Last Updated on July 23, 2025
Tell someone you loved your trip to Vietnam, and many travelers will often ask “which is the best city in Vietnam?”
Estimated reading time: 9 minutes
By Jim Ferri
Vietnam is a long, narrow country that can be challenging to navigate, but it remains a fascinating place to visit.
Anchoring it at either end are two large cities, and the distance between them is considerable. In fact, Hanoi is nearly 1,000 miles further north than Ho Chi Minh City in the south.
Considering the distance, many travelers planning a trip to Vietnam often wonder which is best to visit. When making a choice, be aware that there are many similarities between the cities, as well as notable differences.
First of all, Ho Chi Minh City, known as Saigon during the Vietnam War, is the more modern of the two. But, on the other hand, many travelers enjoy the more charming, ancient layout and ways of Hanoi.
That “ancientness” also means Hanoi is a bit more” formal,” sometimes even standoffish, since it clings to traditional Vietnamese customs. Due to interaction with the French (during their occupation) and Americans (during the war), people in Ho Chi Minh City are less formal.
Both cities have populations of approximately 8 million, but since Hanoi’s population is more concentrated, there’s less congestion. Each town also has uncountable shops and incredible street food everywhere you turn, as well as a sea of motorbikes that come at you from every direction.
Still, though, both cities feel very different.
Best City in Vietnam for French-Colonial Architecture
Hanoi is much more atmospheric than Ho Chi Minh City, one of the reasons it is considered the cultural capital of Vietnam. Nevertheless, both cities have numerous museums, temples, and colonial architecture, the latter a reminder of the French Colonial era.
In Ho Chi Minh City, seek out the impressive French colonial architecture in the Dong Khoi area. Notre Dame Cathedral, covered in tiles imported from France, anchors one end of Dong Khoi street.
Adjacent to it is the General Post Office, one of the most beautiful French-Colonial buildings in the city. On one of Ho Chi Minh City’s sweltering days, its tall ceilings help provide a refreshing respite from the heat.
A few blocks away, the beautiful Hôtel de Ville is now occupied by the People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City.
Not to be outdone, in Hanoi you’ll find the beautiful Hanoi Opera House, modeled on the Paris Opera. During the early 20th century, it was the centerpiece of French-Colonial architecture throughout Indochina.
Nearby is the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel, the most prestigious and oldest in the city. It was once the most renowned hotel in all of French Indochina. If for nothing else, stop by for a drink.
And while you’re in Hanoi, don’t miss the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first National University. Established in 1070 in honor of Confucius, it’s a calm and serene escape from the hectic and noisy city center. I was lucky enough to be visiting one day when graduating students came to honor Confucius.
You’ll find an exceptional number of tours in Vietnam, all quite varied. In Hanoi, for example, they run the gamut from food tours to motorbike tours. See these popular tours in Hanoi from TripAdvisor’s ViaTour, which can all be canceled without any fee.
Other Sites and Day Trips
In Hanoi, you’ll find many pagodas and temples and the austere Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. There are also museums celebrating the fine arts as well as national and military history. Another is the Hoa Lo Prison Museum, aka “The Hanoi Hilton” during the Vietnam War.
You’ll find fewer museums in Ho Chi Minh City, although the Vietnamese War Remnants Museum is eye-opening and impactful. There are Water Puppet Theaters – water puppetry dates back almost 1,000 years in Vietnamese culture – in both cities.
There are also popular day trips from each city. Most popular from Hanoi is the seascape of Ha Long Bay, the top tourist attraction in Vietnam. It’s a long, four-hour drive from Hanoi; however, you may find a multi-day trip more enjoyable. Outside Ho Chi Minh City are the popular Cu Chi Tunnels, used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. They are approximately a two-hour drive from the city.
Best City in Vietnam for Atmosphere and Shopping
As the commercial center of the country, Ho Chi Minh City is much more modern than Hanoi. If you’re looking for atmosphere, however, you’ll find that the authentic old neighborhoods of Hanoi give this Vietnam city a village-like feel.
