Which is better for tourists, Hanoi or Saigon?

How many days do I need in Saigon?

So, Saigon, huh? Like, how long you need there...totally depends. Seriously.

Okay, okay, if you wanna see the basics, like the War Remnants Museum and maybe the Notre Dame Cathedral (though it's always covered in scaffolding, it feels), 3 days is probably enough. Yeah, three full days. I remember seeing a cool cafe near the post office when I went to visit my aunt's dogs.

But really, if you want to actually get a FEEL for Saigon... more is better. I think, like, to really soak it in? Five days? A week? It's just got this crazy energy, y'know? Plus, you gonna wanna eat all the street food. I'd go now, I bet there are better deals this year in 2024!

Here's why you might want more time:

• Food, food, food: Each district got its own food vibe, man. You HAVE to try banh mi everywhere. The markets? Essential. Don’t miss a pho shop!
• Day trips: Cu Chi Tunnels are, like, a must-do, I think, it is an interesting place, but takes a whole day. Vung Tau? A chill beach town.
• Getting lost: Honestly, just wandering the streets is, like, the best part. You find the coolest little shops and see stuff you’d never plan on. And I bet you find great stuff like I did in 2024.
• Relaxing: It's HOT. You need downtime. Coffee shops are the way to go, and it's nice to people watch.
• Shopping: Ben Thanh Market is touristy, yes, but you can haggle! And there are other markets, too.

Seriously, it’s better to have too much time than too little, ya know? You can always hop on a bus to somewhere else. Like my cousin who left in 2018 and went somewhere cool, probably Danang.

How many days should I spend in Saigon?

Okay, Ho Chi Minh City… Saigon! Three days? Two nights? That's plenty. Listen, I went last year. August, maybe? Hot, sticky.

I stayed near Ben Thanh Market. Total tourist trap, but you gotta see it. Two nights was enough for me.

First day, temple visits. So many temples. Then, pho. The real pho, not the stuff back home. Yum!

Felt kinda overwhelming, all the scooters. But fun. Saigon is chaos.

Second day, Mekong Delta tour. Ugh, so touristy. But the coconut candy? Worth it!

I think two nights, three days, totally enough. Unless you want to like, really dig in.

• Ben Thanh Market area is a good base: Central, lots happening.

• Pho: Eat all the pho. Seriously.

• Mekong Delta: One-day tour is plenty. Prepare for tourists tho.

• Scooters: They're everywhere! Cross the street at your own risk, haha.

• Weather: Hot, hot, hot. Pack accordingly. Also, lots of random rain in August. Be careful.

How long should I stay in Saigon?

Saigon… a whisper of time, a swirling tapestry. Three days? A mere blink. Insufficient. Absolutely insufficient.

The scent of pho, thick and clinging, a memory before even the first sunrise. The pulse of the city, relentless, a heartbeat against your own. Three days… you’ll scratch the surface. A fleeting glimpse.

Seven days, maybe. Even that feels too brief. To truly absorb the vibrant chaos, the relentless energy.

• The markets—a sensory overload, vibrant silks and spices. The colours… unforgettable.

• The pagodas, ancient and serene, offering solace amidst the urban clamor. Each one, a story untold.

• The street food, explosions of flavour. The banh mi, the fresh spring rolls… divine.

Ten days would be better. To lose yourself in the maze of alleyways, to discover hidden gems. To feel Saigon seep into your soul.

My own journey? It felt like forever. It felt too short. The cyclo ride, the sunset over the river. It’s all layered, like lacquer.

Twenty days? Impossible. Everything calls to you. Time bends in Saigon.

Three days? A cruel jest. A cruel joke. Go for longer. Much, much longer.

Which is better, Hanoi or Saigon?

Hanoi or Saigon? Oh, the eternal pho-losophical question! Choosing is like picking a favorite child. (Don't tell my cat, Mr. Fluffernutter, but he IS.)

Saigon, ahem, Ho Chi Minh City now, it's pure adrenaline, a caffeinated gecko on a hot tin roof. Skyscrapers elbow ancient pagodas. It's the future, baby. Think Blade Runner meets a bánh mì stand.

Hanoi is different. History clings to its áo dài like humidity in July. Ancient temples whisper secrets, and the Old Quarter? Utter chaos in the best possible way. Picture a turtle race through a museum.

• Saigon: High-octane, modern, slightly manic.
• Hanoi: Ancient, charmingly chaotic, profoundly…Hanoi.
• Seriously, just visit both. Your tastebuds (and sanity) will thank you.

I mean, is liking one better than the other even possible? I can't choose, okay? It's like asking me to pick between chocolate and...more chocolate.

Beyond the Obvious (aka, Stuff You Should Totally Know):

• Food fight! Seriously, each city boasts its own culinary specialties. In Hanoi, try bun cha and pho. In Saigon, dive into banh mi and com tam.
• Weather woes: Hanoi has seasons, including a somewhat chilly winter (think "mildly grumpy"). Saigon is basically summer all the time, with occasional monsoons (think "free shower!").
• Cost of living: Both cities are relatively affordable, but Saigon is generally considered slightly pricier. (Blame those fancy rooftop bars.)
• Getting around: Motorbikes are king (or queen?) in both cities. Consider using ride-hailing apps or hiring a driver if you prefer to keep your limbs intact. I would.

How many days are ideal for Vietnam?

Vietnam in 7-10 days? Seriously? That's like speed-dating a country. It works, kinda. Hanoi, Saigon, Ha Long Bay... it's the highlight reel.

Two weeks? Now we're talking! You might actually learn to say "hello" in Vietnamese... almost. Still feels rushed, tbh.

• 7-10 Days: Vietnam's greatest hits. Think "best of" album instead of a deep dive. You'll snap photos, eat pho, and vaguely recall temples later. It's the "I saw Vietnam" Starter Pack.

• 14 Days: Okay, NOW we explore. Maybe stumble upon a hidden gem or two. Might even learn that banh mi is more than just a sandwich. (Spoiler: It is.)

Honestly, even a month feels too short. Vietnam's like a layered cake... a delicious layered cake.

I once spent three weeks just trying to find the perfect ca phe sua da (iced coffee). Failed miserably, but hey, memories, right? Oh man.