Which place is cheaper, Vientiane or Bangkok?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Bangkok 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 Bangkok 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: Bangkok or Vientiane?
Bangkok
Bangkok: a name synonymous with all things exotic. The vibrant and exciting capital of Thailand is not just a hub for Southeast Asia, but also a destination into itself. Known for an active nightlife and party scene, as well as great food, historic temples, and busy markets, Bangkok offers a diversity to entertain even the most experienced travelers.
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 Family-Friendly Tours to Thailand, The Best Wildlife 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 dayBangkok $86Vientiane $14
The average daily cost (per person) in Bangkok is $86, while the average daily cost in Vientiane is $14. 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 Bangkok and Vientiane in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBangkok $47Vientiane $5.78
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBangkok $94Vientiane $12
Compare Hotels in Bangkok and Vientiane
Looking for a hotel in Bangkok 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: Bangkok Hotel Prices and Vientiane Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Bangkok $6.53Vientiane $2.00
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bangkok
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Bangkok are as follows:
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Tuk Tuk to bus station$2.47
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Skytrain Ticket$4.94
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Chao Phraya River Express Ticket$0.99
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Ferry Ride$0.80
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Taxi From Airport$7.72
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Short Taxi Ride$2.78
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Boat Taxi$1.54
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Trains to airport$4.94
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bangkok
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bangkok:
- Bus transfer from/to Bangkok Don Mueang Airport: $7.66
- Suvarnabhumi Airport Bus transfer to/from Bangkok: $8.75
- Ayothaya Floating Market Admission Ticket with Transfer(Optional): $9.19
- Bangkok Private Airport (BKK And DMK) Transfer: $14
- Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) Arrival Transfer (Shared or Private): $15
- Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) Departure Transfer (Shared or Private): $15
- BANGKOK TRANSFER: Bangkok Airport to Bangkok Hotel + FREE WIFI: $15
- Bangkok DonMueang Airport Private Transfer To City Or To Airport: $17
- Arrival Transfer from BKK Airport to Bangkok Hotel: $17
- Transfer Bangkok City Center to Suvarnabhumi Airport(BKK): $18
- Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport Shared Arrival Transfer : $18
- Private Bangkok Airport Transfer: $18
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Vientiane
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Vientiane are as follows:
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Tuk Tuk Ride$4.08
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vientiane
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Vientiane:
- Private Transfer in Laos: $5.00
- Private airport transfer from Hotels in Vientiane to Airport: $8.00
- Vientian Private Airport Transfer - Wattay Airport: $15
- Vientiane Airport Transfer: Wattay airport to hotel - Private transfer: $15
- Vientiane Private Airport and Hotel Transfers: $9.00
- Wattay Airport (VTE): Private Transfer to/from Vientiane: $29
Is it cheaper to fly into Bangkok or Vientiane?
Prices for flights to both Vientiane and Bangkok 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 dayBangkok $21Vientiane $6.07
Typical Food Prices in Bangkok
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Bangkok:
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Dinner at Hard Rock Cafe (for Two)$28
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Casual Lunch of Prawns (for Two)$6.18
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2 Rotis (Bread)$1.39
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Mango & Sticky Rice$0.93
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Lunch at KFC (for Two)$6.18
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Pad Thai$2.16
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Airport Lunch for 2$17
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Lunch for 2$23
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bangkok
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bangkok.
- White Orchid Chao Phraya Dinner Cruise: $21
- Baiyoke Sky Observation Deck With Dinner or Lunch & Thai Massage: $23
- Baiyoke Observation Deck with Lunch/Dinner Buffet: $24
- River Dinner Cruise on the Chao Phraya Princess: $26
- Chao Phraya Princess Dinner Cruise Ticket: $26
- Meridian Sunset Dinner Cruise - Floating Paradise From ICONSIAM Bangkok: $26
- 2-Hour Dinner Cruise on the Chao Phraya Princess: $27
- Calypso Cabaret Show with Thai Set Dinner: $27
- Royal Princess Chao Phraya Dinner Cruise: $30
- Chao Phraya Buffet Dinner Viva Alangka Cruise: $30
- Viva Alangka Chao Phraya Dinner Cruise: $30
- Alangka Luxury Buffet Dinner Cruise With Live Music: $30
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Vientiane
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Vientiane.
