Is Hoi An cheaper than Ho Chi Minh?

Where to spend more time, Hanoi or Hoi An?

Hanoi. Pulses. A city breathing. Three days at least. Lost in the Old Quarter. Motorbikes a blur. A symphony of horns. Echoes. History heavy. The Hoa Lo Prison. A weight. Then, Ha Long Bay. Jade water. Junks drifting. Time stretches. Endless. Museums whisper stories. Art. Culture. Layers.

Hoi An. Two days. Tailored silk. Lanterns glow. Ancient town. Charming. A postcard. But Hanoi… Hanoi stays with you. The street food sizzle. Hot, fragrant pho. Strong coffee. A rush. The Temple of Literature. Quiet. Contemplative. Hanoi. More time. Always more time.

• Hanoi: Minimum 3 days

  • Museums (Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, Hoa Lo Prison)
  • Historical sites (Temple of Literature, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum)
  • Ha Long Bay excursions
  • Street food tours
  • Old Quarter exploration

• Hoi An: 2 days

  • Ancient Town
  • Tailored clothing
  • Beaches
  • My Son Sanctuary (day trip)
  • Lantern making workshops

Which city is more expensive Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh?

Saigon (that’s HCMC, y’know) burns a bigger hole in your pocket than Hanoi. Like, way bigger. Think designer shoes versus those knock-off sandals you haggled for at Ben Thanh Market. Hanoi? You can live like royalty on a pauper’s budget. Saigon? Royalty is your budget.

• Accommodation: Saigon’s rent? Ouch. Think twice about that fancy apartment in District 1. Hanoi has sweet deals. My friend found a place overlooking a lake for the price of a bowl of pho in Saigon. No joke.
• Imported Goodies: Forget that Swiss cheese in Saigon unless you’re Rockefeller. Hanoi? Eh, little cheaper, but still pricey. Best stick to the local stuff. Delicious and affordable. I once bought a whole durian in Hanoi for, like, five bucks. Try that in Saigon.
• Expats: Saigon’s crawling with ‘em. Drives prices sky-high. Hanoi has a few, but they’re more…dispersed. Like dandelion seeds in the wind. Expats, man. They like their fancy coffee. My Saigon coffee habit cost me more than my rent in Hanoi one month.

It ain’t a huge difference, mind you. But it’s there. Saigon is the Gucci bag. Hanoi is the…reusable shopping bag. Both have their charms. Just depends how much you wanna spend. Me? I’m heading back to Hanoi for some street food. My wallet thanks me.

How many days in Hanoi is enough?

Three days in Hanoi? Absolutely, that’s a sweet spot. Enough to sink your teeth into the city’s soul, without getting completely lost in the delightful chaos.

Think of it as a primer, a tantalizing glimpse.

• Historical exploration: Hoan Kiem Lake, the Old Quarter. Immerse yourself in the frenetic energy.
• Culinary adventures: Street food. Pho. Banh Mi. Enough said! Food is such a journey isn’t it.
• Museum hopping: Temple of Literature, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. A brush with history!

It’s a solid starting point for experiencing Hanoi’s unique charm. Of course, a week would be better, but 3 days, yep, doable. A satisfying taste of Vietnam’s capital. Like a perfect espresso shot; strong, memorable, and leaving you wanting more. I wanna go back now, seriously.

Which part of Vietnam is safest?

Okay, safest part of Vietnam? Hmmm.

Central Vietnam, yeah, that sounds right. Da Nang and Hoi An. I went to Hoi An last year. Prettiest lanterns ever!

• Less crime there, I guess.
• Fewer typhoons? Wait, are typhoons even a thing there? I saw something on TV, maybe.

It felt safe in Hoi An, you know? Nobody bothered me. I left my bag for like, two seconds, and it was still there.

• Still, gotta watch out for pickpockets anywhere, right? Like, everywhere? Espeshally crowded places like the markets.
• Also, motorbike accidents are supposed to be common. Ugh. Saw a bad one in Thailand.

Central Vietnam. Safest. Got it. Done.

But wait… is anywhere truly “safe”?

• Common sense, Mom always says. Lock your doors. Don’t walk alone at night, you know. The usual.

Da Nang is really safe, or at least safer. It has more modern infrastructure. Hoi An is more…chill. Slower pace. Kinda touristy, though.

Okay, so Central Vietnam, generally safer. But ALWAYS be careful. Like, duh.

Is food better in Hanoi or Saigon?

Hanoi. Better food. Simply.

Phở, bún chả, bánh cuốn. Northern roots run deep.

Old Quarter? Avoid. Locals know best. Fifty years? Minimum.

• Hanoi’s Culinary Edge: Northern Vietnam is the cradle of numerous iconic dishes. Think geographical and historical influence.
• Phở’s Genesis: Hanoi. That’s its home. The soul of phở resides there. Flavor profile is key. No contest.
• Bún chả’s Nuances: Grilled pork and noodles. Simple, but execution matters. Hanoi nails it.
• Bánh cuốn’s Delicacy: Steamed rice rolls. Light, refined. A Hanoian specialty. Light.
• Local Haunts Matter: Tourist traps? No. Seek authenticity. Follow the crowds of locals. Trust me. You’ll thank me later.
• Time as an Ingredient: Fifty years or more. That’s experience. That’s tradition. That’s flavor.
• Saigon’s Strengths: While Hanoi excels in traditional northern dishes, Saigon shines in other areas. Seafood, for example. Also, Southern-style phở has a different, sweeter taste. Depends on your preference, tbh.
• Personal Note: I ate some crazy good bún chả off the side of the road in Hanoi last year. Never forget. Worth the trip, honestly. Street food rules! I will return. Someday.
• Philosophical Snippet: Taste is subjective, sure. But some things are just objectively better. Jk, maybe.

Is Ho Chi Minh City expensive for tourists?

Ho Chi Minh City? Affordable.

Budget travel thrives there. Food’s cheap. Street food’s a goldmine. My last trip? 2023. Spent less than expected.

• Excellent street food. Under $5 a meal, easily.
• Decent hotels? Abundant. $25-$50 a night is common.
• Transportation. Motorbikes. Bargaining is key.

Luxury exists, of course. But unnecessary. The city itself? A spectacle. Cheap thrills. A cultural collision.

Avoid tourist traps. Venture off the beaten path. Local markets yield better prices, better experiences. A simple truth. Life’s too short for overspending. Experience matters more than luxury. Know this.

Remember: Perspective dictates price.

Can I wear shorts in Hanoi, Vietnam?

Hanoi shorts? Possible. Expect stares.

Locals rarely wear them. Cultural norms.

My experience: Loose pants. Better. More comfortable in the heat. Less conspicuous.

Practical considerations:

• Sun protection.
• Respect for local customs.
• Comfort trumps fashion.

Personal preference overrides all. Your choice. But understand the context. It’s a cultural thing, not a rule. Think of it this way: Would you wear a swimsuit to a funeral? Same concept.

2024 Update: This remains true.