Hanoi vs. Ho Chi Minh City: Where Should You Go in Vietnam? (Climate, Atmosphere, Food Comparison)

베트남-남부-호치민-쌀국수

When planning a trip to Vietnam, one of the biggest concerns for many is deciding between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. In this article, we'll explore the climate, atmosphere, culture, and cuisine of these two cities. We compare various aspects and recommend a travel destination that suits you better.I will do it for you.

1. When is the best time to visit Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City? (Climate comparison)

Hanoi (charm of all seasons)

Hanoi is Located in northern Vietnam, it has four distinct seasons.no see.

  • Spring and Autumn (February, November)
    • The weather is mild and pleasant, making it the best time to travel.
  • Winter (November – February)
    • The average temperature is 15–20 degrees Celsius, making it cool and dry. The calm atmosphere typical of winter makes it a great travel destination.
  • Summer (May to September)
    • It's a time when it feels a bit hot due to the hot weather and high humidity.

Ho Chi Minh City (warm tropical climate)

Ho Chi Minh City is located in southern Vietnam and boasts a warm tropical climate all year round.

  • Dry season (November - April)
    • The weather is clear and dry, making it a great time to travel. December is particularly pleasant, with an average temperature of 28 degrees Celsius.
  • Rainy season (May - October)
    • There are several heavy showers a day, but the rain is short and clears up quickly.

2. Hanoi vs. Ho Chi Minh City: A Comparison of Atmosphere and Culture

Hanoi (a city alive with tradition and history)

Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is a city where tradition and modernity coexist. It retains more of Vietnam's traditions and retains more of its old architecture.

하노이-필수여행코스-성요셉성당
  • Experience the traditional charm of Vietnam at the tranquil Hoan Kiem Lake and Trung Cần Pagoda.
  • Historical sites such as the Temple of Literature offer a glimpse into the culture of Vietnam's past.
  • Quiet nights: Hanoi's nights are relatively calm, making it a great choice for travelers who prefer a more traditional atmosphere.

Ho Chi Minh City (a dynamic modern city)

Ho Chi Minh Vietnam's economic center, characterized by a vibrant and modern atmosphereIt is the most developed city in Vietnam, with large apartment complexes and tall buildings.

호치민-필수여행지-통일궁
  • Experience Vietnamese nightlife on the vibrant Bui Vien Street.
  • French colonial architecture and modern high-rise buildings blend together to create a unique urban landscape.
  • Historical sites such as the Vietnam War Museum and the Cu Chi Tunnels are also popular with tourists.

3. Hanoi vs. Ho Chi Minh City: Which food tastes better?

Vietnam is known as a culinary paradise. But The cuisine of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City has different charms depending on the regional characteristics and climate.has.

Hanoi food (traditional and light)

  • Pho
    • Hanoi-style soup is characterized by a clean, clear broth, with fresh herbs and bean sprouts adding flavor.
  • Bun Cha
    • This dish, which consists of charcoal-grilled pork and rice noodles served with a sweet and sour sauce, is a famous dish that former U.S. President Obama also ate during his visit to Hanoi.
하노이-분짜의-구성
하노이의 유명한 CNN 분짜의 구성
  • Cha Ca
    • A traditional dish of grilled fish marinated in turmeric, it is one of Hanoi's representative dishes.

Ho Chi Minh food (rich and intense flavors)

Ho Chi Minh City cuisine is generally rich and intensely flavorful, a characteristic that is particularly evident in its pho.

I've personally visited and tried some of the best pho restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City. Click the link below to see the Ho Chi Minh pho style in a video I shot myself!

