Which place is cheaper, Tanah Rata 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 Tanah Rata?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Vientiane or Tanah Rata, 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 Tanah Rata?
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.
Tanah Rata
Tanah Rata is one of the main tourist towns in the Cameron Highlands. The Cameron Highlands are in western Malaysia and are a popular retreat for Malaysian residents and international travelers alike. The area's higher elevation offers an often much needed break from the country's oppressive heat. It also has a beautiful setting that is rich in agriculture and has rolling hills that are beautifully covered in tea plantations. Tanah Rata has many of the area's tourist amenities. ATMS, banks, and the area's main hospital are all found in town. For some, the area feels too touristy, but if you linger longer, and explore on your own, you can easily escape the mass tourism and see the area for what it is.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in Laos, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Laos, The Best 10-Day Tours in Malaysia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Malaysia.
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Vientiane Prices
Laos PricesTanah Rata Prices
Malaysia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVientiane $24Tanah Rata $192
The average daily cost (per person) in Vientiane is $24, while the average daily cost in Tanah Rata is $192. 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 Tanah Rata in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVientiane $8.45Tanah Rata $76
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVientiane $17Tanah Rata $152
Compare Hotels in Vientiane and Tanah Rata
Looking for a hotel in Vientiane or Tanah Rata? 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 and Tanah Rata Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Vientiane $2.01Tanah Rata $33
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:
- Vientian Private Airport Transfer - Wattay Airport: $15
- Vientiane - Hanoi Sleeping Bus Transfer : $63
- Vientiane Private Transfer: Wattay Airport -Hotel-Railway Station: $9.90
- Wattay Airport (VTE): Private Transfer to/from Vientiane: $20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tanah Rata
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Tanah Rata:
- Cameron Highlands to Ipoh Hotel Transfer: $65
- Cameron Highlands City to Kuala Lumpur City One-way Transfer: $92
- Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $93
- Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $93
- Cameron Highlands City To Kuala Lumpur City Transfer: $94
- Cameron Highlands Hotels to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $94
- CameronHighland CityHotel to KualaLumpur Airport One-way Transfer: $109
- Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur Airport Departure Transfer: $110
- Chauffeur: Cameron Highlands to Singapore Van Transfer: $125
- Cameron Highland to KUL Hotel (One Way Transfer): $153
- Cameron Highland to Kuala Besut Jetty One Way SIC Transfer: $154
- Shared Transfer : Cameron Highland to Taman Negara via Kuala Tembeling Jetty: $155
Is it cheaper to fly into Vientiane or Tanah Rata?
Prices for flights to both Tanah Rata 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 $12Tanah Rata $87
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
Typical Food Prices in Tanah Rata
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Tanah Rata:
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Dinner for Two$6.42
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Dessert$0.71
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Lunch$4.52
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Afternoon tea$4.40
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Vientiane $3.80Tanah Rata $39
Tours and Activities in Vientiane
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Vientiane are as follows:
- Laos Railway Tickets Easily: Avoid Long Queues & Wasted Time: $30
- Laos Railway Tickets Online: Skip Long Queues, Avoid Missing: $30
- Art, Culture, & Inspiration Guided Half-Day Tour: $52
- Half-Day City Tour with Patuxai and Buddha Park: $52
- Vientiane Sky Luge and Roller Zipline Experience: $55
- Vientiane Landmarks and Cultural Immersion Tour: $56
- Cultural Tour with Buddha Park and Patuxay: $58
- Vientiane IG tour & Patuxay monument: $59
- Half-Day City Tour - Morning or Afternoon: $65
- Vientiane Half Day City Tour: $80
- Vientiane : Private Custom Tour with a Local Guide: $88
- Vientiane Half-Day City Tour: $89
Typical Entertainment Prices in Tanah Rata
Here are a few typical costs in Tanah Rata for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Tea Factory Visit$6.42
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Tour of Orang Asli Village$24
Tours and Activities in Tanah Rata
Here are a few actual costs in Tanah Rata for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Cameron Highlands: Mossy Forest Tour: $30
- Cameron Highlands Sightseing Tour: $35
- Cameron Highlands Full Day Join in Tour: $49
- Cameron Highlands: Agro Tour: $61
- Cameron Highlands Full Day Tour: $75
- Cameron Highlands City to Kuala Lumpur Airport EN-ROUTE Batu Caves Tour: $109
- Cameron Highlands City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur Airport EN-ROUTE Batu Caves Tour: $110
- Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur International Airport EN-ROUTE Batu Caves Tour: $110
- Cameron Highlands Private Sightseeing Tour : $211
- Special Cameron Highlands ~ Day tour;Solo;Couple;Group: $292
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVientiane $2.12Tanah Rata $21
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vientiane and Tanah Rata, we can see that Tanah Rata 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 Tanah Rata would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tanah Rata 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 Tanah Rata Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Vientiane or Tanah Rata?
Vientiane has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Tanah Rata. When comparing the sizes of Vientiane and Tanah Rata, 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 Tanah Rata?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Vientiane or Tanah Rata in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Vientiane and Tanah Rata. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vientiane year-round. Tanah Rata attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Vientiane gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Vientiane usually receives more rain than Tanah Rata. Vientiane gets 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain, while Tanah Rata receives 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
In July, Vientiane is generally around the same temperature as Tanah Rata. Daily temperatures in Vientiane average around 30°C (85°F), and Tanah Rata fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyVientiane 30°C (85°F)Tanah Rata 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Tanah Rata in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Vientiane as well as Tanah Rata. Vientiane attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Tanah Rata throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Tanah Rata. Vientiane usually gets less rain in October than Tanah Rata. Vientiane gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Tanah Rata receives 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
Vientiane is around the same temperature as Tanah Rata in the autumn. The daily temperature in Vientiane averages around 28°C (83°F) in October, and Tanah Rata fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberVientiane 28°C (83°F)Tanah Rata 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Tanah Rata in the Winter?
Both Tanah Rata and Vientiane are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vientiane throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Tanah Rata because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Tanah Rata. In January, Vientiane usually receives less rain than Tanah Rata. Vientiane gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Tanah Rata receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
In the winter, Vientiane is cooler than Tanah Rata. Typically, the winter temperatures in Vientiane in January average around 24°C (75°F), and Tanah Rata averages at about 27°C (80°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryVientiane 24°C (75°F)Tanah Rata 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Tanah Rata in the Spring?
Both Tanah Rata 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Tanah Rata year-round.
Tanah Rata gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Vientiane usually gets less rain in April than Tanah Rata. Vientiane gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Tanah Rata receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
Vientiane can become quite hot in the spring. In April, Vientiane is generally a little warmer than Tanah Rata. Daily temperatures in Vientiane average around 31°C (88°F), and Tanah Rata fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilVientiane 31°C (88°F)Tanah Rata 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Tanah Rata and Vientiane
| Vientiane | Tanah Rata | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (85°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) |
| Apr | 31°C (88°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| May | 30°C (87°F) | 255 mm (10 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (86°F) | 273 mm (10.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (85°F) | 266 mm (10.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 323 mm (12.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 126 mm (5 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (84°F) | 295 mm (11.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (83°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 270 mm (10.6 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (74°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 158 mm (6.2 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.