Which place is cheaper, Manila or Vientiane?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Vientiane or Manila?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Vientiane or Manila, 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 Manila?
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.
Manila
A sprawling metropolis that is home to more than 12 million people, Manila is one huge, misunderstood concrete jungle, full of diverse cultures, traffic, pollution, restaurants, shopping malls, noise and nightlife. If you're looking to soak in culture and feel the vibe of a place rather than seeking a city that specifically caters to tourists, Manila is the place to be. Capital of the Philippines, Manila is also the center for education, business, and transportation.
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 Eco Tours in Philippines, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Philippines.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVientiane $15Manila $94
The average daily cost (per person) in Vientiane is $15, while the average daily cost in Manila is $94. 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 Manila in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVientiane $6.01Manila $55
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVientiane $12Manila $110
Compare Hotels in Vientiane and Manila
Looking for a hotel in Vientiane or Manila? 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 Manila Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Vientiane $2.08Manila $14
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:
- 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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Manila
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Manila:
- Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport Private Transfer: $9.80
- Private One-way Airport Transfer(Manila Airport To/From Manila): $22
- Private Transfer from Manila Airport (MNL) to Manila Cruise Port: $22
- Private Departure Airport Transfer in Manila Bay and Makati Area: $23
- Puerto Princesa Airport to El Nido Transfer: $25
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Manila APT-HTL (MNL) : $30
- Round-trip Coron Airport Transfer + Town Tour (Shared): $31
- Manila International Airport Private Transfer To & From City: $35
- Manila Airport Transfer: $37
- Private Arrival Airport Transfer: All Hotels in Ortigas: $41
- Private Transfer from Clark Airport (CRK) to Subic Bay Port: $46
- Transfers from Manila, Makati, Taguig and Pasay Hotel to Airport: $50
Is it cheaper to fly into Vientiane or Manila?
Prices for flights to both Manila 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 $6.32Manila $18
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Manila
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Manila.
- Manila Night Market and food tour Experience: $58
- Makati Street Food Tour Experience: $63
- ⭐ Manila Street Food Tour in the Downtown, Eat and Drink⭐: $63
- Manila Food Tour: Explore World's Oldest Chinatown: $65
- Manila Food Tour: Introduction to Philippine Street Food: $65
- Food Tour at the World's Oldest Chinatown: $75
- Manila Chinatown Food Tour Experience with Mari: $81
- Cultural Dance Show with Dinner in Manila: $120
- Cultural Dinner and Show in Manila: $145
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Vientiane $3.54Manila $20
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
Tours and Activities in Manila
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Manila are as follows:
- Guided Tour of the Historic San Sebastian Basilica (Manila): $6.42
- Historical Bamboo Bike Tour in Intramuros: $18
- Skip the Line: Hike Eat Swim at Mount Purro Nature Reserve Ticket: $22
- ⭐ Makati Bar Hopping Tour with Venus ⭐: $27
- Intramuros Historical Walk Tour: $27
- Old Manila Intramuros Area Walking Tour: $32
- Guided Sunset Bamboo Bike Tour in Intramuros: $34
- Experience Intramuros with Bamboo Bicycle - Ecotours: $37
- Private Custom Tour with a Local Guide: $43
- ⭐ Intramuros The Walled City Walking Tour ⭐: $45
- ⭐ Authentic Manila Chinatown Experience ⭐: $46
- Manila One-on-One Walking Tour with Mobile Photography: $50
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVientiane $2.35Manila $9.97
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vientiane and Manila, we can see that Manila 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 Manila would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Manila 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 Manila Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Vientiane or Manila?
Manila has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Vientiane. When comparing the sizes of Vientiane and Manila, 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 Manila?
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 Manila in the Summer?
Both Manila and Vientiane are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vientiane throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Manila because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Manila. It's quite rainy in Vientiane. In July, Vientiane usually receives less rain than Manila. Vientiane gets 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain, while Manila receives 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
In July, Vientiane is generally around the same temperature as Manila. Daily temperatures in Vientiane average around 30°C (85°F), and Manila fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyVientiane 30°C (85°F)Manila 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Manila in the Autumn?
Both Manila 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Manila year-round.
Manila gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Vientiane usually gets less rain in October than Manila. Vientiane gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Manila receives 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
Vientiane is around the same temperature as Manila in the autumn. The daily temperature in Vientiane averages around 28°C (83°F) in October, and Manila fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberVientiane 28°C (83°F)Manila 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Manila in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Vientiane and Manila. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vientiane year-round. Manila attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Vientiane usually receives less rain than Manila. Vientiane gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Manila receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
In the winter, Vientiane is around the same temperature as Manila. Typically, the winter temperatures in Vientiane in January average around 24°C (75°F), and Manila averages at about 24°C (76°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryVientiane 24°C (75°F)Manila 24°C (76°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Manila in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Vientiane as well as Manila. Vientiane attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Manila throughout the year.
Vientiane usually gets more rain in April than Manila. Vientiane gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Manila receives 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
Vientiane can become quite hot in the spring. In April, Vientiane is generally around the same temperature as Manila. Daily temperatures in Vientiane average around 31°C (88°F), and Manila fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilVientiane 31°C (88°F)Manila 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Manila and Vientiane
| Vientiane | Manila | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (85°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 31°C (88°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) |
| May | 30°C (87°F) | 255 mm (10 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (86°F) | 273 mm (10.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 303 mm (11.9 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (85°F) | 266 mm (10.5 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 323 mm (12.7 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 452 mm (17.8 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (84°F) | 295 mm (11.6 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 357 mm (14.1 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (83°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (74°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 50 mm (2 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.