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

Should you visit Vientiane or Noosa Heads?

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

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

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.

Noosa Heads

A town and suburb located on Queensland, Australia's Sunshine Coast, Noosa is best known as a destination of pleasant weather, beautiful beachside scenery, shopping, dining, and outdoor adventure. Some of the top attractions of the area include Noosa National Park and Sunshine Beach.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in Laos, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Laos, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Australia, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Noosa Heads or Vientiane?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Vientiane Prices
    Laos Prices
    Noosa Heads Prices
    Australia Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Vientiane $24
    Noosa Heads $135

The average daily cost (per person) in Vientiane is $24, while the average daily cost in Noosa Heads is $135. 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 Noosa Heads in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Vientiane $8.45
    Noosa Heads $58
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Vientiane $17
    Noosa Heads $116
Compare Hotels in Vientiane and Noosa Heads

Looking for a hotel in Vientiane or Noosa Heads? 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 Noosa Heads


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 Noosa Heads Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Vientiane $2.01
    Noosa Heads $17
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Vientiane

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Vientiane are as follows:


  • Tuk Tuk Ride
    $4.15

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: $20
  • Vientian Private Airport Transfer - Wattay Airport: $15
  • Vientiane Private Transfer: Wattay Airport -Hotel-Railway Station: $9.90

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Noosa Heads

Also for Noosa Heads, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Eumundi Markets Bus Transfer: Mooloolaba Sunshine Coast & Noosa : $32
  • Australia Zoo Transfer from Noosa and Sunshine Coast: $91
  • Private Morning Transfer From Noosa to Rainbow Beach: $91
  • Private Transfers from Sunshine Coast Airport to Noosa (2pax): $97
  • Private Transfer from Sunshine Coast Airport to Hotels 11 pax: $238
  • Private Transfer from Sunshine Coast Airport to Hotels 13 pax: $262

Is it cheaper to fly into Vientiane or Noosa Heads?

Prices for flights to both Noosa Heads 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 $12
    Noosa Heads $58

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Vientiane

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Vientiane.

  • Vientiane classic Food tour ( Included Food ): $78
  • Night Market, Dinner, and Nightclub: $90
  • Vientiane Private Lao Cooking Class with Market Tour and Lunch: $95
  • Vientiane Private Lao Cooking Class with Market Tour: $122
  • Cooking Class Garden House: $335

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Noosa Heads

For Noosa Heads, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Cooking Classes on Witta Maleny Sunshine Coast: $121

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Vientiane $3.80
    Noosa Heads $40

Tours and Activities in Vientiane

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Vientiane are as follows:

  • Vientiane Cultural Tour with Private Guide: $110
  • 1-Day Tour to Vang Vieng with Private Guide: $200
  • 1-Day Vientiane City Adventure: Top Sights & Hidden Gems: $110
  • From Plain of Jars Tour & Homestay: $1,650
  • From Vang Vieng 2-Day Tour with Blue Lagoon: $443
  • From Vang Vieng Tour with Cave Kayak & Zipline: $113
  • Guided Vientiane City and Buddha Park Full-Day Tour: $99
  • Half Day Private Tour in City Highlights: $120
  • Half-Day Vientiane City Bike Tour: $90
  • Lao Arts Museum & City Highlights Tour with Lunch: $122
  • Laos Railway Tickets Easily: Avoid Long Queues & Wasted Time: $30
  • Laos Railway Tickets Online: Skip Long Queues, Avoid Missing: $30

Typical Entertainment Prices in Noosa Heads

For Noosa Heads, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Surf Lesson
    $43
  • Sea Kayak Tour (for 2)
    $85
  • Sunset Cruise (for 2)
    $13

Tours and Activities in Noosa Heads

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Noosa Heads.

