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

Should you visit Ho Chi Minh City or Dunedin?

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 Dunedin can help you decide which place is right for you.

Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City is a colorful, busy, and diverse city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and theater. See Ho Chi Minh City travel costs.

Dunedin

Dunedin is a hilly, cultural, and vibrant city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Dunedin travel costs.

Ho Chi Minh City and Dunedin: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Ho Chi Minh City than Dunedin. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Ho Chi Minh City is very popular for its museums and attractions, theatre productions, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Dunedin attracts visitors for its beaches and hiking. Ho Chi Minh City is more touristy than Dunedin and is popular for its motorbike-filled streets, bustling markets, world-class cuisine, and diverse shopping opportunities. It is also well known for the War Remnants Museum. Dunedin is famous for its wildlife and proximity to the Otago Peninsula.

How is Ho Chi Minh City different from Dunedin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Dunedin 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 Dunedin?

Ho Chi Minh City is an unbeatable place for its museums and landmarks. Also, Dunedin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Ho Chi Minh City on the map. 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.

Many visitors head to Dunedin specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city has cultural scene that is centered around both Scottish and Maori heritage. Top sights around town include the Larnach Castle, the Dunedin Railway Station, Toitu Otago Settlers Museum, and the Otago Museum.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Dunedin Better for Theater?

Ho Chi Minh City is a popular place for its shows and theatre. However, Dunedin is not a theatre destination.

With some theater and performance venues, you might want to see a show in Ho Chi Minh City. 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.

Dunedin is not a theatre destination.

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

Ho Chi Minh City is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. Also, Dunedin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, Ho Chi Minh City is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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).

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Dunedin. The culinary scene in town continues to grow and improve. There are local eateries that have charm and character and serve interesting and local dishes.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Dunedin Better for Nightlife?

Ho Chi Minh City is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. Also, Dunedin is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

The nightlife in Ho Chi Minh City is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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.

Many people head to Dunedin for the nightlife scene. The town has eclectic bars and a diverse club scene that is fun to experience. It has a lively nightlife scene that is driven, in part, by the large student population.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Dunedin Better for Beaches?

Dunedin is very good for the beach. However, Ho Chi Minh City is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Dunedin to enjoy the beach. Many of the beaches are just a short drive from the city center. The surf is surprisingly good and the beaches are fun during the warmer summer months.

Ho Chi Minh City is not a beach destination.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Dunedin Better for Hiking?

Dunedin is very good for hiking. However, Ho Chi Minh City is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Dunedin. There are biking and hiking trails that travel around town and through the surrounding landscapes.

Ho Chi Minh City is not a hiking destination.

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

Ho Chi Minh City is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. Also, Dunedin is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Ho Chi Minh City is a world class destination for shoppers. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Dunedin. The shopping scene is diverse and eclectic with everything from vintage shops to fashion boutiques. Some of the most popular shopping areas are Edinburgh Way, Octagon Entertainment Precinct, Moray Place, and the Warehouse Precinct.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Dunedin Better for Families?

Ho Chi Minh City is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Dunedin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Ho Chi Minh City is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Dunedin is a very family-friendly destination. It's one of the largest cities on the South Island, and there are many educational opportunities and unique experiences available to kids. You can visit the Otago Museum or the Toitu Otago Settlers Museum, take a wildlife cruise, or visit the Larnach Castle. You can also take a ride on the Inlander or simply hang out at a playground.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Dunedin Better for Couples?

Ho Chi Minh City is well known for couples. Also, Dunedin is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Ho Chi Minh City frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Dunedin is a nice destination for couples. You can wander through the castle or explore one of the city's markets. There are also romantic restaurants and many opportunities to see wildlife.

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

Ho Chi Minh City is an unbeatable place for backpackers. Also, Dunedin is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Ho Chi Minh City is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. 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.

Dunedin is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are many hostels around town and plenty of activities that keep backpackers entertained.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Dunedin Better for Students?

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

Dunedin is very popular with students. This is a large student city that is welcoming to international students and a popular place to study.

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 Dunedin Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

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

While Dunedin offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There a relatively decent bus system that travels through 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 Dunedin a more walkable city?

Dunedin is great for its ease of walking around. Also, Ho Chi Minh City is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

Dunedin is a very walkable destination. Parts of the town are easy to explore 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 Dunedin Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Ho Chi Minh City or Dunedin?

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

Families should spend more time in Ho Chi Minh City than Dunedin. 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 Dunedin. 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 Dunedin 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 Dunedin?

Because Ho Chi Minh City is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

You'll find food and shopping around the hilly destination of Dunedin. 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 Dunedin?

Because Ho Chi Minh City is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

You'll find shopping and museums around the hilly city of Dunedin. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. 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 Dunedin?

Ho Chi Minh City is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Dunedin is a popular choice for travelers. 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 Dunedin?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ho Chi Minh City. Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Ho Chi Minh City. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Dunedin is a great place to explore. 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 Adventure Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Eco Tours in New Zealand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ho Chi Minh City and Dunedin, we can see that Dunedin 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 Dunedin is in Pacific, 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 Dunedin would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dunedin 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 Dunedin Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ho Chi Minh City or Dunedin?

Ho Chi Minh City has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Dunedin. When comparing the sizes of Ho Chi Minh City and Dunedin, 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.