Which place is cheaper, Vientiane or Ao Nang?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Ao Nang or Vientiane?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Ao Nang or Vientiane? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Ao Nang or Vientiane?
Ao Nang
If you're looking for a relaxing beach on the coast of Thailand, it might be time to make a trip to Ao Nang. This developed and "westernized" beach was once the place to be for backpackers, but is now quite popular with package tourist crowds, too, as prices have risen in recent decades. Here you'll find nice hotels, restaurants, and plenty of fun activities at the beach and nearby, too.
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 Tours Under $1000 in Thailand, The Best Budget Tours to Thailand, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Laos, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Laos.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAo Nang $107Vientiane $15
The average daily cost (per person) in Ao Nang is $107, while the average daily cost in Vientiane is $15. 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 Ao Nang and Vientiane in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAo Nang $52Vientiane $6.01
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAo Nang $104Vientiane $12
Compare Hotels in Ao Nang and Vientiane
Looking for a hotel in Ao Nang 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: Vientiane Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Ao Nang $56Vientiane $2.08
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ao Nang
Also for Ao Nang, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Eco-Transfer: One-way Ao Nang - Downtown, Krabi: $18
- Private Eco-Transfer: One-way Ao Nang - Bus Station, Krabi: $18
- Krabi Airport Private One-Way SUV Transfer: $22
- Private SUV-Transfer: One-way Ao Nang - Bus Statation: $22
- Private SUV-Transfer: One-way Ao Nang - Downtown, Krabi: $22
- Aonang : Ferry Transfer from Aonang to Ko Lanta: $23
- Aonang : Ferry Transfer from Aonang to Phuket: $31
- Krabi:Speedboat Transfer to Phi Phi Islands: $41
- Phuket: Speedboat Transfer to Ao Nang or Railay via Ko Yao: $41
- Private SUV-Transfer: One-way Krabi to Phuket: $105
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Vientiane
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Vientiane are as follows:
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Tuk Tuk Ride$4.24
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vientiane
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Vientiane:
- Wattay Airport (VTE): Private Transfer to/from Vientiane: $29
- Vientiane Private Airport and Hotel Transfers: $9.00
- Vientiane Airport Transfer: Wattay airport to hotel - Private transfer: $15
- Vientiane - Hanoi Sleeping Bus Transfer : $63
- Vientian Private Airport Transfer - Wattay Airport: $15
- Private Transfer in Laos: $5.00
Is it cheaper to fly into Ao Nang or Vientiane?
Prices for flights to both Vientiane and Ao Nang 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
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Food Meals for one dayAo Nang $24Vientiane $6.32
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ao Nang
For Ao Nang, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Krabi: Ya's Cookery Late Afternoon Thai Cooking Class: $39
- Krabi : Authentic Thai Cooking Class with Market Tour: $40
- Krabi: Morning/Afternoon Thai Cooking Class at Ya's Cookery: $46
- Half Day Thai Cooking Class in Ao Nang, Krabi: $50
- Krabi 7 Island Sunset by Luxury Vintage Boat With BBQ Dinner: $127
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Vientiane
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Vientiane.
- Private Evening Food Tour of Laos: $70
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Ao Nang $11Vientiane $3.54
Tours and Activities in Ao Nang
For Ao Nang, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Krabi: South Kayak Klong Root Kayaking Tour: $16
- Krabi ATV adventure drive 30mins: $22
- Krabi kayaking and swimming clongrood Tour: $22
- Krabi 4 Island One Day Tour by Speed boat or Longtail boat: $24
- ATV adventure 30 mins drive: $27
- Krabi: Bioluminescent Plankton, Snorkeling & Sunset Tour: $27
- Kayak Tour in Krabi Mangrove Forest with Lunch: $27
- Krabi: ATV adventure and extreme: $31
- Kayaking klongroot and atv adventure: $32
- From Hong Islands Day Tour by Boat with Lunch: $32
- Krabi: Tiger Cave, Hot Springs and Emerald Pool Jungle Tour: $35
- Krabi: Railay Beach Bioluminescent Plankton Ferry Cruise: $35
Tours and Activities in Vientiane
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Vientiane are as follows:
- 2 Days Private Tour in Vientiane and Vang Vieng: $90
- Explore Vientiane and Local Villages Biking Tour: $184
- From Hue: Hue to Vientiane Bus tickets: $62
- Full Day Private Tour in Vientiane with Pickup: $142
- Guided Vientiane City and Buddha Park Full-Day Tour: $81
- Half Day Private Tour in City Highlights: $120
- Half-Day Vientiane City Bike Tour: $67
- Private Custom Tour with a Local Guide in Vientiane: $82
- Private Tour: Full-day Cycling The City Streets Vientiane with Buddha Park: $174
- Private Tour: Full-day Vientiane's Must-See Sights and River Sunset with Lunch: $101
- Private Tour: Half-day City Guided Tour of Vientiane: $113
- Private Tour: Vientiane City Tour Full Day with Buddha Park: $145
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAo Nang $15Vientiane $2.35
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ao Nang and Vientiane, we can see that Ao Nang is more expensive. And not only is Vientiane much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Ao Nang would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ao Nang 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 Ao Nang Expensive? and Is Vientiane Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Ao Nang or Vientiane?
