Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh: Which City in Vietnam Should You See First?

There’s no debate about whether or not you should explore Vietnam. After all, the list of things this country has to offer is (quite possibly) endless; from fascinating cultural attractions and natural wonders, to amazing food and overall affordability. What is a subject of much travel debate, however, is where to go first: Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City?

The former serves as the capital, while the latter is the largest city in the country. Deciding which city in Vietnam to visit first (especially if it’s your first time!) will depend on your personal taste, of course. That said, read on for our comparisons per category to help you make the right choice!

1. Must-see attractions

As with any other destination, the top attractions and landmarks are definitely an important factor! So, which one has more of these: Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City? Well, it’s quite hard to compare, given the stark contrast. Hanoi attractions are more on ancient structures and natural landscapes, whereas most of the ones in Ho Chi Minh delve into the country’s colonial past.

Hanoi

The Vietnamese capital is teeming with Buddhist shrines and picturesque lakes. There’s the millennia-old Imperial Citadel of Thang Long and the grand Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. As for religion/spirituality, there’s the Temple of Literature, One Pillar Pagoda, and Tran Quoc Pagoda. (Just make sure to dress accordingly when visiting these sites!) Meanwhile, legend has it that Hoan Kiem Lake is where a giant turtle reclaimed a magical sword from Emperor Le Loi! 

Ho Chi Minh City

Down south in HCMC (otherwise called Saigon), you’ll find more museums and European-esque structures. A must-visit is the War Remnants Museum, which mainly focuses on the tragic Vietnam War. For more insight on Vietnamese history, there’s the Reunification Palace, Ho Chi Minh City Museum, and Museum of Vietnamese History. For a dose of French architecture, don’t miss the Saigon Opera House and the Saigon City Hall, as well as the neighbouring Saigon Central Post Office and Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica. 

2. Culture

Apart from must-visit spots, we’ll also take a look at the local culture and lifestyle. Hanoi has managed to remain loyal to its original roots — save for some Chinese influences here and there. On the other hand, Ho Chi Minh City has always embraced the foreign, from French culture to rapid Western urbanisation. 

Hanoi

Sure, there’s a handful of colonial villas and mansions in Hanoi’s French Quarter. And yet this city boasts of well-preserved culture and traditions, as seen in the Old Town Quarter. You’ll also notice this in the abundance of homegrown brands and establishments around. And finally, this is where you’ll find most of the country’s oldest universities. This city is, after all, the political and cultural capital of Vietnam! 

Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City is somewhat the polar opposite, with its reputation as an emerging megacity. One look at impressive skyscrapers like Landmark 81 and Bitexco Financial Tower, and you’ll see why! Apart from that, it’s got quite the burgeoning art scene. So, you might want to visit a contemporary exhibit or purchase a local artisan’s work while you’re there. 

3. Food and dining

Let’s be real — you can’t talk about travelling to a city in Vietnam without talking about the food. Welcome to the Land of Pho and Banh Mi, folks! And like in every other city, the local culture clearly manifests itself in the food. In short: gastronomy. 

Hanoi

If there’s one thing we love equally about Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, though, it’s the vast selection of mouth-watering dishes! In Hanoi, street food is king (just ask Obama and Bourdain); from roadside stalls to hole-in-the-wall eateries in narrow alleyways. You’ll also find lots of homegrown restaurants, most of which have belonged to the same family for decades! 

Ho Chi Minh City

But if you prefer more variety, then HCMC is your best bet. Apart from street food and authentic French-Vietnamese dishes, there are also a lot of options for international cuisine; from cosy brunch spots and expat-owned bistros to fine-dining restos. No wonder it’s dubbed the food capital of Vietnam! Oh, and it’s also the birthplace of banh mi; on the other hand, pho and goi cuon hail from good ol’ Hanoi.

4. Coffee scene

Of course, the coffee in Vietnam deserves its own criterion! And while it was the French who introduced coffee to this country, the Vietnamese definitely perfected it. That said, grabbing a cuppa is a great way to refuel while exploring. But for true-blue aficionados, you might want to spend a whole day sampling the best coffee around the city! 

