Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City: Which Vietnamese city takes the lead?

Who wouldn't want to explore Vietnam? This Southeast Asian gem offers stunning beaches, rich history, vibrant cultures... and let’s not forget the incredible cuisine!

Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, the country's two largest cities, serve as the primary introduction for many travelers to this unique nation. Both are vibrant, dynamic, and distinctly Vietnamese—yet they offer very different experiences.

Which city is the ideal entry point to Vietnam’s wonders? We consulted two experts who passionately argue for their chosen destination.

Hanoi? Absolutely!

Joe Bindloss, an experienced guidebook author and journalist, caught the Hanoi bug back in the 1990s. After three decades of connection, he finds himself continually drawn to this intriguing, layered city.

I’m not holding back – Hanoi is amazing.

From the refreshing bia hoi (“fresh” beer) to the up-and-coming guitar talents igniting the dance floor at Hanoi Rock City, the Vietnamese capital is a place that will leave you in awe. Even after years of travel here, it continues to inspire me.

Battling for the affection of first-time visitors to Vietnam, the historic allure of Hanoi and the charm of Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) are locked in a rivalry akin to the Beatles versus the Stones. Dismissing either city would be unwise – both are mesmerizing, intricate, rich in flavor, and steeped in history. Yet, with Ho Chi Minh himself resting in a grand mausoleum in Hanoi’s Ba Dinh Square, who are we to question the wisdom of Vietnam’s national icon?

During my first visit, I was completely taken aback by Hanoi – sometimes nearly knocked off my feet by the swarm of motorcycles and scooters. For a true taste of Hanoi life, venture into the vibrant Old Quarter, which defiantly resists modernization. An early morning stroll reveals vendors transporting fruits and vegetables on traditional yokes, shop workers navigating the streets in cyclo rickshaws, and elder gentlemen with Uncle Ho-style beards enjoying chess games outside their balcony shophouses.

For me, much of Hanoi’s magic lies in its ambiance. In this diverse capital, relaxed rhythms blend with the opulence of dynastic China and a distinctly French flair. You’ll feel this cultural fusion most vividly during meals, where you savor aromatic noodle soups, tender pork belly served with vermicelli, delicate bánh cuon spring rolls, and hearty bánh mì (baguette) sandwiches, complemented by strong coffee, draft beer, and shots of “snake wine.” (And yes, it’s made with real snakes.)

You'll find it effortlessly easy to immerse yourself in history while in Hanoi. Begin your journey at the Imperial Citadel and Ho Hoan Kiem (Lake of the Restored Sword) – a shimmering pool that boasts its own King Arthur-esque legend and a charming, dragon-adorned tower. The city's sanctuaries – the red-and-gold lacquered Bach Ma Temple, the garden-surrounded Hai Ba Trung Temple, and the ancient Temple of Literature – ground Hanoi in a world of ritual and ceremony.

Sure, HCMC may have the upper hand when it comes to American war artifacts, but I adore Hanoi for its museums. From the intriguing National Museum of Vietnamese History and the empowering Vietnamese Women’s Museum to the insightful exhibits on Vietnam’s quest for independence at Hoa Lo Prison and the cultural journey provided by the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, Hanoi serves as an ideal introduction to the rest of the country.

Hanoi earns extra points for another reason: it’s just incredibly enjoyable. Whether you relax in a French-era café sipping ca phe trung (egg coffee), meander through the streets indulging in northern-style street food, dress up for cocktails with a view at the Lighthouse Sky Bar, or settle onto a plastic stool to enjoy refreshing local beers at Bia Hoi Junction, Hanoi is all about relishing the unfiltered joy of travel.

And think about the location: while HCMC serves as the gateway to the Mekong Delta, Hanoi is the starting point for the stunning karst islands of Halong Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay, as well as the lush highlands and ethnic villages of the mountainous northwest. It’s also just an easy overnight train ride away from the imperial treasures of Hue and a half-day bus journey to the tranquil Ba Be National Park. No matter where your travels take you, starting your adventure in this vibrant city will enhance your experience.

