Comparison · Bangkok vs Ho Chi Minh City · Thailand / Vietnam
Bangkok vs Ho Chi Minh City
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
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Quick answer
Choose Bangkok for Grand Palace and Street food; choose Ho Chi Minh City for War Remnants Museum, Independence Palace and lower day-to-day costs. Ho Chi Minh City is generally less expensive, and the two are about 751 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 751 km
- Less expensive
- Ho Chi Minh City
- Best time for Bangkok
- November–February
- Best time for Ho Chi Minh City
- December–March
Side by side
| Bangkok | Ho Chi Minh City | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Thailand | Vietnam |
| Known for | Grand Palace, Street food and Buddhist temples | War Remnants Museum, Independence Palace and Bến Thành Market |
| Best time to visit | November–February | December–March |
| Ideal stay | 4 days | 4 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $90–$180 | $60–$130 |
| Cost level | Affordable | Very affordable |
| Warmest month | April, 35°C (95°F) | April, 35°C (95°F) |
| Coldest month | December, 31°C (88°F) | September, 31°C (88°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 7 | 9 |
| Day trips in our guide | 7 | 6 |
| Beaches | — | — |
| Airports | BKK, DMK | SGN |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Bangkok for…
Grand Palace and Street food. Bangkok is a sprawling, humid megacity on the Chao Phraya River where gilded temples, canals and street-food stalls sit beside glass malls and rooftop bars. The old royal island of Rattanakosin holds the Grand Palace and Wat Pho, with Wat Arun across the…
Choose Ho Chi Minh City for…
War Remnants Museum, Independence Palace and lower day-to-day costs. Ho Chi Minh City, still called Saigon by most residents, is Vietnam's largest city and its commercial engine on the Saigon River. Visitors focus on District 1, where the Central Post Office, Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Opera House and Bến Thành Market are a…
Top sights compared
| # | Bangkok | Ho Chi Minh City |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew | War Remnants Museum |
| 2 | Wat Pho | Independence Palace |
| 3 | Wat Arun | Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon |
| 4 | Chatuchak Weekend Market | Saigon Central Post Office |
| 5 | Chao Phraya Express Boat | Bến Thành Market |
Food compared
| Bangkok | Ho Chi Minh City |
|---|---|
| Pad thai | Broken rice |
| Tom yum goong | Bánh mì |
| Som tam | Southern phở |
| Khao man gai | Hủ tiếu Nam Vang |
Which is cheaper?
Ho Chi Minh City is usually the less expensive of the two: a mid-range day costs about $60–$130 per person there, against $90–$180 in Bangkok (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Ho Chi Minh City on a budget.
Can you visit both?
They are about 751 km apart, so combining them means a flight. With 9 days or more it works; otherwise pick one.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Bangkok or Ho Chi Minh City cheaper?
Ho Chi Minh City is usually less expensive: about $60–$130 a day mid-range against $90–$180 (estimates).
+Is Bangkok or Ho Chi Minh City better for a first trip?
Pick Bangkok for Grand Palace and Street food, or Ho Chi Minh City for War Remnants Museum, Independence Palace and lower day-to-day costs.
+How far is Bangkok from Ho Chi Minh City?
About 751 km in a straight line.