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

Should you visit Vientiane or Paris?

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

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

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.

Paris

Paris is a dream destination for many people. It's location on the river Seine contributes to its stunning beauty and you can spend many days wandering through its wonderfully diverse neighborhoods. It's known as a city of culture, fashion, food and fun. There is never a shortage of entertainment and activities around town and a highlight of many people's trips to Paris is to explore the city at night, when it truly comes to life. It is not hard to see why this city has received the nickname as the "City of Lights."

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 Historical Tours in France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Paris 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 Paris is $249. 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 Paris in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Vientiane $6.00
    Paris $162
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Vientiane $12
    Paris $324
Compare Hotels in Vientiane and Paris

Looking for a hotel in Vientiane or Paris? 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 Paris


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 Paris Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Vientiane $2.08
    Paris $23
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Vientiane

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


  • Tuk Tuk Ride
    $4.23

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vientiane

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Vientiane:

  • 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

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Paris

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


  • Metro
    $6.86
  • Train from Airport
    $9.64
  • Metro tickets
    $7.29
  • Train
    $21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Paris

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

  • Private round trip transfer from/to Paris airports: $3.26
  • Private transfer from/to CDG, ORLY airports <=> DISNEYLAND: $3.28
  • Private round trip transfer from/to PARIS <=> DISNEYLAND: $3.28
  • Transfer from/to PARIS<=>NORMANDY (DEAUVILLE, MONT ST MICHEL): $3.28
  • Private transfer from Charles de Gaulle or Orly Airport to Disneyland: $11
  • Private Transfer from Disneyland Paris to Charles de Gaulle or Orly Airports: $11
  • Private One-Way Transfer: City of Paris: $12
  • Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport Private Departure Transfer: $13
  • Transfer CDG Airport -> Hôtel: $15
  • Paris Airport (CDG): Hotel Transfer from Paris or Roissy: $15
  • Private transfer: Orly Airport to Paris: $16
  • Paris Private Transfer Disneyland: $16

Is it cheaper to fly into Vientiane or Paris?

Prices for flights to both Paris 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 $6.30
    Paris $44

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

Typical Food Prices in Paris

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Paris:


  • Ice Cream
    $8.57
  • Breakfast
    $7.50
  • Breakfast for 2
    $32
  • Dinner on River Cruise
    $92
  • Dinner
    $61
  • Cheese
    $14

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Paris

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

  • 1h30 Cooking Activity in English: $22
  • Hard Rock Cafe Paris with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner : $33
  • Authentic Indian Dinner in Paris : $49
  • Paris Capitaine Fracasse 3 Course Seine River Dinner Cruise: $52
  • Paris : Seine River Bistronomic Dinner Cruise: $53
  • Seine Cruise Departure from Pont Alexandre III with Dinner Included: $64
  • Seine River Panoramic Views Dinner Cruise: $67
  • Eat, play, love Montmartre: 3H Walking Food Tour -Kids friendly-: $68
  • No Diet Club - Paris : Night food tour - Montmartre: $68
  • Paris en Scene 3 Course Seine River Dinner Cruise: $68
  • 1-Hour Sightseeing Cruise with Bistro Dinner: $68
  • Le Marais Guided Food Tour with Tastings: $69

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Vientiane $3.53
    Paris $83

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: $61
  • 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

Typical Entertainment Prices in Paris

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


  • Louvre Entry for Two
    $19
  • Admission to Pantheon
    $5.36
  • Catacombs (2)
    $25

Tours and Activities in Paris

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

  • Free Walking Tour of Montmartre: $2.15
  • Montmartre Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt Tour: $3.23
  • Montmartre Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $3.26
  • Self Guided Tours in Paris with 100 Captivating Audio Stories: $3.28
  • Marais Walk Self Guided Audio Tour: $4.36
  • Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Tour: $5.38
  • Père-Lachaise Cemetery audio guide tour: $5.38
  • Paris, Arc de Triomphe: tour with audio guide: $5.38
  • Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Paris: $5.45
  • Self-Guided Tour - Père Lachaise Cemetery Audioguide, Paris: $5.46
  • Paris Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $5.46
  • Self-Guided Tour - Louvre Audioguide, Paris: $5.46

