Which place is cheaper, Newcastle or Vientiane?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Vientiane or Newcastle?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Vientiane or Newcastle, 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 Newcastle?
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.
Newcastle
Newcastle is 150 kilometers north of Sydney in New South Wales. It is also the second largest city in the state, and serves as a central point to explore the area's beaches, wineries, and beautiful natural landscape. North of the city is Stockton beach, which has many miles of isolated, beautiful beaches, stretching all the way up to Nelson Bay. The wineries are inland to the west and have some of Australia's finest wine which you can taste. If you want to see rainforests, you can head northwest to Barrington Tops National Park, which has great rainforests and freshwater streams. You may even get to see a platypus. The city also has the country's oldest sea port. In the past the city's economy was centered around the steel industry, but today the University of Newcastle is one of the area's most important employers.
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 Contiki Tours to Australia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Australia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVientiane $15Newcastle $91
The average daily cost (per person) in Vientiane is $15, while the average daily cost in Newcastle is $91. 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 Newcastle in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVientiane $6.01Newcastle $44
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVientiane $12Newcastle $88
Compare Hotels in Vientiane and Newcastle
Looking for a hotel in Vientiane or Newcastle? 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 Newcastle Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Vientiane $2.08Newcastle $8.34
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 Newcastle
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Newcastle:
- Newcastle to Newcastle Airport (NTL) - Departure Private Transfer: $26
- Newcastle Airport (NTL) to Newcastle - Arrival Private Transfer: $26
- Private Transfer from Newcastle Port to Newcastle city hotels: $28
- Private Transfer from Newcastle City Hotels to Newcastle Port: $28
- Private Transfer from Newcastle Airport (NTL) to Newcastle Port: $29
- Private Transfer from Newcastle Port to Newcastle Airport (NTL): $29
- Private Transfer from Newcastle Cruise Port to Sydney City Hotels: $88
- Private Transfer - Newcastle Cruise Port to Sydney Airport (SYD): $88
- Tandem Beach Skydive with Optional Transfers: $248
- Bimbadgen Lunch Tour with Helicopter Transfers: $751
Is it cheaper to fly into Vientiane or Newcastle?
Prices for flights to both Newcastle 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 $6.32Newcastle $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 $3.54Newcastle $15
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 Newcastle
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Newcastle are as follows:
- Wine & Cheese Tasting Experience in Hunter Valley: $9.91
- Skip the Line: Handmade Cheese, Fruit Paste & Gourmet Bread & Wafers Lunch: $17
- True Crime Guided Walking Tour: $22
- Newcastle Dark Stories True Crime Tour: $23
- Port Stephens: Dolphin Discovery Cruise: $27
- Family Pass: Fighter World Museum Admission Ticket: $30
- Architecture, Street Art & Hidden Secrets Walking Tour of Newcastle: $33
- Audrey Wilkinson Vineyard - Sweet Indulgence Experience: $37
- Newscastle: Australian Tree Ropes Course Adventure: $42
- Lake Macquarie Cruise with Lunch: $46
- Newcastle Whale Watching Cruise: $49
- Port Stephens: Whale Watching Cruise: $50
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVientiane $2.35Newcastle $10
Sample the Local Flavors in Newcastle
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Newcastle:
- Cael’s Gate Wine Tasting in Broke: $5.32
- Boutique Wine Tasting Experience in Pokolbin: $6.60
- Ivanhoe Wines: Trip Advisor Seated Wine Tasting Masterclass: $9.91
- Tulloch Wines - Wine Tasting paired with Local Handmade Chocolates: $20
- 30-Minute Distillery Guided Tour in Carrington : $23
- Cheese and Wine Tasting Experience in Pokolbin: $26
- Tintilla Estate: Wine Tasting with a Meat and Cheese Platter: $26
- Tulloch Wines Hunter Heroes Wine Tasting with Local Cheese & Charcuterie Board: $33
- Tulloch Wines- Mystery Wine Tasting Experience with Local Cheese and Charcuterie: $33
- Premium Wine Tasting Experience in Pokolbin: $50
- Snapshot Half Day Hunter Valley Wine Tour: $72
- Hunter Valley Wine Tour from the Hunter with Wine Craft Beer Cheese Chocolate: $102
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vientiane and Newcastle, we can see that Newcastle is more expensive. And not only is Vientiane much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Vientiane is in Asia and Newcastle is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Newcastle would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Newcastle 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 Newcastle Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Vientiane or Newcastle?
Newcastle has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Vientiane. When comparing the sizes of Vientiane and Newcastle, 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 Newcastle?
Newcastle 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 Newcastle in the Summer?
Both Newcastle and Vientiane are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vientiane throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Newcastle for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In July, Vientiane is generally a little warmer than Newcastlein January. Daily temperatures in Vientiane average around 30°C (85°F), and Newcastle fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
It's quite sunny in Newcastle. Vientiane usually receives less sunshine than Newcastle during summer. Vientiane gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Newcastle receives 232 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Newcastle. It's quite rainy in Vientiane. In July, Vientiane usually receives more rain than Newcastlein January. Vientiane gets 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain, while Newcastle receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryVientiane 30°C (85°F)Newcastle 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Newcastle in the Autumn?
Both Newcastle 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. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Newcastle because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.
Vientiane is a little warmer than Newcastle in the autumn. The daily temperature in Vientiane averages around 28°C (83°F) in October, and Newcastle fluctuates around 19°C (67°F)in April.
It's quite sunny in Vientiane. In the autumn, Vientiane often gets more sunshine than Newcastlein April. Vientiane gets 222 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Newcastle receives 199 hours of full sun.
Newcastle gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Vientiane usually gets less rain in October than Newcastlein April. Vientiane gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Newcastle receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilVientiane 28°C (83°F)Newcastle 19°C (67°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Newcastle in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Vientiane and Newcastle. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vientiane year-round. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Newcastle this time of year.
In the winter, Vientiane is much warmer than Newcastle. Typically, the winter temperatures in Vientiane in January average around 24°C (75°F), and Newcastle averages at about 13°C (55°F)in July.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Newcastle this time of the year. In Vientiane, it's very sunny this time of the year. Vientiane usually receives more sunshine than Newcastle during winter. Vientiane gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Newcastle receives 206 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Vientiane usually receives less rain than Newcastlein July. Vientiane gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Newcastle receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyVientiane 24°C (75°F)Newcastle 13°C (55°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Newcastle in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Vientiane as well as Newcastle. Vientiane attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Newcastle for the beaches and the activities around the city.
Vientiane can become quite hot in the spring. In April, Vientiane is generally much warmer than Newcastlein October. Daily temperatures in Vientiane average around 31°C (88°F), and Newcastle fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Newcastle. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vientiane this time of the year. In the spring, Vientiane often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Newcastlein October. Vientiane gets 230 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Newcastle receives 237 hours of full sun.
Vientiane usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Newcastlein October. Vientiane gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Newcastle receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberVientiane 31°C (88°F)Newcastle 18°C (64°F)
Typical Weather for Newcastle and Vientiane
| Vientiane | Newcastle | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (85°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 21°C (71°F) | 124 mm (4.9 in) |
| Apr | 31°C (88°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) |
| May | 30°C (87°F) | 255 mm (10 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 102 mm (4 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (86°F) | 273 mm (10.7 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (85°F) | 266 mm (10.5 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 323 mm (12.7 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (84°F) | 295 mm (11.6 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (83°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (74°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 82 mm (3.2 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.