A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ho Chi Minh City vs. Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Ho Chi Minh City or Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)?

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 Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) 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 museums, theater, and nightlife. See Ho Chi Minh City travel costs.

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is a remote, local, and authentic town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. With stunning beauty, Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the hiking, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) travel costs.

Ho Chi Minh City and Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park): Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ho Chi Minh City or Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Ho Chi Minh City than Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park), as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Ho Chi Minh City is better known for its museums and attractions, theatre productions, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is more popular for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Ho Chi Minh City is more touristy than Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) 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. Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is well known for its fishing and wildlife.

How is Ho Chi Minh City different from Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) 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 Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)?

Ho Chi Minh City is very popular for its sights and museums. However, Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is not a good town for its museums and history.

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.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park). People visit the town for the nearby national park, so you won't find much in the form of museums.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) Better for Theater?

Ho Chi Minh City is very good for theatre. However, Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) 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.

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Ho Chi Minh City or Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Ho Chi Minh City is very popular for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

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).

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Many places have local Costa Rican dishes, but you'll also find pizza joints and the occasional cafe as well.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) Better for Nightlife?

Ho Chi Minh City is very popular for nightlife. However, Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is not a good town for nightlife and partying.

Ho Chi Minh City is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park). There are a few bars on the town's main street, but most visitors don't come to town for the nightlife.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is great for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Ho Chi Minh City is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park). You'll find nice snorkeling with calm waters and you might even see dolphins.

Ho Chi Minh City is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) Better for Beaches?

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is great for the beach. However, Ho Chi Minh City is not a beach destination.

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. Near town you'll find wonderful beaches and long stretches of sand bordered by lush rainforests.

Ho Chi Minh City is not a beach destination.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) Better for Hiking?

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is great for hiking. However, Ho Chi Minh City is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) for the hiking trails. Corcovado National Park can be challenging to reach, which is part of what makes it such a wonderful place to explore. The rainforest and wildlife still feels untouched by the tourist crowds and you can lose yourself hiking through the forest.

Ho Chi Minh City is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ho Chi Minh City or Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)?

Ho Chi Minh City is very popular for shopping. However, Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is not a good town 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.

If you're looking to go shopping, Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) has some nice offerings. It's a small local town so you won't find many shopping options that cater to tourists.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) More Beautiful?

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is great for its scenery and beauty. However, Ho Chi Minh City is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) attracts visitors from all around. The beaches, wildlife, and rainforests make this a unique and beautiful place to visit.

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

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) Better for Families?

Ho Chi Minh City is very popular for its family-friendly activities. Also, Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Ho Chi Minh City is one of the most popular family destinations. 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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is very family-friendly. Kids will love the beaches, kayaking, surfing, wildlife, hiking, and swimming. There really is something for the whole family to enjoy.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) Better for Couples?

Both Ho Chi Minh City and Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) are very good destinations to visit as a couple.

Ho Chi Minh City is a great city if you're traveling as 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.

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples will love the stunning nature and wildlife that nearby Corcovado National Park offers. There are also many great beaches where you can take a stroll or go kayaking.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ho Chi Minh City is very popular for backpackers. Also, Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit 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.

Many backpackers visit Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park). It's become a popular backpacker destination because there are a number of hostels nearby.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) Better for Students?

Ho Chi Minh City is very good for students. However, Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is not popular with students.

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.

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is not popular with students.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) 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 Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Many visitors take the colectivo taxi, which is a flatbed truck that is more affordable than private taxis.

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 Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) a more walkable city?

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) 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.

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is a very walkable destination. The town is relatively easy to walk around.

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 Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) or Ho Chi Minh City?

How long in Ho Chi Minh City or Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)?

It's fun to spend time in either Ho Chi Minh City or Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park). In our opinion, Ho Chi Minh City has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Ho Chi Minh City than Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park). However, 3-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Ho Chi Minh City than Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park). 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Ho Chi Minh City than Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) 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 Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)?

Each neighborhood in Ho Chi Minh City has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This city offers something for everyone.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and food around the authentic destination of Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park). Hikers are also drawn to this area. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Ho Chi Minh City or Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)?

Each neighborhood in Ho Chi Minh City has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the authentic town of Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park). It's also a great beach destination, too. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Five days in Ho Chi Minh City or Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)?

Ho Chi Minh City is a popular choice for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) 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 Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)?

Ho Chi Minh City is a great place to explore. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It offers something for everyone.

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) 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 Luxury Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica.

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