A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ho Chi Minh City vs. Lake Tekapo for Food, Families, Backpackers, and Couples

Should you visit Ho Chi Minh City or Lake Tekapo?

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 Lake Tekapo 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 food, shopping, and museums. See Ho Chi Minh City travel costs.

Lake Tekapo

Lake Tekapo is a remote, basic, and small town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. With stunning beauty, Lake Tekapo attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the hiking. See Lake Tekapo travel costs.

Ho Chi Minh City and Lake Tekapo: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Ho Chi Minh City. Although Ho Chi Minh City and Lake Tekapo are popular destinations, Ho Chi Minh City has more sights and attractions for tourists. Ho Chi Minh City is very popular for its museums and attractions, theatre productions, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Lake Tekapo attracts visitors for its hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Ho Chi Minh City is more touristy than Lake Tekapo 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. Lake Tekapo is famous for its hot springs, remote location, and beautiful night sky.

How is Ho Chi Minh City different from Lake Tekapo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Ho Chi Minh City is terrific for its museums and landmarks. However, Lake Tekapo does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Lake Tekapo does not have museums and landmarks.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Lake Tekapo Better for Theater?

Ho Chi Minh City is a good destination for its shows and theatre. However, Lake Tekapo 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.

Lake Tekapo is not a theatre destination.

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

Ho Chi Minh City is terrific for its restaurant scene. However, Lake Tekapo is a town with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eat your way through Ho Chi Minh City, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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).

Lake Tekapo offers some easy restaurants to choose from. The town is very small with just a couple of restaurants and fast food joints.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Lake Tekapo Better for Nightlife?

Ho Chi Minh City is terrific for its evening party scene. However, Lake Tekapo is a town with minimal options for nightlife.

Ho Chi Minh City is a must-see party destination. 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.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Lake Tekapo This is a very small town and there isn't a real nightlife scene. The night sky is incredible though, and you should absolutely do some stargazing.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Lake Tekapo Better for Hiking?

Lake Tekapo is great for hiking. However, Ho Chi Minh City is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Lake Tekapo for the hiking trails. There are many beautiful hikes in the area with some of the most popular being the Mount John Summit Track, the Richmond Trail, and Cowan's Hill Walkway.

Ho Chi Minh City is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ho Chi Minh City or Lake Tekapo?

Ho Chi Minh City is terrific for its shopping areas. However, Lake Tekapo is a town with minimal options 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 in Lake Tekapo can be found for those interested. There are a couple of shops where you can pick up basic necessities.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Lake Tekapo More Beautiful?

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

With stunning beauty, Lake Tekapo attracts visitors from all around. You really want to get out of town and explore the area's stunning natural beauty.

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

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Lake Tekapo Better for Families?

Ho Chi Minh City is terrific for its family-friendly activities. Also, Lake Tekapo is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Ho Chi Minh City is very family-friendly. 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.

Lake Tekapo is a very family-friendly destination. Kids will enjoy a visit to Tekapo Springs, which is particularly fun in the winter months. There's snow tubing, ice skating, and, of course, the hot pools. There are also short hikes in the area like the Mount John Summit Walk. Biking, paddleboarding, and kayaking are also popular in the area.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Lake Tekapo Better for Couples?

Ho Chi Minh City is a great destination for couples. Also, Lake Tekapo 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.

Lake Tekapo is a nice destination for couples. Couples will enjoy the stunning scenery, beautiful hikes, and the romantic hot springs. Stargazing is another popular activity in the area.

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

Ho Chi Minh City is terrific for backpackers. Also, Lake Tekapo 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Lake Tekapo. It's a small town with a couple of cheap places to stay that backpackers will appreciate.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Lake Tekapo Better for Students?

Ho Chi Minh City is a good destination for students. However, Lake Tekapo is not popular with students.

Ho Chi Minh City is popular with 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.

Lake Tekapo is not popular with students.

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

Ho Chi Minh City is a city with a few options for its public transit. However, Lake Tekapo is a town with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is quite limited in Lake Tekapo. Public transportation in the area is very limited. If you don't have a car, you'll want to arrange tours to get out and about.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Lake Tekapo a more walkable city?

Ho Chi Minh City and Lake Tekapo are nice when it comes to walkability.

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

Lake Tekapo is somewhat walkable. The town is small enough to get around on foot, and you can hire a tour to get out into the region.

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

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

How long in Ho Chi Minh City or Lake Tekapo?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Ho Chi Minh City or Lake Tekapo to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Ho Chi Minh City than Lake Tekapo because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Ho Chi Minh City, and 1-2 days is enough time in Lake Tekapo.

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

Ho Chi Minh City is a cultural city where you can fill many days. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find around the basic destination of Lake Tekapo. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Ho Chi Minh City or Lake Tekapo?

Ho Chi Minh City is a chaotic big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

You'll find around the small town of Lake Tekapo. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Lake Tekapo?

The busy city of Ho Chi Minh City offers theater and nightlife. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Lake Tekapo is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Lake Tekapo?

Many people enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting Ho Chi Minh City. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Lake Tekapo is a great place to explore. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 Tours for Seniors to New Zealand, and The Best Contiki Tours to New Zealand.

When comparing the travel costs between Ho Chi Minh City and Lake Tekapo, we can see that Ho Chi Minh City is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Ho Chi Minh City is in Asia and Lake Tekapo is in Pacific, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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 Lake Tekapo Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ho Chi Minh City or Lake Tekapo?

Ho Chi Minh City has a larger population, and is about 10510 times larger than the population of Lake Tekapo. When comparing the sizes of Ho Chi Minh City and Lake Tekapo, 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.