Oh, and did I mention that food, accommodation, and nightlife are more affordable here? When it comes to value, Hanoi comes out on top.

Is this the winner? Ho Chi Minh City

James Pham, Dinogo Planet's Southeast Asia destination editor, was born in Ho Chi Minh City and has returned to his birthplace, where he has lived for the past 12 years.

While Hanoi serves as Vietnam’s political and cultural hub, Ho Chi Minh City is the heart of everything else that truly matters—food, entertainment, and commerce.

Admittedly, Hanoi has held the title of Vietnam’s capital for almost a thousand years, boasting numerous heritage buildings and monuments that tell its rich history. In contrast, Ho Chi Minh City was established in the late 17th century but has rapidly caught up with its dazzling skyline, modern infrastructure, and vibrant nightlife and culinary scene. In essence, Hanoi is the traditional older sibling, while Ho Chi Minh City is the younger, trendier one.

With a population nearly twice that of Hanoi (9.3 million compared to 5.2 million), HCMC’s downtown area presents a refined, tree-lined atmosphere that contrasts sharply with the ever-bustling Old Quarter of Hanoi. The wider streets of HCMC allow its diverse attractions to spread out, from the historic sites in glitzy District 1—such as the French colonial Saigon Opera House, Notre Dame Cathedral, and Central Post Office—to the lively dining and nightlife scene in District 3 and the vibrant Cho Lon (Chinatown).

Beyond mere numbers, Ho Chi Minh City exudes a palpable sense of youth. Students flock here from all corners of the country for their education, while many are drawn in by career prospects. Heavily influenced by foreign cultures—particularly the French during the colonial era and the Americans during the war—the residents of Ho Chi Minh City are cosmopolitan and receptive to change. This is a hub where trends emerge and entrepreneurs aspire to launch their ventures.

This remarkable diversity has birthed Vietnam’s finest culinary landscape, where you can indulge in Hanoian delights like pho, bun cha, and bánh cuon, alongside spicy noodle soup from Hue, crispy crepes from the Mekong Delta, and Ho Chi Minh City’s unique take on broken rice with grilled pork. With the Delta just south, HCMC’s lighter dishes highlight fresh herbs, fruits, and vegetables. I adore that I can enjoy a different meal every day for a month without ever repeating.

Relatively low startup costs and a youthful demographic willing to spend create a vibrant market for returning Vietnamese entrepreneurs to launch their own eateries. Chefs like Peter Cuong Franklin of the Michelin-starred Anan Saigon and chef Francis Thuan of Esta Saigon skillfully combine flavors and techniques learned during their travels with traditional Vietnamese cuisine. Additionally, HCMC boasts a flourishing artisanal food-and-drink scene that ranges from craft beers and contemporary gin infused with local botanicals to high-quality chocolate sourced from the Mekong Delta. With a large expat community, you’re rarely more than 10 minutes away from top-notch Japanese, Indian, Korean, and European dining options.

And let’s talk about the weather. While HCMC basks in warm shorts-friendly conditions year-round with just two seasons (hot and dry or hot and wet), Hanoi can turn unexpectedly chilly in winter, leaving locals bundled up in hats and gloves, exhaling frosty air. Did you really come to this part of the world to experience winter? I doubt it. And don't get me started on air quality: at times, Hanoi's pollution levels are double those of HCMC.

It’s true that Hanoi boasts some intriguing nearby attractions. However, HCMC serves as the gateway to the Cu Chi Tunnels (just 1.5 hours by car), the Mekong Delta (three hours away), and the beautiful beaches of Vung Tau (two hours) and Mui Ne ( hours). With a larger international airport, HCMC offers more (and cheaper) flights to various destinations, including the tropical havens of Phu Quoc and Con Dao, which are just over an hour away by plane.

Culture enthusiasts and history lovers may prefer Hanoi. But if you’re all about enjoying the good life, I’ll catch you in Ho Chi Minh City.