Which place is cheaper, Vientiane or Ayutthaya?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Ayutthaya or Vientiane?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Ayutthaya 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: Ayutthaya or Vientiane?
Ayutthaya
Once the largest city in the world, Ayutthaya, is the example of an ancient capital within a modern city. Located in the central plains of Thailand, this spot is ideally located between China, India and the Malay Archipelago creating the perfect place for trade in Asia. Eighteenth century maps from Holland and France show golden palaces, large ceremony spots and trading vessels from all over the world. Suddenly, in 1767, Ayutthaya experienced a tragic fall from grace with a Burmese invasion burning much of the city to the ground.
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 Cultural Tours in Thailand, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in 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 dayAyutthaya $62Vientiane $15
The average daily cost (per person) in Ayutthaya is $62, 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 Ayutthaya and Vientiane in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAyutthaya $21Vientiane $6.01
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAyutthaya $42Vientiane $12
Compare Hotels in Ayutthaya and Vientiane
Looking for a hotel in Ayutthaya 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: Ayutthaya Hotel Prices and Vientiane Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Ayutthaya $27Vientiane $2.08
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Ayutthaya
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Ayutthaya are as follows:
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River Ferry Crossing$0.55
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ayutthaya
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ayutthaya:
- Transfer from Bangkok: $97
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:
- Private Transfer in Laos: $5.00
- Vientiane Private Airport and Hotel Transfers: $9.00
- Vientiane Airport Transfer: Wattay airport to hotel - Private transfer: $15
- Vientian Private Airport Transfer - Wattay Airport: $15
- Wattay Airport (VTE): Private Transfer to/from Vientiane: $29
- Vientiane - Hanoi Sleeping Bus Transfer : $63
Is it cheaper to fly into Ayutthaya or Vientiane?
Prices for flights to both Vientiane and Ayutthaya 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 dayAyutthaya $20Vientiane $6.32
Typical Food Prices in Ayutthaya
Some typical examples of dining costs in Ayutthaya are as follows:
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Lunch for 2$3.82
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Ice Cream$0.82
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Breakfast for 2$3.82
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Breakfast for 2$9.55
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ayutthaya
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Ayutthaya.
- Bangkok: VELA Dinner Cruise Ticket: $19
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.Ayutthaya $27Vientiane $3.54
Typical Entertainment Prices in Ayutthaya
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Ayutthaya are as follows:
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Temple Entrances (2)$5.46
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Wat Entrance$1.36
Tours and Activities in Ayutthaya
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Ayutthaya are as follows:
- Ayutthaya City and Historical Park Bike Tour: $35
- AYUTTHAYA : Private Car Rental & Customize Tour with Driver: $49
- The Incredible Ayutthaya Ancient Temple Tour: $51
- Colors of UNESCO Heritage 6 hour Bicycle Tour: $54
- From Bangkok: Ayutthaya Day Tour Small Group: $57
- Ayutthaya 1-day Private Tour : UNESCO World Heritage Site: $141
- From Bangkok: Tour Ayutthaya + Lunch + Spanish guide: $146
- Ancient City Temple Tour: $162
- From Bangkok: Ayutthaya Full Day Private Guided Tour: $350
- Ayutthaya’s Heritage Revealed A Day Tour from Bangkok: $632
Tours and Activities in Vientiane
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Vientiane are as follows:
- Vientiane ATV and Canopy Walking Experience: $48
- Vientiane Sky Luge and Roller Zipline Experience: $55
- From Hue: Hue to Vientiane Bus tickets: $62
- Half-Day Vientiane City Bike Tour: $67
- Vientiane Half-Day City Tour: $69
- Guided Vientiane City and Buddha Park Full-Day Tour: $81
- Private Custom Tour with a Local Guide in Vientiane: $82
- Vientiane City Day Tour and Buddha Park Visit with Lunch: $88
- 2 Days Private Tour in Vientiane and Vang Vieng: $90
- Private Vientiane Tour - include Buddha Park: $100
- 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
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAyutthaya $18Vientiane $2.35
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ayutthaya and Vientiane, we can see that Ayutthaya 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 Ayutthaya would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ayutthaya 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 Ayutthaya Expensive? and Is Vientiane Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Ayutthaya or Vientiane?
