Which place is cheaper, Suzhou or Vientiane?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Vientiane or Suzhou?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Vientiane or Suzhou, 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 Suzhou?
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.
Suzhou
Suzhou is a city in Jiangsu province famed for its beautiful gardens and traditional waterside architecture, featuring elaborate canals and bridges. Located on the Yangtze Delta, the city consists largely of waterways making Suzhou a kind of 'Venice of the Orient.' It is also a hub for scholars, artists, and skilled craftsmen.
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 Shanghai, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVientiane $15Suzhou $101
The average daily cost (per person) in Vientiane is $15, while the average daily cost in Suzhou is $101. 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 Suzhou in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVientiane $6.01Suzhou $38
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVientiane $12Suzhou $76
Compare Hotels in Vientiane and Suzhou
Looking for a hotel in Vientiane or Suzhou? 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 $2.08Suzhou $57
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:
- Private Transfer in Laos: $5.00
- 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
- Wattay Airport (VTE): Private Transfer to/from Vientiane: $29
- Vientiane - Hanoi Sleeping Bus Transfer : $63
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Suzhou
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Suzhou:
- Nanjing Downtown hotels to Lukou Intl Airport (NKG) - Departure Private Transfer: $33
- Private Arrival Transfer: Suzhou Train Station to Hotels in Suzhou: $44
- Private Round-Trip Transfer between Tongli Water Town and Suzhou City : $58
- Private Round-Trip Transfer between Zhouzhuang Water Town and Suzhou City: $58
- Private Round Trip Transfer from Suzhou to Luzhi Water Town: $64
- Shanghai Private Transfer from Suzhou with Stop-over at Zhouzhuang Water Town : $81
- Suzhou Private Transfer to Zhouzhuang Water Town with Shanghai Drop-off Option: $84
- Suzhou Private Transfer to Tongli Water Town with Shanghai Drop-off Option: $84
- Shanghai Pudong International Airport Private Departure Transfer from Suzhou: $87
- Shanghai Private Transfer from Suzhou with Stop-over at Tongli Water Town : $90
- Hangzhou Private Transfer from Suzhou with Stop-over at Wuzhen Water Town : $143
- Suzhou to Beijing Bullet Train Ticket with Local Private Transfer : $178
Is it cheaper to fly into Vientiane or Suzhou?
Prices for flights to both Suzhou 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 $6.32Suzhou $32
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 Suzhou
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Suzhou.
- Suzhou Alleyway Walking Food Tour With Locals: $55
- Half-Day Private Customized Suzhou Highlights with Lunch or Dinner Option: $123
- Private Suzhou Night Tour:Master of the Nets Garden, Ancient Canal with Dinner: $145
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Vientiane $3.54Suzhou $9.32
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
Tours and Activities in Suzhou
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Suzhou are as follows:
- Suzhou Self-Guided Tour with Private Car and Driver Service : $65
- Zhouzhuang and Tongli Self-Guided Tour from Suzhou with Drop-off Options : $70
- 4-Hour Suzhou Private Customized Tour: $71
- Suzhou Private English Tour Guide Service: $91
- Suzhou Private Walking Tour with Panmen Gate, City Moat and Yiyuan Garden: $101
- 4-Hour Flexible Suzhou City Highlights Private Tour: $114
- 4-Hour Suzhou Private Flexible Tour with Garden and Boat Ride Option: $125
- Private Suzhou City Amazing Day Tour in Your Way : $127
- 4-Hour Tongli Water Town Private Tour from Suzhou with Boat Ride : $127
- 4-Hour Suzhou Private Tour: Humble Administrator’s Garden,Tiger Hill and Canal : $134
- Nanjing Self-Guided Tour from Suzhou by Private Car with Drop-off Option : $137
- Private Tour of Suzhou Museum, Humble Administrator's Garden and Pingjiang Road: $144
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVientiane $2.35Suzhou $6.40
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vientiane and Suzhou, we can see that Suzhou 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 Suzhou would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Suzhou 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 Suzhou Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Vientiane or Suzhou?
Suzhou has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Vientiane. When comparing the sizes of Vientiane and Suzhou, 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 Suzhou?
Suzhou 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 Suzhou in the Summer?
Both Suzhou and Vientiane are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vientiane throughout the year.
Vientiane is around the same temperature as Suzhou in the summer. The daily temperature in Vientiane averages around 30°C (85°F) in July, and Suzhou fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).
It's quite sunny in Suzhou. Vientiane usually receives less sunshine than Suzhou during summer. Vientiane gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Suzhou receives 232 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Suzhou. It's quite rainy in Vientiane. In July, Vientiane usually receives more rain than Suzhou. Vientiane gets 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain, while Suzhou receives 128 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyVientiane 30°C (85°F)Suzhou 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Suzhou in the Autumn?
Both Suzhou and Vientiane during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Vientiane because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the autumn, Vientiane is much warmer than Suzhou. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Vientiane in October average around 28°C (83°F), and Suzhou averages at about 19°C (65°F).
It's quite sunny in Vientiane. In the autumn, Vientiane often gets more sunshine than Suzhou. Vientiane gets 222 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Suzhou receives 162 hours of full sun.
Vientiane usually gets more rain in October than Suzhou. Vientiane gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Suzhou receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberVientiane 28°C (83°F)Suzhou 19°C (65°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Suzhou in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Vientiane and Suzhou. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vientiane year-round.
Suzhou can be very cold during winter. In January, Vientiane is generally much warmer than Suzhou. Daily temperatures in Vientiane average around 24°C (75°F), and Suzhou fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).
In Vientiane, it's very sunny this time of the year. Vientiane usually receives more sunshine than Suzhou during winter. Vientiane gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Suzhou receives 135 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Vientiane usually receives less rain than Suzhou. Vientiane gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Suzhou receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryVientiane 24°C (75°F)Suzhou 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Suzhou in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Vientiane as well as Suzhou. Vientiane attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
It's very hot in Vientiane this time of the year. Vientiane is much warmer than Suzhou in the spring. The daily temperature in Vientiane averages around 31°C (88°F) in April, and Suzhou fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vientiane this time of the year. In the spring, Vientiane often gets more sunshine than Suzhou. Vientiane gets 230 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Suzhou receives 153 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Suzhou. Vientiane usually gets less rain in April than Suzhou. Vientiane gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Suzhou receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilVientiane 31°C (88°F)Suzhou 15°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Suzhou and Vientiane
| Vientiane | Suzhou | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (85°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Apr | 31°C (88°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 102 mm (4 in) |
| May | 30°C (87°F) | 255 mm (10 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 113 mm (4.5 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (86°F) | 273 mm (10.7 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (85°F) | 266 mm (10.5 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 128 mm (5 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 323 mm (12.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (84°F) | 295 mm (11.6 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (83°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (74°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 35 mm (1.4 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.