Which place is cheaper, Bratislava or Vientiane?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Vientiane or Bratislava?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Vientiane or Bratislava, 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 Bratislava?
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.
Bratislava
The capital and largest city of Slovakia, Bratislava is set on the shores of the Danube River near the borders of Austria and Hungary. While the city is skirted by mountains and vineyards, its 18th century old town center is crossed with cobbled walkways and surrounded by historic landmarks and architecture. One such monument is the Bratislava Castle, set atop a hill overlooking it all-the old town, the river, and the bustle of people in the charming city below.
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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Slovakia, and The Best River Cruises in Slovakia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVientiane $15Bratislava $130
The average daily cost (per person) in Vientiane is $15, while the average daily cost in Bratislava is $130. 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 Bratislava in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVientiane $6.00Bratislava $53
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVientiane $12Bratislava $106
Compare Hotels in Vientiane and Bratislava
Looking for a hotel in Vientiane or Bratislava? 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 Bratislava Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Vientiane $2.08Bratislava $28
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 Bratislava
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bratislava:
- Airport to Hotel Private Transfer Service: $24
- Private arrival OR departure transfer in Bratislava (hotel OR airport pick-up): $28
- Bratislava Airport BTS to Piestany - Arrival Private Transfer: $47
- Bratislava Airport to Turčianske Teplice Arrival Private Transfer: $66
- Private Transfer from Bratislava City to Vienna City: $98
- Private Transfer From Bratislava To Vienna Airport, 2 Hour Stop: $110
- Private Transfer From Bratislava To Vienna, 2h Stop in Schlosshof: $125
- Bratislava Airport (BTS) to Bojnice Resorts - Round Trip Transfer: $132
- Vienna Airport VIE to Bojnice Resorts Round Trip Private Transfer: $132
- Bratislava Airport BTS to Poprad - Arrival Private Transfer: $170
- Private Transfer from Bratislava to Budapest with 2h of Sightseeing: $202
- Private transfer from Bratislava to Vienna: $263
Is it cheaper to fly into Vientiane or Bratislava?
Prices for flights to both Bratislava 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 $6.30Bratislava $48
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 Bratislava
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bratislava.
- Local Beer & Food Tour: $142
- Bratislava Traditional Food Tour: $170
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Vientiane $3.53Bratislava $32
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 Bratislava
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bratislava are as follows:
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.23
- Top experience walking tour with bonus and castle: $4.37
- Bratislava Old Town In App Audio Tour (ENG): $5.43
- City & Castle Tour - Introduction to Bratislava: $5.46
- Guided City and Castle Tour from Bratislava: $5.47
- Historic City Centre Self-guided Tour: $6.35
- City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.45
- City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.46
- Bratislava Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self Guided Tour: $6.56
- Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt and Tour: $7.00
- Gallery Multium Entrance Ticket: $7.00
- Gallery Multium Entrance Ticket: $7.11
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVientiane $2.34Bratislava $20
Sample the Local Flavors in Bratislava
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Bratislava:
- Quick Wine Tasting in Michalská: $11
- Quick Wine Tasting in Michalská: $11
- Wine Tasting with Sommelier in Bratislava: $14
- Wine Tasting with Sommelier: $15
- Wine Tasting IN THE DARK!: $16
- Wine Tasting IN THE DARK!: $21
- Bratislava 3-Hour Wine Tasting: $104
- Devin Castle Tour with Currant Wine Tasting: $144
- Devin Castle Tour with Wine Tasting: $159
- Bratislava Food and Wine Tour: $181
- Little Carpathian Wine Tour: $201
- 6-Hour Carpathian Wine Tour and Tasting: $210
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vientiane and Bratislava, we can see that Bratislava 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 Bratislava 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 Bratislava would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bratislava 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 Bratislava Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Vientiane or Bratislava?
Bratislava has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Vientiane. When comparing the sizes of Vientiane and Bratislava, 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 Bratislava?
Bratislava 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 Bratislava in the Summer?
Both Bratislava 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 Bratislava for the family-friendly experiences during these months.
Vientiane is a little warmer than Bratislava in the summer. The daily temperature in Vientiane averages around 30°C (85°F) in July, and Bratislava fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
It's quite sunny in Bratislava. Vientiane usually receives less sunshine than Bratislava during summer. Vientiane gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Bratislava receives 255 hours of full sun in the summer.
It's quite rainy in Vientiane. In July, Vientiane usually receives more rain than Bratislava. Vientiane gets 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain, while Bratislava receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyVientiane 30°C (85°F)Bratislava 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Bratislava in the Autumn?
Both Bratislava 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. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Bratislava because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Vientiane is much warmer than Bratislava. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Vientiane in October average around 28°C (83°F), and Bratislava averages at about 12°C (54°F).
It's quite sunny in Vientiane. In the autumn, Vientiane often gets more sunshine than Bratislava. Vientiane gets 222 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bratislava receives 140 hours of full sun.
Vientiane usually gets more rain in October than Bratislava. Vientiane gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Bratislava receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberVientiane 28°C (83°F)Bratislava 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Bratislava in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Vientiane and Bratislava. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vientiane year-round. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Bratislava this time of year.
It's quite cold in Bratislava in the winter. In January, Vientiane is generally much warmer than Bratislava. Daily temperatures in Vientiane average around 24°C (75°F), and Bratislava fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).
In Vientiane, it's very sunny this time of the year. Vientiane usually receives more sunshine than Bratislava during winter. Vientiane gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Bratislava receives 65 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Vientiane usually receives less rain than Bratislava. Vientiane gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Bratislava receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryVientiane 24°C (75°F)Bratislava 2°C (36°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Bratislava in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Vientiane as well as Bratislava. Vientiane attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Bratislava for the natural beauty.
It's very hot in Vientiane this time of the year. Vientiane is much warmer than Bratislava in the spring. The daily temperature in Vientiane averages around 31°C (88°F) in April, and Bratislava fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bratislava. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vientiane this time of the year. In the spring, Vientiane often gets more sunshine than Bratislava. Vientiane gets 230 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bratislava receives 202 hours of full sun.
Vientiane usually gets more rain in April than Bratislava. Vientiane gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Bratislava receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilVientiane 31°C (88°F)Bratislava 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Bratislava and Vientiane
| Vientiane | Bratislava | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 4°C (38°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (85°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Apr | 31°C (88°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| May | 30°C (87°F) | 255 mm (10 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (86°F) | 273 mm (10.7 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (85°F) | 266 mm (10.5 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 323 mm (12.7 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (84°F) | 295 mm (11.6 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (83°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (74°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 43 mm (1.7 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.