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

Should you visit Vientiane or Faro?

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

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

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.

Faro

Faro (or sometimes Faros) is the capital city of the scenic Algarve Region of Portugal, located at the edge of the Ria Formosa National Park. This is a fantastic place to experience the beauty, culture, and traditions of Portugal in laid back atmosphere, away from the hustle and bustle of the larger cities. Faro offers everything from ancient architecture to beautiful beaches all while being surrounded by the natural beauty of the Algarve Region.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in Laos, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Laos, The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal.


Which place is cheaper, Faro or Vientiane?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Vientiane is $24, while the average daily cost in Faro is $187. 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 Faro in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Vientiane $8.45
    Faro $88
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Vientiane $17
    Faro $176
Compare Hotels in Vientiane and Faro

Looking for a hotel in Vientiane or Faro? 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 Faro


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 Faro Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Vientiane $2.01
    Faro $11
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Vientiane

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


  • Tuk Tuk Ride
    $4.15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vientiane

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Vientiane:

  • Vientiane - Hanoi Sleeping Bus Transfer : $63
  • Wattay Airport (VTE): Private Transfer to/from Vientiane: $20
  • Vientian Private Airport Transfer - Wattay Airport: $15
  • Vientiane Private Transfer: Wattay Airport -Hotel-Railway Station: $9.90

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Faro

Also for Faro, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Faro Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Faro City Centre: $7.05
  • Faro Airport (FAO): Shared One-Way Albufeira Bus Transfer: $13
  • Faro Airport: Comfortable bus transfer to/from Portimão: $16
  • Faro Airport: Private Transfer to Montenegro/Faro/Estoi: $18
  • Faro Airport: Comfortable bus transfer to/from Lagos: $20
  • Faro Airport: Private Transfer to Quarteira & Vilamoura: $26
  • Faro Airport: Private Transfer to Santa Brabara/Olhão: $33
  • Faro Airport:Private Transfer to Quinta do Lago/Vale do Lobo: $35
  • Faro Airport: Private Transfer to Vilamoura/Quarteira: $37
  • Faro Airport:Private Transfer to São Brás Alportel: $41
  • Faro Airport: Private Transfer to Vilamoura/Quarteira: $41
  • Faro airport: Private transfers (car up to 4pax): $47

Is it cheaper to fly into Vientiane or Faro?

Prices for flights to both Faro 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
    Faro $73

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Vientiane

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

  • Vientiane classic Food tour ( Included Food ): $78
  • Night Market, Dinner, and Nightclub: $90
  • Vientiane Private Lao Cooking Class with Market Tour and Lunch: $95
  • Vientiane Private Lao Cooking Class with Market Tour: $122
  • Cooking Class Garden House: $335

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Faro

For Faro, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Faro food tour (with drinks) & city highlights - 10 tastings: $119

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Vientiane $3.80
    Faro $11

Tours and Activities in Vientiane

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

  • Vientiane Cultural Tour with Private Guide: $110
  • 1-Day Tour to Vang Vieng with Private Guide: $200
  • 1-Day Vientiane City Adventure: Top Sights & Hidden Gems: $110
  • From Plain of Jars Tour & Homestay: $1,650
  • From Vang Vieng 2-Day Tour with Blue Lagoon: $443
  • From Vang Vieng Tour with Cave Kayak & Zipline: $113
  • Guided Vientiane City and Buddha Park Full-Day Tour: $99
  • Half Day Private Tour in City Highlights: $120
  • Half-Day Vientiane City Bike Tour: $90
  • Lao Arts Museum & City Highlights Tour with Lunch: $122
  • Laos Railway Tickets Easily: Avoid Long Queues & Wasted Time: $30
  • Laos Railway Tickets Online: Skip Long Queues, Avoid Missing: $30

Tours and Activities in Faro

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Faro.

