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

Should you visit Vientiane or Sarajevo?

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

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

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.

Sarajevo

Sarajevo is the capital city of Bosnia and is one of the most culturally and historically interesting cities to visit in Europe. The city was at the crossroads where the Eastern and Western Roman Empires divided, and the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches divided. Today it is most associated with the Civil War that occurred here between 1992 and 1995. There are still many remnants of the war left, from the cemeteries that dot the countryside to the leftover damage done by bombs. Despite its brutal history, Sarajevo has begun to thrive again, both economically and as a tourist destination.

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 Cultural Tours in Bosnia and Herzegowina, and The Best Budget Tours to Bosnia and Herzegowina.


Which place is cheaper, Sarajevo 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 Sarajevo is $71. 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 Sarajevo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Vientiane $6.00
    Sarajevo $27
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Vientiane $12
    Sarajevo $54
Compare Hotels in Vientiane and Sarajevo

Looking for a hotel in Vientiane or Sarajevo? 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 Sarajevo


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 Sarajevo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Vientiane $2.08
    Sarajevo $7.09
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
  • 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
  • Private Transfer in Laos: $5.00

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Sarajevo

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Sarajevo:


  • Tram Tickets (for 2)
    $1.65

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sarajevo

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

  • One-way Private Airport Transfer to Sarajevo: $15
  • Airport transfer Sarajevo - Bosnia: $16
  • Private Transfer to and from Sarajevo Airport: $25
  • Airport transfers and all other transfers 4 people: $27
  • Sarajevo Airport Private Transfer: $27
  • Airport Transfers Sarajevo for Individual Clients: $27
  • Airport Transfers & Private Tours with Luxury minibus Bosnia: $27
  • Airport Transfers Sarajevo Chauffeur for Individual Clients: $27
  • Airport Transfer in Sarajevo: $27
  • Sarajevo Airport Private Transfers (from/to): $30
  • Private Transfer from Sarajevo Airport (SJJ) to Ilidža: $33
  • Private Transfer from Sarajevo Downtown to Sarajevo Airport (SJJ): $33

Is it cheaper to fly into Vientiane or Sarajevo?

Prices for flights to both Sarajevo 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
    Sarajevo $31

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 Sarajevo

For Sarajevo, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Restaurant Dinner (for 2)
    $12

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sarajevo

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

  • Walking Food Tour with Local Craft Experience: $43
  • Traditional Bosnian Dinner with your Host Family: $44
  • Traditional Bosnian Dinner with Host Family: $54
  • Bosnian Cooking Lessons: $80
  • The 10 Tastings of Sarajevo Private Food Tour : $144

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Vientiane $3.53
    Sarajevo $12

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 Sarajevo

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Sarajevo's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • National Museum (for 2)
    $7.71

Tours and Activities in Sarajevo

For Sarajevo, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Svrzo House Entrance Ticket: $3.29
  • Sarajevo Walking Tour In Small Group: $11
  • SARAJEVO CITY TOUR: $12
  • Konjic City Tour: $12
  • 2 hours Small Group Old Town of Sarajevo Walking Tour with Local Tour Guide: $13
  • Sarajevo Talkie-Walkie Tour: $14
  • Majestic and Relaxed tour of Sarajevo, Baščaršija: $16
  • Grand Walking Tour: $16
  • Sarajevo Grand Walking Tour: $16
  • HISTORY OF ISLAM IN SARAJEVO TOUR: $17
  • Discover Sarajevo Walking Tour with Local Guide: $17
  • Discover Sarajevo Walking Tour with Local Guide: $17

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Vientiane $2.34
    Sarajevo $7.41

Sample the Local Flavors in Sarajevo

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

  • Small-group Wine Tasting Expiriance, with lunch in vineyard: $71


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


Which is Bigger, Vientiane or Sarajevo?

Sarajevo has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Vientiane. When comparing the sizes of Vientiane and Sarajevo, 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 Sarajevo?

Sarajevo 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 Sarajevo in the Summer?

Both Sarajevo and Vientiane during the summer 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 visitors come to Sarajevo in the summer for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Vientiane is a little warmer than Sarajevo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Vientiane in July average around 30°C (85°F), and Sarajevo averages at about 26°C (78°F).

In Sarajevo, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Vientiane often gets less sunshine than Sarajevo. Vientiane gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sarajevo receives 323 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Vientiane. Vientiane usually gets more rain in July than Sarajevo. Vientiane gets 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Vientiane 30°C (85°F) 
    Sarajevo 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Vientiane or Sarajevo in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Vientiane and Sarajevo. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vientiane year-round. Also, most visitors come to Sarajevo for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Vientiane is generally much warmer than Sarajevo. Daily temperatures in Vientiane average around 28°C (83°F), and Sarajevo fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

In Vientiane, it's very sunny this time of the year. Vientiane usually receives more sunshine than Sarajevo during autumn. Vientiane gets 222 hours of sunny skies, while Sarajevo receives 178 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Sarajevo receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Vientiane usually receives less rain than Sarajevo. Vientiane gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Vientiane 28°C (83°F) 
    Sarajevo 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Vientiane or Sarajevo in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Vientiane as well as Sarajevo. Vientiane attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Sarajevo because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Vientiane is much warmer than Sarajevo in the winter. The daily temperature in Vientiane averages around 24°C (75°F) in January, and Sarajevo fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vientiane this time of the year. In the winter, Vientiane often gets more sunshine than Sarajevo. Vientiane gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sarajevo receives 113 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Sarajevo. Vientiane usually gets less rain in January than Sarajevo. Vientiane gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Vientiane 24°C (75°F) 
    Sarajevo 6°C (42°F)

Should I visit Vientiane or Sarajevo in the Spring?

Both Sarajevo and Vientiane are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vientiane throughout the year. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Sarajevo this time of year.

The heat can be very extreme in Vientiane. In the spring, Vientiane is much warmer than Sarajevo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Vientiane in April average around 31°C (88°F), and Sarajevo averages at about 14°C (58°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vientiane. Vientiane usually receives more sunshine than Sarajevo during spring. Vientiane gets 230 hours of sunny skies, while Sarajevo receives 174 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sarajevo. In April, Vientiane usually receives less rain than Sarajevo. Vientiane gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Vientiane 31°C (88°F) 
    Sarajevo 14°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Sarajevo and Vientiane

Vientiane Sarajevo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (75°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 6°C (42°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Feb 26°C (79°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 8°C (46°F) 134 mm (5.3 in)
Mar 29°C (85°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 11°C (51°F) 124 mm (4.9 in)
Apr 31°C (88°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 14°C (58°F) 127 mm (5 in)
May 30°C (87°F) 255 mm (10 in) 19°C (66°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Jun 30°C (86°F) 273 mm (10.7 in) 22°C (72°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Jul 30°C (85°F) 266 mm (10.5 in) 26°C (78°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Aug 29°C (85°F) 323 mm (12.7 in) 26°C (78°F) 65 mm (2.5 in)
Sep 29°C (84°F) 295 mm (11.6 in) 22°C (71°F) 109 mm (4.3 in)
Oct 28°C (83°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 17°C (62°F) 153 mm (6 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 11°C (52°F) 203 mm (8 in)
Dec 24°C (74°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 7°C (45°F) 196 mm (7.7 in)