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Hanoi vs Ho Chi Minh City: which is better, and when to go
Hanoi is at its best in October and Ho Chi Minh City in January. Below, the two cities side by side: weather, crowds and prices in every month, and what each does better across the year.
By Daan · Last reviewed October 2026
Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City
At a glance
| Hanoi | Ho Chi Minh City | |
|---|---|---|
| Best month | October (10/10) | January (9/10) |
| Warmest month | June, 35°C | May, 35°C |
| Coolest month | January, 20°C | January, 32°C |
| Quietest month | June (Low) | July (Low) |
| Busiest month | January (Moderate) | February (High) |
| Cheapest month | August ($) | March ($$$) |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Hanoi for
- quieter months across the year on average
- a calmer peak month
- lower prices across the year on average
Choose Ho Chi Minh City for
- a milder coolest month (January highs around 32°C, against 20°C)
- more going on through the year (events and festivals)
Little difference between them in: how hot the warmest month gets.
Month by month
Average high, crowds and prices for each month, and which city comes out ahead overall. Open a month for the full comparison.
| Month | Hanoi | Ho Chi Minh City | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 20°C · Moderate · $$$ | 32°C · Moderate-High · $$$ | Ho Chi Minh City |
| February | 22°C · Low–Moderate · $$$ | 33°C · High · $$$$ | Hanoi |
| March | 26°C · Low–Moderate · $$$ | 34°C · Moderate · $$$ | Close |
| April | 28°C · Moderate · $$$ | 34°C · Moderate · $$$ | Hanoi |
| May | 33°C · Low · $$ | 35°C · Low · $$$ | Close |
| June | 35°C · Low · $$ | 34°C · Low · $$$ | Ho Chi Minh City |
| July | 34°C · Low · $$ | 33°C · Low · $$$ | Ho Chi Minh City |
| August | 33°C · Low · $ | 33°C · Low · $$ | Ho Chi Minh City |
| September | 32°C · Low–Moderate · $$ | 33°C · Low · $$ | Hanoi |
| October | 30°C · Moderate · $$$ | 32°C · Low · $$ | Hanoi |
| November | 27°C · Low–Moderate · $$$ | 32°C · Low · $$$ | Hanoi |
| December | 21°C · Low–Moderate · $$$ | 32°C · Moderate · $$$ | Ho Chi Minh City |
FAQ
Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City?
Is Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City better?
It depends on when you go. Hanoi is at its best in October and Ho Chi Minh City in January. The month-by-month table shows which city comes out ahead in each month.
When is the best time to visit Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City?
Hanoi: October–November. Ho Chi Minh City: January.
Which is cheaper, Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City?
Hanoi is cheaper on average across the year.
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