Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are 'on the same scale' when it comes to foreign tourists.

Hanoi, with its ancient alleyways, and Ho Chi Minh City, with its tree-lined boulevards, are the two largest cities in Vietnam and are often considered the first "point of contact" for international tourists.

Australian tourists explore Ben Nghe Street Food area (Ho Chi Minh City). Photo: Linh Huynh .

Vietnam is considered the " tourism star" of Southeast Asia, possessing all the attractive elements: beautiful beaches, a long history, diverse culture, and world-renowned cuisine.

According to Lonely Planet travel magazine, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City possess both an international feel and a distinctly Vietnamese character, yet differ significantly in their pace of life, urban spaces, and spirit.

Hanoi makes people want to come back.

Joe Bindloss, a journalist and travel guide author, first visited Hanoi in the 1990s. Three decades later, he continues to return.

"Hanoi is truly captivating," Bindloss wrote.

From ice-cold draft beer and energetic young bands rocking the stage at Hanoi Rock City, to the iconic landmarks and relics of the Nguyen Dynasty, Vietnam's capital offers a feeling that is both vibrant and serene. After decades since his last visit, Hanoi still surprises him.

In the "showdown" with Ho Chi Minh City to win the hearts of international tourists visiting Vietnam for the first time, both cities are complex, multi-layered, and rich in identity.

Street vendors in Hanoi. Photo: Bien Nguyen.

From the very first trip, Hanoi overwhelmed Bindloss, sometimes literally, with its dense traffic of motorbikes.

To best experience the rhythm of city life, he suggests that visitors stroll through the old quarter early in the morning, where vendors carry their produce on shoulder poles, rickshaws weave through the streets, and elderly men with white beards play chess in front of the balconies of the narrow houses.

According to him, the "essence" of Hanoi lies in the feeling. In this multicultural city, the slow pace of life blends together. This is most evident in meals, when diners enjoy vermicelli, pho, pork belly served with vermicelli, rice rolls, bread, alongside a strong cup of coffee, draft beer, or even snake wine.

Hanoi is also a place where it's easy to "slip" into the flow of history. From Thang Long Imperial Citadel and Hoan Kiem Lake with the legend of the magic sword, to Bach Ma Temple, Hai Ba Trung Temple, and the thousand-year-old Temple of Literature - National University, these historical sites anchor the city in a space of ritual and tradition.

Hanoi's Old Quarter is bustling with locals and tourists. Photo: Craven A.

Although Ho Chi Minh City has an advantage in terms of war-related attractions, Bindloss argues that Hanoi excels in its museum system, from the National Historical Museum and the Vietnam Women's Museum to Hoa Lo Prison and the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology—ideal stops to understand the country before traveling further.

In addition, Hanoi scores points for its pure charm. Tourists can sip egg coffee in a French-style cafe, enjoy Northern street food all night long, admire the skyline from a rooftop bar, or sit on plastic chairs at a street corner drinking beer.

According to Bindloss, this is a place that encourages people to enjoy travel to the fullest.

In terms of location, Hanoi is the gateway to Ha Long Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay, the Northwest mountainous region, and the ancient capital of Hue. "Starting your journey in Hanoi, your trip will be richer in experiences," he remarked, while emphasizing that the cost of food, accommodation, and entertainment here is generally lower than in Ho Chi Minh City.

From Hanoi, international tourists can travel to Ha Long Bay. Photo: Lonely Planet.

Ho Chi Minh City: Opportunities and a youthful lifestyle.

In contrast to the above view, James Pham, Southeast Asia destination editor for Lonely Planet , who was born and raised in Ho Chi Minh City, believes that the city is a more "livable" place.

While Hanoi boasts nearly 1,000 years of history, Ho Chi Minh City, established later in the late 17th century, compensates with modern infrastructure, a vibrant appearance, and a lively nightlife.

According to James, Hanoi is like the "traditional older brother," while Ho Chi Minh City is the "younger, more modern younger brother."

Ho Chi Minh City Opera House. Photo: Adrien Jean.

Despite having nearly double the population of Hanoi, the central area of ​​Ho Chi Minh City boasts an elegant atmosphere with tree-lined boulevards, a stark contrast to the perpetually crowded streets of Hanoi's Old Quarter. Attractions are spread across this open space, from the Opera House and Notre Dame Cathedral to the Central Post Office and the vibrant Chinese quarter of Cholon.

According to James, Ho Chi Minh City has a distinctly youthful feel. Students and workers from all over flock here seeking educational and employment opportunities. Strongly influenced by the West, especially France and the United States, the city's residents are open-minded and ready to embrace change. It is also a place where many new trends are emerging.

This diversity creates one of the richest "culinary maps" in Vietnam. In Ho Chi Minh City, diners can enjoy pho, Hanoi-style bun cha, Hue-style bun bo, Western-style banh xeo, or the city's signature com tam. Near the Mekong Delta, the cuisine is lighter, with more herbs, fruits, and seafood.

Ho Chi Minh City is described as possessing a youthful energy and an "irresistible charm". Photo: David Bokuchava.

Weather conditions are also an advantage. Ho Chi Minh City is hot year-round but stable, with only a rainy and a dry season, while Hanoi has a cold, even freezing, winter. He also noted that air quality in Hanoi is sometimes significantly worse.

In terms of connectivity, Ho Chi Minh City is the gateway to the Cu Chi Tunnels, the Mekong Delta, Vung Tau, Mui Ne, and islands such as Phu Quoc and Con Dao, with a large international airport, numerous flights, and competitive ticket prices.

"Those who are passionate about culture and history might choose Hanoi. But if you want to enjoy a vibrant lifestyle, I'd like to meet you in Ho Chi Minh City," James concluded.

This banh xeo (Vietnamese savory pancake) restaurant sells many local specialties in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Adrien Jean.

Source: https://znews.vn/ha-noi-tphcm-tren-ban-can-khach-ngoai-post1611424.html