Expect coffee concoctions that are as imaginative as they are potent. Aside from ca phe sua nong (classic Vietnamese coffee) and ca phe sua da (Vietnamese iced coffee), the yoghurt coffee, egg coffee, and coffee with coconut milk are also a must-try. 

Ho Chi Minh City

Between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, the latter has quite the cafe culture — as learned from the French — with an eclectic mix of stylish coffee spots. Don’t miss out on The Cafe Apartments: a nine-storey building that houses numerous cafes and boutiques. 

Hanoi

In Hanoi, there’s Café Giang: home of the OG egg coffee! Its founder Nguyen Van Giang came up with the drink back when there was a milk shortage during the war. Also, while HCMC has the wider selection, Hanoi has a cooler climate  that’s more apt for cafe-hopping (more on that later) — your call!

Also read: The Beginner’s Guide to Vietnamese Coffee

5. Climate

If it’s your first time or you have yet to visit both cities, you might be surprised by the stark contrast of the climate in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. After all, Vietnam is quite spread out, so the climate varies a lot in each region! 

Ho Chi Minh City

While Vietnam is generally known for having a hot, tropical climate, this is more applicable to Ho Chi Minh City! Located on the southern tip, it rotates between wet and dry seasons. (So, if you’re from cities like Singapore and Manila, then this is all too familiar!) That said, it’s best to visit during the drier months of December to March. 

Hanoi

Hanoi, on the other hand, has all four seasons! It can get especially cold during winter — yep, single-digit temperatures included. (Though, if you want to experience actual snow, you’ll have to go to nearby mountain areas!) If you prefer moderate seasons — i.e., spring and fall — then head over between February and April, or September and November! 

Also read: 18 Cold Places in Southeast Asia for Your Next Getaway

6. Day trips

Any traveller would know that, more often than not, exploring a city is not enough; the outskirts are just as exciting (if not more)! That said, whether you’re heading to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City first, venturing into the great outdoors is a must

Hanoi

As mentioned, Hanoi is an ideal winter destination in Southeast Asia. For actual snow, head over to the town of Sapa and bask in a unique winter wonderland of terraced rice fields! There’s also the nearby Ba Vi National Park, which features a lush scenery of forests, temples, and hills. Another nearby attraction is Hoa Lu: the Ancient Capital of Vietnam during the 10th and 11th centuries. And of course, you can’t miss the famous and ever-breathtaking Ha Long Bay (pictured above)! 

Ho Chi Minh City

When it comes to day trips in and near Ho Chi Minh City, the most popular would be the historic Cu Chi Tunnels: an elaborate network of tunnels that helped the Vietnamese win against both French and American forces. Further south lies the Mekong Delta (pictured above), where you can rent a long-tail boat to see floating markets and local villages amidst lush waterscapes! Looking for a beach getaway? Vung Tau is your best bet for a fun, sun-soaked time. Don’t forget to indulge in fresh seafood while you’re at it! 

7. Shopping and nightlife

There’s nothing like shopping and experiencing the local nightlife to make you feel young and alive — especially while travelling. Hey, age is just a number, right? 

Ho Chi Minh City

In between Ho Chi Minh attractions, make sure to drop by some of the shopping spots. If you’re all about “the more, the merrier” when it comes to options, then you’ve come to the right city in Vietnam! Go to: Ben Thanh Market for countless, interesting souvenirs; Dong Khoi Street (pictured above) for indie boutiques and art galleries; Saigon Square for affordable retail finds; and Vincom Center for all things luxe. End your day with a drink or two at a rooftop bar in District 1… or party the night away on Bui Vien Street.

Hanoi

Up north in Hanoi, the shopping experience is more on the laidback side. Nonetheless, you’ll definitely enjoy going through the Old Quarter (pictured above), with its rows of vibrant shophouses. Each street specialises in particular products — like silk, shoes, silverware, and so on. After a long day of shopping and visiting Hanoi attractions, unwind with some craft beer at Legend Beer Hanoi. Though, if you prefer your beer to cost lower than US$1, then Bia Hoi Junction is your best bet! 

