A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Luxor vs. Ho Chi Minh City for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Luxor or Ho Chi Minh City?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Luxor or Ho Chi Minh City? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Luxor or Ho Chi Minh City?

Luxor

Egypt is surely on the top of every history lover's bucket list. Nowhere is the history more engrossing than in Luxor. From amazing monuments dating back to ancient Thebes to rows of temples up the Nile, this remarkable city is full the stories of past greatness.

The East Bank – or the central part of Luxor Township – is the hotbed for tourism. This is where most of the hotels and resorts are, while the West Bank is home to the ancient ruins and archaeological wonders you'll want to explore.

Before traveling to Egypt, be sure to check on the current affairs and political climate. It could have a major effect on the amount of tourists visiting, and, if conditions are too dangerous, you may want to reschedule. Also note, ladies, to avoid any issues, dress modestly. This is a very conservative region of the world. The less skin showing, the better.

Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon, is the largest city in Vietnam. It previously served as the capital of the Republic of Vietnam (South Vietnam). The metropolitan area, including Ho Chi Minh City, Thu Dau Mot, Di An, Bien Hoa, and other surrounding towns, has a population of more than 9 million people and continues to grow.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Egypt, The Best Luxury Tours to Egypt, The Best 2-Week Tours from Ho Chi Minh City, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Vietnam.


Which place is cheaper, Ho Chi Minh City or Luxor?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Luxor Prices
    Egypt Prices
    Ho Chi Minh City Prices
    Vietnam Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Luxor $33
    Ho Chi Minh City $87

The average daily cost (per person) in Luxor is $33, while the average daily cost in Ho Chi Minh City is $87. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Luxor and Ho Chi Minh City in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Luxor $11
    Ho Chi Minh City $48
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Luxor $22
    Ho Chi Minh City $96
Compare Hotels in Luxor and Ho Chi Minh City

Looking for a hotel in Luxor or Ho Chi Minh City? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Luxor


Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Luxor Hotel Prices and Ho Chi Minh City Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Luxor $5.64
    Ho Chi Minh City $14
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Luxor

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Luxor:


  • Taxi Ride
    $0.42

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Luxor

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Luxor:

  • 3-Night Nile Cruise to Aswan with Transfers and Meals: $643
  • Comfortable Private Transfer from Luxor to El Cairo: $299
  • Private Transfer Luxor To Makadi - Car And Minibus Options: $260
  • Private Car And Minibus Transfer Luxor City To Soma Bay: $254
  • Private Transfer Luxor To Hurghada City - Car And Minibus Options: $247
  • Shared Transfer from Luxor to Aswan: $220
  • Private Pickup Transfers from Luxor to Cairo by Bus : $220
  • One-night Nile Cruise to Aswan with Transfer: $214
  • Luxor Airport (LXR) to El Queseir - Arrival Private Transfer : $195
  • Private transfer - from Luxor to Hurghada and visit Dendara en route: $192
  • Transfer Luxor to Hurghada including a Quad VIP safari adventure : $180
  • Vip Marsa Alam Private Transfer to Luxor: $180

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Ho Chi Minh City

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Ho Chi Minh City:


  • Short Taxi Ride
    $1.33
  • Taxi From Airport
    $7.58
  • Cyclo Ride (One Hour)
    $1.52

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ho Chi Minh City

Also for Ho Chi Minh City, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Ho Chi Minh City to Mui Ne Can Tho VungTau: $138
  • Airport Transfer (From Airport - Ho Chi Minh City (Private 16 Seats Car): $70
  • Airport Transfer (From Hotels in Ho Chi Minh to Airport) Private 4 Seats Car: $38
  • Airport Transfer From Hotel in Ho Chi Minh to Airport By 4 Seats Car: $35
  • Airport Transfer From Hotel in Ho Chi Minh to Airport By 7 Seats Car: $41
  • Airport Transfers (Airport - Ho Chi Minh,Private 16 Seats Car): $52
  • Airport Transfers From Airport to Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City 7 seat Car: $46
  • From Phu My Port: Ho Chi Minh City Tour and Transfers: $143
  • HO CHI MINH AIRPORT: CAR 7s PICK UP <-> HOTEL (one way transfer): $20
  • Ho Chi Minh Airport (SGN) to Ho Chi Minh hotels Arrival Transfer: $17
  • Ho Chi Minh Airport (SGN) to Mui Ne - Arrival Private Transfer: $118
  • Ho Chi Minh Airport (SGN) to Mui Ne - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $283

Is it cheaper to fly into Luxor or Ho Chi Minh City?

Prices for flights to both Ho Chi Minh City and Luxor change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Luxor $16
    Ho Chi Minh City $23

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Luxor

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Luxor.

