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

Should you visit Ho Chi Minh City or Santa Elena?

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 Santa Elena can help you decide which place is right for you.

Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City is a cultural, chaotic, and vibrant city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Ho Chi Minh City travel costs.

Santa Elena

Santa Elena is a outdoorsy, scenic, and tranquil town. Santa Elena offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the hiking and shopping. See Santa Elena travel costs.

Ho Chi Minh City and Santa Elena: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Ho Chi Minh City. Although Ho Chi Minh City and Santa Elena 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 Santa Elena attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Ho Chi Minh City is famous for its motorbike-filled streets, bustling markets, world-class cuisine, and diverse shopping opportunities. It is also well known for the War Remnants Museum. Santa Elena is famous for its birdwatching and environmental conservation.

How is Ho Chi Minh City different from Santa Elena?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Ho Chi Minh City is a must-visit destination for its historical sights. However, Santa Elena is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Ho Chi Minh City has many famous sights for visitors. 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.

Santa Elena offers a few options for museum-goers. The area is filled with outdoor gardens, parks, and nature reserves, but there are few museums to visit.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Santa Elena Better for Theater?

Ho Chi Minh City is a good destination for its shows and theatre. However, Santa Elena is not a theatre destination.

If you have some extra time in Ho Chi Minh City, take in a show. 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.

Santa Elena is not a theatre destination.

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

Ho Chi Minh City is a must-visit destination for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Santa Elena is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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).

Santa Elena offers some easy restaurants to choose from. You'll find some basic but good restaurants around town. Many offer pasta, pizza, and typical Costa Rican dishes.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Santa Elena Better for Nightlife?

Ho Chi Minh City is a must-visit destination for its evening party scene. However, Santa Elena is not a good destination for nightlife.

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.

Most people don't head to Santa Elena specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. There's a couple of bars but not much else for nightlife in town.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Santa Elena Better for Hiking?

Santa Elena is great for hiking. However, Ho Chi Minh City is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Santa Elena for the hiking trails. Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve has a range of trails including a walk along the Continental Divide. There's also the famous red hanging bridge.

Ho Chi Minh City is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ho Chi Minh City or Santa Elena?

Ho Chi Minh City is a must-visit destination for its shopping areas. Also, Santa Elena is not as popular, but is still a nice town for shopping.

Many people travel to Ho Chi Minh City specifically to go shopping. 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.

Santa Elena is a great destination for shopping. There are some art galleries and artisan shops around town where you can pick up some interesting souvenirs.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Santa Elena More Beautiful?

Santa Elena is very good for its scenery and beauty. However, Ho Chi Minh City is not a destination known for its beauty.

Santa Elena offers plenty of beauty for visitors. The cloud forest and canopy walks give you access to breathtaking views and unique wildlife.

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

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Santa Elena Better for Families?

Ho Chi Minh City is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Santa Elena is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its family-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.

Santa Elena is a very family-friendly place to visit. Monteverde has many canopy walks, zipline courses, and animal parks that the kids will love. The nature and wildlife make this a fun and educational destination for everyone.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Santa Elena Better for Couples?

Both Ho Chi Minh City and Santa Elena are high quality 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.

Santa Elena is a very popular place to visit for couples. The cloud forest is filled with romantic views and unique landscapes. Couples who enjoy the outdoors will fall in love with this magical setting.

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

For backpackers, both Ho Chi Minh City and Santa Elena are first-rate places to visit.

A large number of backpackers visit Ho Chi Minh City, as it is a very popular city for 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.

Santa Elena is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. Backpackers will enjoy hiking and affordable activities. There are also many hostels with social activities that make this a great backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Santa Elena Better for Students?

Ho Chi Minh City is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Santa Elena is not popular with students.

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.

Santa Elena is not popular with students.

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

Santa Elena 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 Santa Elena offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses through town that travel to Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve.

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 Santa Elena a more walkable city?

Ho Chi Minh City and Santa Elena 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.

Santa Elena is somewhat walkable. It's relatively easy to walk around, but you will need to take a bus to Monteverde.

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

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

How long in Ho Chi Minh City or Santa Elena?

It's fun to spend time in either Ho Chi Minh City or Santa Elena. 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 Santa Elena. In general, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Ho Chi Minh City, and 2-4 days is enough time in Santa Elena.

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

Ho Chi Minh City is a busy 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 shopping around the scenic destination of Santa Elena. 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 Santa Elena?

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 shopping around the scenic town of Santa Elena. 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 Santa Elena?

The colorful 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.

Santa Elena 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 Santa Elena?

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.

Santa Elena 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 G Adventures Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Costa Rica.

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