Loading map...
Loading map...
Vietnam
China
Area Comparison
Ho Chi Minh City is 1.0x larger than Shenzhen
Population Comparison
Ho Chi Minh City has 2.0x fewer people than Shenzhen
In terms of area, Ho Chi Minh City is 1.0x the size of Shenzhen. Ho Chi Minh City spans 2,061 km² (796 mi²) while Shenzhen covers 1,997 km² (771 mi²) — a difference of 64 km².
To put Ho Chi Minh City's size in perspective, its area of 2,061 km² is roughly the same size as Tokyo (city proper). Meanwhile, Shenzhen at 1,997 km² is roughly the same size as Tokyo (city proper).
Vietnam's largest city and economic center. Known as "Saigon", Ho Chi Minh City covers 2,061 km² with a population of 9.0 million. The city was established in 1698. Ho Chi Minh City is known for War Remnants Museum, Cu Chi Tunnels, Bến Thành Market, among other attractions. The city's main transit system is the HCMC Metro (opening 2024).
The city was renamed from Saigon in 1976, but locals still commonly call it Saigon
China's tech capital and a major innovation hub. Nicknamed "China's Silicon Valley", Shenzhen has an area of 1,997 km² and is home to 17.6 million people. It was established in 1979. Visitors come for Tech industry (Huawei, Tencent, DJI), Shenzhen Bay, Window of the World theme park, and much more. Getting around is easy with the Shenzhen Metro.
Shenzhen grew from a fishing village of 30,000 people to a megacity of 17 million in just 40 years
Looking beyond city limits, the Ho Chi Minh City metropolitan area covers 2,061 km², which is 1.0x larger than greater Shenzhen at 1,997 km². The Shenzhen metro area is also more populous, with 17.6 million people compared to 9.0 million.
Ho Chi Minh City has a population density of 4,362 people per km² — a moderately dense city. Shenzhen, with 8,793 people per km², is a densely populated city. Shenzhen is noticeably denser, packing 2.0 times more people per square kilometer.
Both cities are in Asia, but they represent different national approaches to urban development. Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam) and Shenzhen (China) offer a fascinating regional contrast.
Ho Chi Minh City has a tropical savanna climate while Shenzhen experiences humid subtropical conditions.
Density Gap
Shenzhen is 2.0x more densely populated
History
Ho Chi Minh City is ~281 years older
The straight-line distance from Ho Chi Minh City to Shenzhen is 1,524 km (947 miles), with an estimated flight time of ~2h 18m. See full distance details, including timezone difference and city facts.
Want to explore more? Compare city sizes for any two cities worldwide, or share your location live with friends.