A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Vientiane vs. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Vientiane or Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Vientiane or Huangshan (Yellow Mountain), 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 Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)?

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.

Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)

In the heart of the Anhui Province of China is the stunning Mount Huangshan, or Yellow Mountain. This UNESCO World Heritage Site draws in visitors from around the world to take in the stunning views and conquer a new challenge.

Mount Huangshan is one of the most popular destinations in China. Because of this, most of the towns and regions around it also use the name Huangshan. Even the closest town, Tunxi, has begun going by Huangshan City. Keep this in mind as it could potentially cause some confusion in transit.

The whole of Huangshan has 36 separate peaks rising approximately 1,800 meters into the air. It is often covered in a spiritual-feeling mist that makes the peaks appear to live in the clouds. It has inspired artists for centuries, and is often thought to be the model for the typical mountain ranges seen in ancient Chinese paintings.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Laos, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Laos, The Best 10-Day Tours in China, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in China.


Which place is cheaper, Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 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 Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) is $57. 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 Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Vientiane $6.01
    Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $25
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Vientiane $12
    Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $50
Compare Hotels in Vientiane and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)

Looking for a hotel in Vientiane or Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)? 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 Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)


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
    Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $9.99
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Vientiane

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


  • Tuk Tuk Ride
    $4.24

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vientiane

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Vientiane:

  • Private Transfer in Laos: $5.00
  • Vientiane Private Airport and Hotel Transfers: $9.00
  • Vientiane Airport Transfer: Wattay airport to hotel - Private transfer: $15
  • Vientian Private Airport Transfer - Wattay Airport: $15
  • Wattay Airport (VTE): Private Transfer to/from Vientiane: $29
  • Vientiane - Hanoi Sleeping Bus Transfer : $63

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain):


  • Shuttle Bus to Tangkou for Two
    $3.59

Is it cheaper to fly into Vientiane or Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)?

Prices for flights to both Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 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 $6.32
    Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $19

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Vientiane $3.54
    Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $27

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: $62
  • 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

Typical Entertainment Prices in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) are as follows:


  • Two Entrance Tickets
    $63
  • Two Cable Car Passes
    $22

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Vientiane $2.35
    Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $15


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



When is the best time to visit Vientiane or Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)?

Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 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 Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) in the Summer?

Both Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 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 Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). Daily temperatures in Vientiane average around 30°C (85°F), and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). It's quite rainy in Vientiane. In July, Vientiane usually receives more rain than Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). Vientiane gets 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain, while Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) receives 185 mm (7.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Vientiane 30°C (85°F) 
    Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 29°C (85°F)

Should I visit Vientiane or Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) in the Autumn?

Both Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 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 Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) in the autumn. The daily temperature in Vientiane averages around 28°C (83°F) in October, and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).

Vientiane usually gets more rain in October than Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). Vientiane gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Vientiane 28°C (83°F) 
    Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 19°C (65°F)

Should I visit Vientiane or Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Vientiane and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vientiane year-round.

The weather in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) can be very cold. In the winter, Vientiane is much warmer than Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). Typically, the winter temperatures in Vientiane in January average around 24°C (75°F), and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) averages at about 4°C (40°F).

In January, Vientiane usually receives less rain than Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). Vientiane gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Vientiane 24°C (75°F) 
    Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 4°C (40°F)

Should I visit Vientiane or Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Vientiane as well as Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). 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 Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). Daily temperatures in Vientiane average around 31°C (88°F), and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

It's quite rainy in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). Vientiane usually gets less rain in April than Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). Vientiane gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) receives 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Vientiane 31°C (88°F) 
    Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 17°C (62°F)

Typical Weather for Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) and Vientiane

Vientiane Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)
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)


Related Articles for Vientiane