Which place is cheaper, Shenzhen or Vientiane?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Vientiane or Shenzhen?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Vientiane or Shenzhen, 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 Shenzhen?
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.
Shenzhen
Located in the Guangdong Province of southeastern China, Shenzhen is a metropolis that connects Hong Kong to China's mainland. It is one of China's most populous cities, inhabited by vast array of people from other Chinese regions. It is perhaps best known for it shopping, collection of amusement parks, green parks, museums and galleries, and a few historic sites. It is on UNESCO's Creative Cities list.
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 Sightseeing Tours in China, and The Best Cultural Tours in China.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVientiane $15Shenzhen $123
The average daily cost (per person) in Vientiane is $15, while the average daily cost in Shenzhen is $123. 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 Shenzhen in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVientiane $6.01Shenzhen $89
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVientiane $12Shenzhen $178
Compare Hotels in Vientiane and Shenzhen
Looking for a hotel in Vientiane or Shenzhen? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Vientiane $2.08Shenzhen $15
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:
- 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
- Vientiane - Hanoi Sleeping Bus Transfer : $63
- Vientian Private Airport Transfer - Wattay Airport: $15
- Private Transfer in Laos: $5.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Shenzhen
Also for Shenzhen, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Departure Transfer: City Hotel to Shenzhen Shekou Ferry Terminal: $29
- Private Departure Transfer:Shenzhen City Hotel to Any Shenzhen Railway Station : $29
- Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) Private Transfer: $30
- [Airport Transfer] Shenzhen Airport 送 迎 Shenzhen City Transfer High reputation for service! : $32
- Kai Tak Cruise Terminal to Hong Kong City - Arrival Private Transfer : $36
- Private Transfer from Kai Tak Cruise Terminal to Hong Kong Hotels: $36
- Private Transfer from Shekou Cruise Port to Shenzhen city hotels: $41
- Private Transfer from Shekou Cruise Port to Shenzhen Airport(SZX): $41
- Private Transfer from Shenzhen Int Airport (SZX) to Shekou Port: $41
- Private Transfer from Shenzhen city hotels to Shekou Cruise Port: $42
- Private Transfer - Kai Tak Cruise Port to Hong Kong Airport (HKG): $45
- Private Transfer - Hong Kong Airport (HKG) to Kai Tak Cruise Port: $45
Is it cheaper to fly into Vientiane or Shenzhen?
Prices for flights to both Shenzhen 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 $6.32Shenzhen $20
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 Shenzhen
For Shenzhen, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Vegetarian Food Tour: $77
- Wet market tour & cooking class with local mum: $90
- Hong Kong Food Tour: Sham Shui Po District: $108
- Hong Kong Food Tour: Central and Sheung Wan Districts: $108
- Secret Food Tour With the Locals in Tin Hau Hong Kong w/ Private Tour Option: $109
- Traditional Chinese Pun Choi cooking class in Hong Kong: $112
- Hong Kong Food Tour with a Local: A Feast for Foodies 100% Personalized: $160
- Kowloon Street Food Tour with a Local: 100% Personalized & Private: $160
- The 10 Tastings of Hong Kong With Locals: Private Street Food Tour : $161
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Vientiane $3.54Shenzhen $17
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: $62
- 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 Shenzhen
For Shenzhen, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Skip the Line! Walk to the Peak: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.34
- Victoria Peak: Climb to the summit via the Mid-Levels escalato on an audio tour: $5.40
- Yau Ma Tei: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in the Heart of Kowloon: $5.40
- Hong Kong Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
- Hong Kong Airport Express E-Ticket : $14
- Hong Kong Airport Express Train Tickets(Avoid Heavy Traffic): $15
- Lovely Hong Kong Self-Guided Audio Tour: $16
- Walking Tour in Hong Kong - Local Experience (New & Best) : $17
- [Entry After 6pm] sky100 Min. 2pax Ticket Offer (F-II_2P): $17
- TramOramic Sightseeing Tour plus 2-Day Tramways Ticket: $23
- sky100 Hong Kong Observation Deck Tickets: $23
- Dukling Boat Tour in Victoria Harbour: $25
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVientiane $2.35Shenzhen $19
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vientiane and Shenzhen, we can see that Shenzhen 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 Shenzhen would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Shenzhen 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 Shenzhen Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Vientiane or Shenzhen?
Shenzhen has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Vientiane. When comparing the sizes of Vientiane and Shenzhen, 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 Shenzhen?
Shenzhen 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 Shenzhen in the Summer?
Both Shenzhen 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.
In July, Vientiane is generally around the same temperature as Shenzhen. Daily temperatures in Vientiane average around 30°C (85°F), and Shenzhen fluctuates around 30°C (85°F).
In Shenzhen, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Vientiane often gets less sunshine than Shenzhen. Vientiane gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shenzhen receives 231 hours of full sun.
Shenzhen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Vientiane. Vientiane usually gets less rain in July than Shenzhen. Vientiane gets 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain, while Shenzhen receives 323 mm (12.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyVientiane 30°C (85°F)Shenzhen 30°C (85°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Shenzhen in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Vientiane and Shenzhen. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vientiane year-round.
Vientiane is a little warmer than Shenzhen in the autumn. The daily temperature in Vientiane averages around 28°C (83°F) in October, and Shenzhen fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).
In Vientiane, it's very sunny this time of the year. Vientiane usually receives more sunshine than Shenzhen during autumn. Vientiane gets 222 hours of sunny skies, while Shenzhen receives 190 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Shenzhen receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Vientiane usually receives less rain than Shenzhen. Vientiane gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Shenzhen receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberVientiane 28°C (83°F)Shenzhen 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Shenzhen in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Vientiane as well as Shenzhen. Vientiane attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the winter, Vientiane is much warmer than Shenzhen. Typically, the winter temperatures in Vientiane in January average around 24°C (75°F), and Shenzhen averages at about 16°C (60°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 Shenzhen. Vientiane gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shenzhen receives 140 hours of full sun.
Vientiane usually gets less rain in January than Shenzhen. Vientiane gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Shenzhen receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryVientiane 24°C (75°F)Shenzhen 16°C (60°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Shenzhen in the Spring?
Both Shenzhen and Vientiane are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vientiane throughout the year.
Vientiane can become quite hot in the spring. In April, Vientiane is generally a little warmer than Shenzhen. Daily temperatures in Vientiane average around 31°C (88°F), and Shenzhen fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vientiane. Vientiane usually receives more sunshine than Shenzhen during spring. Vientiane gets 230 hours of sunny skies, while Shenzhen receives 95 hours of full sun in the spring.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Shenzhen. In April, Vientiane usually receives less rain than Shenzhen. Vientiane gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Shenzhen receives 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilVientiane 31°C (88°F)Shenzhen 23°C (73°F)
Typical Weather for Shenzhen and Vientiane
| Vientiane | Shenzhen | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (85°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Apr | 31°C (88°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 154 mm (6.1 in) |
| May | 30°C (87°F) | 255 mm (10 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 325 mm (12.8 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (86°F) | 273 mm (10.7 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 382 mm (15 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (85°F) | 266 mm (10.5 in) | 30°C (85°F) | 323 mm (12.7 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 323 mm (12.7 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 393 mm (15.5 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (84°F) | 295 mm (11.6 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 300 mm (11.8 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (83°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (74°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 27 mm (1.1 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.