Which place is cheaper, Koh Tao or Vientiane?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Vientiane or Koh Tao?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Vientiane or Koh Tao, 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 Koh Tao?
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.
Koh Tao
With a name that literally means, "Turtle Island," Koh Tao, Thailand is the type of vacation spot divers dream of. There is the faintest current and a buffet of dive sites and shops.
This tiny island hosts hundreds of thousands of visitors a year, but take not that there are no garbage disposal facilities. Everything that can't be burnt needs to be taken from the island. Avoid plastic bags, and don't dump your trash in the open landscape (then again, why would you?) because there are no departments for road clean up. Water and electricity on the island are scarce, so use them wisely.
Keep in mind that monsoon season from November to January so you may be faced with constant rain for days at a time in those months.
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 Tours for Seniors to Thailand, and The Best Contiki Tours to Thailand.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVientiane $15Koh Tao $37
The average daily cost (per person) in Vientiane is $15, while the average daily cost in Koh Tao is $37. 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 Koh Tao in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVientiane $6.01Koh Tao $14
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVientiane $12Koh Tao $28
Compare Hotels in Vientiane and Koh Tao
Looking for a hotel in Vientiane or Koh Tao? 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 and Koh Tao Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Vientiane $2.08Koh Tao $8.67
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Vientiane
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Vientiane are as follows:
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Tuk Tuk Ride$4.24
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vientiane
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Vientiane:
- Vientiane - Hanoi Sleeping Bus Transfer : $63
- Wattay Airport (VTE): Private Transfer to/from Vientiane: $29
- 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
- Private Transfer in Laos: $5.00
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Koh Tao
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Koh Tao:
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Motorbike Rental$5.18
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Chumpon to Koh Tao Ferry$18
Is it cheaper to fly into Vientiane or Koh Tao?
Prices for flights to both Koh Tao 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
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Food Meals for one dayVientiane $6.32Koh Tao $9.21
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 Koh Tao
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Koh Tao:
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Sit Down Lunch (for One)$5.46
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Breakfast$4.09
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Casual Breakfast (for Two)$3.27
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Fancy Dinner (for Two)$13
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Pancake$1.91
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American Breakfast (for Two)$7.64
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Dinner at Bam Bam (for Two)$7.36
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Vientiane $3.54Koh Tao $26
Tours and Activities in Vientiane
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Vientiane are as follows:
- 2 Days Private Tour in Vientiane and Vang Vieng: $90
- Explore Vientiane and Local Villages Biking Tour: $184
- From Hue: Hue to Vientiane Bus tickets: $62
- Full Day Private Tour in Vientiane with Pickup: $142
- Guided Vientiane City and Buddha Park Full-Day Tour: $81
- Half Day Private Tour in City Highlights: $120
- Half-Day Vientiane City Bike Tour: $67
- Private Custom Tour with a Local Guide in Vientiane: $82
- Private Tour: Full-day Cycling The City Streets Vientiane with Buddha Park: $174
- 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
- Private Tour: Vientiane City Tour Full Day with Buddha Park: $145
Typical Entertainment Prices in Koh Tao
For Koh Tao, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Kayak Rental (One Hour)$6.82
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Snorkel Rental$2.73
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Kayak and Snorkel (2)$2.73
Tours and Activities in Koh Tao
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Koh Tao.
