Ho Chi Minh City
2,061 km²
Tokyo
2,194 km²
Vietnam
Japan
Area Comparison
Ho Chi Minh City is 1.1x smaller than Tokyo
Population Comparison
Ho Chi Minh City has 1.6x fewer people than Tokyo
Tokyo is significantly larger, covering 1.1 times the area of Ho Chi Minh City. Tokyo spans 2,194 km² (847 mi²) while Ho Chi Minh City covers 2,061 km² (796 mi²) — a difference of 133 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, Tokyo at 2,194 km² is about 1.1x smaller than Moscow.
In more relatable units, Ho Chi Minh City's 2,061 km² is about 289,000 American football fields, 35 times the area of Manhattan, or 20 times the area of Paris. Tokyo, by comparison, equals about 307,000 American football fields, 37 times the area of Manhattan, or 21 times the area of Paris.
Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon, is the most populous municipality of Vietnam, with a population of more than 14 million in 2025. Its geography is defined by rivers and canals, of which the largest is Saigon River. As the largest financial centre in Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City has the largest gross regional domestic product out of all Vietnam provinces and municipalities, contributing around a quarter of the country's total GDP.
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 Independence Palace, Bitexco Financial Tower, War Remnants Museum, among other attractions. The city's main transit system is the HCMC Metro (opening 2024).
Ho Chi Minh City is Vietnam's largest financial center and contributes around a quarter of the country's total GDP.
Tokyo, officially the Tokyo Metropolis, is the capital and most populous city of Japan. With a population of over 14 million in the city proper in 2023, it is one of the most populous urban areas in the world. The Greater Tokyo Area, which includes Tokyo and parts of six neighboring prefectures, is the most populous metropolitan area in the world, with 41 million residents as of 2024.
Nicknamed "Eastern Capital", Tokyo has an area of 2,194 km² and is home to 14.0 million people. It was established in 1457. Visitors come for Shibuya Crossing, Tokyo Tower, Imperial Palace, and much more. Getting around is easy with the Tokyo Metro & JR East.
Greater Tokyo holds 41 million residents as of 2024, making it the most populous metropolitan area on Earth.
Looking beyond city limits, the Tokyo metropolitan area covers 13,572 km², which is 6.6x larger than greater Ho Chi Minh City at 2,061 km². The Tokyo metro area is also more populous, with 37.4 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. Tokyo, with 6,363 people per km², is a densely populated city. Both cities have comparable density, though Tokyo is slightly more compact.
Both cities are in Asia, but they represent different national approaches to urban development. Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam) and Tokyo (Japan) offer a fascinating regional contrast.
Ho Chi Minh City has a tropical savanna climate while Tokyo experiences humid subtropical conditions. Winters differ dramatically: Ho Chi Minh City stays around 27°C while Tokyo drops to 6°C. When it's noon in Tokyo, it's 10:00 AM in Ho Chi Minh City — a 2-hour time difference.
Density Gap
Tokyo is 1.5x more densely populated
History
Tokyo is ~241 years older
Ho Chi Minh City covers 2,061 km². Cities with a similar urban footprint include Shenzhen (1,997 km²), Tokyo (2,194 km²), Riyadh (1,798 km²), Cape Town (2,455 km²), or Houston (1,725 km²).
Tokyo covers 2,194 km². Cities with a similar urban footprint include Ho Chi Minh City (2,061 km²), Shenzhen (1,997 km²), Cape Town (2,455 km²), Moscow (2,511 km²), or Lima (2,672 km²).
The straight-line distance from Ho Chi Minh City to Tokyo is 4,323 km (2,686 miles), with an estimated flight time of ~5h 35m.
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