Which place is cheaper, Darwin or Vientiane?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Vientiane or Darwin?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Vientiane or Darwin, 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 Darwin?
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.
Darwin
Darwin is a tropical city set against the Timor Sea in north central Australia. It is also the capital city of the Northern Territory. Despite being a relatively small city, Darwin is very diverse with residents from all over the world. The city itself has a very relaxed vibe with plenty to do. Visitors can enjoy everything from traditionally Asian style markets to culturally diverse events such as concerts, festivals or art shows.
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 Walking Tours in Australia, and The Best Eco Tours in Australia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVientiane $15Darwin $111
The average daily cost (per person) in Vientiane is $15, while the average daily cost in Darwin is $111. 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 Darwin in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVientiane $6.01Darwin $62
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVientiane $12Darwin $124
Compare Hotels in Vientiane and Darwin
Looking for a hotel in Vientiane or Darwin? 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 Darwin Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Vientiane $2.08Darwin $12
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Vientiane
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Vientiane are as follows:
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Tuk Tuk Ride$4.24
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
- Vientiane - Hanoi Sleeping Bus Transfer : $63
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Darwin
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Darwin:
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Shuttle to Train Station$9.73
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Darwin
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Darwin:
- Private Transfer from Darwin Cruise Port to Darwin Airport (DRW): $59
- Private Transfer from Darwin Cruise Port to Darwin city hotels: $59
- Darwin to Darwin Int Airport (DRW) - Departure Private Transfer: $71
- Crocodile Jumping Boat Cruise with Transfer from Darwin: $93
- Darwin Int Airport (DRW) to Darwin - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $142
Is it cheaper to fly into Vientiane or Darwin?
Prices for flights to both Darwin 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 $6.32Darwin $37
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 Darwin
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Darwin.
- Sunset Harbour Cruise with Fish and Chips Dinner: $71
- Darwin Harbor Sunset Cruise with Buffet Dinner: $85
- Charles Darwin Dinner Cruise: $91
- Darwin Sunset Dinner Cruise on Cape Adieu: $96
- Sunset 3-Hour Cruise from Darwin with Dinner and Sparkling Wine: $112
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Vientiane $3.54Darwin $15
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: $62
- 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 Darwin
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Darwin are as follows:
- Darwin Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14
- Crocosaurus Cove General Admission Ticket: $26
- 1 Hour Adelaide River Queen Jumping Crocodile Cruise: $26
- 1 Hour Jumping Crocodile Cruise on the Adelaide River: $30
- Big Bus Open-Top Hop-on Hop-off Tour: $31
- Darwin Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour: $31
- Darwin Harbour Sightseeing Cruise: $32
- Darwin Harbour Bombing of Darwin Cruise: $39
- Jumping Crocodile Cruise At Crocodylus Park : $40
- Discover Darwin Harbour: Darwin Harbour Afternoon Cruise: $42
- 1-Hour Bombing of Darwin Cruise: $42
- Crocosaurus Cove Entry & Hop-on-Hop-Off Bus Tour: $52
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVientiane $2.35Darwin $13
Typical Alcohol Prices in Darwin
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Darwin from other travelers:
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Evening at a Bar$16
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Glass of Wine$4.54
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vientiane and Darwin, we can see that Darwin 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 Darwin 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 Darwin would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Darwin 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 Darwin Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Vientiane or Darwin?
Vientiane has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Darwin. When comparing the sizes of Vientiane and Darwin, 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 Darwin?
Darwin 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 Darwin in the Summer?
Both Darwin 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 beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Darwin this time of year.
In the summer, Vientiane is around the same temperature as Darwin. Typically, the summer temperatures in Vientiane in July average around 30°C (85°F), and Darwin averages at about 29°C (83°F)in January.
Vientiane usually receives less sunshine than Darwin during summer. Vientiane gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Darwin receives 173 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Darwin. It's quite rainy in Vientiane. In July, Vientiane usually receives less rain than Darwinin January. Vientiane gets 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain, while Darwin receives 437 mm (17.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryVientiane 30°C (85°F)Darwin 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Darwin in the Autumn?
Both Darwin 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, many travelers come to Darwin for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.
In October, Vientiane is generally around the same temperature as Darwinin April. Daily temperatures in Vientiane average around 28°C (83°F), and Darwin fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
In Darwin, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Vientiane. In the autumn, Vientiane often gets less sunshine than Darwinin April. Vientiane gets 222 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Darwin receives 267 hours of full sun.
Vientiane usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Darwinin April. Vientiane gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Darwin receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilVientiane 28°C (83°F)Darwin 29°C (84°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Darwin in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Vientiane and Darwin. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vientiane year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Darwin in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Vientiane is around the same temperature as Darwin in the winter. The daily temperature in Vientiane averages around 24°C (75°F) in January, and Darwin fluctuates around 25°C (77°F)in July.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Darwin this time of the year. In Vientiane, it's very sunny this time of the year. Vientiane usually receives less sunshine than Darwin during winter. Vientiane gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Darwin receives 312 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Vientiane usually receives more rain than Darwinin July. Vientiane gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Darwin receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyVientiane 24°C (75°F)Darwin 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Darwin in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Vientiane as well as Darwin. Vientiane attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Darwin for the beaches during these months.
The heat can be very extreme in Vientiane. In the spring, Vientiane is around the same temperature as Darwin. Typically, the spring temperatures in Vientiane in April average around 31°C (88°F), and Darwin averages at about 29°C (85°F)in October.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Darwin. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vientiane this time of the year. In the spring, Vientiane often gets less sunshine than Darwinin October. Vientiane gets 230 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Darwin receives 291 hours of full sun.
Vientiane usually gets more rain in April than Darwinin October. Vientiane gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Darwin receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberVientiane 31°C (88°F)Darwin 29°C (85°F)
Typical Weather for Darwin and Vientiane
| Vientiane | Darwin | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 437 mm (17.2 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 343 mm (13.5 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (85°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 342 mm (13.5 in) |
| Apr | 31°C (88°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) |
| May | 30°C (87°F) | 255 mm (10 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (86°F) | 273 mm (10.7 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (85°F) | 266 mm (10.5 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 323 mm (12.7 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (84°F) | 295 mm (11.6 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (83°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 30°C (85°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (74°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 234 mm (9.2 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.