Which place is cheaper, Vientiane or Chennai?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Chennai or Vientiane?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Chennai 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: Chennai or Vientiane?
Chennai
Formerly known as Madras from its colonial history, Chennai today is one of India's largest cities and capital of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is located on the Bay of Bengal in southeastern India with an extensive stretch of sandy beaches, plenty of dining and shopping, a number of historic temples, monuments, and churches, plus amusement parks and more.
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 India, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in India, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Laos, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Laos.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChennai $29Vientiane $14
The average daily cost (per person) in Chennai is $29, 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 Chennai and Vientiane in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChennai $15Vientiane $5.77
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChennai $30Vientiane $12
Compare Hotels in Chennai and Vientiane
Looking for a hotel in Chennai 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: Chennai Hotel Prices and Vientiane Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Chennai $2.60Vientiane $2.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chennai
Also for Chennai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Chennai Airport to Hotel Transfer: $13
- Chennai Airport Transfers : Budget Sedan and SUV Cabs: $15
- Departure transfer: Chennai hotels to Chennai International Airport: $19
- Chennai - Private Departure Transfer from Hotel to Airport : $19
- Departure Transfer from Chennai Hotels to Chennai airport: $20
- Chennai - Private Arrival Transfer - From Airport to Hotel: $20
- A Private Transfer:From Chennai Airport To Chennai city: $24
- VIP Chennai Airport Transfer: Comfort & Convenience: $24
- Affordable Chennai Airport Transfer: $24
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Chennai International Airport: $28
- Chennai City Hotel to Chennai Airport Private Transfer: $30
- Chennai Private City and Airport Transfer : $31
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Vientiane
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Vientiane are as follows:
-
Tuk Tuk Ride$4.07
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vientiane
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Vientiane:
- Vientiane - Hanoi Sleeping Bus Transfer : $63
- Wattay Airport (VTE): Private Transfer to/from Vientiane: $29
- 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
- Private Transfer in Laos: $5.00
Is it cheaper to fly into Chennai or Vientiane?
Prices for flights to both Vientiane and Chennai 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 dayChennai $6.37Vientiane $6.06
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chennai
For Chennai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- 2 Hour Street Food Tour in Sowcarpet Chennai : $37
- Private In-Home Vegetarian Cooking Class and Meal in Chennai: $46
- Private Vegetarian South Indian Cooking Class in Chennai : $48
- South Indian Cooking Class in Chennai with a Passionate Baker: $48
- South Indian Vegetarian Cooking Class Near the Chennai airport: $62
- Traditional Tamil Brahmin Vegetarian Cooking Lesson with a Local in Her Home: $74
- Private Authentic Indian Cooking Class in Chennai with a Local: $76
- Authentic South Indian Cooking Class and Vegetarian Meal with a Local in Chennai: $122
- Private South Indian Cooking Class and Market Visit in Chennai: $152
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
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Chennai $2.75Vientiane $3.39
Tours and Activities in Chennai
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Chennai.
- 3-Day Private Tour to Mahabalipuram and Pondicherry: $3.37
- Chennai Night Walk Tour ( 2 hours guided walking tour): $17
- Chennai Walking Tour ( 2 hours guided tour): $17
- Magical Chennai Markets Tour (2 Hours Guided Walking Tour): $18
- Chennai Walk of Divinity (2 Hours Guided Walking Tour): $18
- Night Walking Tour of Chennai: $19
- 2 Hour Street Food Walking Tour: $22
- Chennai Cultural Walking Tour: $26
- Village Tour around Mahabalipuram: $27
- The Georgetown Bazaar Walking tour : $29
- Private Ayurvedic Meal Experience with a Local Cookbook Author: $30
- Food trail in Sowcarpet Market by Wonder tours: $33
Tours and Activities in Vientiane
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Vientiane are as follows:
- Explore Vientiane and Local Villages Biking Tour: $184
- From Hue: Hue to Vientiane Bus tickets: $63
- Full Day Private Tour in Vientiane with Pickup: $147
- Guided Vientiane City and Buddha Park Full-Day Tour: $81
- Half Day Private Tour in City Highlights: $120
- Half-Day Vientiane City Bike Tour: $70
- 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
- Private Vientiane Tour - Buddha Park included: $100
- Vientiane : Private Custom Tour with a Local Guide: $83
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayChennai $3.06Vientiane $2.25
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chennai and Vientiane, we can see that Chennai 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 Chennai would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Chennai 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 Chennai Expensive? and Is Vientiane Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Chennai or Vientiane?
Chennai has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Vientiane. When comparing the sizes of Chennai 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.
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.