Which place is cheaper, Longsheng or Vientiane?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Vientiane or Longsheng?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Vientiane or Longsheng, 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 Longsheng?
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.
Longsheng
A county of the city, Guilin, Longsheng is a hub of several ethnic cultures that thrive on farming and tourism. It is located about 50 or so miles north of the Guilin city center. The region is perhaps most known for the Dragon's Backbone Rice Terraces located in Heping Township. These, along with many other natural features like hot springs, waterfalls, and meadows are a few of the main attractions that draw visitors to Longsheng.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Laos, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Laos, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in China, and The Best Adventure Tours to China.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVientiane $15Longsheng $78
The average daily cost (per person) in Vientiane is $15, while the average daily cost in Longsheng is $78. 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 Longsheng in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVientiane $6.01Longsheng $20
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVientiane $12Longsheng $40
Compare Hotels in Vientiane and Longsheng
Looking for a hotel in Vientiane or Longsheng? 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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Vientiane $2.08Longsheng $41
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
Is it cheaper to fly into Vientiane or Longsheng?
Prices for flights to both Longsheng 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 $6.32Longsheng $35
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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Vientiane $3.54Longsheng $8.38
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
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVientiane $2.35Longsheng $7.89
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vientiane and Longsheng, we can see that Longsheng 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 Longsheng would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Longsheng 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 Longsheng Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Vientiane or Longsheng?
Longsheng 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 Longsheng in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Vientiane as well as Longsheng. Vientiane attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the summer, Vientiane is around the same temperature as Longsheng. Typically, the summer temperatures in Vientiane in July average around 30°C (85°F), and Longsheng averages at about 30°C (86°F).
It's quite rainy in Longsheng. Vientiane receives a lot of rain in the summer. Vientiane usually gets more rain in July than Longsheng. Vientiane gets 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain, while Longsheng receives 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyVientiane 30°C (85°F)Longsheng 30°C (86°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Longsheng in the Autumn?
Both Longsheng and Vientiane are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vientiane throughout the year.
In October, Vientiane is generally a little warmer than Longsheng. Daily temperatures in Vientiane average around 28°C (83°F), and Longsheng fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
In October, Vientiane usually receives around the same amount of rain as Longsheng. Vientiane gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Longsheng receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberVientiane 28°C (83°F)Longsheng 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Longsheng in the Winter?
Both Longsheng 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.
Vientiane is much warmer than Longsheng in the winter. The daily temperature in Vientiane averages around 24°C (75°F) in January, and Longsheng fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).
Vientiane usually gets less rain in January than Longsheng. Vientiane gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Longsheng receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryVientiane 24°C (75°F)Longsheng 10°C (49°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Longsheng in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Vientiane and Longsheng. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vientiane year-round.
The heat can be very extreme in Vientiane. In the spring, Vientiane is much warmer than Longsheng. Typically, the spring temperatures in Vientiane in April average around 31°C (88°F), and Longsheng averages at about 20°C (68°F).
Longsheng receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Vientiane usually receives less rain than Longsheng. Vientiane gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Longsheng receives 263 mm (10.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilVientiane 31°C (88°F)Longsheng 20°C (68°F)
Typical Weather for Longsheng and Vientiane
| Vientiane | Longsheng | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (85°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) |
| Apr | 31°C (88°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 263 mm (10.3 in) |
| May | 30°C (87°F) | 255 mm (10 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 334 mm (13.2 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (86°F) | 273 mm (10.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 320 mm (12.6 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (85°F) | 266 mm (10.5 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 206 mm (8.1 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 323 mm (12.7 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 168 mm (6.6 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (84°F) | 295 mm (11.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (83°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (74°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 47 mm (1.9 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.