- Full day snorkeling adventure around Koh Tao: $22
- Snorkel Tour to Koh Nangyuan and the hidden bays of Koh Tao onboard the Oxygen: $22
- Koh Nang Yuan and Koh Tao 5 Point Snorkeling Tour: $23
- 5 Islands Full-Day Tour Around Koh Tao and Koh Nangyuan: $24
- Koh Tao Snorkeling Tour to Hidden Bays and Koh Nang Yuan : $28
- Premium Snorkel Tour to the Bays of Koh Tao onboard the Oxygen: $33
- Koh Tao Viewpoint and Snorkeling Tour: $55
- Basic Diver ( One Day Experience): $124
- Koh Tao Cliff Jumping Snorkeling Experience: $135
- Koh Tao Snorkeling and Island Hopping Tour (Private) : $175
- Advanced Adventurer - 2 days ( Advanced Open Water): $277
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVientiane $2.35Koh Tao $7.14
Typical Alcohol Prices in Koh Tao
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Koh Tao from other travelers:
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Beer$1.77
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Bottle of Wine$10
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vientiane and Koh Tao, we can see that Koh Tao 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 Koh Tao would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Koh Tao 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 Koh Tao Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Vientiane or Koh Tao?
Vientiane has a larger population, and is about 140 times larger than the population of Koh Tao. When comparing the sizes of Vientiane and Koh Tao, 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 Koh Tao?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Vientiane or Koh Tao in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Vientiane as well as Koh Tao. Vientiane attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Tao throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Koh Tao. Vientiane receives a lot of rain in the summer. Vientiane usually gets more rain in July than Koh Tao. Vientiane gets 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the summer, Vientiane often gets less sunshine than Koh Tao. Vientiane gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Tao receives 195 hours of full sun.
In the summer, Vientiane is a little warmer than Koh Tao. Typically, the summer temperatures in Vientiane in July average around 30°C (85°F), and Koh Tao averages at about 24°C (76°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyVientiane 30°C (85°F)Koh Tao 24°C (76°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Koh Tao in the Autumn?
Both Koh Tao and Vientiane are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vientiane throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Tao because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The rainy season in Koh Tao is October and November. It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Tao. In October, Vientiane usually receives less rain than Koh Tao. Vientiane gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 276 mm (10.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vientiane. Vientiane usually receives more sunshine than Koh Tao during autumn. Vientiane gets 222 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Tao receives 167 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Vientiane is generally a little warmer than Koh Tao. Daily temperatures in Vientiane average around 28°C (83°F), and Koh Tao fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberVientiane 28°C (83°F)Koh Tao 24°C (76°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Koh Tao in the Winter?
Both Koh Tao and Vientiane during the winter 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 Koh Tao year-round.
February to June is the dry season in Koh Tao. Vientiane usually gets less rain in January than Koh Tao. Vientiane gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Koh Tao, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Vientiane. In the winter, Vientiane often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Koh Tao. Vientiane gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Tao receives 255 hours of full sun.
Vientiane is around the same temperature as Koh Tao in the winter. The daily temperature in Vientiane averages around 24°C (75°F) in January, and Koh Tao fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryVientiane 24°C (75°F)Koh Tao 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Koh Tao in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Vientiane and Koh Tao. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vientiane year-round. Koh Tao attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
February to June in Koh Tao is the dry season. In April, Vientiane usually receives more rain than Koh Tao. Vientiane gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Koh Tao this time of the year. In Vientiane, it's very sunny this time of the year. Vientiane usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Koh Tao during spring. Vientiane gets 230 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Tao receives 239 hours of full sun in the spring.
The heat can be very extreme in Vientiane. In the spring, Vientiane is a little warmer than Koh Tao. Typically, the spring temperatures in Vientiane in April average around 31°C (88°F), and Koh Tao averages at about 25°C (77°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilVientiane 31°C (88°F)Koh Tao 25°C (77°F)
Typical Weather for Koh Tao and Vientiane
| Vientiane | Koh Tao | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (85°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Apr | 31°C (88°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| May | 30°C (87°F) | 255 mm (10 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 189 mm (7.4 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (86°F) | 273 mm (10.7 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 174 mm (6.9 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (85°F) | 266 mm (10.5 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 174 mm (6.9 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 323 mm (12.7 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 206 mm (8.1 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (84°F) | 295 mm (11.6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (83°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 276 mm (10.9 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 380 mm (15 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (74°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 118 mm (4.6 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.