Hanoi vs. Ho Chi Minh City: What sets these two cities apart?

Hanoi, with its rich 4,000-year legacy, has long been a standout destination in Asia.

On the other hand, Ho Chi Minh City, a relative newcomer at just 300 years old, has captured the hearts of many with its vibrant energy.

We explore and compare the distinct personalities of these two remarkable Vietnamese cities, drawing insights from locals and experts who know them best.

Hanoi

As the old Jeep honks, a line of street vendors tilt their conical hats, resembling a field of sunflowers swaying in the breeze.

‘There are four things you must experience in Hanoi,’ the driver shouts over the engine's roar. ‘History, culture, food… and fun.’

A few days spent wandering through this maze of lakes and narrow alleyways will leave you with a whirlwind of impressions of the rich culture and history that define this ancient city.

In Hanoi, food and fun are always just around the corner.

Cuong Phung, who once showed Ewan McGregor and Charlie Boorman around his hometown, accelerates as the Jeep glides along the shoreline of Hoàn Kiếm Lake.

Hoàn Kiếm Lake, also known as the Lake of the Restored Sword, is arguably the most picturesque of Hanoi's 20 lakes and is said to be home to a legendary giant golden turtle.

The best cities to explore are often those that can be enjoyed in small, digestible pieces, and Hanoi, the City of Lakes, is so well divided by its waterways that its nearly 8 million residents often feel like they inhabit a series of interconnected villages.

The Jeep rumbles down a narrow street, and soon Cuong passes the colonial-era facade of the iconic Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, where Graham Greene wrote 'The Quiet American' and where Jane 'Hanoi Jane' Fonda once experienced the terrifying sound of B52 bombs. (15 Phố Ngô Quyền, French Quarter, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi City 10000; +84 24 3826 6919)

Near the Hỏa Lò Prison Museum (1 Hỏa Lò St, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi City 10000; +84 4 3934 2253) – once wryly nicknamed the 'Hanoi Hilton' – Cuong pulls over for a break.

However, it's not fuel for the Jeep that's needed, but a cup of the rich, strong filter coffee known as cà phê phin.

While the French introduced coffee to Vietnam, the locals truly mastered it. Hanoi’s café culture is an experience best savored slowly.

To really immerse yourself in the heart of this timeless city, spend an hour or more at one of the countless roadside cafés and watch life unfold. For a creative twist on traditional coffee, try adding coconut milk, yogurt, or egg white. Head to one of the Cộng Cà Phê spots, where hip, vintage décor featuring wartime memorabilia creates the perfect setting for a coffee break.

With so many wars fought on its soil (Chinese, Japanese, French, American, Cambodian, and more), Vietnam doesn’t view the Vietnam War the way the West does – to them, it’s simply the American War.

‘Hanoi is a city steeped in tradition, with a strong Chinese influence on its cuisine,’ says Vietnamese food enthusiast Vu Vo. ‘In the north, people prefer dishes that are braised or boiled, with ginger, spring onions, and pepper as key seasonings.’

As the evening sets in and Chinese lanterns glow over the old town, locals and visitors flock to the intersection of Tạ Hiện and Lương Ngọc Quyến Streets, where a barricade of tiny plastic stools creates the iconic ‘Beer Junction’ – a nightly fixture in the city.

This bustling spot has transformed into a street-life celebration, with cold glasses of bia hoi (the local beer) being served for just 20 cents. Legend has it that Czech engineers during the Iron Curtain era taught the people of Hanoi how to brew their own beer.

‘It’s hard to imagine when you’re sitting at Beer Junction,’ Cuong chuckles.

‘But us northerners are often seen as too serious by those from the south. Meanwhile, people in Hanoi sometimes call the southerners lazy and carefree. We may have our differences, but everywhere in Vietnam, the people are incredibly warm, and no matter where you go, the locals know how to enjoy life.’

Ho Chi Minh City

‘There’s only one way to cross the street in Saigon,’ says Mario Orellana, the man behind Vespa Adventure tours in Ho Chi Minh City.

‘Stay calm, move forward slowly, and whatever you do, don’t run.’

Most residents of Vietnam’s bustling southern hub wouldn’t refer to their city as Hồ Chí Minh. From the moment you arrive at Ga Sài Gòn Railway Station, it becomes clear that the old name still holds more sway in daily life.

Whatever you call it, Saigon more than lives up to the hype. The pillion seat on one of Orellana’s vintage Vespas offers the perfect spot to soak in the frenetic energy of Saigon’s Chinatown alleys.

Vibrant, chaotic, and utterly captivating, this city grabs you by the collar and sweeps you into its whirlwind of energy and life.

‘Vietnam stretches over a vast expanse from north to south, with diverse landscapes and climates that have naturally shaped distinct cultures,’ explains art tour guide Sophie Hughes.

‘Hanoi, the nation’s capital, and its southern twin, Saigon, are perfect examples of this. The essence of each city is reflected in the food, traditions, art, and the ever-present, yet strangely captivating, chaos.’

‘More than 40 years have passed since the end of the American War, but in Vietnam, people have a unique way of looking forward, never back.’

Hughes's tours go beyond art, offering a deep dive into Vietnam's history and soul through a rich blend of ancient, colonial, wartime, and modern art, all presented in a uniquely evocative and thought-provoking manner.

The French influence is most evident in the downtown area, visible in landmarks like the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Post Office, and the Opera House.

During the American War era, iconic buildings like the Continental Hotel, where correspondents stayed, and the Rex Hotel, the site of the US military’s daily ‘five o’clock follies’ press briefings, became well-known landmarks.

One of the best spots to experience the essence of Saigon's history from street level is Lê Công Kiều, widely known as Antiques Street.

‘Every shop here is filled with curios, old family photos, and antiques of dubious origin,’ explains Hughes. ‘Around the corner on Nguyễn Thái Bình Street, you’ll find Hoàng Thị Café, a charming little spot with fantastic art and excellent Vietnamese coffee.’

No matter where you go in Vietnam, food is an essential part of the journey, and a food tour is a fantastic way to explore the rich, exotic flavors that define the country's cuisine.

‘I may be a bit biased as a proud southerner, but for food lovers, I think Saigon offers more excitement than Hanoi,’ says Vu Vo, founder of Saigon Street Eats.

‘Saigon is a true melting pot, with influences from French, Chinese, Thai, Khmer, and even Indian cuisines. The weather is always hot, which means fresh herbs and greens are available all year, whether you’re enjoying street food or fine dining.’

In the tropical south, the day starts early, with local markets opening at dawn to greet the morning.

‘A market visit is the perfect way to kick off the day and witness local life in full swing,’ Vu continues. ‘To end your day in Saigon, head to a rooftop bar (the latest trend) for a sundowner and watch the city transform as night falls.’

‘The Hanoians are spot on when they say it about us: we do love to party, and there’s no better way to keep the fun going than with a street-side barbecue in Saigon… and a couple of cold bottles of Saigon beer.’