Which place is cheaper, Playa del Carmen or Vientiane?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Vientiane or Playa del Carmen?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Vientiane or Playa del Carmen, 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 Playa del Carmen?
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.
Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen is in Quintana Roo on the Yucatan Peninsula. It's a popular resort town and is about seventy kilometers south of Cancun. It has a European atmosphere with many small hotels and a nice relaxed feel. It was originally a small fishing town but tourism began with the introduction of a passenger ferry to Cozumel. The area developed rapidly and there are many luxury hotels, condos, and resorts. There are also American chains and a variety of shopping opportunities nearby.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in Laos, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Laos, The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico.
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Vientiane Prices
Laos PricesPlaya del Carmen Prices
Mexico Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVientiane $23Playa del Carmen $95
The average daily cost (per person) in Vientiane is $23, while the average daily cost in Playa del Carmen is $95. 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 Playa del Carmen in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVientiane $8.11Playa del Carmen $38
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVientiane $16Playa del Carmen $76
Compare Hotels in Vientiane and Playa del Carmen
Looking for a hotel in Vientiane or Playa del Carmen? 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 Playa del Carmen Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Vientiane $1.93Playa del Carmen $23
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Vientiane
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Vientiane are as follows:
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Tuk Tuk Ride$3.99
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vientiane
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Vientiane:
- Vientian Private Airport Transfer - Wattay Airport: $15
- Vientiane Private Transfer: Wattay Airport -Hotel-Railway Station: $9.90
- Wattay Airport (VTE): Private Transfer to/from Vientiane: $20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Playa del Carmen
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Playa del Carmen:
- Cancun Airport Departure transfer from Playa Paraiso, Playa del Carmen, Playacar: $28
- One way shared transfer to Chiquila: $34
- CUN Airport One-Way/Round-Trip Transfers to Playa del Carmen: $60
- Chetumal to Chetumal Airport (CTM) - Departure Private Transfer: $63
- From One way shared transfer to Holbox: $69
- Cancun Airport: Private Transfers: From/to Playa del Carmen: $70
- Round trip Private Transfer Cancun- Costa Mujeres/Playa Mujeres: $71
- Private Transfer Playa del Carmen to Cancun Airport CUN by Minivan - Minibus: $75
- Safe Private Transfers from Playa del Carmen to Cancun Airport: $80
- Private Airport Transfers to Costa Mujeres: $80
- Akumal to Cancun - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $82
- Private Transfers to Cancun Airport, from Costa Mujeres: $83
Is it cheaper to fly into Vientiane or Playa del Carmen?
Prices for flights to both Playa del Carmen 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 $12Playa del Carmen $39
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Vientiane
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Vientiane.
- Vientiane Private Lao Cooking Class with Market Tour and Lunch: $70
- Vientiane classic Food tour ( Included Food ): $78
- Night Market, Dinner, and Nightclub: $90
- Small-Group Street Food Tour with Tastings: $91
- Vientiane Private Lao Cooking Class with Market Tour: $122
- Cooking Class Garden House: $335
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Playa del Carmen
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Playa del Carmen.
- Dinner and Show at the Mayan Planetarium of Chichen: $39
- Christmas Eve Dinner in a magical jungle setting: $45
- Carmen Cocina Food Tour with 14+ Tastings: $52
- Cenotes by Bike and Mayan Cooking Class Half-Day Guided Tour: $59
- Flavors of Playa del Carmen, Mexican Food Tour: $67
- Playa Del Carmen Authentic Downtown Food Tour: Tacos and Local Flavors: $75
- Cooking Class in 9 Recipes & Drinks: $77
- Playa del Carmen Food Tour with 8+ Authentic Yucatan Dishes: $81
- Food Tour Through Markets with 7 Tastings: $82
- Playa del Carmen Walking Food Tour: $84
- VIP Private Mystery Dinner Murder in the Jungle: $85
- Steak or Lobster dinner in a magical jungle setting.: $86
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Vientiane $3.65Playa del Carmen $16
Tours and Activities in Vientiane
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Vientiane are as follows:
- Laos’ Leaders and Legends: A Self-Guided tour of Vientiane: $7.99
- The Avenue of a Million Elephants: A Vientiane Self-Guided Tour: $7.99
- Laos Railway Tickets Easily: Avoid Long Queues & Wasted Time: $8.50
- Laos Railway Tickets Online: Skip Long Queues, Avoid Missing: $12
- Art, Culture, & Inspiration Guided Half-Day Tour: $52
- Half-Day City Tour with Patuxai and Buddha Park: $52
- Vientiane Landmarks and Cultural Immersion Tour: $56
- Cultural Tour with Buddha Park and Patuxay: $58
- Vientiane IG tour & Patuxay monument: $59
- Explore Vientiane with Lao Art Museum Tour: $61
- Half-Day City Tour - Morning or Afternoon: $65
- Vientiane Sky Luge and Roller Zipline Experience: $75
Tours and Activities in Playa del Carmen
Here are a few actual costs in Playa del Carmen for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Bus Ticket connecting Cancun Central and Playa del Carmen: $7.20
- Tulum Legends: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of the Ancient Mayan City: $8.99
- Playa del Carmen Coastal Heritage Walking Tour: $18
- 4 ADVENTURES 1 DAY Tulum Coba Cenote and Playa del Carmen: $20
- Riviera Maya: Frida Kahlo Museum Guided Tour 2025: $20
- 4x1 Tulum Coba Cenote swim Full tour: $21
- Tulum and 2 Cenotes Half Day Tour from Riviera: $21
- YAL-KU Park in Riviera Maya Admission Ticket: $22
- Tulum Cancun ATV Tour Experience: $29
- Playa Del Carmen Walking Tour: Explore Top Sights & Hidden Gems: $30
- Chichen Itza Tour Options with Cenote Swim from Playa del Carmen: $31
