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

Should you visit Ho Chi Minh City or Victoria?

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 Victoria 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.

Victoria

Victoria is a cultural, scenic, and relaxing city. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Victoria travel costs.

Ho Chi Minh City and Victoria: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Ho Chi Minh City than Victoria. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Ho Chi Minh City is very popular for its museums and attractions, theatre productions, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Victoria attracts visitors for its hiking. 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. Victoria is famous for its colonial buildings and public parks.

How is Ho Chi Minh City different from Victoria?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Ho Chi Minh City is an amazing city to visit for its museums and history. Also, Victoria is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Victoria is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several popular museums like the Royal BC Museum and Craigdarroch Castle. Also make sure you check out the Parliament Buildings.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Victoria Better for Theater?

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

Victoria is not a theatre destination.

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

Ho Chi Minh City is an amazing city to visit for its restaurants. Also, Victoria is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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).

Victoria offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find tons of fresh seafood around town. Make sure you try to the Dungeness crab, wild caught salmon, and fish chowder.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Victoria Better for Nightlife?

Ho Chi Minh City is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Victoria is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Ho Chi Minh City has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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.

Victoria has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are a good number of bars and pubs around town. Most offer a relaxed atmosphere where you can enjoy a cold drink in a casual setting.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Victoria Better for Hiking?

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

Many people include a hike when visiting Victoria. There are many outdoor spaces and parks that offer local hiking trails. This is a great way to experience the scenic beauty of the area.

Ho Chi Minh City is not a hiking destination.

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

Ho Chi Minh City is an amazing city to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Victoria is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Victoria is a great destination for shopping. There are plenty of larger shopping malls as well as local boutiques and farmer's markets.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Victoria Better for Families?

Ho Chi Minh City is an amazing city to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Victoria is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Victoria is a very family-friendly place to visit. There are plenty of opportunities to get outside and get the energy out. Walking trails are popular. You can also do the Malahat SkyWalk which offers impressive views. Cadboro-Gyro Park has a playground, zip-line, and picnic areas. Another hightlight for kids is a visit to the Beacon Hill Children's Farm. If the weather isn't cooperating, you can visit the BC Aviation Museum.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Victoria Better for Couples?

Both Ho Chi Minh City and Victoria 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.

Victoria is a very popular place to visit for couples. The city offers many great activities for couples such as a visit to Hatley Park and Castle. The city is also famous for its many flower gardens which are best visited in spring. Kayaking, hiking, and exploring are also favorite activities for couples.

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

Ho Chi Minh City is an amazing city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Victoria is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Victoria. There are a few hostels around town that attract the backpacker and budget traveler crowd.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Victoria Better for Students?

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

Plenty of students 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.

Victoria is not popular with students.

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

Ho Chi Minh City and Victoria both offer reasonable 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 Victoria. While there are buses, it's best not to count on them because they're not particularly reliable.

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

Victoria 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.

Victoria is a very walkable destination. Many of the sights are close by and easy to walk to.

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 Victoria Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Ho Chi Minh City or Victoria?

It's fun to spend time in either Ho Chi Minh City or Victoria. 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 Victoria. 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 Victoria. 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 Victoria. 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 Victoria 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 Victoria?

Ho Chi Minh City is a big city with plenty to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

You'll find food and shopping around the scenic destination of Victoria. 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 Victoria?

Ho Chi Minh City is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

You'll find shopping and museums around the cultural city of Victoria. 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 Victoria?

Ho Chi Minh City is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Victoria 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 Victoria?

Ho Chi Minh City is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Victoria is a great place to explore. 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 Adventure Tours to Canada, and The Best Eco Tours in Canada.

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

Which is Bigger, Ho Chi Minh City or Victoria?

Ho Chi Minh City has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Victoria. When comparing the sizes of Ho Chi Minh City and Victoria, 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.