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

Should you visit Vientiane or Ghent?

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

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

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.

Ghent

Ghent is a large city in the northern part of Belgium (the Flanders region) with a population of about 250,000. This city was one of the most powerful cities in Europe during the Middle Ages, which is portrayed today, mostly through architecture. There is a large university in Ghent with over 60,000 students, and a large portion of the population are young students. However, among the natives and students, there are also many foreigners and artists that you will find walking the streets of the city. Ghent is also Belgium's second largest port city.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in Laos, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Laos, The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, and The Best Budget Tours to Belgium.


Which place is cheaper, Ghent 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 Ghent is $168. 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 Ghent in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Vientiane $8.45
    Ghent $84
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Vientiane $17
    Ghent $168
Compare Hotels in Vientiane and Ghent

Looking for a hotel in Vientiane or Ghent? 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 Ghent


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 Ghent Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Vientiane $2.01
    Ghent $22
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 Ghent?

Prices for flights to both Ghent 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
    Ghent $70

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 Ghent

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

  • Walking Food Tour in Ghent: $93
  • Walking food tour: Introduction to Ghent through food: $109
  • Small-Group Food Tour in Ghent by Bike: $178

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Vientiane $3.80
    Ghent $10

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 Ghent

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

  • Gastronomic Walking Tour of Gent - Tasters included: $3.57
  • Historical Walking Tour: Legends of Gent: $3.57
  • Evening Tour of the Dark Side of Gent: $3.57
  • Ghent Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $7.75
  • Ghent Walking Tour with Audioguide on Your Smartphone: $8.34
  • Pub Trail an adventure full of surprises: $13
  • Hidden A Self-Guided Audio Tour Of The Flemish City: $15
  • Escape Tour Gent -selfguided citygame- and find the secret exit!: $24
  • Discover Ghent with a self-guided Outside Escape city game tour!: $30
  • TV like Ultimate Quiz Experience in Ghent: $30
  • Ghent Beer Guided Walking Tour: $54
  • Bicycle tour in historic Ghent: $54

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Vientiane $2.12
    Ghent $21


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


Which is Bigger, Vientiane or Ghent?

Ghent has a larger population, and is about 18% larger than the population of Vientiane. When comparing the sizes of Vientiane and Ghent, 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 Ghent?

Ghent 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 Ghent in the Summer?

Both Ghent 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 Ghent in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

Vientiane is much warmer than Ghent in the summer. The daily temperature in Vientiane averages around 30°C (85°F) in July, and Ghent fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It's quite sunny in Ghent. Vientiane usually receives less sunshine than Ghent during summer. Vientiane gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Ghent receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Vientiane. In July, Vientiane usually receives more rain than Ghent. Vientiane gets 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Vientiane 30°C (85°F) 
    Ghent 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Vientiane or Ghent in the Autumn?

Both Ghent 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 Ghent for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Vientiane is much warmer than Ghent. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Vientiane in October average around 28°C (83°F), and Ghent averages at about 12°C (54°F).

It's quite sunny in Vientiane. In the autumn, Vientiane often gets more sunshine than Ghent. Vientiane gets 222 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ghent receives 105 hours of full sun.

Vientiane usually gets more rain in October than Ghent. Vientiane gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Vientiane 28°C (83°F) 
    Ghent 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Vientiane or Ghent in the Winter?

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

The weather in Ghent can be very cold. In January, Vientiane is generally much warmer than Ghent. Daily temperatures in Vientiane average around 24°C (75°F), and Ghent fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In Vientiane, it's very sunny this time of the year. Vientiane usually receives more sunshine than Ghent during winter. Vientiane gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Ghent receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

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


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Vientiane 24°C (75°F) 
    Ghent 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Vientiane or Ghent in the Spring?

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

It's very hot in Vientiane this time of the year. Vientiane is much warmer than Ghent in the spring. The daily temperature in Vientiane averages around 31°C (88°F) in April, and Ghent fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vientiane this time of the year. In the spring, Vientiane often gets more sunshine than Ghent. Vientiane gets 230 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ghent receives 158 hours of full sun.

Vientiane usually gets more rain in April than Ghent. Vientiane gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Vientiane 31°C (88°F) 
    Ghent 8°C (47°F)

Typical Weather for Ghent and Vientiane

Vientiane Ghent
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (75°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 3°C (38°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Feb 26°C (79°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 3°C (38°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Mar 29°C (85°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 6°C (42°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 31°C (88°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 8°C (47°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
May 30°C (87°F) 255 mm (10 in) 12°C (54°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jun 30°C (86°F) 273 mm (10.7 in) 15°C (59°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 30°C (85°F) 266 mm (10.5 in) 17°C (63°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Aug 29°C (85°F) 323 mm (12.7 in) 18°C (64°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 29°C (84°F) 295 mm (11.6 in) 16°C (60°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 28°C (83°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 7°C (45°F) 75 mm (2.9 in)
Dec 24°C (74°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 5°C (40°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)