Which place is cheaper, Vientiane or Pattaya?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Pattaya or Vientiane?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Pattaya and Vientiane can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Pattaya or Vientiane?
Pattaya
Go where the locals go. If that is your vacation motto, you will want to take a look at the popular weekend getaway of Pattaya, Thailand. This seaside resort on the Eastern Gulf Coast of Thailand is just outside of Bangkok, and full of resorts, beer bars and beaches.
Hosting more than five million visitors a year, Pattaya is easily accessed from the capital and the airport. Keep in mind, the sex tourism industry is still a large money earner for this city, but efforts by local authorities have created resorts and attractions for families and vacationers from all around the world.
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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bangkok, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Phuket, 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 dayPattaya $66Vientiane $15
The average daily cost (per person) in Pattaya is $66, 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 Pattaya and Vientiane in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPattaya $24Vientiane $6.01
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPattaya $48Vientiane $12
Compare Hotels in Pattaya and Vientiane
Looking for a hotel in Pattaya 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: Pattaya Hotel Prices and Vientiane Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Pattaya $12Vientiane $2.08
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pattaya
Also for Pattaya, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Return hotel transfers to Gems Gallery Pattaya (Jewelry) : $2.13
- Bus transfer between Pattaya and Bangkok: $3.69
- Big Bee farm Pattaya ( Entry & Return Transfers): $11
- Art in Paradise Entry Ticket with Private Transfer: $16
- Pattaya City: Tappia Floating Cafe Pattaya Transfer & Drink: $16
- Mini Siam Miniature World in Pattaya with Transfer: $19
- Pattaya Art in Paradise Admission Ticket with Return Transfer: $19
- Mini Siam Miniature World in Pattaya with Return Transfer: $19
- Teddy Bear Museum in Pattaya with Return Transfer: $19
- Colosseum Cabaret Show Pattaya, Tickets & Transfers: $19
- Teddy Bear Museum in Pattaya with Return Transfer: $22
- Private U-Tapao Rayong-Pattaya Airport Transfer to Pattaya City: $22
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:
- 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 Pattaya or Vientiane?
Prices for flights to both Vientiane and Pattaya 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 dayPattaya $22Vientiane $6.32
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Pattaya
For Pattaya, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- All Star Dinner Cruise, Cabaret Show & Beer Buffet: $32
- Pattaya Night Guided Tour with Dinner: $47
- Thai Cooking Class in Pattaya: $67
- Islands Hopping Tour by Catamaran with Dinner Buffet in Chon Buri: $97
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.Pattaya $21Vientiane $3.54
Tours and Activities in Pattaya
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Pattaya.
- Floating Market Entry Ticket: $3.18
- Pattaya sheep Farm Entrance Tickets: $3.60
- Skip the Line Ticket of Flower Land Pattaya at Sun Leisure World : $4.85
- FlowerLand Pattaya Admission Ticket (Optional Activities): $4.99
- Fairy Sweet Village Pattaya Entry ticket: $5.41
- Art in Paradise Pattaya Admission Ticket: $6.00
- Mini Siam Entry Ticket: $6.62
- LAZGAM Laser Game at Pattaya Admission Ticket: $7.10
- LAZGAM Laser Game in Pattaya Admission Ticket: $7.10
- Entry Ticket for Art in Paradise 3D Art Museum in Pattaya: $7.21
- Pattaya : Coral Island Tour by Speedboat with Indian Lunch & Pick Up from Hotel: $7.62
- Half-day Coral Island Join Tour with Lunch from Pattaya: $7.76
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 dayPattaya $8.18Vientiane $2.35
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Pattaya and Vientiane, we can see that Pattaya 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 Pattaya would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Pattaya 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 Pattaya Expensive? and Is Vientiane Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Pattaya or Vientiane?
Vientiane has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Pattaya. When comparing the sizes of Pattaya 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 Pattaya 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 Pattaya or Vientiane in the Summer?
Both Vientiane and Pattaya during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Pattaya because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vientiane year-round.
Vientiane gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Pattaya usually gets less rain in July than Vientiane. Pattaya gets 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Vientiane receives 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the summer, Pattaya often gets more sunshine than Vientiane. Pattaya gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vientiane receives 141 hours of full sun.
In July, Pattaya is generally around the same temperature as Vientiane. Daily temperatures in Pattaya average around 29°C (84°F), and Vientiane fluctuates around 30°C (85°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPattaya 29°C (84°F)Vientiane 30°C (85°F)
Should I visit Pattaya or Vientiane in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Pattaya and Vientiane. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Pattaya year-round. Vientiane attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
December to April in Pattaya is the dry season. Also, June to October is the rainy season in Pattaya. Pattaya gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Pattaya usually receives more rain than Vientiane. Pattaya gets 258 mm (10.2 in) of rain, while Vientiane receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vientiane this time of the year. In Pattaya, it's very sunny this time of the year. Pattaya usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Vientiane during autumn. Pattaya gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Vientiane receives 222 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Pattaya is around the same temperature as Vientiane in the autumn. The daily temperature in Pattaya averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Vientiane fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPattaya 28°C (82°F)Vientiane 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Pattaya or Vientiane in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Pattaya as well as Vientiane. Pattaya attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vientiane throughout the year.
Pattaya usually gets more rain in January than Vientiane. Pattaya gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Vientiane receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vientiane. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Pattaya this time of the year. In the winter, Pattaya often gets more sunshine than Vientiane. Pattaya gets 276 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vientiane receives 254 hours of full sun.
In the winter, Pattaya is a little warmer than Vientiane. Typically, the winter temperatures in Pattaya in January average around 27°C (80°F), and Vientiane averages at about 24°C (75°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPattaya 27°C (80°F)Vientiane 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Pattaya or Vientiane in the Spring?
Both Vientiane and Pattaya are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Pattaya 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 Pattaya is December to April. The rainy season in Pattaya is June to October. In April, Pattaya usually receives less rain than Vientiane. Pattaya gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Vientiane receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
It's quite sunny in Vientiane. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Pattaya. Pattaya usually receives more sunshine than Vientiane during spring. Pattaya gets 262 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, Pattaya is generally around the same temperature as Vientiane. Daily temperatures in Pattaya average around 30°C (86°F), and Vientiane fluctuates around 31°C (88°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPattaya 30°C (86°F)Vientiane 31°C (88°F)
Typical Weather for Vientiane and Pattaya
| Pattaya | Vientiane | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (80°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (85°F) | 62 mm (2.5 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) |
| Apr | 30°C (86°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 31°C (88°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) |
| May | 30°C (85°F) | 202 mm (7.9 in) | 30°C (87°F) | 255 mm (10 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (85°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 273 mm (10.7 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (84°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) | 30°C (85°F) | 266 mm (10.5 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 323 mm (12.7 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 232 mm (9.1 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 295 mm (11.6 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 16 mm (0.6 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.