Which place is cheaper, Surfers Paradise or Vientiane?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Vientiane or Surfers Paradise?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Vientiane or Surfers Paradise, 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 Surfers Paradise?
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.
Surfers Paradise
A tourist mecca, Surfers Paradise is one of the most popular travel destinations along Australia's famed Gold Coast. The beach stretches for miles and there is an endless supply of almost constant parties. You'll find high rise apartments lined up along the shore and plenty of shopping areas, restaurants, nightclubs, and bars. Travelers from around the world visit the area, and it's a right of passage for Australia's teens to vacation in or near Surfers Paradise. For many travelers, Surfers Paradise comes across as little more than a mass marketed, over commercialized, party destination, but for others it is a vacation dream. Prices are highly inflated so you have to keep your whits about you to avoid being ripped off. Surfers Paradise is a destination of extremes and it conjures up extreme emotions in many travelers, be it positive or negative.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in Laos, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Laos, The Best Luxury Tours to Australia, and The Best Adventure Tours to Australia.
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Vientiane Prices
Laos PricesSurfers Paradise Prices
Australia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVientiane $24Surfers Paradise $124
The average daily cost (per person) in Vientiane is $24, while the average daily cost in Surfers Paradise is $124. 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 Surfers Paradise in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVientiane $8.45Surfers Paradise $67
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVientiane $17Surfers Paradise $134
Compare Hotels in Vientiane and Surfers Paradise
Looking for a hotel in Vientiane or Surfers Paradise? 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 $2.01Surfers Paradise $11
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Vientiane
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Vientiane are as follows:
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Tuk Tuk Ride$4.15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vientiane
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Vientiane:
- Wattay Airport (VTE): Private Transfer to/from Vientiane: $20
- Vientiane Private Transfer: Wattay Airport -Hotel-Railway Station: $9.90
- Vientiane - Hanoi Sleeping Bus Transfer : $63
- Vientian Private Airport Transfer - Wattay Airport: $15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Surfers Paradise
Also for Surfers Paradise, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Gold Coast Theme Parks: Shared Hotel Transfers: $15
Is it cheaper to fly into Vientiane or Surfers Paradise?
Prices for flights to both Surfers Paradise 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 $12Surfers Paradise $45
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Vientiane
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Vientiane.
- Vientiane classic Food tour ( Included Food ): $78
- Night Market, Dinner, and Nightclub: $90
- Vientiane Private Lao Cooking Class with Market Tour and Lunch: $95
- Vientiane Private Lao Cooking Class with Market Tour: $122
- Cooking Class Garden House: $335
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Surfers Paradise
For Surfers Paradise, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Buffet Dinner Sightseeing Cruise: $85
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Vientiane $3.80Surfers Paradise $24
Tours and Activities in Vientiane
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Vientiane are as follows:
- Vientiane Cultural Tour with Private Guide: $110
- 1-Day Tour to Vang Vieng with Private Guide: $200
- 1-Day Vientiane City Adventure: Top Sights & Hidden Gems: $110
- From Plain of Jars Tour & Homestay: $1,650
- From Vang Vieng 2-Day Tour with Blue Lagoon: $354
- From Vang Vieng Tour with Cave Kayak & Zipline: $113
- Guided Vientiane City and Buddha Park Full-Day Tour: $99
- Half Day Private Tour in City Highlights: $120
- Half-Day Vientiane City Bike Tour: $90
- Lao Arts Museum & City Highlights Tour with Lunch: $122
- Laos Railway Tickets Easily: Avoid Long Queues & Wasted Time: $30
- Laos Railway Tickets Online: Skip Long Queues, Avoid Missing: $30
Typical Entertainment Prices in Surfers Paradise
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Surfers Paradise's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Surf Lesson$79
Tours and Activities in Surfers Paradise
For Surfers Paradise, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Surfers Paradise Sightseeing Midday River Cruise: $19
- Gold Coast Afternoon River Cruise: $21
- Surfers Paradise Sightseeing City Lights Cruise: $26
- Surfers Paradise Sightseeing River Cruises: $26
- HOTA: Gold Coast Home of the Arts Cruise & Dine Experience Pass: $27
- Gold Coast Hop On Hop Off Sightseeing Cruise 1 Day Pass: $30
- Guided Gold Coast Amphibious Bus Tour: $36
- Gold Coast Quack'rDuck Amphibious Tour from Surfers Paradise: $37
- Surfers Paradise Sightseeing Sunset River Cruise: $37
- Gold Coast: 360-Degree High-Speed Jet Boat Adventure: $39
- Tropical Fruit World Farm Full Tour : $45
- Surfers Paradise Sunset Kayak Tour: $53
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVientiane $2.12Surfers Paradise $11
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vientiane and Surfers Paradise, we can see that Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise is in Pacific, 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 Surfers Paradise would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Vientiane or Surfers Paradise?
