Which place is cheaper, Belfast or Vientiane?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Vientiane or Belfast?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Vientiane or Belfast, 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 Belfast?
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.
Belfast
Belfast is the capital of Northern Ireland and the second largest city on the island of Ireland after Dublin. It has a population of about 270,000 and almost 500,000 in the metropolitan area. It's located on the mouth of the River Lagan and is set between many low hills that rise up around it.
One of the most famous, and tragic times in Belfast's history is referred to as "The Troubles." During this time, between 1969 and 1997, there were many bomb and gun attacks throughout the city. This left many areas as essentially no-go zones. Neighborhoods became completely lawless do to the lack of security and the damage is still visible today in some areas. In 1998 the Good Friday Agreement was signed and much of the politically motivated violence ended. The city actually received praise recently as the safest city in the UK based on crime rate. Tourism is growing and many visitors enjoy seeing this less popular travel destination. The city has a lot of character and will give you an interesting take on Irish and British history.
Belfast has a temperate climate and temperature and precipitation have little variation throughout the year. The climate is influenced by the warming effects of the Gulf Stream, making it warmer than many cities that are found at the same latitude. Rain is common with precipitation falling an average of 157 days a year. Snow is much less common, although it does happen about ten days a year. The warmest days during the summer may reach a temperature around 25 degrees Celsius and the coldest days have lows that drop just below freezing.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Laos, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Laos, The Best Budget Tours to United Kingdom, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVientiane $15Belfast $167
The average daily cost (per person) in Vientiane is $15, while the average daily cost in Belfast is $167. 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 Belfast in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVientiane $6.00Belfast $86
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVientiane $12Belfast $172
Compare Hotels in Vientiane and Belfast
Looking for a hotel in Vientiane or Belfast? 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 and Belfast Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Vientiane $2.08Belfast $18
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Vientiane
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Vientiane are as follows:
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Tuk Tuk Ride$4.23
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vientiane
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Vientiane:
- Private Transfer in Laos: $5.00
- Vientiane Private Airport and Hotel Transfers: $9.00
- Vientiane Airport Transfer: Wattay airport to hotel - Private transfer: $15
- Vientian Private Airport Transfer - Wattay Airport: $15
- Wattay Airport (VTE): Private Transfer to/from Vientiane: $29
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Belfast
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Belfast:
- Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Belfast Accommodation - Arrival Private Transfer: $23
- Belfast Accommodation to Belfast City Airport (BHD) - Departure Private Transfer: $23
- Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Holywood Accommodation - Arrival Private Transfer: $23
- Belfast City to Belfast International Airport (BFS) - Departure Private Transfer: $27
- Belfast International Airport (BFS) to Lisburn City - Arrival Private Transfer: $27
- Private Belfast Arrival Transfer- Belfast City Airport to Belfast Hotel / Accomm: $44
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Belfast Airport: $44
- Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Belfast Accommodation - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $46
- Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Dundonald : $46
- Private Transfer from Belfast Central to Belfast City Airport (BHD): $50
- Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Bangor : $50
- Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Comber: $50
Is it cheaper to fly into Vientiane or Belfast?
Prices for flights to both Belfast 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
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Food Meals for one dayVientiane $6.30Belfast $64
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Belfast
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Belfast.
