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

Should you visit Vientiane or Shijiazhuang?

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

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

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.

Shijiazhuang

Shijiazhuang is the capital city of Hebei Province in China. It is a fairly young city, acting as the regional transport hub and economic center, though there are a few sights worth seeing. The city is also the largest pharmaceutical hub in China, as well as an important center for textile, IT, manufacturing, and chemical industries.

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 Historical Tours in China, and The Best 10-Day Tours in China.


Which place is cheaper, Shijiazhuang 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 Shijiazhuang is $77. 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 Shijiazhuang in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Vientiane $6.01
    Shijiazhuang $44
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Vientiane $12
    Shijiazhuang $88
Compare Hotels in Vientiane and Shijiazhuang

Looking for a hotel in Vientiane or Shijiazhuang? 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 Shijiazhuang


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
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Vientiane $2.08
    Shijiazhuang $27
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Vientiane

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Vientiane are as follows:


  • 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
  • Vientian Private Airport Transfer - Wattay Airport: $15
  • Vientiane - Hanoi Sleeping Bus Transfer : $63
  • Vientiane Airport Transfer: Wattay airport to hotel - Private transfer: $15
  • Vientiane Private Airport and Hotel Transfers: $9.00
  • Wattay Airport (VTE): Private Transfer to/from Vientiane: $29

Is it cheaper to fly into Vientiane or Shijiazhuang?

Prices for flights to both Shijiazhuang 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 $6.32
    Shijiazhuang $18

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Vientiane $3.54
    Shijiazhuang $4.34

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Vientiane $2.35
    Shijiazhuang $5.13


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


Which is Bigger, Vientiane or Shijiazhuang?

Shijiazhuang has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Vientiane. When comparing the sizes of Vientiane and Shijiazhuang, 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 Shijiazhuang?

Shijiazhuang 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 Shijiazhuang in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Vientiane and Shijiazhuang. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vientiane year-round.

In the summer, Vientiane is around the same temperature as Shijiazhuang. Typically, the summer temperatures in Vientiane in July average around 30°C (85°F), and Shijiazhuang averages at about 27°C (81°F).

Shijiazhuang 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 Shijiazhuang. Vientiane gets 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain, while Shijiazhuang receives 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Vientiane 30°C (85°F) 
    Shijiazhuang 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Vientiane or Shijiazhuang in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Vientiane as well as Shijiazhuang. Vientiane attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In October, Vientiane is generally much warmer than Shijiazhuang. Daily temperatures in Vientiane average around 28°C (83°F), and Shijiazhuang fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

Vientiane usually gets more rain in October than Shijiazhuang. Vientiane gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Shijiazhuang receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Vientiane 28°C (83°F) 
    Shijiazhuang 15°C (59°F)

Should I visit Vientiane or Shijiazhuang in the Winter?

Both Shijiazhuang and Vientiane are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vientiane throughout the year.

Shijiazhuang can be very cold during winter. Vientiane is much warmer than Shijiazhuang in the winter. The daily temperature in Vientiane averages around 24°C (75°F) in January, and Shijiazhuang fluctuates around -2°C (29°F).

In January, Vientiane usually receives more rain than Shijiazhuang. Vientiane gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Shijiazhuang receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Vientiane 24°C (75°F) 
    Shijiazhuang -2°C (29°F)

Should I visit Vientiane or Shijiazhuang in the Spring?

Both Shijiazhuang 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.

The heat can be very extreme in Vientiane. In the spring, Vientiane is much warmer than Shijiazhuang. Typically, the spring temperatures in Vientiane in April average around 31°C (88°F), and Shijiazhuang averages at about 15°C (60°F).

Vientiane usually gets more rain in April than Shijiazhuang. Vientiane gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Shijiazhuang receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Vientiane 31°C (88°F) 
    Shijiazhuang 15°C (60°F)

Typical Weather for Shijiazhuang and Vientiane

Vientiane Shijiazhuang
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (75°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) -2°C (29°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Feb 26°C (79°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 1°C (33°F) 9 mm (0.3 in)
Mar 29°C (85°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 12 mm (0.5 in)
Apr 31°C (88°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 15°C (60°F) 23 mm (0.9 in)
May 30°C (87°F) 255 mm (10 in) 21°C (71°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Jun 30°C (86°F) 273 mm (10.7 in) 26°C (79°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jul 30°C (85°F) 266 mm (10.5 in) 27°C (81°F) 137 mm (5.4 in)
Aug 29°C (85°F) 323 mm (12.7 in) 26°C (79°F) 156 mm (6.1 in)
Sep 29°C (84°F) 295 mm (11.6 in) 21°C (70°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Oct 28°C (83°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 15°C (59°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 7°C (45°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Dec 24°C (74°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 1°C (33°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)


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