8. Budget

While Vietnam is generally known for being an affordable destination, you’re probably wondering which is cheaper for tourists: Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City? While both are budget-friendly cities, Hanoi is slightly more affordable. 

The difference between these two is not really that huge, but if you’re deciding on where to stay longer, then Hanoi would more likely be easier on your wallet. It will also depend on where you choose to stay; both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh have their fair mix of high-end, mid-range, and budget accommodations. 

Note: The prices reflected below are updated as of 20 Jul 2023.

Hanoi

The average daily budget per person in Hanoi is ₫716,830 (~S$40.16). This includes transportation, food and drinks, and other activities like entertainment and sightseeing. Below is the cost breakdown:

• Transportation: ₫172,600 (~S$9.67)
• Food & drinks: ₫331,200 (~S$18.55)
• Other activities: ₫213,030 (~S$11.93)

Ho Chi Minh City

In HCMC, the average daily budget per person is ₫1,241,860 (~S$69.57). This includes transportation, food and drinks, and other tourist activities. Below is the cost breakdown:

• Transportation: ₫381,800 (~S$21.39)
• Food & drinks: ₫355,930 (~S$19.94)
• Other activities: ₫504,130 (~S$28.24)

9. Multi-country travel

Since Vietnam is in continental Asia, it’s not uncommon for travellers to travel by land to another country right after! Hey, if you have the time and resources to hit two (or three) birds with one stone, then why not? 

Hanoi

So, if you’re planning a multi-country trip, then you’ll definitely have to consider which city in Vietnam is closer to your preferred next destination. For Hanoi, that would be Laos and China. However, for the latter, the travel convenience will likely depend on  how much “powers” your passport has. But hey, if you’d like to venture beyond Southeast Asia, then go for it! 

Ho Chi Minh City

Meanwhile, HCMC makes for a good starting point for an Indochina trip. From there, you can take a six-hour bus ride to Cambodia — which isn’t so bad, considering that you’re headed to another country! Then, after a few days, make a beeline for Thailand. And if three countries still aren’t enough (okay, we gotta admire your energy), then take your pick between Myanmar and Malaysia for your last stop. 

Also read: Portugal to Vietnam by Train: An Easy Guide to The World’s Longest Land Journey

The TZ verdict

In case you haven’t noticed, we didn’t exactly keep score on which city in Vietnam ‘won’ for each category. That’s because at the end of the day, it honestly depends on your travel preferences. But anyway, let’s sum it all up, shall we? 

So, Hanoi is ideal for travellers who want something traditional and laidback with some cultural exposure in between. Oh, and also those who prefer a cooler (climate-wise) side of Southeast Asia for a change! Meanwhile, Ho Chi Minh City is best for those who love an ever-buzzing metropolis with a fancy dash of European influence. If you enjoy urban-centric travel, then this should be your first stop in Vietnam! 

Also read: What to Expect When Travelling to Vietnam: Expectations vs Reality

The TZ Verdict on Hanoi vs Ho Chi Minh

So, which is better: Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City? As you might have noticed, we didn’t exactly keep score on which city in Vietnam “won” for each category. That’s because, at the end of the day, it honestly depends on your travel preferences. But anyway, let’s sum it all up, shall we? 

Hanoi is ideal for travellers who want something traditional and laid-back with some cultural exposure in between. Oh, and also those who prefer a cooler (climate-wise) side of Southeast Asia for a change! Meanwhile, Ho Chi Minh City is better for those who love an ever-buzzing metropolis with a fancy dash of European influence. If you enjoy urban-centric travel, then this should be your first stop in Vietnam! 

Also read: 12 Tropical Airbnbs in Asia to Experience the Best of Island Life

So, have you decided if it’s Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City that is perfect for you? Or if you’ve been to both cities already — which would you say is better for a first-time traveller with similar preferences as you?

While you’re at it, you might also want to check out cool places you can stay in Hanoi and in Ho Chi Minh City.