Which place is cheaper, Vientiane or Koh Tarutao?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Koh Tarutao 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 Koh Tarutao 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: Koh Tarutao or Vientiane?
Koh Tarutao
While much of Thailand has been built up into a tourist destination of hotels and resorts, there are spots that are still untouched and covered in the beauty of this part of the world. The unspoiled regions of the Ko Tarutao Marine National Park is 51 islands of rainforest ready for visitors. Established in 1974, the park is the second oldest in the country, and was the setting for the 2002 season of the reality television show Survivor. The park includes stunning coral reefs, pristine white beaches and wildlife of all shapes and sizes. Trek through and keep your eyes out for mouse deer, wild pigs, sea otters, tree pythons, sea eagles, hornbills, reef egrets and so much 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 Sightseeing Tours in Thailand, The Best Cultural Tours 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 dayKoh Tarutao $98Vientiane $15
The average daily cost (per person) in Koh Tarutao is $98, 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 Koh Tarutao and Vientiane in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKoh Tarutao $50Vientiane $6.01
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKoh Tarutao $100Vientiane $12
Compare Hotels in Koh Tarutao and Vientiane
Looking for a hotel in Koh Tarutao 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: Vientiane Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Koh Tarutao $34Vientiane $2.08
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:
- 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 Koh Tarutao or Vientiane?
Prices for flights to both Vientiane and Koh Tarutao 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 dayKoh Tarutao $28Vientiane $6.32
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.Koh Tarutao $14Vientiane $3.54
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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKoh Tarutao $7.01Vientiane $2.35
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Koh Tarutao and Vientiane, we can see that Koh Tarutao 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 Koh Tarutao would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Koh Tarutao 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 Koh Tarutao Expensive? and Is Vientiane Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Koh Tarutao 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 Koh Tarutao or Vientiane in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Koh Tarutao as well as Vientiane. Koh Tarutao 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. Koh Tarutao receives a lot of rain in the summer. Koh Tarutao usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Vientiane. Koh Tarutao gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Vientiane receives 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the summer, Koh Tarutao is around the same temperature as Vientiane. Typically, the summer temperatures in Koh Tarutao in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Vientiane averages at about 30°C (85°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKoh Tarutao 27°C (81°F)Vientiane 30°C (85°F)
Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Vientiane in the Autumn?
Both Vientiane and Koh Tarutao are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Tarutao 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 Koh Tarutao is November to April. The rainy season in Koh Tarutao is May and October. It's quite rainy in Koh Tarutao. In October, Koh Tarutao usually receives more rain than Vientiane. Koh Tarutao gets 281 mm (11.1 in) of rain, while Vientiane receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
In October, Koh Tarutao is generally around the same temperature as Vientiane. Daily temperatures in Koh Tarutao average around 27°C (81°F), and Vientiane fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKoh Tarutao 27°C (81°F)Vientiane 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Vientiane in the Winter?
Both Vientiane and Koh Tarutao during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Tarutao because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vientiane year-round.
Koh Tarutao usually gets more rain in January than Vientiane. Koh Tarutao gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Vientiane receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
Koh Tarutao is a little warmer than Vientiane in the winter. The daily temperature in Koh Tarutao averages around 27°C (80°F) in January, and Vientiane fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKoh Tarutao 27°C (80°F)Vientiane 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Vientiane in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Tarutao and Vientiane. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Tarutao year-round. Vientiane attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
November to April in Koh Tarutao is the dry season. Also, May and October is the rainy season in Koh Tarutao. Koh Tarutao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Koh Tarutao usually receives more rain than Vientiane. Koh Tarutao gets 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Vientiane receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
Vientiane can become quite hot in the spring. In the spring, Koh Tarutao is around the same temperature as Vientiane. Typically, the spring temperatures in Koh Tarutao in April average around 29°C (85°F), and Vientiane averages at about 31°C (88°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKoh Tarutao 29°C (85°F)Vientiane 31°C (88°F)
Typical Weather for Vientiane and Koh Tarutao
| Koh Tarutao | Vientiane | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (80°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (84°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (85°F) | 124 mm (4.9 in) | 31°C (88°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 244 mm (9.6 in) | 30°C (87°F) | 255 mm (10 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 224 mm (8.8 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 273 mm (10.7 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 269 mm (10.6 in) | 30°C (85°F) | 266 mm (10.5 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 262 mm (10.3 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 323 mm (12.7 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 355 mm (14 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 295 mm (11.6 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 281 mm (11.1 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 204 mm (8 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 116 mm (4.6 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.