Vientiane has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Ayutthaya. When comparing the sizes of Ayutthaya 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 Ayutthaya or Vientiane?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Ayutthaya or Vientiane in the Summer?
Both Vientiane and Ayutthaya are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ayutthaya throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Vientiane because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Vientiane. It's quite rainy in Ayutthaya. In July, Ayutthaya usually receives less rain than Vientiane. Ayutthaya gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Vientiane receives 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
Ayutthaya usually receives more sunshine than Vientiane during summer. Ayutthaya gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Vientiane receives 141 hours of full sun in the summer.
Ayutthaya is around the same temperature as Vientiane in the summer. The daily temperature in Ayutthaya averages around 29°C (84°F) in July, and Vientiane fluctuates around 30°C (85°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAyutthaya 29°C (84°F)Vientiane 30°C (85°F)
Should I visit Ayutthaya or Vientiane in the Autumn?
Both Vientiane and Ayutthaya during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Ayutthaya because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vientiane year-round.
October to April is the dry season in Ayutthaya. May to October is the rainy season in Ayutthaya. It rains a lot this time of the year in Ayutthaya. Ayutthaya usually gets more rain in October than Vientiane. Ayutthaya gets 180 mm (7.1 in) of rain, while Vientiane receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Vientiane, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Ayutthaya. In the autumn, Ayutthaya often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Vientiane. Ayutthaya gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vientiane receives 222 hours of full sun.
In the autumn, Ayutthaya is around the same temperature as Vientiane. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ayutthaya in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Vientiane averages at about 28°C (83°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAyutthaya 28°C (82°F)Vientiane 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Ayutthaya or Vientiane in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Ayutthaya and Vientiane. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ayutthaya year-round. Vientiane attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Ayutthaya usually receives more rain than Vientiane. Ayutthaya gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Vientiane receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vientiane this time of the year. In Ayutthaya, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ayutthaya usually receives more sunshine than Vientiane during winter. Ayutthaya gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while Vientiane receives 254 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Ayutthaya is generally around the same temperature as Vientiane. Daily temperatures in Ayutthaya average around 25°C (78°F), and Vientiane fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAyutthaya 25°C (78°F)Vientiane 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Ayutthaya or Vientiane in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Ayutthaya as well as Vientiane. Ayutthaya attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vientiane throughout the year.
Also, October to April in Ayutthaya is the dry season. May to October in Ayutthaya is the rainy season. Ayutthaya usually gets less rain in April than Vientiane. Ayutthaya gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Vientiane receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vientiane. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ayutthaya this time of the year. In the spring, Ayutthaya often gets more sunshine than Vientiane. Ayutthaya gets 262 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vientiane receives 230 hours of full sun.
The heat can be very extreme in Vientiane. It's very hot in Ayutthaya this time of the year. Ayutthaya is around the same temperature as Vientiane in the spring. The daily temperature in Ayutthaya averages around 31°C (88°F) in April, and Vientiane fluctuates around 31°C (88°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAyutthaya 31°C (88°F)Vientiane 31°C (88°F)
Typical Weather for Vientiane and Ayutthaya
| Ayutthaya | Vientiane | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (78°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Mar | 30°C (85°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) |
| Apr | 31°C (88°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 31°C (88°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) |
| May | 30°C (86°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) | 30°C (87°F) | 255 mm (10 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (85°F) | 102 mm (4 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 273 mm (10.7 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (84°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 30°C (85°F) | 266 mm (10.5 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 323 mm (12.7 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 292 mm (11.5 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 295 mm (11.6 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 180 mm (7.1 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 13 mm (0.5 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.