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

Should you visit Vientiane or Bordeaux?

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

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

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.

Bordeaux

Bordeaux is the place to go for fine wines. It's a very mellow, cultural city where you can enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of a quaint cafe or restaurant without being rushed. The city is the capital of Gironde, and the entire metropolitan area has over one million residents. The city also has a rather large and vibrant university and the population is known to be very tolerant and liberal. There is a very strong artistic vibe in the city and, due to it's history of English rule, there is an English flair to the area. The large student population means that there is no shortage of opportunities to see shows, hear music, or visit a museum.

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 10-Day Tours from Paris, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris.


Which place is cheaper, Bordeaux or Vientiane?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Vientiane is $15, while the average daily cost in Bordeaux is $127. 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 Bordeaux in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Vientiane $6.00
    Bordeaux $68
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Vientiane $12
    Bordeaux $136
Compare Hotels in Vientiane and Bordeaux

Looking for a hotel in Vientiane or Bordeaux? 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 Bordeaux


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 Bordeaux Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Vientiane $2.08
    Bordeaux $17
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Vientiane

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


  • 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
  • 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
  • Wattay Airport (VTE): Private Transfer to/from Vientiane: $29

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bordeaux

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bordeaux:

  • Private One way Transfer Bordeaux Airport to or from Bordeaux: $60
  • Private Transfer from Bordeaux Airport to City of Bordeaux: $87
  • Transfer Airport, Hotel, Station and others places: $97
  • Private Transfer Bordeaux City to Bordeaux Airport BOD by Car: $97
  • Arrival Private Transfers : Bordeaux Airport BOD to Bordeaux in Business Car: $103
  • Bordeaux Airport Transfers: Bordeaux Airport BOD to Bordeaux in Business Car: $103
  • Departure Private Transfers : Bordeaux to Bordeaux Airport BOD in Business Car: $103
  • Bordeaux Airport Transfers: Bordeaux to Bordeaux Airport BOD in Business Car: $103
  • Airport Transfer: Bordeaux Airport BOD to Bordeaux by Luxury Van: $103
  • Departure Private Transfers : Bordeaux to Bordeaux Airport BOD in Luxury Van: $108
  • Bordeaux Airport Transfers: Bordeaux to Bordeaux Airport BOD in Luxury Van: $108
  • Arrival Private Transfers : Bordeaux Airport BOD to Bordeaux in Luxury Van: $108

Is it cheaper to fly into Vientiane or Bordeaux?

Prices for flights to both Bordeaux 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 $6.30
    Bordeaux $49

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 Bordeaux

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

  • No Diet Club : Bordeaux Food Tour in Les Chartrons !: $64
  • Bordeaux - sweet food tour of the old city: $64
  • NO DIET CLUB - Unique food tour in Bordeaux !: $65
  • 2-Hour River Dinner Cruise: $74
  • Sweet Specialties Tasting Bakeries Food Tour: $82
  • Bordeaux Bakery Food Tour - Boulangeries and Pâtisseries : $84
  • Bordeaux : Afternoon Food Tour by a local guide: $85
  • Bordeaux Organic Food Tour - French Apéro Style: $93
  • Bordeaux : unforgettable Food Tour by a local guide: $96
  • Private Bakery, Chocolate & Patisserie Food Tour: $96
  • Bordeaux Traditional Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $103
  • Guided Food Tour with Tastings: $107

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Vientiane $3.53
    Bordeaux $8.46

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

Tours and Activities in Bordeaux

Here are a few actual costs in Bordeaux for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Bordeaux : Discovery Stroll and Reading Walking Tour: $2.14
  • Free Walking City Tour: $2.15
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.23
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.45
  • Bordeaux Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.57
  • City Highlights Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • The best of Find more than wine on this self-guided audio tour: $6.99
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $7.00
  • City Highlights & Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt Tour: $7.00
  • Centre of Explore 2,000 years of history on a self-guided audio tour: $8.99
  • Bordeaux Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Guided Walking Tour: $16

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Vientiane $2.34
    Bordeaux $28