베트남-남부-호치민-쌀국수
호치민에서 가장 유명한 퍼퀸 쌀국수

  • Rice noodles (Pho)
    • Ho Chi Minh style is more spicy, has a richer broth, and is often served with chili and chili sauce.
    • 🔎호치민 쌀국수 맛집 추천 (Podin3, Poquin, Po Kim Heung)
  • Anti-Americanism (Banh Mi)
    • Ho Chi Minh-style banh mi can be made richer with the addition of various toppings (grilled beef, cheese, vegetables, etc.).
  • street food
    • You can enjoy a variety of snacks and foods at Ben Thanh Market, and there are also plenty of desserts.
    • However, there have been recent reports of people getting sick from eating Vietnamese street food, so we recommend that you avoid street food in markets as much as possible.

4. Hanoi vs. Ho Chi Minh City: Where Should I Travel?

Hanoi's major tourist attractions

  • Hoan Kiem Lake : A peaceful lake in the city center
  • A tight temple : Symbol of Vietnamese Buddhism
  • Confucian Shrine (Munhaksa Shrine) : Vietnam's first national university
  • Hanoi Old Quarter : A place to experience traditional markets and local food

Major tourist attractions in Ho Chi Minh City

  • Bui Vien Street : Ho Chi Minh City's best nightlife streets
  • 🔎Ben Thanh Market and Saigon Square : Markets and shopping spots
  • Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral : French colonial architecture
  • Vietnam War Memorial

Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City: Which City is Right for Me?

  • Hanoi is perfect for those who want to experience tradition and history or prefer a more relaxed trip.It is especially good for traveling in spring and fall.
  • Ho Chi Minh City is a vibrant and modern city for those looking to travel or experience a diverse nightlife.I recommend it to anyone who wants to do it. (It's even better if you visit during the dry season.)

Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are two cities with truly distinct charms. If you're unsure about choosing a Vietnam destination, I recommend researching the information in advance to help you decide which one best suits your needs.

🎬 호치민 쌀국수 영상으로 확인Do this 👉 https://youtu.be/IdSziqyVr-Y?si=DLmJsvkvxeFyjUxT

🔻Good articles to read together🔻

🇻🇳 Ho Chi Minh City 6-Night, 7-Day Essential Family Trip | Complete Guide to Independent Travel, Including Expenses, Itinerary, and More

핑크성당으로-불리는-인생샷명소-떤딩성당

Ho Chi Minh City is Vietnam's economic capital, filled with large apartment complexes and high-rise commercial buildings. However, it also preserves Vietnam's history and culture. Therefore, it's a great place to travel. Introducing a 6-night, 7-day essential family travel itinerary in Ho Chi Minh City.do.

Must-visit places in Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City is a vibrant city brimming with history and energy, with several must-visit tourist attractions and historically significant sites.

Today in Ho Chi Minh City Introducing must-visit travel destinations with family and loved ones.I will do it for you.

The War Memorial of Korea, a place that records Vietnam's painful history.

The War Memorial in Ho Chi Minh City A place that vividly shows the scars of the Vietnam WarThis makes it a great place to visit with family.

However, I remember watching it while sweating profusely because there was no air conditioning inside.

호치민-전쟁기념과-입구
A war memorial that records and preserves the entire history of the Vietnam War.

In addition to the admission fee, you can rent a translator to comfortably view the museum in Korean. However, due to the many gruesome war-related images, it may not be suitable for children.

I am confident that this will be a great opportunity to understand Vietnam.

  • Viewing time: approximately 2 hours
  • It's quite hot inside because there's no air conditioning.
  • You can purchase various souvenirs on the first floor.
  • On the first floor outside, fighter planes and tanks used in the Vietnam War are on display.

Central Post Office, a place that preserves Vietnamese history and culture

The Central Post Office, located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, A special space that fully embodies Vietnam's history and culture.no see.

I think the really high ceilings and the portrait of Ho Chi Minh hanging in the center of the post office show how much this city cherishes Ho Chi Minh.

There is an actual post office nearby, and the center and entrance are decorated with places selling various Vietnam-related souvenirs.

베트남-호치민의-중앙우체국
The massive Ho Chi Minh City Central Post Office
  • There is actually a place inside the post office where you can send letters.
  • There are a variety of souvenir shops, making it a great place to buy special souvenirs.
  • I was amazed that the historical space was preserved intact.

