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

Should you visit Vientiane or Alesund?

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

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

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.

Alesund

Alesund is a port town on the west coast of Norway, at the entrance to the Geirangerfjord. It could be the backdrop for a Nordic fairytale – with a modern plot twist. It's known for the art nouveau architectural style in which most of the town was rebuilt after a fire in 1904, as documented at the Jugendstilsenteret museum. And it's no coincidence that Alesund and the surrounding areas are among the most visited sites for tourists in Norway. Many use The Art Nouveau town as a starting point to explore the renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Geirangerfjord, the bird sanctuary island of Runde, or the spectacular snow-capped summits of the Hjorundfjord and the Sunnmorsalpene. There are panoramic views of Alesund's architecture, the surrounding archipelago and fjords from the Mount Aksla lookout. The town of Alesund has a beautiful setting across several islands stretching out into the Atlantic Ocean and you find unspoilt and beautiful nature the whole year round.

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


Which place is cheaper, Alesund or Vientiane?

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

  • Vientiane Prices
    Laos Prices
    Alesund Prices
    Norway Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Vientiane $23
    Alesund $143

The average daily cost (per person) in Vientiane is $23, while the average daily cost in Alesund is $143. 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 Alesund in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Vientiane $8.34
    Alesund $62
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Vientiane $17
    Alesund $124
Compare Hotels in Vientiane and Alesund

Looking for a hotel in Vientiane or Alesund? 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 Alesund


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
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Vientiane $1.98
    Alesund $30
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Vientiane

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


  • Tuk Tuk Ride
    $4.10

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vientiane

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Vientiane:

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Alesund

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Alesund:

  • Private Transfer from Alesund Vigra Airport (AES) to Alesund Port: $52
  • Alesund Vigra Airport (AES) to Alesund - Arrival Private Transfer: $52
  • Alesund Vigra Airport (AES) to Alesund hotels-Round Trip Transfer: $104
  • Private Transfer from Alesund city hotels to Maloy Cruise Port: $160
  • Private Transfer from Alesund Airport (AES) to Maloy Cruise Port: $160
  • Aalesund Private Transfer from Aalesund (AES) Airport to City centre: $162
  • Private Transfer from Alesund City Hotels to Olden Cruise Port: $165
  • Private Transfer To OR From Airport in Ålesund: $189
  • Private Transfer from Alesund City Hotels to Andalsnes Port: $213
  • Private Transfer from Alesund Airport (AES) to Andalsnes Port: $213
  • Private Transfer from Alesund Vigra Airport (AES) to Olden Port: $225

Is it cheaper to fly into Vientiane or Alesund?

Prices for flights to both Alesund 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
    Alesund $61

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Vientiane

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

  • Vientiane Private Lao Cooking Class with Market Tour and Lunch: $70
  • Vientiane classic Food tour ( Included Food ): $78
  • Night Market, Dinner, and Nightclub: $90
  • Vientiane Private Lao Cooking Class with Market Tour: $122
  • Cooking Class Garden House: $335

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Vientiane $3.76
    Alesund $19

Tours and Activities in Vientiane

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

  • Laos’ Leaders and Legends: A Self-Guided tour of Vientiane: $7.99
  • Laos Railway Tickets Easily: Avoid Long Queues & Wasted Time: $8.50
  • Laos Railway Tickets Online: Skip Long Queues, Avoid Missing: $12
  • Art, Culture, & Inspiration Guided Half-Day Tour: $52
  • Half-Day City Tour with Patuxai and Buddha Park: $52
  • Vientiane Landmarks and Cultural Immersion Tour: $56
  • Cultural Tour with Buddha Park and Patuxay: $58
  • Vientiane IG tour & Patuxay monument: $59
  • Explore Vientiane with Lao Art Museum Tour: $61
  • Half-Day City Tour - Morning or Afternoon: $65
  • Vientiane Sky Luge and Roller Zipline Experience: $75
  • Vientiane Half Day City Tour (Daily Guaranteed): $80