  • Noosa Queen Sunset Cruise River: $22
  • 1 Hour Tour Mooloolaba Sunset Cruise: $24
  • The Original 1-Hour Mooloolaba Canal Cruise: $24
  • SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast Aquarium Entrance Ticket: $26
  • Maleny Botanic Gardens Bird Aviary Experience Ticket: $32
  • Sunset Cruise Mooloolaba: $33
  • Aquaduck Sunshine Coast - 1hr Mooloolaba Amphibious Tour: $34
  • The Ginger Factory Play, Taste & Discover Bundle Experience: $36
  • Stillwater Luxury Noosa Sunset Cruise : $37
  • Noosa Stand Up Paddle & Mangrove Tunnel Tour (Self Guided): $39
  • Seafood Lunch Cruise: $46
  • Sunshine Coast Adventure Park TreeTop Challenge: $47

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Vientiane $2.12
    Noosa Heads $10

Sample the Local Flavors in Noosa Heads

Also in Noosa Heads, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Sunshine Coast Bar Crawl Sippin on Sunshine: $15
  • Sunshine Coast Brewery Tour with Lunch: $164
  • Hinterland Cheese & Wine Tasting Tour - with 2 course lunch included: $188


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


Which is Bigger, Vientiane or Noosa Heads?

Vientiane has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Noosa Heads. When comparing the sizes of Vientiane and Noosa Heads, 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 Noosa Heads?

Noosa Heads 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 Noosa Heads in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Vientiane as well as Noosa Heads. Vientiane attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Noosa Heads for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Vientiane is much warmer than Noosa Heads. Typically, the summer temperatures in Vientiane in July average around 30°C (85°F), and Noosa Heads averages at about 20°C (67°F)in January.

It's quite rainy in Noosa Heads. Vientiane receives a lot of rain in the summer. Vientiane usually gets more rain in July than Noosa Headsin January. Vientiane gets 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain, while Noosa Heads receives 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Vientiane 30°C (85°F) 
    Noosa Heads 20°C (67°F)

Should I visit Vientiane or Noosa Heads in the Autumn?

Both Noosa Heads and Vientiane are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vientiane throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Noosa Heads in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Vientiane is generally much warmer than Noosa Headsin April. Daily temperatures in Vientiane average around 28°C (83°F), and Noosa Heads fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

In October, Vientiane usually receives more rain than Noosa Headsin April. Vientiane gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Noosa Heads receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Vientiane 28°C (83°F) 
    Noosa Heads 14°C (58°F)

Should I visit Vientiane or Noosa Heads in the Winter?

Both Noosa Heads 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. Also, most visitors come to Noosa Heads for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Vientiane is much warmer than Noosa Heads in the winter. The daily temperature in Vientiane averages around 24°C (75°F) in January, and Noosa Heads fluctuates around 7°C (44°F)in July.

Vientiane usually gets less rain in January than Noosa Headsin July. Vientiane gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Noosa Heads receives 57 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Vientiane 24°C (75°F) 
    Noosa Heads 7°C (44°F)

Should I visit Vientiane or Noosa Heads in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Vientiane and Noosa Heads. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vientiane year-round. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Noosa Heads because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

The heat can be very extreme in Vientiane. In the spring, Vientiane is much warmer than Noosa Heads. Typically, the spring temperatures in Vientiane in April average around 31°C (88°F), and Noosa Heads averages at about 14°C (57°F)in October.

In April, Vientiane usually receives more rain than Noosa Headsin October. Vientiane gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Noosa Heads receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Vientiane 31°C (88°F) 
    Noosa Heads 14°C (57°F)

Typical Weather for Noosa Heads and Vientiane

Vientiane Noosa Heads
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (75°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 20°C (67°F) 109 mm (4.3 in)
Feb 26°C (79°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 19°C (67°F) 88 mm (3.5 in)
Mar 29°C (85°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 31°C (88°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 14°C (58°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
May 30°C (87°F) 255 mm (10 in) 11°C (52°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 30°C (86°F) 273 mm (10.7 in) 8°C (46°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Jul 30°C (85°F) 266 mm (10.5 in) 7°C (44°F) 57 mm (2.3 in)
Aug 29°C (85°F) 323 mm (12.7 in) 8°C (46°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Sep 29°C (84°F) 295 mm (11.6 in) 11°C (51°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 28°C (83°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 14°C (57°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 16°C (61°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Dec 24°C (74°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 19°C (66°F) 117 mm (4.6 in)