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Vientiane $2.34
    Paris $26

Typical Alcohol Prices in Paris

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Paris are as follows:


  • Wine
    $15

Sample the Local Flavors in Paris

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Paris:

  • Daily Paris Pub Crawl : Meet, Drink & Party: $11
  • Original Pub Crawl: $16
  • Daily Paris Pub Crawl : Meet, Drink & Party: $20
  • Latin Quarter Guided Pub Crawl to Bars and Clubs: $22
  • Paris Bar Crawl: $24
  • Paris Pub Crawl: $25
  • Audio guided tour and wine tasting at Caves du Louvre: $32
  • Paris Craft gin distillery guided Tour & Tasting in French: $32
  • Wine Museum Guided Tour with Wine Tasting: $39
  • Guided Visit and Wine Tasting in a Royal Wine Cellar in Paris: $39
  • Vineyard tour and wine tasting in Davron: $43
  • Paris St Germain Wine Tasting: $43


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


Which is Bigger, Vientiane or Paris?

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

Paris 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 Paris in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Vientiane as well as Paris. Vientiane attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Paris for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Vientiane is a little warmer than Paris in the summer. The daily temperature in Vientiane averages around 30°C (85°F) in July, and Paris fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Paris. In the summer, Vientiane often gets less sunshine than Paris. Vientiane gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Paris receives 241 hours of full sun.

Vientiane receives a lot of rain in the summer. Vientiane usually gets more rain in July than Paris. Vientiane gets 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain, while Paris receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Vientiane 30°C (85°F) 
    Paris 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Vientiane or Paris in the Autumn?

Both Paris 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, the autumn months attract visitors to Paris because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Vientiane is much warmer than Paris. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Vientiane in October average around 28°C (83°F), and Paris averages at about 13°C (56°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vientiane. Vientiane usually receives more sunshine than Paris during autumn. Vientiane gets 222 hours of sunny skies, while Paris receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Vientiane usually receives more rain than Paris. Vientiane gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Paris receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Vientiane 28°C (83°F) 
    Paris 13°C (56°F)

Should I visit Vientiane or Paris in the Winter?

Both Paris 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. Furthermore, the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Paris this time of year.

It's quite cold in Paris in the winter. In January, Vientiane is generally much warmer than Paris. Daily temperatures in Vientiane average around 24°C (75°F), and Paris fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

It's quite sunny in Vientiane. In the winter, Vientiane often gets more sunshine than Paris. Vientiane gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Paris receives 62 hours of full sun.

Vientiane usually gets less rain in January than Paris. Vientiane gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Paris receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Vientiane 24°C (75°F) 
    Paris 5°C (40°F)

Should I visit Vientiane or Paris in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Vientiane and Paris. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vientiane year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Paris for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

It's very hot in Vientiane this time of the year. Vientiane is much warmer than Paris in the spring. The daily temperature in Vientiane averages around 31°C (88°F) in April, and Paris fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In Vientiane, it's very sunny this time of the year. Vientiane usually receives more sunshine than Paris during spring. Vientiane gets 230 hours of sunny skies, while Paris receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Vientiane usually receives more rain than Paris. Vientiane gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Paris receives 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Vientiane 31°C (88°F) 
    Paris 11°C (52°F)

Typical Weather for Paris and Vientiane

Vientiane Paris
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (75°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 5°C (40°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Feb 26°C (79°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 6°C (42°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 29°C (85°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 8°C (47°F) 52 mm (2.1 in)
Apr 31°C (88°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 11°C (52°F) 50 mm (1.9 in)
May 30°C (87°F) 255 mm (10 in) 15°C (59°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 30°C (86°F) 273 mm (10.7 in) 18°C (64°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Jul 30°C (85°F) 266 mm (10.5 in) 20°C (68°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Aug 29°C (85°F) 323 mm (12.7 in) 20°C (67°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 29°C (84°F) 295 mm (11.6 in) 17°C (63°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Oct 28°C (83°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 13°C (56°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 8°C (47°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Dec 24°C (74°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 5°C (42°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)