Ho Chi Minh City or Hoi An: Which one matches your style?

Contents

1. Ho Chi Minh City or Hoi An: Key highlights for comparison

1.1. Location & accessibility

Among the top Vietnam cities, Ho Chi Minh City is located in Southern Vietnam and stands out as the country’s largest urban center. It is home to Tan Son Nhat International Airport, the busiest airport in Ho Chi Minh City, making it one of the most accessible destinations for Vietnam travel.

Hoi An, by contrast, is a smaller city in Quang Nam, Central Vietnam. Although it lacks its own airport or train station, it is conveniently located just 30 km away from Da Nang, which is home to Da Nang International Airport – one of the major Vietnam airports. The short journey from Da Nang to Hoi An ensures that Hoi An remains an accessible gem in Vietnam.

Ho Chi Minh City is a fast-paced hub of life in Southern Vietnam (Source: Collected)

1.2. Weather & best time to visit

When deciding between Ho Chi Minh City or Hoi An, weather can play a key role in shaping your experience. Saigon weather is hot and humid year-round, with a dry season from December to April. The best time to visit Ho Chi Minh City is during this dry window for clearer skies. Meanwhile, Hoi An weather features a more distinct climate, with a dry season from February to August. From March to May offers the best conditions to explore the ancient town and beaches.

Hoi An enchants with timeless charm in Central Vietnam (Source: Collected)

1.3. Culture & lifestyle

When comparing Ho Chi Minh City or Hoi An, the contrast in culture and lifestyle is striking and offers travelers two very different sides of Vietnamese culture. Ho Chi Minh City represents the modern face of Vietnam. Here, Vietnamese people are known for their energy, openness, and entrepreneurial spirit. The lifestyle in this metropolis is dynamic, modern, and highly social, reflecting the pace of a globalized city that never sleeps.

Hoi An feels like a different era. Life moves slower here, steeped in tradition and creativity. From handcraft workshops to family-run cafes, the town embraces simplicity and artistry. Vietnamese people in Hoi An are known for their warmth, hospitality, and strong connection to local heritage. The atmosphere is calm, reflective, and deeply rooted in the rhythms of the past, offering a more meditative and culturally immersive experience.

1.4. Attractions & activities

When it comes to things to do, Ho Chi Minh City or Hoi An each brings something unique to the table. In Ho Chi Minh City, the attractions are as vibrant and diverse as the city itself. Highlights include Ben Thanh Market, Saigon Central Post Office, Ho Chi Minh City Opera House, Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon, Cu Chi Tunnels, Tan Dinh Church, Independence Palace, War Remnants Museum, Jade Emperor Pagoda, Thien Hau Pagoda, and then some. Families should visit Grand Park in Thu Duc City, a recently-opened massive entertainment complex. This eco-friendly park features water zones, adventure playgrounds, and shopping malls.

Grand Park offers a vast green space that blends nature with modern amenities

Book tickets to Grand Park

Meanwhile, Hoi An invites you to step into another time. Hoi An Ancient Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with lantern-lit streets, old houses, and beautifully preserved buildings like the Japanese Bridge, Cantonese Assembly Hall, Tan Ky Old House, and Hoi An Market. An Bang Beach offers a peaceful coastal retreat, while the palm-lined canals of Hoi An Coconut Village brings a coconut boat ride in Hoi An. Culture explorers can visit the Cham Islands, Thanh Ha Pottery Village, Tra Que Vegetable Village, My Son Sanctuary, Hoi An Silk Village, or simply unwind in one of the many charming Hoi An cafes that line the riverside.

For all-in-one fun, head to VinWonders Nam Hoi An, a large-scale amusement park. VinWonders Nam Hoi An combines thrilling games and mesmerizing shows that bring Vietnamese history to life. It is a fantastic place for families and anyone looking to enjoy a mix of entertainment and heritage in one place.

VinWonders Nam Hoi An brings Vietnamese heritage and entertainment together

Book VinWonders Nam Hoi An ticket now

1.5. Nightlife

Ho Chi Minh City or Hoi An offers two distinct experiences at night. Nightlife in Ho Chi Minh City is energetic and nonstop, with hotspots like Nguyen Hue Street, Bui Vien Street, and Turtle Lake buzzing well into the early hours. For a more scenic night out, Bach Dang Wharf and Ho Thi Ky Food Street offer riverside views and street eats under the city lights.

In contrast, Hoi An’s nightlife is slower and more atmospheric. As the sun sets, the town transforms into a glowing canvas of colors with the famous Hoi An lantern lighting up the streets. Taking a Hoi An lantern boat ride along the peaceful Hoai River is a magical experience, perfect for couples or quiet explorers. The charm continues at Hoi An night markets, where handcrafted goods and local snacks create an intimate, nostalgic vibe.

