Which place is cheaper, Hongcun or Vientiane?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Vientiane or Hongcun?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Vientiane or Hongcun, 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 Hongcun?
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.
Hongcun
When you picture ancient China, you likely picture old cobblestone streets, white homes with pointed black roofs and a slight air of mysticism in the surroundings. This is Hongcun.
The backdrop for Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is not usually on the top of many traveler's lists. This isn't a bustling tourist town with guides offering to show you the sights or carts peddling the latest tacky souvenir. It's a quiet village where you'll see the real Chinese culture. The homes along the complex water canals air their fish in their windows to preserve it for their family dinners. There is no bowing to tourism here.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in Laos, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Laos, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in China, and The Best Adventure Tours to China.
-
Vientiane Prices
Laos PricesHongcun Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVientiane $24Hongcun $67
The average daily cost (per person) in Vientiane is $24, while the average daily cost in Hongcun is $67. 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 Hongcun in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVientiane $8.45Hongcun $23
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVientiane $17Hongcun $46
Compare Hotels in Vientiane and Hongcun
Looking for a hotel in Vientiane or Hongcun? 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.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Vientiane $2.01Hongcun $12
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 Hongcun?
Prices for flights to both Hongcun 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 dayVientiane $12Hongcun $33
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
Typical Food Prices in Hongcun
Some typical examples of dining costs in Hongcun are as follows:
-
Lunch for Two$4.91
-
Breakfast of Dumplings$2.10
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Vientiane $3.80Hongcun $17
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Hongcun
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Hongcun are as follows:
-
Two Entrance Tickets$29
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayVientiane $2.12Hongcun $14
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vientiane and Hongcun, we can see that Hongcun is more expensive. And not only is Vientiane much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Hongcun would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hongcun 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 Hongcun Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Vientiane or Hongcun?
Hongcun 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 Hongcun in the Summer?
Both Hongcun and Vientiane are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vientiane throughout the year.
In July, Vientiane is generally around the same temperature as Hongcun. Daily temperatures in Vientiane average around 30°C (85°F), and Hongcun fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Hongcun. It's quite rainy in Vientiane. In July, Vientiane usually receives more rain than Hongcun. Vientiane gets 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain, while Hongcun receives 185 mm (7.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyVientiane 30°C (85°F)Hongcun 29°C (85°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Hongcun in the Autumn?
Both Hongcun 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.
Vientiane is much warmer than Hongcun in the autumn. The daily temperature in Vientiane averages around 28°C (83°F) in October, and Hongcun fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).
Vientiane usually gets more rain in October than Hongcun. Vientiane gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Hongcun receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberVientiane 28°C (83°F)Hongcun 19°C (65°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Hongcun in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Vientiane and Hongcun. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vientiane year-round.
Hongcun can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Vientiane is much warmer than Hongcun. Typically, the winter temperatures in Vientiane in January average around 24°C (75°F), and Hongcun averages at about 4°C (40°F).
In January, Vientiane usually receives less rain than Hongcun. Vientiane gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Hongcun receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryVientiane 24°C (75°F)Hongcun 4°C (40°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Hongcun in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Vientiane as well as Hongcun. Vientiane attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Vientiane can become quite hot in the spring. In April, Vientiane is generally much warmer than Hongcun. Daily temperatures in Vientiane average around 31°C (88°F), and Hongcun fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).
It's quite rainy in Hongcun. Vientiane usually gets less rain in April than Hongcun. Vientiane gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Hongcun receives 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilVientiane 31°C (88°F)Hongcun 17°C (62°F)
Typical Weather for Hongcun and Vientiane
| Vientiane | Hongcun | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (85°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) |
| Apr | 31°C (88°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| May | 30°C (87°F) | 255 mm (10 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 189 mm (7.4 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (86°F) | 273 mm (10.7 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 235 mm (9.2 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (85°F) | 266 mm (10.5 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 185 mm (7.3 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 323 mm (12.7 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 121 mm (4.7 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (84°F) | 295 mm (11.6 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (83°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (74°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 36 mm (1.4 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.