Hanoi vs Saigon: Which City is better?
When it concerns which city to visit in Vietnam. Hanoi vs Saigon (or Ho Chi Minh City), is a commonly prominent choice among new visitors. In the beginning glimpse, both cities offer a lot of taking in the sights. As well as purchasing possibilities, eating and nightlife alternatives, as well as hotels, satisfying almost any budget and preference.
Hanoi lies in north Vietnam and also is house to immaculate temples as well as extensive lakes. While Ho Chi Minh City, at the southern end, draws in travelers seeking to discover more regarding Vietnam’s instead bleak current background. Still unsure of which city finest suits your taste. As well as budget? Look at our quick comparison below. Categorized according to dining, lodging, nightlife, and also much more– to make the best holiday option.
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Destinations
Hanoi: More temples & natural landscapes
Vietnam’s resources are teeming with well-preserved Buddhist shrines, beautiful lakes. As well as an Old Quarter filled with ancient ruins, some of which that more than 1,000 years of age. Notable spots consist of the Holy place of Literary Works, Ngoc Son Temple, One Column Pagoda and the Imperial Castle of Thang Long. While there’s a reasonable share of colonial vacation homes and manors within the French Quarter. Hanoi is renowned for its proudly maintained Vietnamese society and also practices.
Ho Chi Minh City: Even more war museums & colonial structures
While Ho Chi Minh City has seen quick urbanization throughout the years. It’s still residence to a lot of colonial buildings, war museums and historical residues of the Vietnam War. Travelers can check out the Central Post Office, Ho Chi Minh Square, War Remnants Museum and Reunification Palace in the city center. While the Chu Chi Tunnels are a 40-minute drive away. Below’s a practical guide on what to do in Ho Chi Minh City.
Hotels
Hanoi: even more boutique-style
Hotels in Hanoi (particularly within the French Quarter) tend to be boutique-style residential. Or commercial properties with initial style principles, personalized solutions as well as a wide variety of centers. While backpackers can discover fairly economical holiday accommodation in the Old Quarter. Hanoi mostly deals with mid-range and also wealthy visitors.
Saigon: even more range
Thanks to its status as Vietnam’s company and financial center. Ho Chi Minh City provides a large range of holiday accommodation choices in the city center. Using very easy accessibility to popular social landmarks and also destinations. District 1 is home to stretching first-class resorts while backpackers can find cost-effective guesthouses along Pham Ngu Lao Road and also Cholon (Chinatown). Take a look at our checklist of 10 Ideal Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City to find that finest matches your traveling dates and also budget.
Dining
Hanoi: even more traditional
Dining-wise, street food reigns in Hanoi as its narrow alleyways host numerous roadside suppliers, regional markets as well as family-owned restaurants. The famous Vietnamese pho (rice noodle soup) stems from Hanoi, where you can enjoy a charitable bowl with lots of fresh eco-friendlies for less than US$ 1. We have actually additionally put together a checklist of the best regional dining establishments and recipes you should try in Hanoi.
Saigon: more varied
Ho Chi Minh City is called the food capital of Vietnam, where travelers can take pleasure in not only authentic French. As well as Vietnamese specials, yet also expat-owned diners serving Japanese, Chinese, Mediterranean, and American fare. From extravagant fine-dining places to casual pizza joints, keep reading for our top picks on where to eat in Ho Chi Minh City.
Nightlife
Hanoi: Even more informal bars
Hanoi is perhaps the city to be in if you’re trying to find inexpensive alcohol as well as chilled out feelings. Come dusk, a part of Hanoi Old Quarter changes right into Bia Hoi Junction, a dynamic nightlife area. Where visitors can take pleasure in neighborhood beers (Bia hoi) for as little as VND 5,000 per glass while unwinding on plastic fetuses.
Saigon: Even more clubs & roof bars
Satisfying much more upmarket clients, several high-rises. And also luxury resorts in Ho Chi Minh City’s Area 1 have rooftop bars and trendy bars that remain open until 03:00 or later. For tourists on a limited spending plan, live songs bars, as well as casual pubs, can be located along the backpacker-friendly Pham Ngu Lao Street.
Shopping
Hanoi: even more markets
Providing an extra authentic buying experience. Hanoi includes busy markets and early American shophouses marketing inventions, local artwork as well as fresh produce. No two roads in the pedestrian-friendly Old Quarter coincide, as each specializes in specific items such as flatware, shoes and also silk products. Check out our guide for the best purchasing in Hanoi.
Saigon: more shopping center
By comparison, Ho Chi Minh City is renowned for its extensive and modern purchasing locations. Such as Vincom Facility, Takashimaya Vietnam and also Parkson Plaza Department Store. Meanwhile, style stores, as well as art galleries, are set along Dong Khoi Street in District 1. Where bespoke products can be bought at a portion of what they cost elsewhere. Purchasing is really among the highlights for travelers in Ho Chi Minh City. So we’ve compiled a handy guide on the best places for retail therapy.
Lifestyle
Hanoi: more traditional
Home to a thriving local Buddhist community, Hanoi stays typical throughout the years. The streets of the Old Quarter still house colonial shophouses, markets, regional dining establishments, and vendors. Along with coffee shops that have actually been offering the locals for generations. Hoan Kiem Lake is where you can experience the local lifestyle, such as the senior practicing Tai Chi and line dancing, individuals strolling their pets as well as couples enjoying the lake’s serene ambiance.
Saigon: even more westernized & urban
Ho Chi Minh City was considerably affected by the American. As well as French society, resulting in quick modernization in the form of deluxe resorts, fashionable shopping malls, enjoyment choices and also sleek high-rise buildings. Nevertheless, visitors can locate plenty of historic landmarks throughout the city. Such as the Reunification Palace, Cao Dai Temple and also Jade Emperor Pagoda.
Web traffic
Vietnam’s website traffic problem is indisputably infamous, particularly in developed cities such as Hanoi as well as Ho Chi Minh City. Although Ho Chi Minh City has more recent and also wider roads than Hanoi. Traffic jams are unavoidable throughout peak hrs, with motorists misusing pathways, pedestrian roads, and narrow alleys to get to their location. As dangerous as it sounds, it’s important not to worry when you’re strolling right into six lanes of thick web traffic. Simply keep a consistent pace, don’t stress as well as you’ll probably be fine.
Verdict
While Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are preferred holiday locations in Vietnam, it’s clear that each city deals with different types of visitors. Hanoi is suitable for those wanting to experience an extra conventional way of living while Ho Chi Minh City’s city landscape is finest matched for deluxe travelers. You can also check out the best of both globes as residential flights between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are readily available on a daily basis. If you’re looking for a more affordable means of getting around, the Reunification Express train is priced between USD50 (for hard seats) and USD90 (for soft berth).