Hoi An glows at night with lanterns (Source: Collected)

1.6. Cuisine

Ho Chi Minh City food is a dream for street food lovers, with dishes like pho Saigon, banh mi Saigon, Vietnamese broken rice, and more. You will also find countless cafes in Saigon serving everything from Vietnamese coffee to modern fusions. The variety of street food in Ho Chi Minh City reflects the city’s cultural blend.

In Hoi An, it is all about heritage flavors shaped by centuries of cultural exchange. The rich history has made Hoi An’s cuisine incredibly diverse, blending local ingredients with global influences. The best food in Hoi An includes mi Quang, cao lau, white rose dumplings, Hoi An chicken rice, and Hoi An pancake. Fresh vegetables, especially greens from the famous Tra Que Vegetable Village, are essential in daily meals and contribute to the balanced flavors that define Hoi An’s culinary identity.

1.7. Shopping

When it comes to retail therapy, Ho Chi Minh City or Hoi An each offer a distinctive experience. Shopping in Ho Chi Minh City means navigating between high-end malls, trendy boutiques, and bustling markets like Ben Thanh Market, where you can find everything from fashion items to food and souvenirs. In contrast, shopping in Hoi An is more artisanal. The town is famous for custom tailoring, handmade lanterns, and pottery. Every purchase feels personal, with many shops run by local craftsmen.

Shopping in Ho Chi Minh City (Source: Collected)

1.8. Transportation

When it comes to getting around, Ho Chi Minh City or Hoi An present very different transportation styles. Ho Chi Minh City offers a wide range of options, including taxi, bus, Saigon water bus, and an expanding Ho Chi Minh City metro that helps visitors navigate its bustling streets with ease. The city’s dense layout and urban infrastructure make it convenient for travelers who prefer mobility.

Hoi An, on the other hand, keeps things simpler and more relaxed. The Ancient Town is best explored on foot, by bicycle, or by cyclo, allowing travelers to fully soak in its charm. For longer distances or day trips, motorbike taxis and car taxis are readily available, offering convenient access to nearby attractions.

1.9. Accommodation

Visiting Ho Chi Minh City or Hoi An, travelers have a wide range of accommodation options. In Ho Chi Minh City, hotels span from luxury to affordable, mostly located in central areas like District 1 or District 3 for convenient access. Hoi An offers a more relaxed vibe, with homestays and resorts that bring visitors closer to nature and culture, especially around the ancient town or along the coast. For those seeking a high-end getaway, Vinpearl Resort & Golf Nam Hoi An at Binh Minh Beach stands out with its upscale facilities and a full range of amenities.

Enjoy complete relaxation at Vinpearl Resort & Golf Nam Hoi An

Book rooms in Vinpearl Resort & Golf Nam Hoi An

1.10. Travel expenses

While the travel expenses in Hoi An vs Ho Chi Minh City vary depending on your itinerary, both destinations offer great value for money. In Ho Chi Minh City, you might spend a bit more on transportation due to the city’s size and pace. However, dining and shopping remain very budget-friendly – with most street food meals costing under 50,000 VND. Meanwhile, Hoi An is known for its affordability across the board. Renting a bicycle costs around 30,000 VND per day. The entrance fee to the Ancient Town is just 120,000 VND, which covers visits to multiple heritage sites.

For a short getaway, a 2-day-1-night trip to Ho Chi Minh City typically costs around 2,000,000 VND, while a trip with similar length to Hoi An costs around 1,800,000 VND. Actual costs may fluctuate based on your preferred mode of transportation, type of lodging, dining habits, and how much you shop.

2. Who should choose Ho Chi Minh City?

If you are drawn to vibrant city life, rich food culture, and a mix of old and new, Ho Chi Minh City is the place for you. Between the bustling streets and modern cafes, it offers nonstop energy and convenience. The city wins for anyone craving the buzz of a modern urban adventure.

Ho Chi Minh City is where chaos and charm collide beautifully (Source: Collected)

Check out how many days in Ho Chi Minh City are perfect for a trip! 

3. Who should choose Hoi An?

Hoi An is ideal for travelers seeking peaceful charm and timeless beauty. With its lantern-lit streets, old houses, and slow pace of life, it is perfect for couples, families, and anyone who appreciates culture. Whether you are joining a cooking class, trying your hand at lantern-making, or simply soaking in the atmosphere, Hoi An is the answer for those craving a quiet escape rooted in tradition.

The peaceful charm of Hoi An is perfect for couples (Source: Collected)

Check out: Hoi An itinerary: Top attractions, dining, and plans for 1-5 days

Ho Chi Minh City or Hoi An? There is no wrong choice. The decision comes down to your travel style. If urban energy and convenience are what you seek, go with Saigon. If you want a slower escape, Hoi An is your match. Whether it is Saigon vs Hoi An, both promise unforgettable memories.