Sample the Local Flavors in Bordeaux

Also in Bordeaux, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Wine and Trade Museum Entry Ticket & Wine Tasting: $11
  • Bordeaux Wine and Trade Museum Admission Ticket with Wine Tasting: $11
  • Distillery Tour in Bordeaux with Spirits Tasting: $16
  • Wine Tasting Cruise: $23
  • Cité du Vin Direct Ticket and Wine Tasting: $24
  • Bordeaux Pub Crawl: $25
  • Taillan-Médoc: Château Visit and Wine Tasting in Bordeaux: $27
  • Wine Tour and Tasting: $29
  • Unusual Wine Tasting Experience - Wood & Wine: $30
  • Unusual wine tasting in DARWIN (Bordeaux)!: $31
  • Discover Bordeaux vineyard : special wine tasting with two cellar men brothers: $32
  • Chateau du Taillan and Park including Wine Tasting Tour: $44


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


Which is Bigger, Vientiane or Bordeaux?

Bordeaux has a larger population, and is about 52% larger than the population of Vientiane. When comparing the sizes of Vientiane and Bordeaux, 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 Bordeaux?

Bordeaux 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 Bordeaux in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Vientiane and Bordeaux. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vientiane year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Bordeaux for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Vientiane is a little warmer than Bordeaux. Typically, the summer temperatures in Vientiane in July average around 30°C (85°F), and Bordeaux averages at about 21°C (69°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bordeaux this time of the year. Vientiane usually receives less sunshine than Bordeaux during summer. Vientiane gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Bordeaux receives 276 hours of full sun in the summer.

Vientiane gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Vientiane usually receives more rain than Bordeaux. Vientiane gets 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Vientiane 30°C (85°F) 
    Bordeaux 21°C (69°F)

Should I visit Vientiane or Bordeaux in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Vientiane as well as Bordeaux. Vientiane attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Bordeaux because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Vientiane is generally much warmer than Bordeaux. Daily temperatures in Vientiane average around 28°C (83°F), and Bordeaux fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vientiane this time of the year. In the autumn, Vientiane often gets more sunshine than Bordeaux. Vientiane gets 222 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bordeaux receives 165 hours of full sun.

Vientiane usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Bordeaux. Vientiane gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Vientiane 28°C (83°F) 
    Bordeaux 14°C (58°F)

Should I visit Vientiane or Bordeaux in the Winter?

Both Bordeaux and Vientiane are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vientiane throughout the year. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Bordeaux this time of year.

Vientiane is much warmer than Bordeaux in the winter. The daily temperature in Vientiane averages around 24°C (75°F) in January, and Bordeaux fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vientiane. Vientiane usually receives more sunshine than Bordeaux during winter. Vientiane gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Bordeaux receives 86 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bordeaux. In January, Vientiane usually receives less rain than Bordeaux. Vientiane gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Vientiane 24°C (75°F) 
    Bordeaux 6°C (43°F)

Should I visit Vientiane or Bordeaux in the Spring?

Both Bordeaux and Vientiane during the spring 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 Bordeaux for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

The heat can be very extreme in Vientiane. In the spring, Vientiane is much warmer than Bordeaux. Typically, the spring temperatures in Vientiane in April average around 31°C (88°F), and Bordeaux averages at about 12°C (53°F).

It's quite sunny in Vientiane. In the spring, Vientiane often gets more sunshine than Bordeaux. Vientiane gets 230 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bordeaux receives 190 hours of full sun.

Vientiane usually gets more rain in April than Bordeaux. Vientiane gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Vientiane 31°C (88°F) 
    Bordeaux 12°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Bordeaux and Vientiane

Vientiane Bordeaux
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (75°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 6°C (43°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Feb 26°C (79°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 7°C (45°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Mar 29°C (85°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 9°C (48°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Apr 31°C (88°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 12°C (53°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
May 30°C (87°F) 255 mm (10 in) 15°C (59°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Jun 30°C (86°F) 273 mm (10.7 in) 18°C (65°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Jul 30°C (85°F) 266 mm (10.5 in) 21°C (69°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Aug 29°C (85°F) 323 mm (12.7 in) 20°C (68°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Sep 29°C (84°F) 295 mm (11.6 in) 18°C (65°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Oct 28°C (83°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 14°C (58°F) 88 mm (3.5 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 9°C (49°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Dec 24°C (74°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 7°C (44°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)


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