Vientiane has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Surfers Paradise. When comparing the sizes of Vientiane and Surfers Paradise, 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 Surfers Paradise?
Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise in the Summer?
Both Surfers Paradise 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, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Surfers Paradise this time of year.
In July, Vientiane is generally a little warmer than Surfers Paradisein January. Daily temperatures in Vientiane average around 30°C (85°F), and Surfers Paradise fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
In Surfers Paradise, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Vientiane often gets less sunshine than Surfers Paradisein January. Vientiane gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Surfers Paradise receives 256 hours of full sun.
Surfers Paradise gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Vientiane. Vientiane usually gets more rain in July than Surfers Paradisein January. Vientiane gets 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryVientiane 30°C (85°F)Surfers Paradise 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Surfers Paradise in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Vientiane and Surfers Paradise. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vientiane year-round. Also, many travelers come to Surfers Paradise for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.
Vientiane is a little warmer than Surfers Paradise in the autumn. The daily temperature in Vientiane averages around 28°C (83°F) in October, and Surfers Paradise fluctuates around 22°C (71°F)in April.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Surfers Paradise this time of the year. In Vientiane, it's very sunny this time of the year. Vientiane usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Surfers Paradise during autumn. Vientiane gets 222 hours of sunny skies, while Surfers Paradise receives 214 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Surfers Paradise receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Vientiane usually receives less rain than Surfers Paradisein April. Vientiane gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilVientiane 28°C (83°F)Surfers Paradise 22°C (71°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Surfers Paradise in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Vientiane as well as Surfers Paradise. Vientiane attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Surfers Paradise in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Vientiane is much warmer than Surfers Paradise. Typically, the winter temperatures in Vientiane in January average around 24°C (75°F), and Surfers Paradise averages at about 15°C (59°F)in July.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Surfers Paradise. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vientiane this time of the year. In the winter, Vientiane often gets more sunshine than Surfers Paradisein July. Vientiane gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Surfers Paradise receives 226 hours of full sun.
Vientiane usually gets less rain in January than Surfers Paradisein July. Vientiane gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyVientiane 24°C (75°F)Surfers Paradise 15°C (59°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Surfers Paradise in the Spring?
Both Surfers Paradise 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, most visitors come to Surfers Paradise for the beaches during these months.
Vientiane can become quite hot in the spring. In April, Vientiane is generally much warmer than Surfers Paradisein October. Daily temperatures in Vientiane average around 31°C (88°F), and Surfers Paradise fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).
It's quite sunny in Surfers Paradise. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vientiane. Vientiane usually receives less sunshine than Surfers Paradise during spring. Vientiane gets 230 hours of sunny skies, while Surfers Paradise receives 259 hours of full sun in the spring.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Surfers Paradise. In April, Vientiane usually receives less rain than Surfers Paradisein October. Vientiane gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberVientiane 31°C (88°F)Surfers Paradise 21°C (69°F)
Typical Weather for Surfers Paradise and Vientiane
| Vientiane | Surfers Paradise | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (85°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Apr | 31°C (88°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| May | 30°C (87°F) | 255 mm (10 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (86°F) | 273 mm (10.7 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (85°F) | 266 mm (10.5 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 323 mm (12.7 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (84°F) | 295 mm (11.6 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (83°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 103 mm (4 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (74°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 129 mm (5.1 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.