The Old Quarter of Hanoi is a charming place with wonderful winding streets. Here, you’ll find many streets named after the items once sold there, such as shoes, silk, and silver.
One that remains true to its name, however, is Hang Ma – “Paper Street.” Visit it, and you’ll discover a cascade of colorful shops selling nothing but paper items. It’s charming and colorful.
Just a block away, there’s a typical South Asian food market selling everything imaginable. Jump into the throng and walk all about – just watch out for the occasional motorbike snaking through the crowd.
If you’re shopping, you’ll find a better choice of silk, crafts, embroidery, lacquer ware, and other handmade goods in Hanoi. Ho Chi Minh City, on the other hand, is awash in a sea of cheap souvenirs.
You’ll find much of this in the Ben Thanh and Dong Khoi markets. What you’ll also see in Ho Chi Minh City are modern, air-conditioned malls featuring ubiquitous brands and designer shops.
Heaven for Foodies
Hangovers from the French occupation include not only beautiful architecture but also a vibrant café and coffee culture. You’ll find that coffee in Hanoi is a bit stronger and less sweet than brew in Ho Chi Minh City.
As in most countries around the world, there’s the usual debate about which city has the better cuisine. In Hanoi, you’ll find traditional Vietnamese cuisine, although there are exceptions, especially in the larger hotels.
Ho Chi Minh City, on the other hand, is more diverse since it serves as a commercial hub. There you’ll find both traditional and European/American concepts.
In both cities, you’ll discover that Vietnam is heaven for foodies, especially when it comes to cheap street food. All day long and into the night, you’ll see people sitting on little plastic stools having a street meal.
You’ll find plenty of good tours in Ho Chi Minh City as well, as you’ll see in these selections from Viator (all with no fee for cancellation).
The king of street food is “pho,” a noodle soup infused with meat and fresh greens. The national dish, you can generally buy it on the street or in restaurants for $1.20 — $2.50.
Although you’ll eat well in both cities, Ho Chi Minh City wins hands down because of the breadth of its choices. It also has a more vibrant nightlife scene, as traditional Hanoi has a strict curfew in its Old Quarter.
Summing It Up
TTo sum it up, Hanoi offers a more historical and culturally rich Vietnamese experience. It’s also much less glitzy than Ho Chi Minh City. It’s a better place to absorb traditional Vietnamese culture and see the more artistic and creative side of the country.
Both cities offer travelers great opportunities to taste regional cuisine and street food. But as the commercial center of Vietnam with fancier hotels and restaurants, Ho Chi Minh City provides more beyond traditional Vietnamese dining.
Both cities offer travelers great opportunities to taste regional cuisine and street food. However, as the commercial center of Vietnam, with fancier hotels and restaurants, Ho Chi Minh City offers more than traditional Vietnamese dining.
Both cities offer excellent museums and other cultural attractions, but I found Hanoi to be a much more engaging city. If you’re in Vietnam for just a few days and must choose only one city, I’d select Hanoi. It has enough cultural sites, architecture, shopping, markets, etc., to keep you busy for several days.
On the other hand, I would visit both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Each provides a unique experience, and the sum of the two is quite rewarding.
It’s your choice…
You may also enjoy: 2 Days in Hanoi / A First-Timer’s Guide to Hong Kong / Best Things To Do in Shanghai – With a Map
I liked them both, but I think Hanoi is my favorite for the reasons you mentioned.
Jim, has your computer been fixed. I am still getting two emails from you.
Thanks for your comment. I love Hanoi. It’s a unique and beautiful city.
Each has its own uniqueness, but overall I love the never-sleeping vibe in HCM city.
Between the two, even I loved Hanoi more. And the food!!!!!
Saigon all the way! More diverse atmosphere, with every district exhibiting its own unique personality. Hanoi is pretty samey (I’ve lived in both).
Thank you Mel! I appreciate another perspective.
Saigon every time for me. I found hanoi too dirty and smoggy with pollution
Hi Mark,
Thank you for your input, which is interesting. Although I found Saigon very interesting, I found it too Westernized. Then again, I like old cities.
Have you gone to other areas of Vietnam?
Jim