Which place is cheaper, Siem Reap or Vientiane?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Vientiane or Siem Reap, 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.
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.
Located in northern Cambodia, Siem Reap is the closest town to Cambodia's famous Angkor Wat. It is a comfortable and laid back town and most visitors use it as a base to explore the country's most visited destination. Although Siem Reap was once a quaint village, it has continued to grow and change to meet the needs of the many tourists who visit every year. Siem Reap has become a very touristy town with easy access to restaurants, hotels, and shops. It also has a large expatriate community and the western influences are unavoidable. Although prices remain quite low, they are higher than you might find elsewhere in Cambodia.
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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Phnom Penh, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Siem Reap.
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 Siem Reap is $81. 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 Siem Reap in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Vientiane or Siem Reap? 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.
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Vientiane are as follows:
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Vientiane:
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Siem Reap:
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Siem Reap:
Prices for flights to both Siem Reap 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.
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Vientiane.
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Siem Reap:
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Siem Reap.
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Vientiane are as follows:
Here are a few typical costs in Siem Reap for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
Here are a few actual costs in Siem Reap for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Siem Reap:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vientiane and Siem Reap, we can see that Siem Reap 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 Siem Reap would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Siem Reap 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 Siem Reap Expensive?.
Vientiane has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Siem Reap. When comparing the sizes of Vientiane and Siem Reap, 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.