vs
Ho Chi Minh Cityis 38% cheaper β BDI "Good Deal" (61/10) vs Phnom Penh "Good Deal" (68/10). Dorms avg $β12/night vs $β8/night.
Quick Verdict
Best Forβ¦
Traveler type
π»π³ Ho Chi Minh City
π°π Phnom Penh
Solo budget traveler
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20 hostels, avg 9.4 rating
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15 hostels, avg 8.5 rating
Couple on a budget
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Private rooms avg $38/night
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Private rooms avg $25/night
Digital nomad
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Coffee $1.85, dorms avg $12
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Coffee $2.92, dorms avg $8
Nightlife seeker
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Beer $1.14, 20 hostels
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Beer $1.50, 15 hostels
First-time Europer
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23 attractions
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22 attractions
Cost Comparison
Daily Budget
| Tier | π»π³ Ho Chi Minh City | π°π Phnom Penh | You Save / day |
|---|---|---|---|
brokepackr Dorm bed Β· street food Β· free activities | $β12 cheaper | $β20 | $8/day |
backpackr Mix of dorm & private Β· restaurants | $27 cheaper | $41 | $14/day |
flashpackr Private rooms Β· dining out Β· some tours | $51 cheaper | $77 | $26/day |
Price Intelligence
Seasonal Price Curve
Everyday Costs
Cost of Living
| Item | π»π³ Ho Chi Minh City | π°π Phnom Penh |
|---|---|---|
| π₯Street food meal Local market, street stall | $β1.90 62% less | $β5 |
| π½οΈMid-range meal Sit-down restaurant, one person | $β11.30 43% less | $β20 |
| πΊBeer (local draft) 500ml at a bar | $β1.14 24% less | $β1.50 |
| βCoffee Espresso or flat white | $β1.85 37% less | $β2.92 |
| πSingle metro / bus Standard single ticket | $β0.27 33% less | $β0.40 |
Brokepackr Deal Indexβ’
Our Verdict + Hostel Quality
π»π³βΌ
Ho Chi Minh City
Vietnam
61
BDI: Good Deal
Brokepackr Deal Indexβ’
Higher dorm prices (avg $12/night). Strong hostel scene (20 hostels). Plenty to see (47 attractions).
Hostel Quality
Avg guest rating8.5
Top-rated hostelSaigon Rooftops Hostel (9.8)
Annual dorm avg$β12/night
Total hostels20
π°πβΌ
Phnom Penh
Cambodia
68
BDI: Good Deal
Brokepackr Deal Indexβ’
Moderate dorm prices (avg $8/night). Strong hostel scene (15 hostels). Plenty to see (22 attractions).
Hostel Quality
Avg guest rating8.5
Top-rated hostelVilla Martial Arts Gym And Hostel (10.0)
Annual dorm avg$β8/night
Total hostels15
Entry Requirements
Visa & Entry
Passport
π»π³ Ho Chi Minh City
π°π Phnom Penh
πͺπΊ EU / EEA
e-Visa (90d)
Visa Free (30d)
πΊπΈ US
e-Visa (90d)
Visa Free (30d)
π¬π§ UK
e-Visa (90d)
Visa Free (30d)
π¦πΊ Australia
e-Visa (90d)
Visa Free (30d)
π¨π¦ Canada
e-Visa (90d)
Visa Free (30d)
Flights
Getting There
City to City
Getting Between Ho Chi Minh City & Phnom Penh
Climate
Weather & Best Time to Visit
Β°C Β· mm
π»π³ Ho Chi Minh City
35Β°C
High
/
26Β°C
Low
π§ Rainfall: 90mm/month
Best months: Jan, Dec
π°π Phnom Penh
35Β°C
High
/
27Β°C
Low
π§ Rainfall: 86mm/month
Best months: Jan, Dec
Things To Do
Top Attractions
π»π³ Ho Chi Minh City
1. ChΓΉa HΖ°ng Long
2. KhΓ‘nh VΓ’n Nam Viα»n ΔαΊ‘o QuΓ‘n
3. ChΓΉa GiΓ‘c LΓ’m
4. Chợ Cầu
5. Chợ VΖ°α»n LΓ i
π°π Phnom Penh
1. Escape60
2. Former Bokor Cinema
3. Former Kirirom Cinema
4. Former Lux Cinema
5. Former Prom Bayon Cinema
Common Questions
FAQ
Is Ho Chi Minh City or Phnom Penh cheaper for backpackers?+
How many hostels are in Ho Chi Minh City vs Phnom Penh?+
Do I need a visa for Ho Chi Minh City or Phnom Penh?+
When is the best time to visit Ho Chi Minh City or Phnom Penh?+
What's the cheapest month to visit Ho Chi Minh City and Phnom Penh?+
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