- Chichen Itza Cenote and Valladolid All Inclusive Tour: $32
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVientiane $2.03Playa del Carmen $20
Sample the Local Flavors in Playa del Carmen
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Playa del Carmen:
- Playa del Carmen Local Brewery and Tacos Experience: $58
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vientiane and Playa del Carmen, we can see that Playa del Carmen 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 Playa del Carmen is in North America, 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 Playa del Carmen would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Playa del Carmen 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 Playa del Carmen Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Vientiane or Playa del Carmen?
Vientiane has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Playa del Carmen. When comparing the sizes of Vientiane and Playa del Carmen, 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 Playa del Carmen?
Playa del Carmen 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 Playa del Carmen in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Vientiane and Playa del Carmen. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vientiane year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Playa del Carmen for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In July, Vientiane is generally around the same temperature as Playa del Carmen. Daily temperatures in Vientiane average around 30°C (85°F), and Playa del Carmen fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Playa del Carmen this time of the year. Vientiane usually receives less sunshine than Playa del Carmen during summer. Vientiane gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Playa del Carmen receives 223 hours of full sun in the summer.
Playa del Carmen receives a lot of rain in the summer. Vientiane gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Vientiane usually receives more rain than Playa del Carmen. Vientiane gets 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain, while Playa del Carmen receives 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyVientiane 30°C (85°F)Playa del Carmen 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Playa del Carmen in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Vientiane as well as Playa del Carmen. Vientiane attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Playa del Carmen because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Vientiane is around the same temperature as Playa del Carmen in the autumn. The daily temperature in Vientiane averages around 28°C (83°F) in October, and Playa del Carmen fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vientiane this time of the year. In the autumn, Vientiane often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Playa del Carmen. Vientiane gets 222 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Playa del Carmen receives 233 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Playa del Carmen. Vientiane usually gets less rain in October than Playa del Carmen. Vientiane gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Playa del Carmen receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to October is the hurricane season in Playa del Carmen.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberVientiane 28°C (83°F)Playa del Carmen 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Playa del Carmen in the Winter?
Both Playa del Carmen and Vientiane are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vientiane throughout the year. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Playa del Carmen this time of year.
In the winter, Vientiane is around the same temperature as Playa del Carmen. Typically, the winter temperatures in Vientiane in January average around 24°C (75°F), and Playa del Carmen averages at about 23°C (73°F).
It's quite sunny in Playa del Carmen. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vientiane. Vientiane usually receives more sunshine than Playa del Carmen during winter. Vientiane gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Playa del Carmen receives 224 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Vientiane usually receives less rain than Playa del Carmen. Vientiane gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Playa del Carmen receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryVientiane 24°C (75°F)Playa del Carmen 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Playa del Carmen in the Spring?
Both Playa del Carmen and Vientiane during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Vientiane because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Playa del Carmen for the beaches and the natural beauty.
Vientiane can become quite hot in the spring. In April, Vientiane is generally a little warmer than Playa del Carmen. Daily temperatures in Vientiane average around 31°C (88°F), and Playa del Carmen fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
In Playa del Carmen, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Vientiane. In the spring, Vientiane often gets less sunshine than Playa del Carmen. Vientiane gets 230 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Playa del Carmen receives 259 hours of full sun.
Vientiane usually gets more rain in April than Playa del Carmen. Vientiane gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Playa del Carmen receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to October in Playa del Carmen is the hurricane season.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilVientiane 31°C (88°F)Playa del Carmen 27°C (81°F)
Typical Weather for Playa del Carmen and Vientiane
| Vientiane | Playa del Carmen | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (85°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Apr | 31°C (88°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| May | 30°C (87°F) | 255 mm (10 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (86°F) | 273 mm (10.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (85°F) | 266 mm (10.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 323 mm (12.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (84°F) | 295 mm (11.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (83°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (74°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 21 mm (0.8 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.