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

Should you visit Saaremaa or Ho Chi Minh City?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saaremaa or Ho Chi Minh City, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Saaremaa

Saaremaa is a quiet, calm, and peaceful island. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. With stunning beauty, Saaremaa attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food and beaches. See Saaremaa travel costs.

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 theater, nightlife, and food. See Ho Chi Minh City travel costs.

Saaremaa and Ho Chi Minh City: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Ho Chi Minh City. Although Saaremaa and Ho Chi Minh City 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 Saaremaa attracts visitors for its beaches, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Ho Chi Minh City is more touristy than Saaremaa and is known for its motorbike-filled streets, bustling markets, world-class cuisine, and diverse shopping opportunities. It is also well known for the War Remnants Museum. Saaremaa is famous for its untouched, undiscovered rural setting.

How is Saaremaa different from Ho Chi Minh City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Ho Chi Minh City and Saaremaa. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saaremaa or Ho Chi Minh City?

Ho Chi Minh City is an amazing city to visit for its historical sights. However, Saaremaa does not have 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.

Saaremaa does not have museums and landmarks.

Is Saaremaa or Ho Chi Minh City Better for Theater?

Ho Chi Minh City is a nice place to visit for its shows and theatre. However, Saaremaa 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.

Saaremaa is not a theatre destination.

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

Ho Chi Minh City is an amazing city to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Saaremaa is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Ho Chi Minh City is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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).

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Saaremaa makes for a great culinary experience. Like most things on the island, traditional local food is still the norm here. The island is known for its smoked fish, homemade bread, and locally brewed beers. Popular fishes include garfish, herring, and flatfish, which you can enjoy at a local restaurant or one of the pop-up cafes that are popular during the summer months. You'll find the highest concentration of restaurants in Kuressaare, but there are still many options further out. It's also fun to visit during September during the Saaremaa Food Festival.

Is Saaremaa or Ho Chi Minh City Better for Nightlife?

Ho Chi Minh City is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. However, Saaremaa is not a good destination 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.

People don't go to Saaremaa for the nightlife. The island is known for it's quiet, laid-back atmosphere, so you'll be hard pressed to find a party or active club, even during the more popular summer months.

Is Saaremaa or Ho Chi Minh City Better for Beaches?

Saaremaa is very good for the beach. However, Ho Chi Minh City is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Saaremaa to enjoy the beach. The beaches are quiet and relaxed, even during the summer months. In town, the best beach is Kuressaare Beach. Outside of town you'll find other nice beaches such as the sandy beaches between Mändjala and Järve. The beaches in Tuhkana and Jõiste villages are also well known. For swimming, most people prefer to visit Lake Karujärv.

Ho Chi Minh City is not a beach destination.

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

Ho Chi Minh City is an amazing city to visit for its shopping areas. However, Saaremaa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Saaremaa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Saaremaa or Ho Chi Minh City More Beautiful?

Saaremaa is great for its scenery and beauty. However, Ho Chi Minh City is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Saaremaa attracts visitors from all around. The island has a classic beauty that feels frozen in time.

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

Is Saaremaa or Ho Chi Minh City Better for Families?

Ho Chi Minh City is an amazing city to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Saaremaa is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its family-friendly activities.

Ho Chi Minh City is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. 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.

Saaremaa is a family-friendly place to visit. While the island is known for its slow pace, there are still a number of fun activities where the kids can run and jump. There are several outdoor adventure parks and playgrounds that are great for young legs. Check out the playgrounds in Kuressaare or head out of town for more outdoor activities. When the weather's nice you can head to Kuressaare Beach or check out the ostrich farm in Muhu.

Is Saaremaa or Ho Chi Minh City Better for Couples?

Saaremaa and Ho Chi Minh City are both excellent to visit as a couple.

Saaremaa is a great island if you're traveling as a couple. The peace and quiet of the island make for a relaxing couple's getaway. You can enjoy the outdoors and feel like you've stepped back in time as you explore the laid back island in the Baltics.

Ho Chi Minh City is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

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

Ho Chi Minh City is an amazing city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Saaremaa is not as popular, but is still a nice island 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.

Saaremaa is a good island to visit for backpackers. While prices are cheap, transportation isn't great so you'll likely want to rent a car if you want to really explore the island. There are a number of rooms available for rent at an affordable price, particularly in the shoulder season, but you'll you'll only find a handful of hostels on the island.

Is Saaremaa or Ho Chi Minh City Better for Students?

Ho Chi Minh City is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Saaremaa 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.

Saaremaa is not popular with students.

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

Ho Chi Minh City is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Saaremaa is not a good destination for its public transit.

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 limited or non-existant in Saaremaa. Most people arrive on the island by ferry. There are buses on the island but they cater mostly to locals. To really explore, you'll want to have access to a car.

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

Ho Chi Minh City is a nice place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Saaremaa is not a good destination for its 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.

Saaremaa is not a walkable island. While their are some walking trails, you really need a car to explore the island in depth.

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

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

How long in Saaremaa or Ho Chi Minh City?

It's fun to spend time in either Saaremaa or Ho Chi Minh City. In our opinion, Ho Chi Minh City has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Ho Chi Minh City than Saaremaa. In general, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Saaremaa, and 3-4 days is enough time in Ho Chi Minh City.

Families should spend more time in Ho Chi Minh City than Saaremaa. 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 Saaremaa. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Ho Chi Minh City that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Ho Chi Minh City than Saaremaa 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 Saaremaa or Ho Chi Minh City?

Saaremaa is a small town where visitors enjoy the food. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

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.

A weekend in Saaremaa or Ho Chi Minh City?

Saaremaa is a small town with plenty to do. If you have a weekend, this island makes for a great vacation. 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.

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.

Five days in Saaremaa or Ho Chi Minh City?

Saaremaa 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.

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.

A week in Saaremaa or Ho Chi Minh City?

Saaremaa 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.

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.

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

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saaremaa and Ho Chi Minh City, we can see that Saaremaa is more expensive. And not only is Ho Chi Minh City much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Saaremaa is in Europe 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 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 Saaremaa would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Saaremaa 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 Saaremaa Expensive? and Is Ho Chi Minh City Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Saaremaa or Ho Chi Minh City?

Ho Chi Minh City has a larger population, and is about 230 times larger than the population of Saaremaa. When comparing the sizes of Saaremaa 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.