Which place is cheaper, Vientiane or Nakhon Ratchasima?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Nakhon Ratchasima or Vientiane?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Nakhon Ratchasima or Vientiane, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Nakhon Ratchasima or Vientiane?
Nakhon Ratchasima
If you're planning on traveling from Bangkok to Isaan, you'll likely make Nakhon Ratchasima your pit stop or home base. However, there is so much more to this sprawling metropolis than just a layover. Underneath the chaos of it all, is a charming and traditional Thai city.
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 Tours for Seniors to Thailand, The Best Contiki 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 dayNakhon Ratchasima $40Vientiane $15
The average daily cost (per person) in Nakhon Ratchasima is $40, 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 Nakhon Ratchasima and Vientiane in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNakhon Ratchasima $19Vientiane $6.01
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNakhon Ratchasima $38Vientiane $12
Compare Hotels in Nakhon Ratchasima and Vientiane
Looking for a hotel in Nakhon Ratchasima 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: Nakhon Ratchasima Hotel Prices and Vientiane Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Nakhon Ratchasima $4.50Vientiane $2.08
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Nakhon Ratchasima
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Nakhon Ratchasima:
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Tuk Tuk$1.36
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Bus to Vientiane$1.36
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 Nakhon Ratchasima or Vientiane?
Prices for flights to both Vientiane and Nakhon Ratchasima 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 dayNakhon Ratchasima $15Vientiane $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.Nakhon Ratchasima $5.81Vientiane $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 dayNakhon Ratchasima $10Vientiane $2.35
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nakhon Ratchasima and Vientiane, we can see that Nakhon Ratchasima 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 Nakhon Ratchasima would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nakhon Ratchasima 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 Nakhon Ratchasima Expensive? and Is Vientiane Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Nakhon Ratchasima or Vientiane?
Vientiane has a larger population, and is about 196730 times larger than the population of Nakhon Ratchasima. When comparing the sizes of Nakhon Ratchasima 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 Nakhon Ratchasima 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 Nakhon Ratchasima or Vientiane in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Nakhon Ratchasima as well as Vientiane. Nakhon Ratchasima 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. Nakhon Ratchasima receives a lot of rain in the summer. Nakhon Ratchasima usually gets less rain in July than Vientiane. Nakhon Ratchasima gets 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Vientiane receives 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
In July, Nakhon Ratchasima is generally around the same temperature as Vientiane. Daily temperatures in Nakhon Ratchasima average around 30°C (86°F), and Vientiane fluctuates around 30°C (85°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyNakhon Ratchasima 30°C (86°F)Vientiane 30°C (85°F)
Should I visit Nakhon Ratchasima or Vientiane in the Autumn?
Both Vientiane and Nakhon Ratchasima are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Nakhon Ratchasima throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Vientiane because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Nakhon Ratchasima. In October, Nakhon Ratchasima usually receives more rain than Vientiane. Nakhon Ratchasima gets 152 mm (6 in) of rain, while Vientiane receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
Nakhon Ratchasima is around the same temperature as Vientiane in the autumn. The daily temperature in Nakhon Ratchasima averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Vientiane fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberNakhon Ratchasima 28°C (82°F)Vientiane 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Nakhon Ratchasima or Vientiane in the Winter?
Both Vientiane and Nakhon Ratchasima during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Nakhon Ratchasima because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vientiane year-round.
Nakhon Ratchasima usually gets less rain in January than Vientiane. Nakhon Ratchasima gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Vientiane receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the winter, Nakhon Ratchasima is around the same temperature as Vientiane. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nakhon Ratchasima in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Vientiane averages at about 24°C (75°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryNakhon Ratchasima 25°C (77°F)Vientiane 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Nakhon Ratchasima or Vientiane in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Nakhon Ratchasima and Vientiane. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Nakhon Ratchasima year-round. Vientiane attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In April, Nakhon Ratchasima usually receives less rain than Vientiane. Nakhon Ratchasima gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Vientiane receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
It's very hot in Vientiane this time of the year. Nakhon Ratchasima can become quite hot in the spring. In April, Nakhon Ratchasima is generally around the same temperature as Vientiane. Daily temperatures in Nakhon Ratchasima average around 31°C (89°F), and Vientiane fluctuates around 31°C (88°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilNakhon Ratchasima 31°C (89°F)Vientiane 31°C (88°F)
Typical Weather for Vientiane and Nakhon Ratchasima
| Nakhon Ratchasima | Vientiane | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Mar | 30°C (86°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) |
| Apr | 31°C (89°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 31°C (88°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) |
| May | 31°C (88°F) | 152 mm (6 in) | 30°C (87°F) | 255 mm (10 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (87°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 273 mm (10.7 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (86°F) | 123 mm (4.8 in) | 30°C (85°F) | 266 mm (10.5 in) |
| Aug | 30°C (85°F) | 128 mm (5 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 323 mm (12.7 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (84°F) | 244 mm (9.6 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 295 mm (11.6 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 152 mm (6 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (76°F) | 4 mm (0.2 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.