A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ho Chi Minh City vs. Basel for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Ho Chi Minh City or Basel?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Ho Chi Minh City and Basel can help you decide which place is right for you.

Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City is a diverse, cultural, and chaotic city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. And you can't forget about the theater, nightlife, and food. See Ho Chi Minh City travel costs.

Basel

Basel is a easily accessible, beautiful, and vibrant city. With stunning beauty, Basel attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Basel travel costs.

Ho Chi Minh City and Basel: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ho Chi Minh City or Basel?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Ho Chi Minh City than Basel, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Ho Chi Minh City is more popular for its museums and attractions, theatre productions, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Basel is known for its historical sights and impressive beauty. Ho Chi Minh City is more touristy than Basel and is popular for its motorbike-filled streets, bustling markets, world-class cuisine, and diverse shopping opportunities. It is also home to the War Remnants Museum. Basel is popular for its many museums and its nice old town.

How is Ho Chi Minh City different from Basel?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Basel and Ho Chi Minh City. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Ho Chi Minh City or Basel?

Ho Chi Minh City is a world-class destination for its sights and museums. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Ho Chi Minh City are among the most recognizable in the world. It's a day trip outside of town, but the Cu Chi Tunnels are a must-see stop for any visitor. The War Remnants Museum is also a not-to-be-missed spot. Other highlights of the city include Thiên Hau Temple, the Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica, the Saigon Opera House, and the Reunification Palace.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Basel. The city is filled with history. Head to Minster Hill to see the beautiful historic church and Münsterplatz. There are also several unique museums around town including Jean Tinguely Museum, the Paper Mill Museum, the Historical Museum, and the Museum of Art.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Basel Better for Theater?

Ho Chi Minh City is a nice place to visit for its theatre productions. However, Basel is not a theatre destination.

Ho Chi Minh City offers a number of shows and performances. Water puppetry is a traditional art form that originated in the rural areas and was brought to the city. It is a fun cultural experience that kids and adults both enjoy. You can see it at The Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theatre.

Basel is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Ho Chi Minh City or Basel? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Ho Chi Minh City is a world-class destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Ho Chi Minh City is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. This city, arguably, has some of the best food in Vietnam. You'll find everything from food stalls selling mouthwatering street food to luxury restaurants preparing traditional dishes with a modern twist. Banh Mi (a Vietnamese sandwich) and Pho (Vietnamese soup) are the most well known dishes around town, but also try the Bún mắm (a noodle dish) and Bún bò Huế (a beef based soup).

Basel is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Food around town can be expensive, but there are some outdoor markets where you can buy fruit and a bratwurst for a reasonable price. The city is known for its breads, soups, and pastries, which are all delicious.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Basel Better for Nightlife?

Ho Chi Minh City is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

People head to Ho Chi Minh City just to party. The city never settles down and you'll find all night parties and dance clubs open into the early hours. Backpackers keep the energy high, but there are also luxury clubs and more relaxed places where you can have a good night out if the backpacker thing isn't your scene.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Basel. The city's nightlife comes alive as the sun sets. There are bars, pubs, and dance clubs that stay active until the early morning hours.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Basel Better for its Old Town?

Basel is great for its historic old town charm. However, Ho Chi Minh City does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Basel. The charming old town is fun to explore on foot with its quaint streets and meandering alleys. The beautiful architecture and ornate fountains give the area a unique personality. On the hottest days you may even see locals swimming in some of the fountains.

Ho Chi Minh City does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Ho Chi Minh City or Basel?

Ho Chi Minh City is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Ho Chi Minh City make it a world-class shopping destination. The city is filled with a mix of modern shopping centers and local shops selling traditional items. You'll find international brands as well as uniquely Vietnamese products. The city also has some of the best boutique shopping opportunities in Southeast Asia.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Basel. The old town is filled with shops that you can wander through as you explore. Popular shopping streets include Freie Strasse and the area around Marktplatz, where you'll find boutique shops and interesting trinkets. You can also head to the city's oldest department store - Manor.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Basel More Beautiful?

Basel is great for its scenery and beauty. However, Ho Chi Minh City is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Basel attracts visitors from all around. Situated along the river, this city is beautiful to explore on foot.

Ho Chi Minh City is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Basel Better for Families?

