Which place is cheaper, Vientiane or Ho Chi Minh City?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Ho Chi Minh City and Vientiane can help you decide which place is right for you.
Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon, is the largest city in Vietnam. It previously served as the capital of the Republic of Vietnam (South Vietnam). The metropolitan area, including Ho Chi Minh City, Thu Dau Mot, Di An, Bien Hoa, and other surrounding towns, has a population of more than 9 million people and continues to grow.
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 Historical Tours in Vietnam, The Best 10-Day Tours in Vietnam, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Laos, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Laos.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Ho Chi Minh City is $81, 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 Ho Chi Minh City and Vientiane in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Ho Chi Minh City 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.
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Ho Chi Minh City:
Also for Ho Chi Minh City, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Vientiane are as follows:
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Vientiane:
Prices for flights to both Vientiane and Ho Chi Minh City 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.
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Ho Chi Minh City:
For Ho Chi Minh City, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Vientiane.
For Ho Chi Minh City, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Ho Chi Minh City.
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Vientiane are as follows:
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Ho Chi Minh City:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ho Chi Minh City and Vientiane, we can see that Ho Chi Minh City 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 Ho Chi Minh City would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ho Chi Minh City 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 Ho Chi Minh City Expensive? and Is Vientiane Expensive?.
Ho Chi Minh City has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Vientiane. When comparing the sizes of Ho Chi Minh City 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.