A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Vientiane vs. Nanchang for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Vientiane or Nanchang?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Vientiane or Nanchang, 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 Nanchang?

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.

Nanchang

Capital of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang is a city of southern China with a significant history. Landmarks like the Tengwang Pavilion represent the city's distant past, while its nickname - "the city of Heroes" - comes from the 1927 Nanchang Uprising when the Communist Party began. Today the city serves as a center for politics, economy, culture, science, education, commerce, 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 2-Week Tours from Beijing, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China.


Which place is cheaper, Nanchang 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 Nanchang is $58. 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 Nanchang in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Vientiane $6.01
    Nanchang $20
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Vientiane $12
    Nanchang $40
Compare Hotels in Vientiane and Nanchang

Looking for a hotel in Vientiane or Nanchang? 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 Nanchang


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
    Nanchang $11
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:

  • 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 Nanchang?

Prices for flights to both Nanchang 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
    Nanchang $32

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
    Nanchang $4.56

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
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Vientiane $2.35
    Nanchang $6.31


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


Which is Bigger, Vientiane or Nanchang?

Nanchang has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Vientiane. When comparing the sizes of Vientiane and Nanchang, 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 Nanchang?

Nanchang 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 Nanchang in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Vientiane as well as Nanchang. Vientiane attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the summer, Vientiane is around the same temperature as Nanchang. Typically, the summer temperatures in Vientiane in July average around 30°C (85°F), and Nanchang averages at about 30°C (86°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nanchang. In the summer, Vientiane often gets less sunshine than Nanchang. Vientiane gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nanchang receives 262 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Nanchang. Vientiane receives a lot of rain in the summer. Vientiane usually gets more rain in July than Nanchang. Vientiane gets 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain, while Nanchang receives 121 mm (4.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Vientiane 30°C (85°F) 
    Nanchang 30°C (86°F)

Should I visit Vientiane or Nanchang in the Autumn?

Both Nanchang 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 Nanchang. Daily temperatures in Vientiane average around 28°C (83°F), and Nanchang fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vientiane. Vientiane usually receives more sunshine than Nanchang during autumn. Vientiane gets 222 hours of sunny skies, while Nanchang receives 161 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Vientiane usually receives more rain than Nanchang. Vientiane gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Nanchang receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Vientiane 28°C (83°F) 
    Nanchang 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Vientiane or Nanchang in the Winter?

Both Nanchang 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 Nanchang in the winter. The daily temperature in Vientiane averages around 24°C (75°F) in January, and Nanchang fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

It's quite sunny in Vientiane. In the winter, Vientiane often gets more sunshine than Nanchang. Vientiane gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nanchang receives 103 hours of full sun.

Vientiane usually gets less rain in January than Nanchang. Vientiane gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Nanchang receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Vientiane 24°C (75°F) 
    Nanchang 6°C (43°F)

Should I visit Vientiane or Nanchang in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Vientiane and Nanchang. 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 Nanchang. Typically, the spring temperatures in Vientiane in April average around 31°C (88°F), and Nanchang averages at about 18°C (64°F).

In Vientiane, it's very sunny this time of the year. Vientiane usually receives more sunshine than Nanchang during spring. Vientiane gets 230 hours of sunny skies, while Nanchang receives 116 hours of full sun in the spring.

Nanchang receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Vientiane usually receives less rain than Nanchang. Vientiane gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Nanchang receives 229 mm (9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Vientiane 31°C (88°F) 
    Nanchang 18°C (64°F)

Typical Weather for Nanchang and Vientiane

Vientiane Nanchang
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (75°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 6°C (43°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Feb 26°C (79°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 7°C (45°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Mar 29°C (85°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 12°C (53°F) 158 mm (6.2 in)
Apr 31°C (88°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 18°C (64°F) 229 mm (9 in)
May 30°C (87°F) 255 mm (10 in) 23°C (73°F) 232 mm (9.1 in)
Jun 30°C (86°F) 273 mm (10.7 in) 26°C (79°F) 266 mm (10.5 in)
Jul 30°C (85°F) 266 mm (10.5 in) 30°C (86°F) 121 mm (4.8 in)
Aug 29°C (85°F) 323 mm (12.7 in) 30°C (86°F) 98 mm (3.9 in)
Sep 29°C (84°F) 295 mm (11.6 in) 26°C (78°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Oct 28°C (83°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 20°C (68°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 14°C (57°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Dec 24°C (74°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 8°C (47°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)