Ho Chi Minh City is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Ho Chi Minh City is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. Kids may feel overwhelmed at first, but they're sure to fall in love with the energy and kid-friendly activities in this city. There are traditional water puppet shows, kid-friendly restaurants, and fun parks. There's also the Suoi Tien Theme Park, smaller water parks, zoos, and art museums to explore.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Basel. The city has an impressive zoo, a really unique toy museum, as well as Aquabasilea with its pools and slides. It's also compact enough that little legs can explore and enjoy everything that it has to offer. If the weather's warm, head for the river to cool off.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Basel Better for Couples?

Ho Chi Minh City is notable for its romantic activities. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Ho Chi Minh City is a very popular place to visit for couples. If you're looking for a vibrant cultural scene with excellent restaurants, great parks, and countless day trips, this is the ultimate couple's getaway.

Basel is a good city for couples to visit. Nice restaurants, interesting museums, and several great spas make this a nice place for a romantic trip.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Basel Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ho Chi Minh City is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Ho Chi Minh City. It's well established on the Southeast Asian backpacker's circuit and you'll find no shortage of hostels in town. You'll find a good number of backpackers in District 1 of the city, near Ben Thanh Market. Many backpackers also arrange trips to the Mekong Delta or elsewhere in Thailand while they're here.

Basel is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a few hostels and a really useful City Pass that make this city an option for backpackers and budget travelers. It's also a major transit center so accessibility is convenient. If you're traveling around Europe by train, you'll likely pass through Basel at some point.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Basel Better for Students?

Basel is great for its student-friendly activities. Also, Ho Chi Minh City is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

Basel is very popular with students. The University of Basel brings in international students from around the world. The city makes a nice base for exploring Europe, but it's also a bit expensive which can be challenging on a student income.

Ho Chi Minh City is a good city to visit for students. Study abroad students appreciate the city's energy and plethora of activities. It also makes a good base for trips to other parts of Southeast Asia.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Basel Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Basel is great for times when you don't have a car. However, Ho Chi Minh City is not a good destination for its public transit.

Basel offers a very effecient public transportation network. Trams and buses make it easy to get around town.

Public transit is generally limited in Ho Chi Minh City. There are public buses around town but motorbike taxis and regular taxis are likely your best bet for getting around.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Basel a more walkable city?

Basel is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Ho Chi Minh City is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

Basel is a very easy city to get around on foot. The old town and most of the major attractions are easily accessible on foot.

Ho Chi Minh City is somewhat walkable. In certain neighborhoods it's fairly walkable, but you may have to dodge a motorbike here or there.

For even more information, also check out Is Ho Chi Minh City Worth Visiting? and Is Basel Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Basel or Ho Chi Minh City?

How long in Ho Chi Minh City or Basel?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Ho Chi Minh City and Basel. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Ho Chi Minh City than in Basel. Usually, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Ho Chi Minh City, and 1-3 days is enough time in Basel.

Families should spend more time in Ho Chi Minh City than Basel. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Ho Chi Minh City, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Ho Chi Minh City than Basel. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Ho Chi Minh City that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Ho Chi Minh City than Basel if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Ho Chi Minh City.

One day in Ho Chi Minh City or Basel?

Each neighborhood in Ho Chi Minh City has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

You'll find food and shopping around the easily accessible destination of Basel. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Ho Chi Minh City or Basel?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ho Chi Minh City. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

You'll find shopping and museums around the vibrant city of Basel. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Five days in Ho Chi Minh City or Basel?

Ho Chi Minh City is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums and theater when visiting the big city destination of Ho Chi Minh City. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Basel is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

A week in Ho Chi Minh City or Basel?

You'll find theater and nightlife around the busy big city of Ho Chi Minh City. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Basel is a great place to explore. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Ho Chi Minh City, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Vietnam, The Best 2-Week Tours in Switzerland, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Switzerland.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ho Chi Minh City and Basel, we can see that Basel is more expensive. And not only is Ho Chi Minh City much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Ho Chi Minh City is in Asia and Basel is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Ho Chi Minh City would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ho Chi Minh City and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Basel would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Basel than you might in Ho Chi Minh City.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Ho Chi Minh City Expensive? and Is Basel Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ho Chi Minh City or Basel?

Ho Chi Minh City has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Basel. When comparing the sizes of Ho Chi Minh City and Basel, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.