Ben Thanh Market, the symbol of Ho Chi Minh City

Ben Thanh Market is a symbol of Ho Chi Minh City. It is a place that holds history and is the home of countless Ho Chi Minh merchants, so it is a must-visit in Ho Chi Minh City even if you don't go shopping.

This is a place where you can bargain for souvenirs, local specialties, and crafts. The place is much larger than it appears in photos, so you'll need to walk quite a bit to explore every nook and cranny.

Shopping through the narrow, maze-like passageways is a uniquely enjoyable experience.

벤탄시장의-중앙통로-모습
Ben Thanh Market, the home of Ho Chi Minh City citizens and a place where life is preserved as it is.
  • A lot of foreign tourists visit here.
  • There are quite a few business owners who refuse to take photos or videos because they sell a lot of counterfeit products.
  • It can get very hot inside because there is no air conditioning.
  • Please be careful as there are known to be many pickpockets in the area.
  • You must prepare cash.

Saigon Square, a counterfeit market and a tourist shopping paradise

Most travelers to Ho Chi Minh City will visit Saigon Square at least once. Known for its counterfeit goods market, this area attracts a different demographic than Ben Thanh Market.

There are many relatively sophisticated and expensive products on display, and you can buy counterfeit luxury brands at low prices.

짝퉁시장으로-유명한-호치민의-쇼핑센터-사이공스퀘어
The entrance to Saigon Square, which has the appearance of a stylish shopping mall.
  • Beware of pickpockets at the entrance to Saigon Square.
  • You have to ignore the pressure from the shoe shiners.
  • Stores on the second floor are more likely to be cheaper than those on the first floor, and those located deeper inside than those near the entrance.
  • Since they are counterfeit, sometimes some items may not be of excellent quality.
  • There is a currency exchange office on the far right of the first floor.
  • The air conditioning inside makes shopping cooler than at Ben Thanh Market.

A must-see photo spot: Pink Cathedral (Tanding Cathedral)

The Tan Dinh Cathedral, also known as the Pink Cathedral, is a famous building with a beautiful pink exterior that looks like it came straight out of a fairy tale.

Built in 1957, it is known to be a popular destination for many tourists visiting Vietnam.

The Pink Cathedral is not open on weekends or Sundays, so you need to plan your visit accordingly. However, if you happen to be there at a time when it is not open, don't give up. You can still get some pretty photos on the 3rd floor of the Kong Cafe across the street!

아름다운-핑크성당으로-알려진-인생샷-명소
Tan Dinh Cathedral, made in a more beautiful pink color in real life
  • There are times when tourists are not allowed in, so be sure to check the times before visiting.
  • Rather than taking a picture on the first floor, you can take a picture of your life on the third floor of the Kong Cafe across the street.
  • One of the few photo-worthy spots in Ho Chi Minh City

Why Traveling to Ho Chi Minh City is Great

There are a lot of Koreans

Within Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City is particularly renowned for its large Korean population. Among them, Phu My Hung in District 7 is particularly known as Koi La Town, a densely populated area with Korean residents.

So, many companies that are familiar to Koreans are also entering the market.

It's a really convenient place for Koreans to travel, with everything from Paris Baguette and Tous Les Jours to pharmacies where you can buy Korean medicine and even Korean-brand restaurants.

In particular, if you go to a certain cafe, it is almost always filled with Korean people, so there are times when it feels like you are in Korea.

Rice noodle restaurant

Pho is a favorite among Koreans, with many famous pho restaurants in Korea. If you enjoy Vietnam's signature cuisine, there's a very good chance your trip will be truly relaxing.

In fact, my son loves pho so much that he enjoys trying new pho every day, which I think made his trip to Ho Chi Minh even more enjoyable.