  • City Sightseeing Tourist Train: $4.70
  • Private & Flexible Walking Tour in Historic Center: $9.40
  • CCVAlgarve Family Ticket | 2 adults + Children: $14
  • Multimedia Museum and Restaurant Tour: $14
  • Faro Story Spot - Multimedia Museum&Restaurant: Tour&Tasting: $23
  • Ria Formosa Sunset Boat Tour: $29
  • FOUR SENSES: The Immersive Experience in the Dark - Faro: $29
  • Faro, Ria Formosa: 2 hour Sunset Cruise: $35
  • Discover Algarve with Vamus 3-Day & 7-Day Tourist Passes: $41
  • Kayak Tour in Ria Formosa - Olhão: $41
  • Best of Faro - Guided Bike Tour (3h): $53
  • From Benagil Cave and Seven Hanging Valleys Trail Tour: $53

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Vientiane $2.12
    Faro $3.67

Sample the Local Flavors in Faro

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Faro:

  • City Segway Tour with Wine Tasting Experience: $106
  • WINE TASTING & TAPAS IN THE HEART OF FARO: $115
  • Algarve Private Wine Tour with Private Transportation: $228


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


Which is Bigger, Vientiane or Faro?

Vientiane has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Faro. When comparing the sizes of Vientiane and Faro, 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 Faro?

Faro 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 Faro in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Vientiane as well as Faro. Vientiane attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Faro this time of year.

Vientiane is a little warmer than Faro in the summer. The daily temperature in Vientiane averages around 30°C (85°F) in July, and Faro fluctuates around 25°C (78°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Faro. In the summer, Vientiane often gets less sunshine than Faro. Vientiane gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Faro receives 374 hours of full sun.

Vientiane receives a lot of rain in the summer. Vientiane usually gets more rain in July than Faro. Vientiane gets 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain, while Faro receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Vientiane 30°C (85°F) 
    Faro 25°C (78°F)

Should I visit Vientiane or Faro in the Autumn?

Both Faro and Vientiane are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vientiane throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Faro for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Vientiane is a little warmer than Faro. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Vientiane in October average around 28°C (83°F), and Faro averages at about 20°C (68°F).

It's quite sunny in Faro. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vientiane. Vientiane usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Faro during autumn. Vientiane gets 222 hours of sunny skies, while Faro receives 222 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Vientiane usually receives more rain than Faro. Vientiane gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Faro receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Vientiane 28°C (83°F) 
    Faro 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Vientiane or Faro in the Winter?

Both Faro and Vientiane during the winter 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 visitors come to Faro in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In January, Vientiane is generally much warmer than Faro. Daily temperatures in Vientiane average around 24°C (75°F), and Faro fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

It's quite sunny in Vientiane. In the winter, Vientiane often gets more sunshine than Faro. Vientiane gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Faro receives 161 hours of full sun.

Vientiane usually gets less rain in January than Faro. Vientiane gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Faro receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Vientiane 24°C (75°F) 
    Faro 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Vientiane or Faro in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Vientiane and Faro. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vientiane year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Faro for the beaches during these months.

It's very hot in Vientiane this time of the year. Vientiane is much warmer than Faro in the spring. The daily temperature in Vientiane averages around 31°C (88°F) in April, and Faro fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Faro this time of the year. In Vientiane, it's very sunny this time of the year. Vientiane usually receives less sunshine than Faro during spring. Vientiane gets 230 hours of sunny skies, while Faro receives 248 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Vientiane usually receives more rain than Faro. Vientiane gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Faro receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Vientiane 31°C (88°F) 
    Faro 17°C (62°F)

Typical Weather for Faro and Vientiane

Vientiane Faro
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (75°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 12°C (54°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Feb 26°C (79°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 13°C (56°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 29°C (85°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 15°C (58°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Apr 31°C (88°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 17°C (62°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
May 30°C (87°F) 255 mm (10 in) 19°C (67°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Jun 30°C (86°F) 273 mm (10.7 in) 22°C (72°F) 8 mm (0.3 in)
Jul 30°C (85°F) 266 mm (10.5 in) 25°C (78°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Aug 29°C (85°F) 323 mm (12.7 in) 26°C (78°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)
Sep 29°C (84°F) 295 mm (11.6 in) 24°C (75°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Oct 28°C (83°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 20°C (68°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 16°C (60°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Dec 24°C (74°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 12°C (54°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)