A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Vientiane vs. Adelaide for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Vientiane or Adelaide?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Vientiane or Adelaide, 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: Vientiane or Adelaide?

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.

Adelaide

Adelaide is the often overlooked capital city of the State of South Australia. It's also the fifth largest city in the country. Despite being skipped by most travelers, Adelaide is an interesting city to explore and has a decent amount to offer open minded travelers. It has some fascinating architecture, unique shopping, and wonderful cafes and restaurants. Part of the appeal of Adelaide is its location in the midst of Australia's wine regions, including McLaren Vale, Barossa Valley, and Clare Valley. Any of these destinations could be visited as a day trip from Adelaide.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in Laos, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Laos, The Best Adventure Tours to Australia, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Adelaide or Vientiane?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Vientiane is $24, while the average daily cost in Adelaide is $133. 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 Vientiane and Adelaide in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Vientiane $8.45
    Adelaide $65
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Vientiane $17
    Adelaide $130
Compare Hotels in Vientiane and Adelaide

Looking for a hotel in Vientiane or Adelaide? 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.

Hotels in Vientiane


Hotels in Adelaide


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 and Adelaide Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Vientiane $2.01
    Adelaide $18
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Vientiane

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Vientiane are as follows:


  • Tuk Tuk Ride
    $4.15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vientiane

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Vientiane:

  • Wattay Airport (VTE): Private Transfer to/from Vientiane: $20
  • Vientiane Private Transfer: Wattay Airport -Hotel-Railway Station: $9.90
  • Vientiane - Hanoi Sleeping Bus Transfer : $63
  • Vientian Private Airport Transfer - Wattay Airport: $15

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Adelaide

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Adelaide are as follows:


  • Shuttle from the Train Station
    $3.60

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Adelaide

Also for Adelaide, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • ADL Airport to City Centre | Port Private Transfer: $35
  • Private Airport & Houseboat Transfers Adelaide Bus: $297

Is it cheaper to fly into Vientiane or Adelaide?

Prices for flights to both Adelaide and Vientiane 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Vientiane $12
    Adelaide $54

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Vientiane

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Vientiane.

  • Vientiane classic Food tour ( Included Food ): $78
  • Night Market, Dinner, and Nightclub: $90
  • Vientiane Private Lao Cooking Class with Market Tour and Lunch: $95
  • Vientiane Private Lao Cooking Class with Market Tour: $122
  • Cooking Class Garden House: $335

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Adelaide

For Adelaide, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • HandleBar Bike Tour with Pub Stops & Dinner Option: $30
  • Local Food Tour and Tastings with Guide: $65

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Vientiane $3.80
    Adelaide $14

Tours and Activities in Vientiane

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Vientiane are as follows:

  • Vientiane Cultural Tour with Private Guide: $110
  • 1-Day Tour to Vang Vieng with Private Guide: $200
  • 1-Day Vientiane City Adventure: Top Sights & Hidden Gems: $110
  • From Plain of Jars Tour & Homestay: $1,650
  • From Vang Vieng 2-Day Tour with Blue Lagoon: $354
  • From Vang Vieng Tour with Cave Kayak & Zipline: $113
  • Guided Vientiane City and Buddha Park Full-Day Tour: $99
  • Half Day Private Tour in City Highlights: $120
  • Half-Day Vientiane City Bike Tour: $90
  • Lao Arts Museum & City Highlights Tour with Lunch: $122
  • Laos Railway Tickets Easily: Avoid Long Queues & Wasted Time: $30
  • Laos Railway Tickets Online: Skip Long Queues, Avoid Missing: $30

Tours and Activities in Adelaide

For Adelaide, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • River Torrens Popeye Sightseeing Cruise: $18
  • Adelaide Oval Stadium Guided Tour: $18
  • Adelaide Oval Stadium Tour: $19
  • Adelaide's True Crime Tour: $22
  • TreeClimb Adelaide Climb For Little Adventurers: $24
  • Adelaide Hills: Jurlique Farm Tour: $26
  • River Torrens Popeye Devonshire Tea Cruise: $26
  • City Walking Tour with Guide: $29
  • Ghosts, Dark Secrets and Paranormal Hunt Gaol Tour: $30
  • Adelaide Zoo: General Admission Tickets: $32
  • TreeClimb Thrilling Climb For Adventurers: $33
  • TreeClimb Adventure: $33

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Vientiane $2.12
    Adelaide $22

Sample the Local Flavors in Adelaide

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Adelaide:

  • Half-day McLaren Vale & Glenelg Wine Tasting Tour: $59
  • McLaren Vale and Glenelg Wine Tasting and Sightseeing (Half-day Afternoon): $60
  • Highlights, Hahndorf & McLaren Vale Wine Tasting: $89
  • Adelaide Highlights, Hahndorf & McLaren Vale Wine Tasting and Sightseeing Tour: $91
  • Barossa Day Out: Wines, Brewery, Chocolate & Lunch: $105
  • Discover Barossa: 4 Wine Tastings, Gourmet Lunch, and Hidden Gems: $111
  • From Barossa Valley Food and Wine Tour: $118
  • From Barossa Valley Full-Day Wine Tasting Tour: $118
  • Barossa Premium Wine Tasting tour & Winery Lunch: $118
  • Barossa Premium Wine Tasting Tour & lunch Departs 7 days a week : $120
  • Barossa Valley Full-Day Wine Tasting & Maggie Beers Farm Join Us: $120
  • Barossa Valley Gin & Wine Tour: $138


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vientiane and Adelaide, we can see that Adelaide is more expensive. And not only is Vientiane much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Vientiane is in Asia and Adelaide is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Adelaide would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Adelaide 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 Vientiane Expensive? and Is Adelaide Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Vientiane or Adelaide?

Adelaide has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Vientiane. When comparing the sizes of Vientiane and Adelaide, 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 Vientiane or Adelaide?

Adelaide has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Vientiane experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Vientiane or Adelaide in the Summer?

Both Adelaide and Vientiane during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Vientiane because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Adelaide for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Vientiane is a little warmer than Adelaide in the summer. The daily temperature in Vientiane averages around 30°C (85°F) in July, and Adelaide fluctuates around 22°C (72°F)in January.

In Adelaide, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Vientiane often gets less sunshine than Adelaidein January. Vientiane gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Adelaide receives 330 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Vientiane. Vientiane usually gets more rain in July than Adelaidein January. Vientiane gets 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain, while Adelaide receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Vientiane 30°C (85°F) 
    Adelaide 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Vientiane or Adelaide in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Vientiane and Adelaide. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vientiane year-round. Also, many visitors come to Adelaide in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Vientiane is much warmer than Adelaide. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Vientiane in October average around 28°C (83°F), and Adelaide averages at about 18°C (64°F)in April.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Adelaide this time of the year. In Vientiane, it's very sunny this time of the year. Vientiane usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Adelaide during autumn. Vientiane gets 222 hours of sunny skies, while Adelaide receives 215 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Vientiane usually receives more rain than Adelaidein April. Vientiane gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Adelaide receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Vientiane 28°C (83°F) 
    Adelaide 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Vientiane or Adelaide in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Vientiane as well as Adelaide. Vientiane attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Adelaide for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Vientiane is generally much warmer than Adelaidein July. Daily temperatures in Vientiane average around 24°C (75°F), and Adelaide fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vientiane this time of the year. In the winter, Vientiane often gets more sunshine than Adelaidein July. Vientiane gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Adelaide receives 159 hours of full sun.

Vientiane usually gets less rain in January than Adelaidein July. Vientiane gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Adelaide receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Vientiane 24°C (75°F) 
    Adelaide 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Vientiane or Adelaide in the Spring?

Both Adelaide and Vientiane are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vientiane throughout the year. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Adelaide because of the beaches.

It's very hot in Vientiane this time of the year. Vientiane is much warmer than Adelaide in the spring. The daily temperature in Vientiane averages around 31°C (88°F) in April, and Adelaide fluctuates around 16°C (61°F)in October.

It's quite sunny in Adelaide. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vientiane. Vientiane usually receives less sunshine than Adelaide during spring. Vientiane gets 230 hours of sunny skies, while Adelaide receives 256 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Vientiane usually receives more rain than Adelaidein October. Vientiane gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Adelaide receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Vientiane 31°C (88°F) 
    Adelaide 16°C (61°F)

Typical Weather for Adelaide and Vientiane

Vientiane Adelaide
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (75°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 22°C (72°F) 19 mm (0.7 in)
Feb 26°C (79°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 23°C (73°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Mar 29°C (85°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 21°C (69°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Apr 31°C (88°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 18°C (64°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
May 30°C (87°F) 255 mm (10 in) 15°C (58°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 30°C (86°F) 273 mm (10.7 in) 12°C (54°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jul 30°C (85°F) 266 mm (10.5 in) 11°C (52°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Aug 29°C (85°F) 323 mm (12.7 in) 12°C (54°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Sep 29°C (84°F) 295 mm (11.6 in) 13°C (56°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Oct 28°C (83°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 16°C (61°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 18°C (65°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Dec 24°C (74°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 21°C (69°F) 25 mm (1 in)