- Private Tour to Buddha Park include Evening Food Tour: $100
- Lao Cooking Class with Market Tour: $100
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Bangkok $18Vientiane $3.40
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bangkok
Here are a few typical costs in Bangkok for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Movie Ticket$4.94
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Grand Palace Entrance Ticket$11
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Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha) Ticket$1.54
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Dusit Zoo Entrance Fee (for Two)$6.18
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Club Cover Charge$12
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Thai Boxing Tickets (for Two)$74
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Fish Pedicure$4.63
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Wat Pho entrance ticket$3.09
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Siriraj Museum (2)$12
Tours and Activities in Bangkok
Here are a few actual costs in Bangkok for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Bangkok Chinatown Eats: A Self-guided Audio Tour: $5.13
- Skip the Line: Ayutthaya Floating Market Admission Ticket: $5.89
- Skip the Line Admission Ticket: Ayutthaya Floating Market: $5.90
- Chinatown by Night Walking Tour in Bangkok: $6.42
- A Self-Guided Tour of Bangkok's Most Picturesque Sights: $6.99
- Bangkok's Old Town: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
- Chinatown Mystery Quest Experience in Bangkok: $7.24
- Chinatown & Golden Buddha Self-Guided Audio Tour (entry not incl): $10
- Three Head Giant Elephant & Erawan Museum in Bangkok Admission Ticket: $11
- Nakhon Pathom Ancient Capital Classic Day Tour: $12
- Discover a Taste of Chinatown – 2 Hr Walking Tour: $12
- Erawan Museum in Bangkok Admission Ticket: $13
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: $63
- Vientiane Half-Day City Tour: $69
- Half-Day Vientiane City Bike Tour: $70
- Guided Vientiane City and Buddha Park Full-Day Tour: $81
- Vientiane : Private Custom Tour with a Local Guide: $82
- Vientiane Private Walking Tour With A Guide (Private Tour): $84
- Vientiane City Tour And Sunset View At Mekong River: $90
- Vientiane City Day Tour and Buddha Park Visit with Lunch: $99
- Vientiane City Highlights Tour with Buddha Park & Lunch: $100
- Vientiane Private Full-Day Tour with Buddha Park and Lunch : $100
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBangkok $6.76Vientiane $2.26
Typical Alcohol Prices in Bangkok
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Bangkok are as follows:
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Beer$1.24
Sample the Local Flavors in Bangkok
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Bangkok:
- Bangkok After Dark: Pub Crawl Adventure: $23
- Pub Crawl: $27
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bangkok and Vientiane, we can see that Bangkok 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 Bangkok would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bangkok 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 Bangkok Expensive? and Is Vientiane Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Bangkok or Vientiane?
Bangkok has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Vientiane. When comparing the sizes of Bangkok 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 Bangkok 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 Bangkok or Vientiane in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Bangkok and Vientiane. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bangkok year-round. Vientiane attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Vientiane receives a lot of rain in the summer. Bangkok gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Bangkok usually receives less rain than Vientiane. Bangkok gets 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Vientiane receives 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
Bangkok usually receives more sunshine than Vientiane during summer. Bangkok gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Vientiane receives 141 hours of full sun in the summer.
Bangkok is around the same temperature as Vientiane in the summer. The daily temperature in Bangkok averages around 29°C (84°F) in July, and Vientiane fluctuates around 30°C (85°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBangkok 29°C (84°F)Vientiane 30°C (85°F)
Should I visit Bangkok or Vientiane in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Bangkok as well as Vientiane. Bangkok attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vientiane throughout the year.
Also, November to February in Bangkok is the dry season. May to October in Bangkok is the rainy season. Bangkok receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Bangkok usually gets more rain in October than Vientiane. Bangkok gets 242 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Vientiane receives 87 mm (3.4 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 Bangkok this time of the year. In the autumn, Bangkok often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Vientiane. Bangkok gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vientiane receives 222 hours of full sun.
In the autumn, Bangkok is around the same temperature as Vientiane. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bangkok in October average around 28°C (83°F), and Vientiane averages at about 28°C (83°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBangkok 28°C (83°F)Vientiane 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Bangkok or Vientiane in the Winter?
Both Vientiane and Bangkok are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bangkok 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 Bangkok is November to February. In January, Bangkok usually receives more rain than Vientiane. Bangkok gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Vientiane receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
It's quite sunny in Vientiane. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bangkok. Bangkok usually receives more sunshine than Vientiane during winter. Bangkok gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while Vientiane receives 254 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Bangkok is generally a little warmer than Vientiane. Daily temperatures in Bangkok average around 27°C (80°F), and Vientiane fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBangkok 27°C (80°F)Vientiane 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Bangkok or Vientiane in the Spring?
Both Vientiane and Bangkok during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Bangkok because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vientiane year-round.
May to October is the rainy season in Bangkok. Bangkok usually gets less rain in April than Vientiane. Bangkok gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Vientiane receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Vientiane, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Bangkok. In the spring, Bangkok often gets more sunshine than Vientiane. Bangkok 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. Bangkok is around the same temperature as Vientiane in the spring. The daily temperature in Bangkok averages around 31°C (87°F) in April, and Vientiane fluctuates around 31°C (88°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBangkok 31°C (87°F)Vientiane 31°C (88°F)
Typical Weather for Vientiane and Bangkok
| Bangkok | Vientiane | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (80°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (85°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) |
| Apr | 31°C (87°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 31°C (88°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) |
| May | 30°C (86°F) | 220 mm (8.7 in) | 30°C (87°F) | 255 mm (10 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (85°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 273 mm (10.7 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (84°F) | 155 mm (6.1 in) | 30°C (85°F) | 266 mm (10.5 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 197 mm (7.8 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 323 mm (12.7 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 344 mm (13.5 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 295 mm (11.6 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (83°F) | 242 mm (9.5 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 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.