Should I Visit Antananarivo or Vientiane for Vacation? Which is Better? Which is Cheaper? Which is More Expensive?

Should you visit Antananarivo or Vientiane?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Antananarivo and Vientiane can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Antananarivo or Vientiane?

Antananarivo

Antananarivo is the capital of Madagascar; it is also sometimes referred to as Tana. This city is the cultural and political center of Madagascar as a whole. There are multiple universities, museums, and other social venues in the city, as well as a national rugby team. This city has a very apparent French influence.

Vientiane

You wouldn't expect the capital city to have such a relaxing environment, but in Vientiane, Laos you can sit back and take in the beautiful scenery without feeling pressure to see every little thing. With Vientiane, what you see is what you get.

While picturesque temples and markets line the streets, the city is still experiencing a successful building boom. Even the Presidential Palace has undergone some hefty renovations.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to Madagascar, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Madagascar, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Laos, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Laos.

Which place is cheaper, Vientiane or Antananarivo?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

Antananarivo Prices
Madagascar Prices

Vientiane Prices
Laos Prices
Average Daily Cost Per person, per day

Antananarivo $86

Vientiane $23

The average daily cost (per person) in Antananarivo is $86, while the average daily cost in Vientiane is $23. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Antananarivo and Vientiane in more detail.

Accommodation

Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person

Antananarivo $28

Vientiane $8.36
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room

Antananarivo $56

Vientiane $17

Compare Hotels in Antananarivo and Vientiane

Looking for a hotel in Antananarivo or Vientiane? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.

Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Antananarivo Hotel Prices and Vientiane Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation

Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.

Antananarivo $13

Vientiane $1.98

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Antananarivo

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Antananarivo:

Cheap Transfer from Airport to your Hotel in Antananarivo: $16
Private Airport Transfert Ivato Antananarivo: $50
Private Airport Transfert Ivato Antananarivo: $65

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Vientiane

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Vientiane are as follows:

Tuk Tuk Ride

$4.11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vientiane

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Vientiane:

Private Transfer in Laos: $5.00
Vientiane Private Transfer: Wattay Airport -Hotel-Railway Station: $15
Vientian Private Airport Transfer - Wattay Airport: $15

Is it cheaper to fly into Antananarivo or Vientiane?

Prices for flights to both Vientiane and Antananarivo change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.

Food

Food Meals for one day

Antananarivo $46

Vientiane $12

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Antananarivo

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Antananarivo.

Cooking And Cuisine Tasting From Tana-Malagasy Fine Foodie Madagascar Tour: $245

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Vientiane

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Vientiane.

Vientiane classic Food tour ( Included Food ): $78
Private Evening Food Tour : $100
Vientiane Private Lao Cooking Class with Market Tour: $122

Entertainment

Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.

Antananarivo $22

Vientiane $3.76

Tours and Activities in Antananarivo

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Antananarivo are as follows:

Antanavario: Private custom tour with a local guide: $23
Antananarivo Like a Local: Customized Guided Tour: $25
Private Walking Tour with a Local Guide: $30
Antananarivo : Custom Walking Tour With A Guide (Private Tour): $34
Guided Tour and sunset in queen's palace: $61
4-Hours Night Tour of Antananarivo: $106
Private Tour Through the Wildlife of Madagascar and the Kingdom of Rova: $131
Day - Tour Ampefy: $139
Half-Day Private Tour in Lemur's Park: $150
Full Day Private Tour in Antananarivo: $194
Madagascar: Customizable Tour with Car Rental Antananarivo: $205
Lemurs Park & City Tour: $210

Tours and Activities in Vientiane

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Vientiane are as follows:

Laos Railway Tickets Easily: Avoid Long Queues & Wasted Time: $30
Cultural Tour with Buddha Park and Patuxay: $46
From Hue: Hue to Vientiane Bus tickets: $51
Half-Day City Tour with Patuxai and Buddha Park: $52
Vientiane Sky Luge and Roller Zipline Experience: $55
Vientiane IG tour & Patuxay monument: $59
Vientiane : Private Custom Tour with a Local Guide: $77
Vientiane Private Walking Tour With A Guide (Private Tour): $78
Vientiane Half-Day City Tour: $89
Half-Day Vientiane City Bike Tour: $90
Vientiane Full day 7 Must See Highlights with Ticket and Guide: $97
Guided Vientiane City and Buddha Park Full-Day Tour: $99

Alcohol

Alcohol Drinks for one day

Antananarivo $8.93

Vientiane $2.09

How are these travel costs calculated?

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Antananarivo and Vientiane, we can see that Antananarivo is more expensive. And not only is Vientiane much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Antananarivo is in Africa and Vientiane is in Asia, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Vientiane would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Vientiane and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Antananarivo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Antananarivo than you might in Vientiane.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Antananarivo Expensive? and Is Vientiane Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Antananarivo or Vientiane?

Antananarivo has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Vientiane. When comparing the sizes of Antananarivo and Vientiane, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Antananarivo vs. Vientiane for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Antananarivo or Vientiane?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Where Should I go: Antananarivo or Vientiane?

Antananarivo

Vientiane

Which place is cheaper, Vientiane or Antananarivo?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in Antananarivo and Vientiane

Local Transportation

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Antananarivo

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Vientiane

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vientiane

Is it cheaper to fly into Antananarivo or Vientiane?

Food

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Antananarivo

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Vientiane

Entertainment

Tours and Activities in Antananarivo

Tours and Activities in Vientiane

Alcohol

Which is Bigger, Antananarivo or Vientiane?

Related Articles for Antananarivo

Related Articles for Vientiane

A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Antananarivo vs. Vientiane for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Antananarivo or Vientiane?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Where Should I go: Antananarivo or Vientiane?

Antananarivo

Vientiane

Which place is cheaper, Vientiane or Antananarivo?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in Antananarivo and Vientiane

Local Transportation

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Antananarivo

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Vientiane

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vientiane

Is it cheaper to fly into Antananarivo or Vientiane?

Food

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Antananarivo

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Vientiane

Entertainment

Tours and Activities in Antananarivo

Tours and Activities in Vientiane

Alcohol

Which is Bigger, Antananarivo or Vientiane?

Related Articles for Antananarivo

Related Articles for Vientiane

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