Hanoi and Saigon, which is the most attractive city of Vietnam? (part 1)

Have you ever gone crazy in choosing between Hanoi tours and Ho Chi Minh City tours?

Have you ever wondered which city you should choose to visit if you just have time for one and only one place among those 2 fancy cities?

If yes, then these comparisons will just be what you’re looking for.

Both are the biggest cities of Vietnam, have a great paradise of street-foods, have unique characteristics, possess a lot of historical sites and entertainment sites,…

1. Geographic location

Hanoi, the center of northern Vietnam, lies on the Red River delta, is cool, dry in winters and hot, wet in summers. Saigon, meanwhile, is located near the southern tip of the country and has a tropical climate, with wet season and a dry season rather than a defined summer and winter, and hot temperatures all year round.

Hanoi from high

The difference in geographic location brings along the difference in climates between Hanoi and Saigon, so the distinction of seasons in Hanoi is much more easy to feel than in Saigon.

Ho Chi Minh City from high

This marked difference in climate means that the two cities can almost seem to belong to two different countries at times – such as In terms of geography, Saigon’s focal point is the river running through its heart, while Hanoi is characterized by the lakes that surround it, of which Hoan Kiem Lake, West Lake, Thien Quang Lake and Bay Mau Lake are the best-known. Hoan Kiem in particular is a symbol of the city, together with the Turtle Pagoda at its center, Ngoc Son temple and The Huc Bridge,… all create a gorgeous masterpiece of Nature.

2. Side trips

Hanoi’s most popular side trip is undoubtedly Halong Bay: famous for its stunning karst limestone and picturesque junk boats. This is one of Vietnam’s best-known sights, a symbol of Hanoi tours and a wonderful place to take a cruise. From Hanoi, tourists can also get to explore the Sapa mountain range, home to many of Vietnam’s ethnic minorities and some great trekking options; Cuc Phuong National Park, the largest in Vietnam; the beautiful scenery of Tam Coc in Ninh Binh Province; and the Perfume Pagoda, amongst many others.

Halong bay is not so far from Hanoi

From Ho Chi Minh City you are ideally placed to explore the southern area of Vietnam, including the floating markets of the Mekong Delta; the Fruit Orchards; the mountainside city of Da Lat; and even Phnom Penh in Cambodia.

The poetic scenery of Da Lat

3. Shopping

There’s a place in Hanoi, that is not only famous for its ancient old quarter, whose streets are still named according to the tradesmen who used to ply their wares here in pre-colonial times, is a fantastic place to explore a wildly diverse array of products and services. By contrast, Ho Chi Minh City really can’t compare – although Ben Thanh Market is worth visiting, and the city has its share of higher-end shops and glitzy shopping malls.

Ben Thanh market

Do these 3 aspects of these fancy cities help you find out your fancy city?

If not, don’t worry! Because we will have the NEXT part of this subject to help you clear every wonders in your mind!

And what are you still waiting for but not booking a tour with this travel agency immediately to enjoy joyful Vietnam tours and discover interesting difference points between these two cities.