  • Dinner on the River Nile with Belly Dancing: $31
  • Riding a felucca at Sunset and Dinner an Egyptian House in Luxor: $40
  • 3 Hours Culinary Journey with Family Food Tour in Luxor: $40
  • Luxor City Private Walking and Food Tour: $50
  • Dinner on the River Nile with Belly Dancing in luxor: $60
  • Saray El Nile restaurant Dinner : $60
  • Enjoy Lunch or Dinner on a Luxor Nile River Boat: $60
  • Karnak Sound And Light Show With Dinner, Felucca  : $64
  • private day in east bank & dendera with dinner on boat: $86
  • Luxor Karnak Temple Sound and Light Show with Dinner and Transfers: $95
  • Egyptian cooking class and Luxor museum : $120
  • Full day trip west Bank, Dandara and dinner on a boat.: $128

Typical Food Prices in Ho Chi Minh City

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Ho Chi Minh City:


  • Street Food Dinner (for Two)
    $4.06
  • Pizza
    $4.93
  • Sweet Rice
    $1.14
  • Pork Sandwich
    $0.57
  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    $6.43
  • Western Lunch (for Two)
    $11

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ho Chi Minh City

For Ho Chi Minh City, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • 1 hour Egg Coffee Cooking Class with Snack and Local Instructor : $12
  • Vietnamese Cooking and Craft Workshop by the Lake: $12
  • Saigon Food Tour & Culture Explore Ho Chi Minh City Walking Tour: $15
  • Mekong Delta 4 Islands, TukTuk, Boat, Try Khot Cake Local Cooking: $20
  • Saigon Street Food Tour with Local Guide: $25
  • Ho Chi Minh City Street Food Tour On American Jeep/ Motorbike: $25
  • Committed Non-Touristy Saigon Street Food Tour By Scooters/Car : $25
  • HO CHI MINH Street Food Tour and Vietnamese Coffee: $25
  • Street Food Tour In Ho Chi Minh City By Motorbike: $26
  • Ho Chi Minh Scooter Adventure - City Sights & Street Food Tour: $27
  • Ho Chi Minh City Street Food Tour With Students: $27
  • Saigon - Tasty Food Tour By Scooters: $28

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Luxor $10
    Ho Chi Minh City $19
Typical Entertainment Prices in Luxor

Here are a few typical costs in Luxor for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Boat Ride (for 2)
    $0.57
  • Temple Karnak for Two
    $2.73
  • Camel Ride for Two
    $1.26

Tours and Activities in Luxor

Here are a few actual costs in Luxor for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 2 Days Sightseeing Tour of Luxor Highlights: $120
  • Adventure Hot Air Balloon Ride Tour in Luxor: $79
  • Aswan and Abu Simbel private 2 days tour from Luxor : $220
  • Balloon Experience with Personalized Photography: $120
  • Balloon Tour and Sunset Felucca Ride in Luxor with Luxor Tour: $189
  • Balloon, Tour of Temples West Bank and Carter House in Luxor : $54
  • Day Private Tour to Karnak and Luxor Temples: $90
  • Day Tour of Luxor East & West Bank Temples and Tombs of Luxor: $140
  • Day Tour to Dendera and Abydos Temples from Luxor: $80
  • Day Tour to Hathor Temple at Dendera from Luxor by car: $90
  • Day Tour to Karnak temple and luxor temple from luxor: $77
  • Day tour to Aswan from Luxo visit Edfu,Kom Ombo,Phila Temples & Aswan dam.: $276

Typical Entertainment Prices in Ho Chi Minh City

For Ho Chi Minh City, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Massage
    $5.31

Tours and Activities in Ho Chi Minh City

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Ho Chi Minh City.

  • Chinatown Hidden Treasures – Free Walking Tour: $0.74
  • All In One Saigon Walking Tour: $3.11
  • Saigon Local Sightseeing Free Walking Tour: $3.84
  • Ho Chi Minh Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $4.49
  • Ho Chi Minh city private tour guide: $5.00
  • Walking Tour: $5.00
  • Essential Saigon Free Walking Tour: All Must-see: $5.00
  • Free Walking Tour: Saigon's Sword and Shield: $5.00
  • Essential Ho Chi Minh City Free Walking Tour: All Must-see: $5.00
  • Night Bus Tour in Ho Chi Minh City: $7.50
  • Ho Chi Minh City Tour and Independence Palace Ticket 2 in 1: $8.46
  • Private Ho Chi Minh 30 minutes Experience by Electric Cart: $9.71

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Luxor $3.10
    Ho Chi Minh City $7.57

Typical Alcohol Prices in Ho Chi Minh City

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Ho Chi Minh City:


  • Beer
    $0.38


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Luxor and Ho Chi Minh City, we can see that Ho Chi Minh City is more expensive. And not only is Luxor much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Luxor is in Africa and Ho Chi Minh City is in Asia, 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 Luxor would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Luxor 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 Ho Chi Minh City would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ho Chi Minh City than you might in Luxor.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Luxor Expensive? and Is Ho Chi Minh City Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Luxor or Ho Chi Minh City?

Ho Chi Minh City has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Luxor. When comparing the sizes of Luxor and Ho Chi Minh City, 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.