Hanoi vs ho chi minh city: 6 interesting facts

Situated at the northern và southern extremes of this long, thin country, Vietnam’s two main cities lie more than one thousand kilometres apart.

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Southern Ho bỏ ra Minh đô thị (HCMC), formerly Saigon, was the US base during the Vietnam War and since the country’s unification has transformed into a thoroughly modern, thriving metropolis. The somewhat less modern capital, Hanoi, runs at a noisier pace, with its lively Old Quarter full of winding lanes.

Yet both cities can at times seem hyperactive, and you’ll need your wits about you khổng lồ navigate their astonishingly hectic traffic. Can’t choose which one lớn visit? Here’s our lowdown on how they differ.

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Which is best for culture?

Neither đô thị is short of museums, temples, pagodas & impressive colonial architecture. Both have a cathedral too – relics of the French occupation – và highly entertaining traditional water-puppet shows.

HCMC has several more theme parks than Hanoi, so if rollercoasters are your thing, head south. If you’re more at home in a gallery than doing loop-the-loops, Hanoi will be a better bet, as it pips the post for both fine and contemporary art.

People from Hanoi are known for sometimes being more standoffish than their southern counterparts, with more traditional values & formal manners.

HCMC, more influenced by foreign cultures than Hanoi – particularly American & French – has a more spontaneous and open feel to it. Innovation is king & young trendsetters lead the way, alongside thriving tech-minded entrepreneurs and booming businesses.

Where should I go to relax?

Hanoi has developed rapidly in recent years, with new skyscrapers hastily transforming the city’s skyline outside of the Old Quarter. Both cities have populations of around eight million, but people are more crammed into the smaller HCMC. That said, the pedestrianized streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter can get so packed with people that during peak hours it can be difficult lớn move at all, and the city’s ceaseless noise can be too much for some.

Traffic in both cities is continuously hectic, with countless hooting scooters zipping about in a seemingly insane manner. The newer, wider streets of HCMC at least allow for more movement, but everything is relative ­– don’t expect a walk through town to lớn be a peaceful meander.

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In Hanoi you can at least cool down, with average temperatures dropping to 17°C in January, while temperatures in HCMC never fall below the high twenties. Mix that with high humidity & you’re pretty much guaranteed to lớn get a sweat on whenever you go.

To escape the southern heat, the green, tree-shaded lawns of HCMC’s Cong Vien Van Hoa Park, once a colonial sporting complex, is a popular downtime spot, as is the city’s Botanical Garden.

Though small, Hoan Kiem Lake is the heart of Hanoi for its residents, and a charming place to lớn take a moment away from the chaotic city streets và watch elderly locals quietly enjoying games of chess and mahjong.

Which is best base for day-trips?

Ha Long Bay, a dreamy seascape of jagged limestone rocks jutting out over calm waters, is Vietnam’s number one tourist attraction and can be visited in a day-trip from Hanoi. Be warned though, it’s a hefty journey, at around four hours each way.

Under two hour’s drive from HCMC, the Cu bỏ ra Tunnels are also a đứng đầu option for a day-trip. The tunnels were used by the Viet Cong army during the Vietnam War, & visitors can see the wince-inducing booby traps mix for the American soldiers, as well as take a smothering look for themselves inside the tunnels. Tours are best booked with a travel agency around Pham gàn Lao (roughly 180,000 VND).

So which one should I go to?

Naturally, this depends what you’re looking for. Hanoi errs on the more historical, less glitzy side, allowing visitors a glimpse of traditional Vietnamese culture as well as giving ample opportunities lớn see the best of the country’s artistic and creative offerings while appreciating the low-key street life.

HCMC, as the commercial centre of the country, inevitably has more investment, fancier hotels, smarter restaurants and an exclusive nightlife scene.

However, both these metropolises have excellent museums and cultural sights, plenty of tranquil places lớn unwind, superb food & day-trips khổng lồ some of Vietnam’s most interesting locations. Take your pick...

Planning a trip? Find the perfect base with our pick of the best homestays in Vietnam. Explore more of Vietnam with The Rough Guide khổng lồ Vietnam. Compare flights, find tours, book hostels và hotels for your trip, và don’t forget to purchase travel insurance before you go.