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Hey there! On this article, I wished to check two cities, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh Metropolis (Saigon). When you’re planning a visit to Vietnam and making an attempt to decide on between each of those cities and might solely go to one, hopefully, this text will show you how to perceive which metropolis to go to and which metropolis is extra fascinating for you: Ho Chi Minh vs Hanoi!
With out additional ado, let’s get began!
Learn this publish about our 7-day itinerary for Vietnam or this text about our 14-day really helpful itinerary for Vietnam and Laos right here >>>
Ho Chi Minh Metropolis – is it value visiting?
Ho Chi Minh Metropolis is Vietnam’s largest metropolis. Regardless that the Capital is in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh Metropolis is essential, and it has additionally been creating a lot sooner than Hanoi. The tallest constructing in Vietnam is positioned in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis (The Landmark Tower), and a number of the nicest eating places within the nation can be discovered there.
Ho Chi Minh Metropolis is a way more fashionable metropolis, however it’s additionally a lot busier than Hanoi. The sound of the honking is usually a bit overbearing, and crossing a street in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis can also be fairly an journey.
Ho Chi Minh Metropolis doesn’t have as many landmarks as Hanoi, and because it’s a a lot newer metropolis total (it began creating within the nineteenth century), there are only a few historic buildings and architectural highlights.
Nevertheless, that doesn’t imply that Ho Chi Minh Metropolis will not be value visiting! To begin with, it’s at all times scorching in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis! Winter in Hanoi will be fairly chilly, however on the similar time, it would at all times be +32C in Saigon. Secondly, we discovered the meals choices in Saigon a bit extra thrilling than in Hanoi. There have been loads of good eating places and in addition cool avenue meals markets; there was nice bubble tea round each nook, and Bahn Mi was to die for! There are additionally far more Western meals choices and in addition numerous hipster and stylish bars and cafes (just like the Clean Lounge on the Landmark Tower).
How lengthy do you have to keep in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh Metropolis)?
We spent 2 days in Saigon and felt prefer it was sufficient to see many of the landmarks within the metropolis, however we didn’t have time to go outdoors the town – on a day journey to the floating market and the battle tunnels. One of many must-do issues in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis is taking a avenue meals tour with the native college students by motorcycle – it’s a enjoyable expertise, and we acquired to attempt so many issues we in any other case wouldn’t have tried or recognized find out how to eat! It’s additionally a really inexpensive tour – you’ll be able to examine the costs and availability of this tour right here >>>
What about Hanoi? Is Hanoi value visiting?
Hanoi, however, is the capital of Vietnam that’s rooted in deep historic significance. Hanoi has so many landmarks that it’s tough to go to all of them in a few days. The distances between them are additionally big! Hanoi can also be famend for preserving its cultural heritage. The town’s Previous Quarter stands as a dwelling testomony to its conventional roots. The slender streets within the Previous City are crammed with small outlets, conventional eateries, and historic temples.
Hanoi doesn’t have as many fashionable buildings as Ho Chi Minh Metropolis, and it even has a very totally different ambiance.
Hanoi is a way more stunning metropolis, it’s not as busy, and it’s manner greener. It’s extra touristy, and lodging choices are additionally a bit dearer in Hanoi, particularly if the lodges are on a greater aspect.
Vietnam’s most stunning bay, Ha Lengthy Bay can also be simply accessible from Hanoi; it’s only a 2-hour drive away – therefore, many individuals come to Hanoi & Ha Lengthy Bay on a protracted weekend journey.
What number of days are sufficient in Hanoi?
When you’re visiting Hanoi and planning to go to Ha Lengthy Bay as properly, I like to recommend spending no less than 3 days or, higher, 4 days in Hanoi – that provides you with sufficient time to see the town and go on an in a single day cruise to Ha Lengthy Bay!
The cruise we took, and I can advocate so much, is the Paradise Magnificence cruise – it’s an in a single day luxurious cruise that doesn’t break the financial institution and visits all the details of curiosity in Ha Lengthy Bay!
Hanoi vs Ho Chi Minh Metropolis – in case you can solely go to one place in Vietnam?
Nevertheless, in case you can solely go to one place in Vietnam and are selecting between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh Metropolis, that actually is dependent upon what you want. When you like fashionable, super-busy cities with glorious purchasing malls, skyscrapers and stylish eating places, you may take pleasure in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis a bit extra. When you like nature, structure and historical past – Hanoi could be a greater possibility.
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