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

Should you visit Vientiane or Rotterdam?

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

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

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.

Rotterdam

Rotterdam is the second largest city in the Netherlands and has the largest port in Europe. It's famously known as a city of architecture. In a few square kilometers of the city center you can get a complete overview of twentieth century architecture within Rotterdam.

Rotterdam is a very diverse, international, and hard working city. Nearly half of the city's population is not native to the Netherlands or have at least one parent from outside the country. Muslim's make up a significant portion of the population. Other area's represented include Cape Verde and the Dutch Antilles.

There's an air of optimism that permeates the entire city. There are frequent events, festivals and performances, making Rotterdam an enjoyable place to spend some time. Water is also an integral part of the city design.

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 River Cruises from Amsterdam, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Netherlands.


Which place is cheaper, Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam is $162. 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 Rotterdam in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Vientiane $6.00
    Rotterdam $82
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Vientiane $12
    Rotterdam $164
Compare Hotels in Vientiane and Rotterdam

Looking for a hotel in Vientiane or Rotterdam? 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 Rotterdam


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 Rotterdam Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Vientiane $2.08
    Rotterdam $28
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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rotterdam

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

  • Rotterdam Airport (RTM) to Rotterdam - Arrival Private Transfer: $38
  • Private Transfer from Rotterdam hotels to Rotterdam Cruise Port : $38
  • Private Transfer from Rotterdam Cruise Port to Rotterdam hotels: $38
  • Private Transfer from Rotterdam Port to Rotterdam Airport (RTM): $38
  • Rotterdam to Rotterdam Airport (RTM) - Departure Private Transfer: $38
  • Private Transfer from Rotterdam Cruise Port to Rotterdam hotels: $60
  • Private Transfer from Rotterdam Airport (RTM) to IJmuiden Port: $61
  • Private Transfer from Rotterdam hotels to Rotterdam Cruise Port: $61
  • Private Transfer from Rotterdam Port to Amsterdam Airport (AMS): $66
  • Rotterdam Airport RTM Private Transfer to Rotterdam in Sedan Car: $77
  • Rotterdam Private Transfer to Rotterdam Airport RTM in Sedan Car: $81
  • Rotterdam Airport RTM Private Transfer to Rotterdam by Luxury Van: $83

Is it cheaper to fly into Vientiane or Rotterdam?

Prices for flights to both Rotterdam 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
    Rotterdam $58

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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rotterdam

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

  • Self-Guided Rotterdam BiteMe Food Tour: $43
  • 4-Hour Food Tour - Self-guided: $48
  • Guided Food Tour: $80
  • Guided Walking Food Tour: $85
  • Biking Rotterdam Food Tour with Local Guide: $86
  • Walking Rotterdam Food Tour: $86
  • WALKING DINNER ROTTERDAM | 3 courses + 3 drinks and a lot of fun: $87
  • Food Tour by Bike: $91
  • Private Walking Food Tour of Rotterdam: $120
  • Rotterdam Walking Dutch Food Tour: $153
  • Rotterdam Private 2-Hour Food Tour with Tastings: $161
  • Private Multicultural Bike Food Tour: $274

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Vientiane $3.53
    Rotterdam $34

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

Tours and Activities in Rotterdam

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

  • Hightlights City Centre Walking Tour: $1.08
  • 2 hour Guided Walking Tour Rotterdam: $3.23
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.23
  • Rotterdam Spanish Tour 2 Hours: $3.27
  • Rotterdam Walking Tour in 2 Hours : $3.27
  • Escape Game and Tour: $4.31
  • Rotterdam Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.56
  • Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $7.00
  • Breda: Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $7.29
  • Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $7.29
  • Dordrecht: Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $7.31
  • Rotterdam Walking Audio Tour on Your Phone (ENG): $7.65

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Vientiane $2.34
    Rotterdam $20

Sample the Local Flavors in Rotterdam

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Rotterdam:

  • Beer Brewery Noordt Tastings with Optional Tour: $8.07
  • Heineken Building former brewery | Guided Tour: $8.07
  • Stadshaven Brewery Tour with Beer Tastings: $12


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


Which is Bigger, Vientiane or Rotterdam?

Rotterdam has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Vientiane. When comparing the sizes of Vientiane and Rotterdam, 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 Rotterdam?

Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Vientiane as well as Rotterdam. Vientiane attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Rotterdam in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Vientiane is generally much warmer than Rotterdam. Daily temperatures in Vientiane average around 30°C (85°F), and Rotterdam fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Rotterdam. In the summer, Vientiane often gets less sunshine than Rotterdam. Vientiane gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rotterdam receives 202 hours of full sun.

Vientiane receives a lot of rain in the summer. Vientiane usually gets more rain in July than Rotterdam. Vientiane gets 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Vientiane 30°C (85°F) 
    Rotterdam 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Vientiane or Rotterdam in the Autumn?

Both Rotterdam 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, most visitors come to Rotterdam for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

Vientiane is much warmer than Rotterdam in the autumn. The daily temperature in Vientiane averages around 28°C (83°F) in October, and Rotterdam fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vientiane. Vientiane usually receives more sunshine than Rotterdam during autumn. Vientiane gets 222 hours of sunny skies, while Rotterdam receives 105 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Vientiane usually receives more rain than Rotterdam. Vientiane gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Vientiane 28°C (83°F) 
    Rotterdam 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Vientiane or Rotterdam in the Winter?

Both Rotterdam 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 winter months attract visitors to Rotterdam because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Rotterdam can be very cold. In the winter, Vientiane is much warmer than Rotterdam. Typically, the winter temperatures in Vientiane in January average around 24°C (75°F), and Rotterdam averages at about 2°C (36°F).

It's quite sunny in Vientiane. In the winter, Vientiane often gets more sunshine than Rotterdam. Vientiane gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rotterdam receives 47 hours of full sun.

Vientiane usually gets less rain in January than Rotterdam. Vientiane gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Vientiane 24°C (75°F) 
    Rotterdam 2°C (36°F)

Should I visit Vientiane or Rotterdam in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Vientiane and Rotterdam. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vientiane year-round. Furthermore, the activities around the city are the main draw to Rotterdam this time of year.

Vientiane can become quite hot in the spring. In April, Vientiane is generally much warmer than Rotterdam. Daily temperatures in Vientiane average around 31°C (88°F), and Rotterdam fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

In Vientiane, it's very sunny this time of the year. Vientiane usually receives more sunshine than Rotterdam during spring. Vientiane gets 230 hours of sunny skies, while Rotterdam receives 158 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Vientiane usually receives more rain than Rotterdam. Vientiane gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Vientiane 31°C (88°F) 
    Rotterdam 8°C (46°F)

Typical Weather for Rotterdam and Vientiane

Vientiane Rotterdam
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (75°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 2°C (36°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Feb 26°C (79°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 3°C (37°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 29°C (85°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Apr 31°C (88°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 8°C (46°F) 52 mm (2 in)
May 30°C (87°F) 255 mm (10 in) 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 30°C (86°F) 273 mm (10.7 in) 15°C (59°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Jul 30°C (85°F) 266 mm (10.5 in) 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Aug 29°C (85°F) 323 mm (12.7 in) 17°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 29°C (84°F) 295 mm (11.6 in) 14°C (57°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 28°C (83°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 11°C (51°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 6°C (43°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 24°C (74°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 3°C (38°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)