Which place is cheaper, Vientiane or Beirut?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Beirut or Vientiane?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Beirut and Vientiane. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Beirut or Vientiane?
Beirut
Some travelers are seeking the hustle, bustle and posh atmosphere that only comes from a big city. Those travelers should have Beirut, Lebanon at the top of their list. The capital city is jam packed with 2.1 million people that are constantly on the go. As the commercial and financial hub of Lebanon, this city is fast-paced, fashion conscious and always ready for a night on the town.
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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in Laos, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Laos.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBeirut $2.26Vientiane $15
The average daily cost (per person) in Beirut is $2.26, 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 Beirut and Vientiane in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBeirut $1.26Vientiane $6.01
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBeirut $2.52Vientiane $12
Compare Hotels in Beirut and Vientiane
Looking for a hotel in Beirut 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: Beirut Hotel Prices and Vientiane Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Beirut $0.44Vientiane $2.08
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Beirut
Also for Beirut, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Beirut Arrival Airport Transfer Pickup: $9.89
- Departure Transfer:From Hotel To Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY): $10
- BEY Airport to Hotel, Private Arrival Transfer: $10
- Airport Arrival Transfer to Your Beirut Hotel: $10
- Private Transfer from Beirut Hotels to the Beirut Airport: $10
- Beirut Arrival Airport Transfer: $13
- Beirut Airport one Way Private Transfer to the hotel: $15
- Private Arrival Transfer: Beirut International Airport to Hotel: $18
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Beirut International Airport: $18
- Private Transfer from Rafic Hariri (BEY) Airport to Beirut: $46
- Private Transfer from Beirut to Rafic Hariri (BEY) Airport: $46
- Hiking Day Trip to Chouwen Lake with Hotel Transfers: $86
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Vientiane
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Vientiane are as follows:
-
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 Beirut or Vientiane?
Prices for flights to both Vientiane and Beirut 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 dayBeirut $0.71Vientiane $6.32
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Beirut
For Beirut, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Authentic Lebanese Virtual Cooking Class Live from Lebanon: $30
- Traveling Spoon Lebanese Mezze Private Online Cooking Class : $40
- Private, Traditional Lebanese Cooking Class with a Contemporary Twist: $72
- Private Lebanese Cooking Class in Beirut with Amal and Hotel Transfers: $142
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
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Beirut $0.26Vientiane $3.54
Tours and Activities in Beirut
For Beirut, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Small Group Tour to Jeita Grotto, Harisa & Byblos with Hotel pickup: $15
- Discovering Lebanon: Jeita Grotto, Harissa, and Byblos Tour: $15
- City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $25
- City Sightseeing Beirut Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $25
- Beirut : Private Custom Walking Tour With A Guide (Private tour): $34
- Beirut Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $35
- Private Walking Tour With A Guide (Private tour): $48
- New Small-Group Tour Semi-Private to Jeita,Harissa&Byblos: $50
- From Jeita, Harissa, and Byblos Tour: $50
- Full-Day Private Tour to Baalbek, Anjar And Ksara From Beirut: $50
- Beirut 3 museums + mini walking tour: $50
- Full-Day Private Tour to Jeita Grotto, Harissa And Baatara Waterfall: $50
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
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayBeirut $0.23Vientiane $2.35
Sample the Local Flavors in Beirut
Also in Beirut, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Full-Day Private Wine Tasting Tour at Chateau Musar and Ixsir : $50
- Private Wine Tasting Day Tour from Beirut: $60
- Budget Wine Tasting Tour at the Bekaa Valley Wineries: $60
- Full-Day Private Wine Tour in Bekaa Valley with Tasting : $60
- Byblos & Chateau Musar: History and Wine Tour: $65
- From Full Day Wine Tasting in the Bekaa Valley Tour: $90
- Lebanon Wine Tasting Tour From Beirut: $91
- Full-Day Private Wine Tasting Tour to Chateau Musar and Ixsir Winery: $100
- Private tour to Jeita Grotto with Wine Tasting in Faqra Ruins: $110
- Full-Day Private Wine Tasting Tour: $150
- Wine Tasting and Culture : $150
- Wine Tasting Tour: $150
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Beirut and Vientiane, we can see that Vientiane is more expensive. And not only is Beirut much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Beirut is in Middle East 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 Beirut would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Beirut 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 Vientiane would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Vientiane than you might in Beirut.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Beirut Expensive? and Is Vientiane Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Beirut or Vientiane?
Beirut has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Vientiane. When comparing the sizes of Beirut 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 Beirut 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 Beirut or Vientiane in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Beirut as well as Vientiane. Beirut attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vientiane throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Vientiane. Beirut usually gets less rain in July than Vientiane. Beirut gets 10 mm (0.4 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 Beirut this time of the year. In the summer, Beirut often gets more sunshine than Vientiane. Beirut gets 369 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vientiane receives 141 hours of full sun.
In July, Beirut is generally around the same temperature as Vientiane. Daily temperatures in Beirut average around 27°C (81°F), and Vientiane fluctuates around 30°C (85°F).
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyBeirut 27°C (81°F)Vientiane 30°C (85°F)
Should I visit Beirut or Vientiane in the Autumn?
Both Vientiane and Beirut are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Beirut throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Vientiane because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In October, Beirut usually receives less rain than Vientiane. Beirut gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Vientiane receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
It's quite sunny in Vientiane. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Beirut. Beirut usually receives more sunshine than Vientiane during autumn. Beirut gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Vientiane receives 222 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Beirut is cooler than Vientiane in the autumn. The daily temperature in Beirut averages around 25°C (77°F) in October, and Vientiane fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBeirut 25°C (77°F)Vientiane 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Beirut or Vientiane in the Winter?
Both Vientiane and Beirut during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Beirut because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vientiane year-round.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Beirut. Beirut usually gets more rain in January than Vientiane. Beirut gets 130 mm (5.1 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. In the winter, Beirut often gets less sunshine than Vientiane. Beirut gets 149 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vientiane receives 254 hours of full sun.
In the winter, Beirut is much colder than Vientiane. Typically, the winter temperatures in Beirut in January average around 13°C (55°F), and Vientiane averages at about 24°C (75°F).
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBeirut 13°C (55°F)Vientiane 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Beirut or Vientiane in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Beirut and Vientiane. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Beirut year-round. Vientiane attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In April, Beirut usually receives less rain than Vientiane. Beirut gets 50 mm (2 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 Beirut, it's very sunny this time of the year. Beirut usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Vientiane during spring. Beirut gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Vientiane receives 230 hours of full sun in the spring.
It's very hot in Vientiane this time of the year. In April, Beirut is generally much colder than Vientiane. Daily temperatures in Beirut average around 17°C (63°F), and Vientiane fluctuates around 31°C (88°F).
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilBeirut 17°C (63°F)Vientiane 31°C (88°F)
Typical Weather for Vientiane and Beirut
| Beirut | Vientiane | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 13°C (55°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Mar | 15°C (59°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 31°C (88°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) |
| May | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 30°C (87°F) | 255 mm (10 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 273 mm (10.7 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 30°C (85°F) | 266 mm (10.5 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 323 mm (12.7 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 295 mm (11.6 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (77°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 130 mm (5.1 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.