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

Should you visit Vientiane or Havana?

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

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

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.

Havana

The city of Havana is at the top of most peoples' bucket list - mostly because of the allure of a forbidden land. Before the Communist revolution, Cuba was a popular tourist destination. Since it has reopened in the 1990s, it has drawn tourists from all over the world (except the US).

This capital city is a land trapped in the past. With 50 years of neglect, when you step off the plane, prepare to step back in time. A trip to Havana is meant for those with truly open minds - and when they arrive they'll be swept away.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Laos, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Laos.


Which place is cheaper, Havana or Vientiane?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Vientiane is $15, while the average daily cost in Havana is $65. 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 Havana in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Vientiane $6.00
    Havana $40
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Vientiane $12
    Havana $80
Compare Hotels in Vientiane and Havana

Looking for a hotel in Vientiane or Havana? 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 Havana


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 $2.08
    Havana $19
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Vientiane

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


  • 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
  • Vientian Private Airport Transfer - Wattay Airport: $15
  • Vientiane Airport Transfer: Wattay airport to hotel - Private transfer: $15
  • Vientiane Private Airport and Hotel Transfers: $9.00
  • Wattay Airport (VTE): Private Transfer to/from Vientiane: $29

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Havana

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Havana:


  • Short Taxi Ride
    $0.68

Is it cheaper to fly into Vientiane or Havana?

Prices for flights to both Havana 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 $6.30
    Havana $10

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

Typical Food Prices in Havana

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Havana:


  • Pizza
    $0.03

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Vientiane $3.53
    Havana $11

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Vientiane $2.34
    Havana $5.76

Typical Alcohol Prices in Havana

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Havana:


  • Mojito
    $0.15


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


Which is Bigger, Vientiane or Havana?

Havana has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Vientiane. When comparing the sizes of Vientiane and Havana, 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 Havana?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.

Should I visit Vientiane or Havana in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Vientiane and Havana. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vientiane year-round. Havana attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Vientiane gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Vientiane usually receives more rain than Havana. Vientiane gets 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain, while Havana receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

In July, Vientiane is generally around the same temperature as Havana. Daily temperatures in Vientiane average around 30°C (85°F), and Havana fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Vientiane 30°C (85°F) 
    Havana 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Vientiane or Havana in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Vientiane as well as Havana. Vientiane attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Havana throughout the year.

Vientiane usually gets more rain in October than Havana. Vientiane gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Havana receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Vientiane is a little warmer than Havana in the autumn. The daily temperature in Vientiane averages around 28°C (83°F) in October, and Havana fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Vientiane 28°C (83°F) 
    Havana 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Vientiane or Havana in the Winter?

Both Havana and Vientiane are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vientiane throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Havana because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In January, Vientiane usually receives less rain than Havana. Vientiane gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Havana receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

In the winter, Vientiane is a little warmer than Havana. Typically, the winter temperatures in Vientiane in January average around 24°C (75°F), and Havana averages at about 21°C (70°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Vientiane 24°C (75°F) 
    Havana 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Vientiane or Havana in the Spring?

Both Havana and Vientiane during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Vientiane because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Havana year-round.

Vientiane usually gets more rain in April than Havana. Vientiane gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Havana receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Vientiane can become quite hot in the spring. In April, Vientiane is generally a little warmer than Havana. Daily temperatures in Vientiane average around 31°C (88°F), and Havana fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Vientiane 31°C (88°F) 
    Havana 24°C (75°F)

Typical Weather for Havana and Vientiane

Vientiane Havana
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (75°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 21°C (70°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Feb 26°C (79°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Mar 29°C (85°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Apr 31°C (88°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 24°C (75°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
May 30°C (87°F) 255 mm (10 in) 26°C (79°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jun 30°C (86°F) 273 mm (10.7 in) 27°C (81°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Jul 30°C (85°F) 266 mm (10.5 in) 27°C (81°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Aug 29°C (85°F) 323 mm (12.7 in) 27°C (81°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 29°C (84°F) 295 mm (11.6 in) 26°C (79°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Oct 28°C (83°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 25°C (77°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Dec 24°C (74°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 22°C (72°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)


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