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Hi there there! On this article, I needed to check two cities, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh Metropolis (Saigon). For those who’re planning a visit to Vietnam and attempting to decide on between each of those cities and may solely go to one, hopefully, this text will assist you to perceive which metropolis to go to and which metropolis is extra attention-grabbing 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 growing a lot quicker than Hanoi. The tallest constructing in Vietnam is positioned in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis (The Landmark Tower), and a few of the nicest eating places within the nation can be discovered there.
Ho Chi Minh Metropolis is a way more fashionable metropolis, nevertheless it’s additionally a lot busier than Hanoi. The sound of the honking generally is a bit overbearing, and crossing a highway 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 general (it began growing within the nineteenth century), there are only a few historic buildings and architectural highlights.
Nevertheless, that doesn’t imply that Ho Chi Minh Metropolis isn’t value visiting! To start with, it’s at all times sizzling in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis! Winter in Hanoi may be fairly chilly, however on the similar time, it can 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 road 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 a number of 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 a lot of the landmarks within the metropolis, however we didn’t have time to go exterior town – on a day journey to the floating market and the conflict tunnels. One of many must-do issues in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis is taking a road meals tour with the native college students by bike – it’s a enjoyable expertise, and we received to attempt so many issues we in any other case wouldn’t have tried or identified methods to eat! It’s additionally a really inexpensive tour – you possibly can test 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 enormous! Hanoi can also be famend for preserving its cultural heritage. The town’s Outdated Quarter stands as a dwelling testomony to its conventional roots. The slim streets within the Outdated City are stuffed with small retailers, conventional eateries, and historical 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 inns 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 an extended weekend journey.
What number of days are sufficient in Hanoi?
For those who’re visiting Hanoi and planning to go to Ha Lengthy Bay as properly, I like to recommend spending not less than 3 days or, higher, 4 days in Hanoi – that will provide you with sufficient time to see town and go on an in a single day cruise to Ha Lengthy Bay!
The cruise we took, and I can advocate quite a bit, is the Paradise Class 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 – for those who can solely go to one place in Vietnam?
Nevertheless, for those who can solely go to one place in Vietnam and are selecting between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh Metropolis, that actually will depend on what you want. For those who like fashionable, super-busy cities with wonderful procuring malls, skyscrapers and stylish eating places, you may get pleasure from Ho Chi Minh Metropolis a bit extra. For those who like nature, structure and historical past – Hanoi could be a greater possibility.
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