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

Should you visit Vientiane or Fraser Island?

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

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

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.

Fraser Island

Fraser Island, located off Australia's eastern Queensland coast, is the world's largest sand island. It is best known as a camping and ecotourism destination, with a number of panoramic viewpoints, beaches, lakes, and freshwater pools. Hervey Bay, a beachside city on the nearby mainland, is a primary gateway to the island.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in Laos, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Laos, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Australia, and The Best Honeymoon Tours in Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Fraser Island or Vientiane?

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

  • Vientiane Prices
    Laos Prices
    Fraser Island Prices
    Australia Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Vientiane $24
    Fraser Island $243

The average daily cost (per person) in Vientiane is $24, while the average daily cost in Fraser Island is $243. 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 Fraser Island in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Vientiane $8.45
    Fraser Island $102
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Vientiane $17
    Fraser Island $204
Compare Hotels in Vientiane and Fraser Island

Looking for a hotel in Vientiane or Fraser Island? 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 Fraser Island


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Vientiane $2.01
    Fraser Island $93
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 Private Transfer: Wattay Airport -Hotel-Railway Station: $9.90
  • Vientian Private Airport Transfer - Wattay Airport: $15
  • Wattay Airport (VTE): Private Transfer to/from Vientiane: $20
  • Vientiane - Hanoi Sleeping Bus Transfer : $63

Is it cheaper to fly into Vientiane or Fraser Island?

Prices for flights to both Fraser Island 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
    Fraser Island $83

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Vientiane $3.80
    Fraser Island $45

Tours and Activities in Vientiane

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

  • Laos Railway Tickets Easily: Avoid Long Queues & Wasted Time: $30
  • Laos Railway Tickets Online: Skip Long Queues, Avoid Missing: $30
  • Art, Culture, & Inspiration Guided Half-Day Tour: $52
  • Half-Day City Tour with Patuxai and Buddha Park: $52
  • Vientiane Sky Luge and Roller Zipline Experience: $55
  • Vientiane Landmarks and Cultural Immersion Tour: $56
  • Cultural Tour with Buddha Park and Patuxay: $58
  • Vientiane IG tour & Patuxay monument: $59
  • Half-Day City Tour - Morning or Afternoon: $65
  • Vientiane Half Day City Tour: $80
  • Vientiane : Private Custom Tour with a Local Guide: $88
  • Vientiane Half-Day City Tour: $89

Tours and Activities in Fraser Island

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

  • 2 Hours Hervey Bay Funset Cruise: $53
  • Hervey Bay: Best Value Half Day Whale Watching Cruise: $80
  • Hervey Bay Ultimate Whale Watching Cruise: $80
  • Hervey Bay Whale Watching Cruise: $104
  • Hervey Bay: Half Day Whale watching & Island Stop Tour: $111
  • Remote K'gari (Fraser Island) & Whale Experience: $173
  • Remote Fraser Island Experience: $173
  • K'gari (Fraser Island) All Inclusive Day Tour: $174
  • K'gari (Fraser Island) Small Group Day Tour - From Rainbow Beach: $186
  • K'gari (Fraser Island) Small Group 4WD Adventure - From Noosa: $201
  • Fraser Experience Shared Full Day Guided Tour: $208
  • Hervey Bay to K'gari/Fraser Island 2-Day Tour (Beach House): $369

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Vientiane $2.12
    Fraser Island $21


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



When is the best time to visit Vientiane or Fraser Island?

Fraser Island 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 Fraser Island in the Summer?

Both Fraser Island 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, many visitors come to Fraser Island in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Vientiane is a little warmer than Fraser Island. Typically, the summer temperatures in Vientiane in July average around 30°C (85°F), and Fraser Island averages at about 26°C (78°F)in January.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Fraser Island. It's quite rainy in Vientiane. In July, Vientiane usually receives more rain than Fraser Islandin January. Vientiane gets 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain, while Fraser Island receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Vientiane 30°C (85°F) 
    Fraser Island 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Vientiane or Fraser Island in the Autumn?

Both Fraser Island 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, most visitors come to Fraser Island for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Vientiane is generally a little warmer than Fraser Islandin April. Daily temperatures in Vientiane average around 28°C (83°F), and Fraser Island fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

Vientiane usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Fraser Islandin April. Vientiane gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Fraser Island receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Vientiane 28°C (83°F) 
    Fraser Island 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Vientiane or Fraser Island in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Vientiane and Fraser Island. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vientiane year-round. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Fraser Island because of the cuisine.

Vientiane is much warmer than Fraser Island in the winter. The daily temperature in Vientiane averages around 24°C (75°F) in January, and Fraser Island fluctuates around 15°C (59°F)in July.

In January, Vientiane usually receives less rain than Fraser Islandin July. Vientiane gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Fraser Island receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Vientiane 24°C (75°F) 
    Fraser Island 15°C (59°F)

Should I visit Vientiane or Fraser Island in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Vientiane as well as Fraser Island. Vientiane attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Fraser Island this time of year.

The heat can be very extreme in Vientiane. In the spring, Vientiane is a little warmer than Fraser Island. Typically, the spring temperatures in Vientiane in April average around 31°C (88°F), and Fraser Island averages at about 21°C (71°F)in October.

Vientiane usually gets more rain in April than Fraser Islandin October. Vientiane gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Fraser Island receives 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Vientiane 31°C (88°F) 
    Fraser Island 21°C (71°F)

Typical Weather for Fraser Island and Vientiane

Vientiane Fraser Island
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (75°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 26°C (78°F) 164 mm (6.5 in)
Feb 26°C (79°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 25°C (78°F) 163 mm (6.4 in)
Mar 29°C (85°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 24°C (76°F) 134 mm (5.3 in)
Apr 31°C (88°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 22°C (72°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
May 30°C (87°F) 255 mm (10 in) 19°C (66°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Jun 30°C (86°F) 273 mm (10.7 in) 16°C (61°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 30°C (85°F) 266 mm (10.5 in) 15°C (59°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Aug 29°C (85°F) 323 mm (12.7 in) 16°C (61°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 29°C (84°F) 295 mm (11.6 in) 19°C (65°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Oct 28°C (83°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 21°C (71°F) 75 mm (2.9 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 23°C (74°F) 106 mm (4.2 in)
Dec 24°C (74°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 25°C (77°F) 134 mm (5.3 in)