Which place is cheaper, Sandakan or Vientiane?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Vientiane or Sandakan?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Vientiane or Sandakan, 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 Sandakan?
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.
Sandakan
Located on the Northeast side of the state of Sabah in Borneo is the city of Sandakan, which is the 2nd largest city in the country. Sandakan was a prosperous port town in the 1800s because of its exports of tobacco, timber, pearls, and ivory. However, this booming town that was formerly the administrative capital in North Borneo was bombed practically out of existence at the end of World War II.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Laos, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Laos, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Malaysia, and The Best Adventure Tours to Malaysia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVientiane $15Sandakan $58
The average daily cost (per person) in Vientiane is $15, while the average daily cost in Sandakan is $58. 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 Sandakan in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVientiane $6.01Sandakan $20
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVientiane $12Sandakan $40
Compare Hotels in Vientiane and Sandakan
Looking for a hotel in Vientiane or Sandakan? 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 Sandakan Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Vientiane $2.08Sandakan $33
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
Is it cheaper to fly into Vientiane or Sandakan?
Prices for flights to both Sandakan 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 $6.32Sandakan $19
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 Sandakan
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Sandakan.
- Mangrove Cruise with Fireflies Tour Including Dinner from Sandakan: $64
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Vientiane $3.54Sandakan $7.19
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 Sandakan
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Sandakan are as follows:
- Private Tour: Half Day Sandakan City Tour Including Local Lunch: $51
- Borneo Kinabatangan River Cruise Day Trip: $78
- Kinabatangan River Cruise from Sandakan: $90
- Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre & Sepilok Orang Utan Rehab Centre Tour: $105
- Private Full Day Sepilok Orang Utan, Bornean Sun Bear and Rainforest Discovery Center Tour: $125
- Labuk Proboscis, Sepilok, Sun Bear, Sandakan City Tour & Lunch: $138
- Sepilok Orang Utan & Bornean Sun Bear Centre with Sandakan City Tour with Lunch: $191
- Borneo Wildlife Tour 2 Days 1 Night At Tanjung Bulat Jungle Camp Kinabatangan: $197
- Borneo Wildlife Tour 3 Days 2 Nights At Tanjung Bulat Jungle Camp Kinabatangan: $241
- 2D1N Sandakan Private Tour with Kinabatangan River Cruise: $290
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVientiane $2.35Sandakan $6.59
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vientiane and Sandakan, we can see that Sandakan is more expensive. And not only is Vientiane much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Sandakan would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sandakan 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 Sandakan Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Vientiane or Sandakan?
Sandakan has a larger population, and is about 99% larger than the population of Vientiane. When comparing the sizes of Vientiane and Sandakan, 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 Sandakan?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Vientiane or Sandakan in the Summer?
Both Sandakan and Vientiane are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vientiane throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Sandakan because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Sandakan. It's quite rainy in Vientiane. In July, Vientiane usually receives more rain than Sandakan. Vientiane gets 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain, while Sandakan receives 195 mm (7.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
It's quite sunny in Sandakan. Vientiane usually receives less sunshine than Sandakan during summer. Vientiane gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Sandakan receives 221 hours of full sun in the summer.
In the summer, Vientiane is around the same temperature as Sandakan. Typically, the summer temperatures in Vientiane in July average around 30°C (85°F), and Sandakan averages at about 27°C (81°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyVientiane 30°C (85°F)Sandakan 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Sandakan in the Autumn?
Both Sandakan 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Sandakan year-round.
Sandakan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Vientiane usually gets less rain in October than Sandakan. Vientiane gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Sandakan receives 253 mm (10 in) of rain this time of the year.
It's quite sunny in Vientiane. In the autumn, Vientiane often gets more sunshine than Sandakan. Vientiane gets 222 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sandakan receives 191 hours of full sun.
In October, Vientiane is generally around the same temperature as Sandakan. Daily temperatures in Vientiane average around 28°C (83°F), and Sandakan fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberVientiane 28°C (83°F)Sandakan 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Sandakan in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Vientiane and Sandakan. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vientiane year-round. Sandakan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Sandakan receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Vientiane usually receives less rain than Sandakan. Vientiane gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Sandakan receives 437 mm (17.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
In Vientiane, it's very sunny this time of the year. Vientiane usually receives more sunshine than Sandakan during winter. Vientiane gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Sandakan receives 156 hours of full sun in the winter.
Vientiane is cooler than Sandakan in the winter. The daily temperature in Vientiane averages around 24°C (75°F) in January, and Sandakan fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryVientiane 24°C (75°F)Sandakan 26°C (80°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Sandakan in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Vientiane as well as Sandakan. Vientiane attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Sandakan throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Sandakan. Vientiane usually gets less rain in April than Sandakan. Vientiane gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Sandakan receives 107 mm (4.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sandakan. 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 Sandakan. Vientiane gets 230 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sandakan receives 247 hours of full sun.
The heat can be very extreme in Vientiane. In the spring, Vientiane is a little warmer than Sandakan. Typically, the spring temperatures in Vientiane in April average around 31°C (88°F), and Sandakan averages at about 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilVientiane 31°C (88°F)Sandakan 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Sandakan and Vientiane
| Vientiane | Sandakan | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 437 mm (17.2 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 268 mm (10.6 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (85°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) |
| Apr | 31°C (88°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) |
| May | 30°C (87°F) | 255 mm (10 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (86°F) | 273 mm (10.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 200 mm (7.9 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (85°F) | 266 mm (10.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 195 mm (7.7 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 323 mm (12.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 213 mm (8.4 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (84°F) | 295 mm (11.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (83°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 253 mm (10 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 344 mm (13.5 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (74°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 462 mm (18.2 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.