Comparison · Ho Chi Minh City vs Manila · Vietnam / Philippines
Ho Chi Minh City vs Manila
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Quick answer
Choose Ho Chi Minh City for War Remnants Museum, Independence Palace and lower day-to-day costs; choose Manila for Intramuros and San Agustin Church. Ho Chi Minh City is generally less expensive, and the two are about 1,606 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 1,606 km
- Less expensive
- Ho Chi Minh City
- Best time for Ho Chi Minh City
- December–March
- Best time for Manila
- December–March
Side by side
| Ho Chi Minh City | Manila | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Vietnam | Philippines |
| Known for | War Remnants Museum, Independence Palace and Bến Thành Market | Intramuros, San Agustin Church and Manila Bay sunsets |
| Best time to visit | December–March | December–March |
| Ideal stay | 4 days | 3 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $60–$130 | $80–$160 |
| Cost level | Very affordable | Affordable |
| Warmest month | April, 35°C (95°F) | April, 34°C (93°F) |
| Coldest month | September, 31°C (88°F) | January, 30°C (86°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 9 | 11 |
| Day trips in our guide | 6 | 6 |
| Beaches | — | — |
| Airports | SGN | MNL, CRK |
Which one is right for you?
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…
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Choose Manila for…
Intramuros and San Agustin Church. Manila is the historic core of Metro Manila, a capital region of more than 13 million people on Manila Bay. Its walled Spanish city, Intramuros, holds Fort Santiago and the UNESCO-listed San Agustin Church, while the National Museum complex beside Rizal Park…
Top sights compared
| # | Ho Chi Minh City | Manila |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | War Remnants Museum | Intramuros |
| 2 | Independence Palace | Fort Santiago |
| 3 | Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon | San Agustin Church |
| 4 | Saigon Central Post Office | Manila Cathedral |
| 5 | Bến Thành Market | Casa Manila |
Food compared
| Ho Chi Minh City | Manila |
|---|---|
| Broken rice | Adobo |
| Bánh mì | Sinigang |
| Southern phở | Lechon |
| Hủ tiếu Nam Vang | Sisig |
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 $80–$160 in Manila (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Ho Chi Minh City on a budget.
Can you visit both?
They are about 1,606 km apart, so combining them means a flight. With 8 days or more it works; otherwise pick one.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Ho Chi Minh City or Manila cheaper?
Ho Chi Minh City is usually less expensive: about $60–$130 a day mid-range against $80–$160 (estimates).
+Is Ho Chi Minh City or Manila better for a first trip?
Pick Ho Chi Minh City for War Remnants Museum, Independence Palace and lower day-to-day costs, or Manila for Intramuros and San Agustin Church.
+How far is Ho Chi Minh City from Manila?
About 1,606 km in a straight line.