorts, but if you head a few streets in you'll find some surprisingly affordable accommodation. Backpackers are welcomed on the island and beaches are free, so it's possible to get by on a relatively low budget.

Is Santorini or Ho Chi Minh City Better for Students?

Santorini
Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Santorini is not popular with students.

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.

Santorini is not popular with students.


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

Santorini
Ho Chi Minh City

Santorini is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Ho Chi Minh City is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Santorini offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a bus system, KTEL Santorini Buses, that runs 23 buses during the summer months but only a small fraction of that operate during the winter months.

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 Santorini or Ho Chi Minh City a more walkable city?

Santorini
Ho Chi Minh City

Santorini and Ho Chi Minh City are good when it comes to walkability.

Santorini is a somewhat walkable place. Many towns on the island are walkable, including Fira, but the actual island is too large to explore on foot.

Ho Chi Minh City is a somewhat walkable island. 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 Santorini Worth Visiting? and Is Ho Chi Minh City Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Santorini or Ho Chi Minh City?

It's fun to spend time in either Santorini or Ho Chi Minh City. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Santorini due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Santorini, and 3-4 days is enough time in Ho Chi Minh City.

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


  • How many days in Santorini or Ho Chi Minh City? Ideal Length of Stay
    Santorini 3-7 
    Ho Chi Minh City 3-4

One day in Santorini or Ho Chi Minh City?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the romantic destination of Santorini. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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.

People visit Ho Chi Minh City because there is so much to do. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


A weekend in Santorini or Ho Chi Minh City?

You'll find shopping and museums around the romantic island of Santorini. It's also a relaxing resort destination. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

People visit Ho Chi Minh City because there is so much to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Santorini or Ho Chi Minh City?

Santorini is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the diverse city of Ho Chi Minh City. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Santorini or Ho Chi Minh City?

Santorini is a great place to explore. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It is common to spend one week here. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Ho Chi Minh City is a popular choice for travelers. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Greece, The Best Budget Tours to Greece, The Best Historical Tours in Vietnam, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Vietnam.


Which place is cheaper, Ho Chi Minh City or Santorini?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Santorini is €175, while the average daily cost in Ho Chi Minh City is €76. 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 Santorini and Ho Chi Minh City in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Santorini 93
    Ho Chi Minh City 46
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Santorini 186
    Ho Chi Minh City 92
Compare Hotels in Santorini and Ho Chi Minh City

Looking for a hotel in Santorini 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 Santorini


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

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Santorini 28
    Ho Chi Minh City 14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santorini

Also for Santorini, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Helicopter Transfer between Mykonos & Santorini: $3,800
  • Private Sunset Tour with Picnic & Transfer: $163
  • Santorini Luxury Catamaran Day Cruise with BBQ,drinks,transfer: $144
  • Santorini Airport(JTR) to Santorini - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $144
  • Caldera Cruise with Greek Meal and Transfer: $141
  • Santorini to Heraklion Crete: Ferry Ticket & Hotel Transfer: $127
  • Santorini to Mykonos: Ferry Ticket & Hotel Transfer: $127
  • Santorini Luxury Sailing Catamaran Cruise with BBQ, Drinks and Transfer: $121
  • Santorini Private transfer up to 8 persons: $121
  • Santorini Sunset Luxury Sailing Catamaran Cruise with BBQ, drinks, transfer: $121
  • Wine Tasting Tour to 3 Wineries with Transfer: $117
  • Private Arrival Transfer From Santorini Port To All Destinations: $110

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
    1.31
  • Taxi From Airport
    7.46
  • Cyclo Ride (One Hour)
    1.49

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 taxi transfer from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh: $358
  • Private Taxi transfer from Ho Chi Minh to Phnom Penh: $358
  • Private Taxi transfer from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City: $358
  • Private Taxi Transfer from Ho Chi Minh to Phnom Penh: $358
  • Private Transfer from Tan Son Nhat (SGN) Airport to Phnom Penh: $293
  • Private Transfer from Tan Son Nhat (SGN) Airport to Nha Trang: $275
  • Private Transfer: Ho Chi Minh City - Chau Doc/Rach Gia: $268
  • Private Transfer from Tan Son Nhat (SGN) Airport to Cam Ranh: $261
  • Hanoi Private Transfer from Vinh City to Hanoi (HAN) Airport: $261
  • Private Transfer: Ho Chi Minh City Center/ Airport - Mui Ne/Phan Thiet: $258
  • Private Transfer from Tan Son Nhat (SGN) Airport to Da Lat: $237
  • Private Transfer from Tan Son Nhat (SGN) Airport to Ha Tien Pier: $231

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

Prices for flights to both Ho Chi Minh City and Santorini 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
    Santorini 48
    Ho Chi Minh City 13

