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City Comparison

HanoivsHo Chi Minh City

Can't decide between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City? Compare these two amazing destinations to find your perfect match.

Hanoi Old Quarter street scene
Vietnam

Hanoi

Hanoi is a captivating capital where French colonial elegance meets vibrant Vietnamese culture. The city enchants with its chaotic Old Quarter, tranquil lakes, delicious pho, and a pace of life that moves to the rhythm of motorbikes and street vendors.

October to December
33°C / 17°C
Vietnamese Dong (₫)
Vietnamese

Known for

pho
street food
coffee culture
French colonial architecture
Explore Hanoi
Ho Chi Minh City street scene with motorbikes
Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is Vietnam's largest city, a whirlwind of motorbikes, street food, and entrepreneurial energy. French colonial architecture mingles with modern skyscrapers, while war history museums offer sobering insights into the country's past.

December to April
34°C / 27°C
Vietnamese Dong (₫)
Vietnamese

Known for

street food
war history
motorbikes
coffee culture
Explore Ho Chi Minh City

Head-to-Head Comparison

See how these destinations stack up in key categories

Culture & History

Hanoi
4/5

Hanoi offers Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, Temple of Literature

Ho Chi Minh City
4/5

Ho Chi Minh City offers War Remnants Museum, Cu Chi Tunnels, Ben Thanh Market

Food & Dining

Hanoi
4/5

Hanoi is famous for its local dining scene

Ho Chi Minh City
4/5

Ho Chi Minh City is famous for its local dining scene

Nightlife

Hanoi
3/5

Hanoi offers a relaxed evening atmosphere

Ho Chi Minh City
5/5

Ho Chi Minh City has legendary nightlife

Best Time to Visit

Hanoi
4/5

October to December, March to April

Ho Chi Minh City
4/5

December to April

Weather

Hanoi
4/5

Summer: 33°C, Winter: 17°C

Ho Chi Minh City
4/5

Summer: 34°C, Winter: 27°C

Top Attractions in Hanoi

  • 1Old Quarter
  • 2Hoan Kiem Lake
  • 3Temple of Literature
  • 4Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
  • 5Water Puppet Theatre
  • 6Ha Long Bay Day Trip

Top Attractions in Ho Chi Minh City

  • 1War Remnants Museum
  • 2Cu Chi Tunnels
  • 3Ben Thanh Market
  • 4Notre-Dame Cathedral
  • 5Bui Vien Walking Street
  • 6Mekong Delta Day Trip

Hanoi is Popular With

backpackers
foodies
budget travelers
culture lovers

Ho Chi Minh City is Popular With

backpackers
foodies
history buffs
budget travelers

Our Verdict

Both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are incredible destinations. Hanoi excels in pho and street food, while Ho Chi Minh City stands out for street food and war history.

Best destination for:

nightlife

Ho Chi Minh City

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