Which is bigger, Ho Chi Minh or Da Nang?

What is Vietnams biggest city?

Oh, Ho Chi Minh City, huh? You could say it’s Vietnam’s “big cheese,” population around 9 million in 2024, give or take a motorbike or two.

It’s not just big; it’s like, REALLY big. Think of it as the New York City of Vietnam, only swap the yellow cabs for a sea of scooters.

Here is some extra stuff:

• Economic Hub: HCMC is Vietnam’s financial powerhouse. Think money, think HCMC.

• Former Name: Used to be Saigon, darling. Still got that old-world charm, you know? My grandma still calls it Saigon, lol.

• Coffee Culture: Vietnamese coffee? Forget Starbucks. This stuff’ll make you see sounds. I swear!

• Street Food Paradise: Oh my god, the food. From pho to banh mi, your taste buds will thank you. And so cheap! My wallet cheers.

• Historical Sites: Loads of history here! War Remnants Museum? Brace yourself, it’s intense.

It is the city that never sleeps, probably because of all that strong coffee.

How long is the train from Da Nang to Saigon?

18 hours. Staring at the ceiling. That’s a long time. Da Nang to Saigon. A whole day on a train. Used to take the bus with my mom to visit family in Hue. Never that long. Remember her packing snacks. Sticky rice wrapped in banana leaves. Now I travel alone. Mostly for work. Saigon. Don’t even like it there. Too busy. Too loud. But a job’s a job. Guess I’ll watch the countryside go by. 18 hours… A lifetime.

• Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon): Approx. 18 hours by train.
• Fastest land route.
• Alternatives: Flying (quicker but expensive), bus (cheaper but slower).
• Can bring own food and drinks.
• Scenery changes throughout the journey – coastal views, rice paddies, mountains.
• Overnight train: Can sleep but can be noisy.
• Book tickets in advance, especially during peak season.
• Bring a book. Lots of time to kill.

My last trip was in May 2024. Saw a kid selling mangoes at a stop. Reminded me of… home. Wish I had bought some. Just watched him walk away. Regret that now. Like so many things. Saigon… 18 hours… Maybe I’ll just close my eyes.

Is Ho Chi Minh City the largest city in Vietnam?

Saigon (that’s what everyone actually calls it, right?)—biggest city, yep. Eight, nine million, somethin’ like that. More folks than a clown car convention. Southern Vietnam, obviously. Heart of a mega-city blob, like, twenty million sprawled out. Sixteen million of ’em city slickers, not counting the chickens. Think crowded? Think Tokyo subway at rush hour…multiplied by…lots.

• Ho Chi Minh City: Population pushing nine million. Think ants. Lots of ants. With motorbikes.
• Metropolitan Area: Over twenty million! Like, whoa. Bigger than some countries, I bet.
• Urban Dwellers: Sixteen million. Concrete jungle, baby. Where do they all go to the bathroom?

My cousin Vinh lives there. Swears it’s the best pho on the planet. He also says the traffic’s like swimming through peanut butter…in a kayak…blindfolded.

Bonus tidbit: used to be called Saigon. Still is, kinda. Like calling your grandma Meemaw when her name is Margaret.

Which city is bigger, Ho Chi Minh or Hanoi?

Ho Chi Minh wins. People, at least.

Area? Hanoi dominates. Simple enough.

Culture? Both claim that. Tourist traps either way. What’s culture anyway? Just old buildings and food?

• Population: Ho Chi Minh has more bodies. Think crowded streets.
• Area: Hanoi stretches wider. More rice paddies to pave over.

Ho Chi Minh is the economic engine. Hustle, concrete, dollars.

Hanoi breathes slower. History clinging. The capital, of course.

Is bigger better? Depends on the day. My apartment? Small. Perfect.

• Key Industries (Ho Chi Minh): Finance. Tech. Manufacturing.
• Key Industries (Hanoi): Government. Tourism. Some manufacturing.

Hanoi’s weather sucks. Ho Chi Minh, too hot. Pick your poison.

Is it truly that relevant? Each city evolves. And I, too.

What is the major airport in Vietnam?

Tan Son Nhat International Airport. Ho Chi Minh City. Seven kilometers from the city center. 2023 passenger numbers: High.

• Major hub. Southeast Asia.
• Significant air traffic. Daily.
• My flight last month? Delayed. Irritating.

Vietnam’s primary gateway. Business and tourism. Always busy. Expect crowds. The experience? A necessary evil.
Efficient, though. That’s something.

Location: Convenient, relatively speaking. Taxi ride. Cheap. But traffic…

Note: My uncle lives nearby. He complains constantly. Noise.

Is the Ho Tram worth visiting?

Ho Tram? Hmm, worth it? Depends, I guess. The beach is nice, long stretches of sand. Definitely good for sunbathing. Got a wicked sunburn last time, though. Should’ve used more sunscreen. Duh.

Seafood was amazing. Fresh, cheap. Ate so much grilled shrimp. My stomach hurt. Worth it, though. Seriously.

Culture? Not really a cultural hub. More of a chill-out spot. But the locals were friendly. Learned a few words of Vietnamese. Should’ve studied more before I went. Next time! Definitely a better experience if you speak Vietnamese fluently.

Overall? Yes, it’s worth it for the beach and the food. But don’t expect bustling nightlife or historical sites. It’s all about relaxing. Kinda like a mini vacation.

• Pros: Stunning beach, delicious seafood, reasonably priced. Relatively peaceful.
• Cons: Not much to do culturally, can get a little boring after a few days. Sunburns are a real risk!
• My trip: Went in July 2024. Stayed at the Grand Ho Tram Strip. Expensive but worth it for the views.

Got stung by a jellyfish. Ugh. Never again. Seriously, though, the beach is beautiful. I loved it. Might go back next year. If I can find a good deal on flights. Probably.