Which place is cheaper, Vientiane or Surat Thani?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Surat Thani 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 Surat Thani 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: Surat Thani or Vientiane?
Surat Thani
The best way to see the real culture of a country is to go where the tourists are not. If you are itching to experience real Thai culture, you may want to visit the city of Surat Thani. Located on the central gulf coast of southern Thailand, this city is usually the gateway to other Thai islands – meaning visitors run through it without stopping. Stay a while and get to know Surat Thani – known to the locals as the "City of Good People."
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 10-Day Tours from Bangkok, The Best 2-Week Tours from Bangkok, 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 daySurat Thani $53Vientiane $15
The average daily cost (per person) in Surat Thani is $53, 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 Surat Thani and Vientiane in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSurat Thani $25Vientiane $6.01
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSurat Thani $50Vientiane $12
Compare Hotels in Surat Thani and Vientiane
Looking for a hotel in Surat Thani 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.Surat Thani $24Vientiane $2.08
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Surat Thani
Also for Surat Thani, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- From Koh Samui: One-Way Ferry Transfer to Surat Thani: $7.16
- Private Airport Transfer in Koh Samui Sedan 1-3 PAX: $12
- Private Arrival Transfer : Koh Samui Airport to Koh Samui Hotel (SHA Plus): $14
- Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Bo Phut: $36
- Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Chaweng: $36
- Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Choeng Mon Beach: $36
- Transfer to Don Sak Pier: $59
- Donsak pier to aonang , krabi town , klongmuang any hotel Private transfer: $114
- Private Transfer Surat Thani Airport (URT) to / from Surat Thani: $196
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 Surat Thani or Vientiane?
Prices for flights to both Vientiane and Surat Thani 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 daySurat Thani $14Vientiane $6.32
Typical Food Prices in Surat Thani
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Surat Thani:
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Dinner$4.09
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Surat Thani
For Surat Thani, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Khao Sok: Elephant Day Care, Cooking Class, & Bamboo Raft: $71
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.Surat Thani $4.97Vientiane $3.54
Tours and Activities in Surat Thani
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Surat Thani.
- Pick up and drop off tourists around Koh Samui: $14
- The one and only Zipline Experience of Lamai Viewpoint: $38
- Koh Samui Day and Night Fishing Experience: $48
- Koh Samui: 4x4 Sightseeing Safari & Elephant Sanctuary Tour: $58
- Koh Samui: Unique Iocal Tour & Elephant Sanctuary with lunch: $65
- Blue Stars Kayaking Adventure in Angthong Marine Park: $69
- X Quad Novice Waterfall ATV Tour (1 Driver): $76
- Koh Samui: Elephant Kingdom Sanctuary Half-Day Tour: $81
- Samui Dolphins Tour by Catamaran Yacht: $87
- Khao Sok: Cheow Lan Lake Sunset Cruise w/ Drinks: $91
- From Khao Lak/Khao Sok: Cheow Lan Lake and Emerald Pool Tour: $105
- Samui X Quad ATV Tour (1 Driver) with lunch: $122
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 daySurat Thani $4.96Vientiane $2.35
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Surat Thani and Vientiane, we can see that Surat Thani 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 Surat Thani would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Surat Thani 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 Surat Thani Expensive? and Is Vientiane Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Surat Thani or Vientiane?
Vientiane has a larger population, and is about 196730 times larger than the population of Surat Thani. When comparing the sizes of Surat Thani 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 Surat Thani 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 Surat Thani or Vientiane in the Summer?
Both Vientiane and Surat Thani during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Surat Thani 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. It rains a lot this time of the year in Surat Thani. Surat Thani usually gets less rain in July than Vientiane. Surat Thani gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Vientiane receives 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
Surat Thani is around the same temperature as Vientiane in the summer. The daily temperature in Surat Thani averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Vientiane fluctuates around 30°C (85°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySurat Thani 28°C (82°F)Vientiane 30°C (85°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Vientiane in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Surat Thani and Vientiane. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Surat Thani year-round. Vientiane attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Surat Thani gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Surat Thani usually receives more rain than Vientiane. Surat Thani gets 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Vientiane receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
In the autumn, Surat Thani is around the same temperature as Vientiane. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Surat Thani in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Vientiane averages at about 28°C (83°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSurat Thani 27°C (81°F)Vientiane 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Vientiane in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Surat Thani as well as Vientiane. Surat Thani attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vientiane throughout the year.
Surat Thani usually gets more rain in January than Vientiane. Surat Thani gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Vientiane receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
In January, Surat Thani is generally around the same temperature as Vientiane. Daily temperatures in Surat Thani average around 25°C (77°F), and Vientiane fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySurat Thani 25°C (77°F)Vientiane 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Vientiane in the Spring?
Both Vientiane and Surat Thani are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Surat Thani throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Vientiane because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In April, Surat Thani usually receives less rain than Vientiane. Surat Thani gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Vientiane receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
The heat can be very extreme in Vientiane. Surat Thani is around the same temperature as Vientiane in the spring. The daily temperature in Surat Thani averages around 29°C (83°F) in April, and Vientiane fluctuates around 31°C (88°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSurat Thani 29°C (83°F)Vientiane 31°C (88°F)
Typical Weather for Vientiane and Surat Thani
| Surat Thani | Vientiane | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (83°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 31°C (88°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 30°C (87°F) | 255 mm (10 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (83°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 273 mm (10.7 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) | 30°C (85°F) | 266 mm (10.5 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 323 mm (12.7 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 295 mm (11.6 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 240 mm (9.5 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 335 mm (13.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (78°F) | 134 mm (5.3 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.