Tours and Activities in Alesund

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

  • The Essence of Ålesund Self-Guided Walking Tour: $9.99
  • Geiranger Fjord Tour (Hellesylt-Geiranger one way): $43
  • Ålesund Two Hour Walking City Tour: $48
  • Alesund Walking Tour Art Nouveau and Postcard Views: $74
  • Hellesylt Panorama Tour in Ljoen Viewpoint and Oye Village: $75
  • Molde and Atlantic Ocean Road Audio Tour: $85
  • Hellesylt Sightseeing Boat Geirangerfjord: $97
  • Hjørundfjord Fjord Tour Roundtrip from Ålesund: $119
  • Guided Adventure on Fjord Kayaking in Hellesylt, Norway: $129
  • Fjord paddle in Hellesylt - the perfect fjord adventure: $135
  • Fjord Cruise & Island Hike from Molde: $139
  • Alnes Lighthouse, Sunnmøre Museum, Aksla and City Sightseeing: $139

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Vientiane $2.09
    Alesund $14


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vientiane and Alesund, we can see that Alesund 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 Alesund is in Europe, 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 Alesund would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Alesund 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 Alesund Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Vientiane or Alesund?

Vientiane has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Alesund. When comparing the sizes of Vientiane and Alesund, 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 Alesund?

Alesund 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 Alesund in the Summer?

Both Alesund and Vientiane are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vientiane throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Alesund for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Vientiane is much warmer than Alesund in the summer. The daily temperature in Vientiane averages around 30°C (85°F) in July, and Alesund fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

It's quite rainy in Vientiane. In July, Vientiane usually receives more rain than Alesund. Vientiane gets 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain, while Alesund receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Vientiane 30°C (85°F) 
    Alesund 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Vientiane or Alesund in the Autumn?

Both Alesund and Vientiane during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Vientiane because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Alesund because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Vientiane is much warmer than Alesund. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Vientiane in October average around 28°C (83°F), and Alesund averages at about 9°C (48°F).

Alesund gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Vientiane usually gets less rain in October than Alesund. Vientiane gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Alesund receives 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Vientiane 28°C (83°F) 
    Alesund 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Vientiane or Alesund in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Vientiane and Alesund. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vientiane year-round. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Alesund this time of year.

It's quite cold in Alesund in the winter. In January, Vientiane is generally much warmer than Alesund. Daily temperatures in Vientiane average around 24°C (75°F), and Alesund fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Alesund receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Vientiane usually receives less rain than Alesund. Vientiane gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Alesund receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Vientiane 24°C (75°F) 
    Alesund 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Vientiane or Alesund in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Vientiane as well as Alesund. Vientiane attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Alesund for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Alesund. It's very hot in Vientiane this time of the year. Vientiane is much warmer than Alesund in the spring. The daily temperature in Vientiane averages around 31°C (88°F) in April, and Alesund fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

Vientiane usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Alesund. Vientiane gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Alesund receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Vientiane 31°C (88°F) 
    Alesund 5°C (40°F)

Typical Weather for Alesund and Vientiane

Vientiane Alesund
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (75°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 3°C (37°F) 131 mm (5.2 in)
Feb 26°C (79°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 3°C (37°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Mar 29°C (85°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 3°C (38°F) 108 mm (4.2 in)
Apr 31°C (88°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 5°C (40°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
May 30°C (87°F) 255 mm (10 in) 8°C (46°F) 57 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 30°C (86°F) 273 mm (10.7 in) 11°C (51°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 30°C (85°F) 266 mm (10.5 in) 12°C (54°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Aug 29°C (85°F) 323 mm (12.7 in) 13°C (55°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)
Sep 29°C (84°F) 295 mm (11.6 in) 11°C (52°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Oct 28°C (83°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 9°C (48°F) 188 mm (7.4 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 5°C (42°F) 187 mm (7.4 in)
Dec 24°C (74°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 4°C (38°F) 167 mm (6.6 in)