- Guided Craft Beer and Street Food Tour: $82
- Belfast Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $108
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Vientiane $3.53Belfast $23
Tours and Activities in Vientiane
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Vientiane are as follows:
- Vientiane ATV and Canopy Walking Experience: $48
- Vientiane Sky Luge and Roller Zipline Experience: $55
- From Hue: Hue to Vientiane Bus tickets: $61
- Half-Day Vientiane City Bike Tour: $67
- Vientiane Half-Day City Tour: $69
- Guided Vientiane City and Buddha Park Full-Day Tour: $81
- Private Custom Tour with a Local Guide in Vientiane: $82
- Vientiane City Day Tour and Buddha Park Visit with Lunch: $88
- 2 Days Private Tour in Vientiane and Vang Vieng: $90
- Private Vientiane Tour - include Buddha Park: $100
- 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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Belfast
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Belfast are as follows:
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Movie Tickets$10
Tours and Activities in Belfast
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Belfast are as follows:
- Belfast’s Titanic Quarter: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.00
- Belfast's Iconic Sites: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.47
- Museum Ticket: $6.93
- Hillsborough Castle Gardens Entrance Ticket: $13
- If Buildings Could Talk Tour Belfast: $15
- If Buildings Could Talk Tour: $15
- Crumlin Road Gaol Experience: $18
- 2.5-Hour Street Murals Tour in Spanish: $19
- Belfast Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (1 Day Pass) UK: $19
- Belfast Murals Political Tour in Spanish: $19
- Line of Duty Guided Walking Tour: $21
- Belfast Line of Duty Walking Tour: $22
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVientiane $2.34Belfast $9.86
Sample the Local Flavors in Belfast
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Belfast:
- Pub Crawl and Bar Walking Tour with Two Drinks: $15
- Explore & Taste: Distillery Tour at Titanic Distillers: $32
- Belfast Giant's Causeway and Titanic Distillery Whiskey Tour: $69
- VIP Skip-the Line Titanic Museum and Distillery Tasting Tour: $119
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vientiane and Belfast, we can see that Belfast 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 Belfast 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 Belfast would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Belfast 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 Belfast Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Vientiane or Belfast?
Belfast has a larger population, and is about 40% larger than the population of Vientiane. When comparing the sizes of Vientiane and Belfast, 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 Belfast?
Belfast 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 Belfast in the Summer?
Both Belfast 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, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Belfast this time of year.
Vientiane is much warmer than Belfast in the summer. The daily temperature in Vientiane averages around 30°C (85°F) in July, and Belfast fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
Vientiane usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Belfast during summer. Vientiane gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Belfast receives 151 hours of full sun in the summer.
It's quite rainy in Vientiane. In July, Vientiane usually receives more rain than Belfast. Vientiane gets 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyVientiane 30°C (85°F)Belfast 15°C (59°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Belfast in the Autumn?
Both Belfast 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, many travelers come to Belfast for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
In the autumn, Vientiane is much warmer than Belfast. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Vientiane in October average around 28°C (83°F), and Belfast averages at about 9°C (48°F).
It's quite sunny in Vientiane. In the autumn, Vientiane often gets more sunshine than Belfast. Vientiane gets 222 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Belfast receives 92 hours of full sun.
Vientiane usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Belfast. Vientiane gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberVientiane 28°C (83°F)Belfast 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Belfast in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Vientiane and Belfast. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vientiane year-round. Also, many visitors come to Belfast in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.
Belfast can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Vientiane is generally much warmer than Belfast. Daily temperatures in Vientiane average around 24°C (75°F), and Belfast fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).
In Vientiane, it's very sunny this time of the year. Vientiane usually receives more sunshine than Belfast during winter. Vientiane gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Belfast receives 50 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Vientiane usually receives less rain than Belfast. Vientiane gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryVientiane 24°C (75°F)Belfast 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Belfast in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Vientiane as well as Belfast. Vientiane attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Belfast for the activities around the city during these months.
It's very hot in Vientiane this time of the year. Vientiane is much warmer than Belfast in the spring. The daily temperature in Vientiane averages around 31°C (88°F) in April, and Belfast fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vientiane this time of the year. In the spring, Vientiane often gets more sunshine than Belfast. Vientiane gets 230 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Belfast receives 150 hours of full sun.
Vientiane usually gets more rain in April than Belfast. Vientiane gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilVientiane 31°C (88°F)Belfast 8°C (46°F)
Typical Weather for Belfast and Vientiane
| Vientiane | Belfast | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (85°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Apr | 31°C (88°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| May | 30°C (87°F) | 255 mm (10 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (86°F) | 273 mm (10.7 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (85°F) | 266 mm (10.5 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 323 mm (12.7 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (84°F) | 295 mm (11.6 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (83°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (74°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 80 mm (3.1 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.