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

Should you visit Ho Chi Minh City or Malang?

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

Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City is a chaotic, vibrant, and colorful city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's also known for shopping, museums, and theater. See Ho Chi Minh City travel costs.

Malang

Malang is a cultural, under-rated, and authentic city. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Malang travel costs.

Ho Chi Minh City and Malang: Pros and Cons

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

You'll generally find more things to do in Ho Chi Minh City than Malang. Ho Chi Minh City is bigger than Malang, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Ho Chi Minh City is better known for its museums and attractions, theatre productions, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Malang is more popular for its hiking. Ho Chi Minh City is more touristy than Malang and is popular for its motorbike-filled streets, bustling markets, world-class cuisine, and diverse shopping opportunities. Also, Ho Chi Minh City is famous for the War Remnants Museum. Malang is well known for its many nearby natural attractions.

How is Ho Chi Minh City different from Malang?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Ho Chi Minh City is a must-visit destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Malang is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Ho Chi Minh City that are not to be missed. 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.

Malang offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a handful of museums around town that provide information on the city's culture and history. There are also mosques, temples, and the famous Rainbow Village.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Malang Better for Theater?

Ho Chi Minh City is a popular place for theatre. However, Malang 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.

Malang is not a theatre destination.

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

Foodies will find both Ho Chi Minh City and Malang both to be world-class destinations.

Ho Chi Minh City has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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).

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Malang is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. This is a top foodie destination and you'll find plenty of amazing street food. It's also the credited with being the birthplace of bakso (meatballs). Many of the dishes around town are sweet, spicy, and served with peanut sauce. It's been influenced by many different cuisines such as Chinese, Javanese, Madurese, Arabic, Dutch, and Indian.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Malang Better for Nightlife?

Ho Chi Minh City is a must-visit destination for nightlife. Also, Malang is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

Ho Chi Minh City is a world class 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Malang has a few options to choose from. The universities around town mean that there's a youthful vibe to the nightlife scene. You'll also find a mix of cultural activities as well as modern and trendy venues. There are dance clubs, upscale lounges, and everything in between.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Malang Better for Hiking?

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

Many people include a hike when visiting Malang. Many visitors use this city as a base for hiking Mount Bromo. It's popular to hire a jeep tour from town, or you can hire a private driver or motorbike. Near town you'll also find one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Indonesia - Tumpak Sewu Waterfall. It's possible to hike to the base of the waterfall, but it's a very challenging route.

Ho Chi Minh City is not a hiking destination.

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

Ho Chi Minh City is a must-visit destination for shopping. Also, Malang is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Ho Chi Minh City is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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 Malang. You'll find places to pick up many local items. The region is known for its ceramics, wood, and rattan (palms).

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Malang Better for Families?

Ho Chi Minh City is a must-visit destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Malang 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.

Malang offers lots of family activities. If you're willing to head just outside of town, you'll find theme parks and waterparks. Some of the favorites are Batu Secret Zoo, Jatim Park, Selecta Park, and Batu Night Spectacular.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Malang Better for Couples?

Ho Chi Minh City is well known for romance. Also, Malang is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

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.

Malang makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy culture, museums, temples, and great food will have a good time visiting this city. It is also a bit cooler than much of Indonesia, which can make a nice escape from the heat.

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

Ho Chi Minh City is a must-visit destination for backpackers. Also, Malang is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Ho Chi Minh City is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Malang is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Most backpackers pass through town when they're headed to climb Mount Bromo. There are plenty of hostels and cheap places to stay as well as some sights that are worth checking out.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Malang Better for Students?

For students, both Ho Chi Minh City and Malang are notable places to visit.

It's common for students to visit Ho Chi Minh City. 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.

Malang is a good city to visit for students. The university means that there's a large student population in town.

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

Ho Chi Minh City and Malang both offer respectable public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly 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 generally limited in Malang. Angkot or mikrolet are small buses or modified cars that carry passengers around town. Many visitors also hire a motor scooter or driver to get around.

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

Ho Chi Minh City and Malang are notable 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.

Malang is somewhat walkable. The city center is relatively walkable.

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

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

How long in Ho Chi Minh City or Malang?

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

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

Ho Chi Minh City is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find food and shopping around the under-rated destination of Malang. 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 Malang?

Ho Chi Minh City is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find shopping and museums around the cultural city of Malang. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the food. 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 Malang?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ho Chi Minh City. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Malang 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 Malang?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the vibrant big city of Ho Chi Minh City. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Malang is a great place to explore. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people head to the area for the food. 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 Budget Tours to Indonesia, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Indonesia.

When comparing the travel costs between Ho Chi Minh City and Malang, 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. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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 Malang Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ho Chi Minh City or Malang?

Ho Chi Minh City has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Malang. When comparing the sizes of Ho Chi Minh City and Malang, 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.