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

Should you visit Ho Chi Minh City or New Orleans?

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 New Orleans can help you decide which place is right for you.

Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City is a busy, diverse, and cultural city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and shopping. See Ho Chi Minh City travel costs.

New Orleans

New Orleans is a festive, vibrant, and energetic city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the food, nightlife, and live music. See New Orleans travel costs.

Ho Chi Minh City and New Orleans: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will generally find more to do in New Orleans than Ho Chi Minh City. While Ho Chi Minh City is larger than New Orleans, New Orleans has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. New Orleans is better known for its music, historical sights, and quaint atmosphere, while Ho Chi Minh City is more popular for its museums and attractions, theatre productions, shopping, and big city activities. New Orleans is more touristy than Ho Chi Minh City and is known for its jazz festivals, local cuisine, quaint balconies, and world class Mardi Gras parties. Also, New Orleans is famous for The French Quarter. Ho Chi Minh City is well known for its motorbike-filled streets, bustling markets, world-class cuisine, and diverse shopping opportunities.

The French Quarter

How is Ho Chi Minh City different from New Orleans?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Ho Chi Minh City is a world-class destination for its museums and history. However, New Orleans does not have museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Ho Chi Minh City from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. 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.

New Orleans does not have museums and landmarks.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or New Orleans Better for Theater?

Ho Chi Minh City is a city with good options for theatre. However, New Orleans is not a theatre destination.

You'll find a nice selection of shows 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.

New Orleans is not a theatre destination.

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

Foodies will find both Ho Chi Minh City and New Orleans both to be amazing 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, New Orleans is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. It has rapidly grown into one of the United State's most well known foodie destinations. It's the birthplace of bananas foster and popular for it's gumbo, crawfish etouffee, jambalaya, and red beans and rice. While there are a number of celebrity chefs from New Orleans, you'll also find many local restaurants that aren't as well known but are equally worth visiting.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or New Orleans Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is amazing in both Ho Chi Minh City and New Orleans.

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.

The nightlife in New Orleans is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The nightlife scene is at its best during Mardi Gras. But year-round you'll find Bachelor and Bachelorette parties, spring breakers, and anyone who wants to enjoy a crazy time heads to New Orleans. New Orleans is a destination that attracts partiers any time of the year, and the French Quarter is the place to be if you're looking for a party.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or New Orleans Better for Music?

New Orleans is a world-class destination for its music scene. However, Ho Chi Minh City is not a live music destination.

New Orleans has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The city is known for its music festivals that feature jazz, blues, and many other types of live music. The Jazz Festival is a great time to visit.

Ho Chi Minh City is not a live music destination.

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

New Orleans 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 New Orleans. The French Quarter is filled with old architecture and beautiful historic landmarks.

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

Is the Shopping Better in Ho Chi Minh City or New Orleans?

Ho Chi Minh City is a world-class destination for shopping. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Ho Chi Minh City. 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.

If you're looking to go shopping, New Orleans has some nice offerings. New Orleans shopping is mostly centered around shopping malls and chain stores.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or New Orleans Better for Families?

Ho Chi Minh City is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for its family-friendly activities.

Ho Chi Minh City is an extremely popular city to visit for families. 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.

New Orleans doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. While there are some family-friendly activities in New Orleans like a zoo and several great parks, the city is more known for its parties and nightlife scene. Particularly during certain seasons, most people choose to visit New Orleans without kids.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or New Orleans Better for Couples?

Ho Chi Minh City is an excellent place to visit for romance. Also, New Orleans is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Ho Chi Minh City makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

New Orleans makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy a lively evening, fun festivals, and exploring absolutely amazing restaurants will enjoy a visit to New Orleans. It has a festive and unique atmosphere any time of the year. There are also nice hotels and beautiful parks.

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

Ho Chi Minh City is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent 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.

New Orleans is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a handful of hostels in New Orleans that are good options for backpackers who want to meet other travelers.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or New Orleans Better for Students?

For students, both Ho Chi Minh City and New Orleans 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.

New Orleans is a good city to visit for students. Students head to New Orleans to enjoy spring break and Mardi Gras.

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

Ho Chi Minh City and New Orleans 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 New Orleans. The city has streetcar lines and bus lines that you can use, but you'll want to have a car if you want to venture outside of these main areas.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or New Orleans a more walkable city?

Ho Chi Minh City and New Orleans 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.

New Orleans is somewhat walkable. If you stick to the French Quarter and downtown areas, most things are walkable in New Orleans.

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

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

How long in Ho Chi Minh City or New Orleans?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Ho Chi Minh City and New Orleans. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Ho Chi Minh City than in New Orleans. Usually, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Ho Chi Minh City, and 2-3 days is enough time in New Orleans.

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

Ho Chi Minh City is a colorful 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 food and nightlife around the festive destination of New Orleans. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Ho Chi Minh City or New Orleans?

Ho Chi Minh City is a busy 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 nightlife and live music around the festive city of New Orleans. 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 New Orleans?

The chaotic 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.

New Orleans 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 New Orleans?

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.

New Orleans 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 Cultural Tours in United States of America, and The Best Photography Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Ho Chi Minh City or New Orleans?

Ho Chi Minh City has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of New Orleans. When comparing the sizes of Ho Chi Minh City and New Orleans, 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.