Vientiane has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Ao Nang. When comparing the sizes of Ao Nang 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.
When is the best time to visit Ao Nang or Vientiane?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Ao Nang or Vientiane in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Ao Nang as well as Vientiane. Ao Nang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vientiane throughout the year.
August to October in Ao Nang is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Vientiane. Ao Nang receives a lot of rain in the summer. Ao Nang usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Vientiane. Ao Nang gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Vientiane receives 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ao Nang this time of the year. In the summer, Ao Nang often gets more sunshine than Vientiane. Ao Nang gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vientiane receives 141 hours of full sun.
In the summer, Ao Nang is around the same temperature as Vientiane. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ao Nang in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Vientiane averages at about 30°C (85°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAo Nang 28°C (82°F)Vientiane 30°C (85°F)
Should I visit Ao Nang or Vientiane in the Autumn?
Both Vientiane and Ao Nang are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ao Nang throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Vientiane because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The dry season in Ao Nang is December to March. The rainy season in Ao Nang is August to October. It's quite rainy in Ao Nang. In October, Ao Nang usually receives more rain than Vientiane. Ao Nang gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Vientiane receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
It's quite sunny in Vientiane. Ao Nang usually receives less sunshine than Vientiane during autumn. Ao Nang gets 181 hours of sunny skies, while Vientiane receives 222 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Ao Nang is generally around the same temperature as Vientiane. Daily temperatures in Ao Nang average around 27°C (81°F), and Vientiane fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAo Nang 27°C (81°F)Vientiane 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Ao Nang or Vientiane in the Winter?
Both Vientiane and Ao Nang during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Ao Nang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vientiane year-round.
December to March is the dry season in Ao Nang. Ao Nang usually gets more rain in January than Vientiane. Ao Nang gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Vientiane receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Vientiane, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Ao Nang. In the winter, Ao Nang often gets more sunshine than Vientiane. Ao Nang gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vientiane receives 254 hours of full sun.
Ao Nang is a little warmer than Vientiane in the winter. The daily temperature in Ao Nang averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Vientiane fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAo Nang 28°C (82°F)Vientiane 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Ao Nang or Vientiane in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Ao Nang and Vientiane. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ao Nang year-round. Vientiane attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Ao Nang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Ao Nang usually receives more rain than Vientiane. Ao Nang gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Vientiane receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vientiane this time of the year. In Ao Nang, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ao Nang usually receives more sunshine than Vientiane during spring. Ao Nang gets 249 hours of sunny skies, while Vientiane receives 230 hours of full sun in the spring.
Vientiane can become quite hot in the spring. In the spring, Ao Nang is around the same temperature as Vientiane. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ao Nang in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Vientiane averages at about 31°C (88°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAo Nang 29°C (84°F)Vientiane 31°C (88°F)
Typical Weather for Vientiane and Ao Nang
| Ao Nang | Vientiane | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (83°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (84°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 31°C (88°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 318 mm (12.5 in) | 30°C (87°F) | 255 mm (10 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 279 mm (11 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 273 mm (10.7 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) | 30°C (85°F) | 266 mm (10.5 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 262 mm (10.3 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 323 mm (12.7 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 399 mm (15.7 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 295 mm (11.6 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 304 mm (12 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.