Singapore vs. Vietnam: Which is better to visit? [2024]

For tourists, I recommend Singapore for a modern, multicultural experience with world-class amenities. However, if you want a rich blend of history, tradition, and natural beauty, Vietnam is the better destination.

Both places, though distinct in their charm, offer a tapestry of experiences I believe are worth exploring.

Whether you’re a foodie, history buff, or adventure seeker, deciding between Vietnam’s street life and Singapore’s modern allure can be a delightful challenge. This guide will help you explore these two captivating Southeast Asian destinations.

Travel Costs in Singapore vs Vietnam

The average daily cost for a tourist in Singapore is approximately S$153, covering accommodation, food, transportation, and entertainment. In contrast, Vietnam is more budget-friendly, with an average daily cost of about S$80. (Budget Your Trip)

Let’s break down the specific costs for further comparison using data from Expatistan.

EXPENSES	SINGAPORE	VIETNAM
Accommodation	• S$99/night (hostel) • S$198/night (double occupancy room)	• S$49/night (hostel) • S$98/night (double occupancy room)
Food	• S$15/meal (CBD) • S$11/meal (fast food combo) • S$40/day (mid-range restaurant)	• S$3.30/meal (mid-range restaurant) • S$13/day (food stall)
Transportation	• S$2/ride (MRT or bus) • S$4.53/flag down (taxi)	• S$0.37/ride (public bus) • S$0.79/flag down (taxi)

Climate in Singapore vs Vietnam

Singapore’s weather predictability may suit those who favour consistency, while Vietnam’s climatic variety offers options for tourists seeking different experiences across the country.

Singapore has a tropical rainforest climate, characterised by consistent temperatures and high humidity throughout the year. The climate is equatorial, meaning there is little variation in temperature (average ranges from 25°C to 31°C year-round).

The consistently warm weather makes Singapore a year-round destination, appealing to tourists who prefer predictable weather without extreme variations. However, the high humidity can be uncomfortable for some.

Vietnam’s climate varies significantly from north to south due to its elongated shape. It includes tropical in the south, monsoonal in the central regions, and temperate in the north.

The diverse climate allows tourists to choose different regions based on their weather preferences. The north offers a unique experience with its seasonal changes, while the south’s dry season is ideal for beachgoers.

Cultural Experiences in Singapore vs Vietnam

singapore-vs-vietnam-cultural-experiences

Singapore would appeal to tourists looking for a modern and convenient travel experience with a rich multicultural backdrop. Vietnam offers a more rustic and diverse experience, appealing to those interested in history, nature, and traditional cultures.

Historical or Cultural Sites in Singapore vs Vietnam

SINGAPORE

VIETNAM

• Fort Canning Park: Once the site of the Malay rulers’ palace, a British military base, and the location where the decision to surrender Singapore to the Japanese was made during World War II

• Chinatown: Home to historical sites such as the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum, and hosts cultural activities, traditional markets, and festivals like Chinese New Year

• National Museum of Singapore: The country’s oldest museum, with origins dating back to 1887. It serves as a key historical site that documents Singapore’s journey from a colonial trading post to a modern city-state through a diverse range of exhibitions and artefacts.

• My Son Sanctuary: UNESCO World Heritage Site, a cluster of abandoned Hindu temples constructed between the 4th and 14th centuries by the Champa civilisation

• The Reunification Palace: The residence and workplace of the President of South Vietnam during the Vietnam War, which also became the symbol of the end of the Vietnam War

• Ngoc Son Temple: A temple dedicated to General Tran Hung Dao, a national hero who fought against the Mongols. It’s accessed via the iconic red Huc Bridge, and it serves as a place for reflection and reverence.

Festivals or Cultural Events in Singapore vs Vietnam

singapore-vs-vietnam-festivals-or-cultural-events

Singapore’s multicultural festivals are a blend of ethnic traditions and modern celebrations, while Vietnam’s festivals are deeply rooted in cultural and historical traditions, offering an immersive experience of local customs.

Singapore’s major festivals include Chinese New Year, Hari Raya Puasa, Deepavali, and Thaipusam. These celebrations are colourful and vibrant, offering tourists a chance to experience the rich tapestry of the country’s multicultural society.