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Santorini

For Santorini, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Live Virtual Cooking Class: $25
  • Traditional Greek Night live Music & Dinner Show in Santorini: $55
  • Romantic Sunset Caldera Cruise with Dinner: $71
  • Santorini Caldera: Sunset Cruise with Dinner: $71
  • Virtual Private Cooking Class Live from Santorini: $72
  • Volcanic Sunset Cruise with Dinner: $81
  • Santorini Caldera Sunset Sailing Cruise with Dinner and Wine: $88
  • Catamaran Tour with BBQ Dinner, Drinks, and Music: $92
  • Volcano and Hot Springs Sunset Dinner Cruise: $98
  • Santorini Volcano Sunset Cruise Including Dinner on Board: $109
  • Cooking Class in Traditional cave house in Santorini!: $121
  • Sunset Cruise with Swim Stops, Dinner, and Drinks: $122

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)
    3.99
  • Pizza
    4.85
  • Sweet Rice
    1.12
  • Pork Sandwich
    0.56
  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    6.33
  • 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:

  • Saigon Food Tour & Culture Explore Ho Chi Minh City Walking Tour: $15
  • Ho Chi Minh City Street Food Tour by Motorbike/ Car with Student : $19
  • Saigon: Backstreets Private Walking Food Tour & 10 Tastings: $25
  • Private Walking Food Tour with Local Students : $26
  • Ho Chi Minh Street Food Tour By Motorbike +Sightseeing SAFE & FUN: $26
  • Top Niche Walking Street Food Tour with Uni Student: $26
  • Walking Street Food Tour Ho Chi Minh City: $27
  • Food Tour by Scooter with Eleven Tastings: $27
  • Saigon Private Eleven-Tastings Food Tour by Scooter: $28
  • Ho Chi Minh: Thirteen-Tastings Private Walking Food Tour: $29
  • Super Niche Walking Street Food Tour in Ho Chi Minh City: $29
  • Ho Chi Minh Private Half Day Street Food Tour with Local Students: $29

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Santorini 36
    Ho Chi Minh City 19

Tours and Activities in Santorini

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Santorini.

  • Santorini Panoramic Blue Shade Tour-Firostefani, Imerovigli, Oia: $63
  • Santorini Secrets & Gems for Cruise Passengers: $97
  • Oia Sunset- Cultural Walking Tour : $66
  • 3-Hour Santorini Highlights Tour: $72
  • 4 Hour Private Guided Tour in Santorini: $221
  • 4 Hours Private Custom Tour in Santorini: $188
  • 4 Hours Santorini Private Tour: $150
  • 4 hours Private Half Day Tour in Santorini Island: $177
  • 4 hrs island tour and photoshooting, Oia Blue domes, Red beach : $199
  • 5 Hour Sightseeing Tour in the Magical Santorini: $113
  • 5-Hour Private Tour of Southern Santorini: $407
  • 6 Hours Land Tour Ideal for Cruise Ship Passengers: $287

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
    5.22

Tours and Activities in Ho Chi Minh City

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

  • Amazing Tour in Dalat city: $45
  • Chan May Port to Hoi An Ancient Town & Marble Mountain Car/Tour: $10
  • Cu Chi Tunnels half day tours: $39
  • Half Day Private Tour in Ho Chi Minh City: $70
  • Mekong Delta Discovery Day Tour - My Tho - Ben Tre: $46
  • Mui Ne,Fairy Spring, Sand dunes, Fishing Village, Private Tour: $290
  • Non-Touristy Mekong Delta with Biking in Ben Tre Private Tour: $40
  • Private Mekong Delta 1 Day Tour: $65
  • Private Tour Water Puppet Show And Cruise Tour On Saigon River : $65
  • SAIGON SHORE EXCURSION: Past and Present Tour from Cruise Port: $111
  • Saigon Unseen City Day Tour and Local Food by Scooter: $39
  • Vietnam Classic Day Tour in Ho Chi Minh with Cu Chi Tunnels: $18

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Santorini 26
    Ho Chi Minh City 7.46

Sample the Local Flavors in Santorini

Also in Santorini, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Half Day Simply Santorini Tour with Wine Tasting: $61
  • Top Sights of Santorini with Wine Tasting and Sunset in Oia: $61
  • Top Sights Day Trip, Wine Tasting, & Oia Sunset: $70
  • Fira Town Walking Tour with Wine Tasting: $76
  • Santorini 4-Hour Private Tour including Wine Tasting, Shore Excursion: $105
  • Santorini 4 Hour Private Oia Tour & Wine Tasting : $106
  • Santorini Highlights Small-Group Tour with Wine Tasting from Fira: $110
  • Wine Tour with Sunset in Oia: $119
  • Santorini Wine Adventure in 3 Wineries with Wine Tastings, Sunset: $133
  • Wine Adventure in 3 Wineries and 12 Wine Tastings: $157
  • Three Wineries and One Brewery Tour with Tastings: $163
  • Wine Tasting Tour & Sunset Viewing: $163

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
    0.37


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Santorini and Ho Chi Minh City, we can see that Santorini is more expensive. And not only is Ho Chi Minh City much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Santorini is in Europe and Ho Chi Minh City is in Asia, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Santorini would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Santorini 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 Santorini Expensive? and Is Ho Chi Minh City Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Santorini or Ho Chi Minh City?

Ho Chi Minh City has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Santorini. When comparing the sizes of Santorini 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.