In Vietnam, the style of pho varies slightly from region to region. The pho in Ho Chi Minh City, in southern Vietnam, is characterized by a rich, deep broth and chewy, thick noodles.

I think that Ho Chi Minh's style of rice noodle goes well with Koreans.

Friendly Ho Chi Minh

Vietnamese people are generally very friendly. They are especially friendly toward Koreans, and quite a few of them can speak Korean.

If you visit Ben Thanh Market or Saigon Square, Ho Chi Minh City's shopping centers, you'll find yourself able to communicate comfortably without having to use any special English. While many Vietnamese people don't speak a word of English, there are also quite a few who can, making communication easier than you might expect.

Ho Chi Minh City Essential Travel Itinerary (6 Nights, 7 Days)

I'm traveling the world with my husband and teenage son, so I didn't make a strict schedule. I'm taking my time, so please take that into consideration when checking.

  • 0803 (1 day)
    • 8:00 PM_Arrival at Ho Chi Minh Airport
    • Rice noodles at the airport restaurant (airport rice noodles are expensive: 15,000 won per bowl)
    • 10:30 PM_Arrived at accommodation in District 7, Ho Chi Minh City
  • 0804 (2 days)
    • 9:00 AM_Wake up
    • 11:00 AM_Attend service at Ho Chi Minh Onnuri Church
    • 1pm_Pho Kim Hung VietnamLunch with my younger brother who lives in
    • Chatting at a coffee shop at 2pm
    • Shopping at E-Mart in District 7 at 4 PM
    • 7pm E-Mart KFC dinner
    • Arrive at accommodation at 9pm
  • 0805 (3 days)
    • 10:00 AM Perdin3 Rice Noodle Breakfast
    • 11:00 AM Saigon Square Shopping
    • 2:00 PM Takashimaya Shopping Mall 4-piece pizza lunch
    • Arrive at accommodation at 4pm
    • Order Korean food for dinner at 6pm using the DK app
  • 0806 (4 days)
    • 12 o'clock lunch (Koba Bung Tau: Ban Saeo Restaurant)
    • 2:00 PM: Shopping at Crescen Shopping Mall
    • 5:00 PM: Crescent Mall Restaurant (Pepper Lunch Dinner)
    • 7 p.m.: Go grocery shopping
    • 8:00 PM: Arrive at your accommodation
  • 0807 (5 days)
    • 11:30 AM Lunch (Poquin)
    • 1pm Ben Thanh Market caliber
    • 3pm War Memorial visit
    • 5pm Central Post Office visit
    • 6pm Dinner (Nya Hang Ng Rice Noodles)
    • Arrive at accommodation at 8pm
  • 0808 (6th)
    • 11am Coffee Time (The Cup Cafe)
    • 12pm Lunch (Pho Kim Heung)
    • 2pm Visit my brother's workplace
    • Swimming in the apartment pool (with my brother's family)
    • Dinner with 6pm delivery order
  • 0808 (7 days)
    • 11:00 a.m. Coffee and dessert (Namthi House, a great cafe for studying)
    • 4pm Go to Takashimaya Mall and shop
    • 6pm Dinner (Pepper Lunch)
    • Arrive at accommodation at 8pm

Honest review of my trip to Ho Chi Minh City

Even now, I feel happy when I remember the temperature, the wind, and the feeling of Ho Chi Minh City during our 6-night, 7-day family trip.

If you're planning a trip to Ho Chi Minh City now, I think you've made a great choice. I hope you create unforgettable memories in this Korean-friendly city.

https://traveljoong.com/%ec%84%b8%ea%b3%84%ec%97%ac%ed%96%89%ed%95%98%eb%8a%94-%ed%8a%b8%eb%9e%98%eb%b8%94%ec%a4%91%ec%9d%b4-%ed%8a%b8%eb%a6%bd%eb%8b%b7%ec%bb%b4%ec%9c%bc%eb%a1%9c%eb%a7%8c-%ec%97%ac%ed%96%89%ed%95%98/