On our two-week trip around Vietnam, we didn’t spend much time in the big cities. We’re nature lovers, and our itinerary focused more on mountain regions and cultural villages than urban life. Still, we made short stops in both Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, which were enough to get a taste of the atmosphere and see which one we connected with more. Here’s a quick comparison Ho Chi Minh City vs Hanoi based on our experience and what we observed.
A quick note: Scams involving hotels and tours can happen in Vietnam, which is why one of the reasons why we chose a trusted local travel agent to save time in planning our trip. This article is based on our personal experience, research and the information available at the time of our trip. Things may have changed since our visit, and I can’t take responsibility for any issues you might encounter, including scams. Always check recent reviews and trust your instincts if something doesn’t feel right or seems too good to be true. We paid for everything ourselves and never mentioned that we would write about it, so you can trust this is honest feedback. Some links in the article are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a booking through them, at no extra cost to you.
Quick comparison: Ho Chi Minh City vs Hanoi
| Criteria | Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) | Hanoi |
|---|---|---|
| Airport | Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) | Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) |
| Atmosphere | Modern, busy, business-oriented | Traditional, cultural, historic |
| Weather (by season) | Dry season (Dec-Apr): warm, dry Wet (monsoon) season (May-Nov): hot, rainy | Winter (Dec-Feb): cool, dry Spring (Mar-May): warm, humid Summer (Jun-Aug): hot, rainy Autumn (Sep-Nov): mild, dry |
| Best time to visit | Dec-Mar: dry and not too hot | Oct-Apr: not too hot, dry, great for exploring |
| Architecture | French colonial and modern skyscrapers | Old Quarter charm, lakes, and temples |
| Traffic & noise | Very hectic, lots of motorbikes and honking | Also busy but felt slightly calmer |
| Things to do | War Remnants Museum, Cu Chi Tunnels (day trip), rooftop bars | Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, water puppet theatre, cafés |
| Nearby nature escapes | Mekong Delta | Ninh Binh, Halong Bay |
| Overall vibe | Fast-paced, commercial | Cultural, colourful |
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Our experience in Hanoi
Hanoi was our first stop in Vietnam, and we loved it. We wandered through the Old Quarter, a charming part of the capital with its mix of historic buildings, lakes, and narrow alleyways full of life. It was colourful and photogenic, with beautiful architecture, flowers, and lanterns everywhere.
Despite the chaos, Hanoi felt a bit more walkable compared to Ho Chi Minh City. The traffic and number of scooters were overwhelming at first, but we adjusted quicker than expected. We didn’t have time to see a water puppet show, but we really enjoyed the street food. On our first night, we joined a street food tour, which was a great way to ease into the city after our flight and let a local guide lead the way.
The atmosphere at night, especially on weekends when parts of the Old Quarter become pedestrian-only, was lively and full of energy. Hanoi definitely felt like a place we could have stayed longer. It also makes a great base for day trips to two spectacular destinations: Ninh Binh and Halong Bay.
We stayed at La Passion Classic Hotel and Classy Holiday Hotel & Spa, both conveniently located for exploring the Old Quarter. You can read my reviews of our hotels in Vietnam here for more info.
Our experience in Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City felt very different from Hanoi. It seemed much bigger, especially since we didn’t stay in just one district. While the city is less charming to wander around on foot, it definitely has some fascinating spots worth exploring.
The pace was fast, and the traffic was even more intense than we expected. Crossing the streets felt like a real mission – much trickier than in Hanoi. Still, it was interesting to experience Vietnam’s modern side and reflect on its complex past. The mix of towering skyscrapers and colonial-era buildings from the early 1900s created a striking contrast.
We only had a day in the city but managed to join a tour (TNK Travel) that covered the War Remnants Museum – a confronting but powerful visit – as well as Notre Dame Cathedral (still under renovation in 2025) and the Central Post Office before taking us to Cu Chi Tunnels. Later, we joined a scooter tour to explore lesser-known areas, which gave us deeper insight into Vietnam’s history, especially the story of Thich Quang Duc.
Like in Hanoi, we did a street food tour in the evening, which was great to experience Ho Chi Minh City at night. Even at the end of our trip, we discovered new dishes. It was impressive how every region in Vietnam had its own specialties worth trying. The Mekong Delta is a popular day trip from Ho Chi Minh City, and while we had a nice time there, we found it less impressive than the rural landscapes we experienced in the north.
In Ho Chi Minh City, we stayed at GK Central Hotel, which was well located for exploring the main sights.
Have you thought about travel insurance?
We never go overseas without it, especially to cover medical expenses. In Vietnam, motorbike travel is common (for example, for the Ha Giang Loop or on city tours in Ho Chi Minh City), so we made sure our policy covered that. It’s something worth checking, as it’s not always included. Some providers, like Cover-More*, offer options to easily include motorbike coverage if that’s relevant to your trip.
Ho Chi Minh City vs Hanoi: the winner is…
For us, Hanoi wins. That’s not to say Ho Chi Minh City isn’t worth visiting, it absolutely is, especially if you’re interested in Vietnam’s history and the American War. But for our travel style, Hanoi had a more appealing vibe. It felt more charming, richer in culture and closer to the kind of places we love to explore.
- Choose Ho Chi Minh City for its history and modern development.
- Choose Hanoi for its culture, traditional architecture, and planning day trips to scenic landscapes.
Short on time? If you’re wondering if you should choose between Ninh Binh or Halong Bay, this comparison may help!
Have you been to Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi? Share your experience in the comments below!
Where are Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi?
There are more than 1,000 kilometres between Vietnam’s two biggest cities. Ho Chi Minh City is located in the south of Vietnam, near the Mekong Delta and close to the Cambodian border. It’s the country’s largest city and a major economic hub. Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital, sits in the plains of North Vietnam but is not far from the mountains close to China.
