Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City: which city should you visit first?

Vietnam’s two main cities sit at opposite ends of the country, separated by more than a thousand kilometers — and a world of contrasts.

Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), formerly Saigon, was the US base during the Vietnam War. Today, it’s a high-energy, modern metropolis with soaring skyscrapers, rooftop bars, and a relentless buzz. Hanoi, the capital, is a little less polished but full of character, with narrow, winding streets in the Old Quarter and a deep-rooted sense of history.

Both cities move at a breakneck pace, and navigating their chaotic traffic takes nerve. Discover the ultimate face-off in Vietnam as we compare Hanoi vs Ho Chi Minh City, two iconic destinations with unique charm and contrasts.

Which is best for culture?

Both cities are packed with museums, temples, pagodas, and colonial architecture. You’ll find a cathedral in each — remnants of French rule — and both offer traditional water-puppet shows that are as entertaining as they are historic.

If theme parks and rollercoasters appeal, HCMC is your best bet. But if you’d rather lose yourself in a gallery than a gravity-defying loop-the-loop, Hanoi has the edge, with a stronger focus on fine and contemporary art.

Culturally, Hanoi feels more traditional. Hanoians are known for their formal manners and deep-rooted customs that may seem reserved to Western visitors, while HCMC, which is more influenced by foreign cultures is characterized by a more lively and spontaneous atmosphere.

Which is best for food?

You won’t have trouble finding incredible street food in either Hanoi or HCMC — cheap, flavorful, and everywhere you look. Hanoi is the birthplace of pho (Vietnam’s famous noodle soup), and you can grab a steaming bowl on nearly any street corner for next to nothing.

HCMC’s street food leans slightly sweeter than Hanoi’s, but the variety is just as impressive. Both cities are packed with mouthwatering options beyond just banh mi and pho, from sizzling bún chả in Hanoi to HCMC’s rich and spicy cơm tấm (broken rice with grilled pork).

Café culture, a French colonial remnant, is huge in both cities. Hanoi’s coffee is bold and strong, often served with egg for an extra kick, while HCMC’s brews tend to be smoother and sweeter.

When it comes to international cuisine, HCMC has the edge. The city boasts a wider selection of world cuisines and more high-end restaurants, which adds a point if you want to try something other than Vietnamese cuisine.

What about nightlife?

Vietnam’s nightlife isn’t as wild as it once was, with the government cracking down on late-night venues. That said, HCMC still offers far more after-hours options than Hanoi. A few bars in Hanoi’s Old Quarter manage to keep the drinks flowing until the last customer stumbles out, but most places shut earlier than they used to.

Hanoi’s Old Quarter is the heart of the action, where locals and tourists crowd the narrow streets, perching on tiny plastic stools with cheap beers and late-night snacks — think sizzling bún chả and crispy fried chicken feet.

On the other hand, HCMC has a more developed nightlife. Cocktail lounges on rooftops, stylish air-conditioned clubs and live music on weekends await you. If you want to forget yourself in a whirlwind of night lights, HCMC wins by a wide margin.

For backpacker bars and budget-friendly drinking, both cities deliver. HCMC’s De Tham area is buzzing, but Hanoi offers a more relaxed, shoestring-friendly vibe. If you’re not keen on dress codes or pricey cocktails, Hanoi is your best bet.

Where should I shop?

For finding unique handmade goods, Hanoi is the best choice. The city is known for its high-quality silk, intricate embroidery and traditional lacquerware. Skilled artisans create wood and stone carvings, and some of the best products can be found in the southern part of the Old Quarter.

HCMC, on the other hand, is a shopper's paradise with both budget and high-end items. Ben Thanh Market is full of cheap souvenirs, although you will have to bargain. If you want to buy something more upscale, the Dong Khoi district is home to chic boutiques selling designer fashion, modern home decor and Vietnamese art. And if air-conditioned malls are more your thing, HCMC has plenty of them - the perfect place to escape the heat and store international and local brands.

Where should I go to relax?

Neither city is exactly a haven of tranquility — both have populations of around eight million, and the sheer volume of scooters, honking horns, and street life can be overwhelming. That said, each offers its own pockets of calm.

Hanoi’s Old Quarter, with its narrow pedestrianized streets, can feel suffocating during peak hours. But the city has a slightly slower pace overall, and its cooler winter months (dropping to around 63°F in January) provide some relief from the heat. Hoan Kiem Lake, located right in the center of town, offers a scenic stroll, while the leaf-covered grounds of the Temple of Literature offer a peaceful retreat.

In HCMC, a more compact and densely populated city, the roads are wider but the chaos is no less. Temperatures rarely dip below seventy degrees, so you'll be hot and sweaty all year round. If you need to cool off, head to one of the city's many rooftop pools, air-conditioned cafes or lush green spaces such as Tao Dan Park.

Which is the best base for day-trips?

If you’re looking for stunning natural scenery, Hanoi is the better launchpad. Ha Long Bay, Vietnam’s most famous attraction and UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a must-see, with its towering limestone karsts rising from emerald waters. It’s possible to visit on a day trip, but be prepared for a long journey  —  around four hours each way. An overnight cruise is a far better way to experience the bay without spending most of your time on a bus.

HCMC, on the other hand, is the gateway to the Cu Chi Tunnels, a fascinating (and slightly claustrophobic) insight into the Vietnam War. Just under two hours from the city, this vast underground network was used by the Viet Cong and still contains original booby traps and hidden passageways.

Both cities offer worthwhile day trips, but if you prefer natural beauty, Hanoi wins. If history is more your thing, HCMC is the place to be.

Hanoi vs Ho Chi Minh City: So which one should you go to?

In the end it all depends on what appeals to you more. Hanoi is more traditional and this is the place to soak up old-world charm, wander through atmospheric streets, and experience Vietnam’s street food culture at its most authentic.

HCMC, as the commercial center of the country, is faster, brighter and more cosmopolitan: the best choice if you expect modern amenities, international restaurants and want a more dynamic vibe.  

That said, both cities offer fascinating museums, great food and easy access to some of the best day trip destinations in Vietnam. Whichever city you choose, you won't be bored.