Ho Chi Minh or Hanoi, Vietnam. Which is better to visit?

If you’re planning a holiday to Vietnam but can’t decide whether to visit Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City (and for how long), then sit back and relax whilst reading our review to give you a better insight.

Both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh are large bustling cities that sprawl as far as the eye can see.

You’ll read summaries that say that Hanoi is the cultural and historical capital of Vietnam, whilst Ho Chi Minh is more of a cavalier party town.

In some respects that is true as Hanoi being the political and cultural capital can be seen to be a little more conservative than Ho Chi Minh, but both cities never sleep so there’s never a dull moment!

HOT TIP – Queues on Arrival at Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi Airports can be horrendous! Skip the queue by purchasing a FAST TRACK pass HERE

In Hanoi, all roads lead to the chaos and excitement that is the Old Quarter!  A densely packed neighbourhood of tight streets with shops and businesses set within one square kilometre just north of the famous Hoan Kiem Lake.

Together with the lake and the surrounding French Quarter, this is the pulse and heartbeat of Hanoi.

Outside of the Old Quarter, the pace and traffic is relentless, but head west and north to find the obvious attractions like Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and Museum complex, where you can also find the One Pillar Pagoda and the Presidential Palace.

Also west you will find the infamous Train St where you can dine millimetres from passenger and freight trains that come through several stretches of track lined with apartment buildings that become cafes and bars to serve fascinated tourists. The government is making moves to close it due to safety concerns but it is definitely an exhilarating experience!

Nearby is the Temple of Literature which as suggested is an ancient temple built to honour Confucious and served as a place for education and enlightment. Set amongst gardens and long ponds, this temple is popular with students praying for luck during exam season.

Also within walking distance is the Maison Central or Hao Lo Prison which you might recognise under the term of the “Hanoi Hilton”, a prison housing captured Americans and southerners where you can imagine the hardships they endured.

North of the Old Quarter and Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, start your journey of Hanoi’s Westlake (Tay Ho) by walking across the bridge and stopping to admire the Tran Quoc Pagoda. Follow the lake along the eastern edge where you will find a whole new world of lakeside apartment living complete with trendy cafes and shops. This is where the well heeled Hanoians live and it is a little respite from the hustle and bustle of the centre.

How about the vibe in Ho Chi Minh City?

In Ho Chi Minh City, all the action is focused on and in District 1 which can be said to be the centre, but it is a much larger area than the Old Quarter in Hanoi. This isn’t really an issue as Grab is really cheap in both cities so getting around is not an issue.

Within this district on the fringe you have Japan Town (the red light district which is buzzing at night with girlie bars, massage parlours and restaurants), then as you walk west you encounter The Post Office/Book Street and Notre Dame.

Beyond that are the harrowing accounts of the war at the War Remnants Museum plus the Indpendence Palace. If you drop down south towards the centre you can find the bustling Ben Thanh Market for some serious haggling plus the Opera House, Nguyen Hue boulevard and the Skydeck at the Bitexco Building.

And nightlife? You have to visit the sights and sounds of Biu Vien walking street as it is something else you won’t forget in a hurry. But everywhere you go the streets are alive at night as people come out after the heat of the day and to relax with friends after work and study.

A day or night cruise is a great way to see the city skyline from the Saigon River. A night cruise with dinner is romantic and a chance to see the spectacular neon skyline which is improving all the time!

Book your river cruise HERE

So which to choose? Pros and Cons for Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City

So which to choose? If you have time we recommend you do both. We did and had a great time.

If you have to pick one then it might rely on several factors:

1. Sights – After seeing what attractions on offer in each city, you might decide one over the other.
2. Weather – HCMC is hot! Hanoi is also hot in summer but more bearable outside summer. However Hanoi has serious smog issues in winter.
3. Day Trips – The main day trips from HCMC are the Chi Chi Tunnels and the Mekong Delta. From Hanoi Ha Long Bay and Ninh Binh are the most popular trips. All are worth the effort but pick a good tour company!
4. Vibe – HCMC is seen as more of a party town with more nightlife but Hanoi is no slouch either. Because the French were based in Hanoi, Hanoi has the more interesting streets with tree lined boulevards and renaissance buildings. HCMC is more modern with apartment buildings and skyscrapers going up fast. The food is amazing in both.

LINKS for the most popular tours/services for you to book:

Airport FAST TRACK to beat the queues

HCMC Sightseeing Bus

Hanoi Sightseeing Bus

HCMC Mekong Day Trip

Hanoi HaLong Bay Day Trip

HCMC Chi Chi Tunnels Day Trip 

Hanoi Ninh Binh Tour

We would say that one is not better than the other, they are just different, like any 2 places should be. If you have any questions about your trip plans send us an email at info@triprovider.com and book your trips and services via our links to help the website out!

HOT TIP – Queues on Arrival at Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi Airports can be horrendous! Skip the queue by purchasing a FAST TRACK pass HERE