Vietnam’s most important festival is Tet Nguyen Dan, celebrating the Lunar New Year with family gatherings, traditional foods, and cultural performances. Also, a biennial cultural event in the city of Hue showcases traditional music, dance, and arts, offering a rich cultural experience.

Local Cuisine in Singapore vs Vietnam

Tourists looking for fresh, flavourful, and authentic street food experiences will be drawn to Vietnamese cuisine. The emphasis on fresh ingredients and regional specialities provides a more immersive culinary adventure.

Meanwhile, tourists who enjoy a diverse range of flavours and culinary experiences will find Singapore’s food scene appealing. The variety of dishes from different cultures makes it easy for visitors to sample a wide range of foods.

Some of the must-try dishes in Singapore include Hainanese chicken rice, laksa, satay, and chilli crab. Hawker centres are a hallmark of Singaporean dining, offering a wide variety of affordable and delicious street food options.

On the other hand, popular dishes in Vietnam include pho (noodle soup), banh mi (sandwich), fresh spring rolls, and bun cha (grilled pork with noodles).

Attractions in Singapore vs Vietnam

Singapore’s natural attractions are smaller and more accessible, offering a blend of urban and natural experiences.

Meanwhile, Vietnam’s natural wonders are larger and more dramatic, appealing to adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts who enjoy exploring diverse landscapes and outdoor activities.

SINGAPORE	VIETNAM
Man-Made Attractions
• Sentosa Island: Has world-class theme parks like Universal Studios Singapore, luxurious resorts, beautiful beaches, and the S.E.A. Aquarium • Singapore Flyer: Offers unparalleled 360-degree views of Singapore’s skyline, Marina Bay, and even parts of Malaysia and Indonesia on clear days • Singapore Zoo: Open-concept design, where animals are housed in spacious enclosures that mimic their natural habitats, separated from visitors by moats and hidden barriers rather than cages	• Hue Imperial City: This UNESCO World Heritage Site was the political, cultural, and religious centre of Vietnam during the Nguyen Dynasty from 1802 to 1945. • Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: The final resting place of Ho Chi Minh, the founding father and revolutionary leader of modern Vietnam • Cu Chi Tunnels: A vast underground network used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War which served as living quarters, supply routes, hospitals, and command centres
Natural Attractions
• Bukit Timah Nature Reserve: One of the largest patches of primary rainforest in Singapore, preserving a diverse range of flora and fauna despite being situated in a highly urbanised environment • Pulau Ubin: Offers traditional kampong (village) life, as the island retains much of its original rural character, with old wooden houses, dirt roads, and abundant wildlife • MacRitchie Reservoir Park: Has the TreeTop Walk, a 250-metre-long suspension bridge that provides a bird’s-eye view of the forest canopy	• Sapa Rice Terraces: A testament to the ingenuity and hard work of the ethnic minority communities, such as the Hmong and Dao people, who have cultivated rice in this challenging terrain for centuries • Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park: UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its geological diversity and rich biodiversity, home to a wide variety of plant and animal species • Ha Long Bay: A natural wonder and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The bay is famous for its breathtaking landscape of limestone karsts and islands scattered across emerald waters.

Safety in Singapore vs Vietnam

For travellers prioritising safety and low crime rates, Singapore would be the better choice. It offers a high level of personal security and a very low risk of crime.

Vietnam, while generally safe, requires more caution, particularly in dealing with petty crime.

According to NationMaster, Vietnam’s crime rate is four times more than that of Singapore. Vietnam ranks 37th in the world crime level index, while Singapore is only ranked 92nd.

Which is better to visit: Singapore or Vietnam?

FACTORS	THE BETTER COUNTRY	WHY?
Travel costs	Vietnam	Daily average cost is S$80 compared to SG’s S$153
Climate	Vietnam	Singapore’s consistent humidity could be uncomfortable
Cultural experiences	Tied	Both offer vibrant cultures though SG is more modern while Vietnam is more traditional
Cuisine	Tied	Both offer a wide variety of flavours and budget-friendly choices
Attractions	Tied but with Vietnam slightly leading	Both have great man-made attractions though Vietnam has more natural ones
Safety	Singapore	It’s four times safer to travel in SG than in Vietnam