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

Should you visit Vientiane or Wuyuan?

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

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

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.

Wuyuan

Wuyuan, China is a small city in the Jiangxi Province in the south central area of the country. The city acts as a transport hub for the province, with many main bus routes running through it. Wuyuan also acts as the main thoroughfare when traveling to local remote villages in the area. It is best to know some Mandarin as this region does not see many non-Mandarin speaking tourists, which also means you should expect some very friendly attention!

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.


Which place is cheaper, Wuyuan 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 Wuyuan is $57. 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 Wuyuan in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Vientiane $6.01
    Wuyuan $26
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Vientiane $12
    Wuyuan $52
Compare Hotels in Vientiane and Wuyuan

Looking for a hotel in Vientiane or Wuyuan? 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 Wuyuan


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
    Wuyuan $13
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:

  • Vientiane - Hanoi Sleeping Bus Transfer : $63
  • Wattay Airport (VTE): Private Transfer to/from Vientiane: $29
  • Vientian Private Airport Transfer - Wattay Airport: $15
  • Vientiane Airport Transfer: Wattay airport to hotel - Private transfer: $15
  • Vientiane Private Airport and Hotel Transfers: $9.00
  • Private Transfer in Laos: $5.00

Is it cheaper to fly into Vientiane or Wuyuan?

Prices for flights to both Wuyuan 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
    Wuyuan $20

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

Typical Food Prices in Wuyuan

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Wuyuan:


  • Gummy Candy
    $0.28
  • Cookies
    $0.69

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Vientiane $3.54
    Wuyuan $19

Tours and Activities in Vientiane

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Vientiane are as follows:

  • 2 Days Private Tour in Vientiane and Vang Vieng: $90
  • Explore Vientiane and Local Villages Biking Tour: $184
  • From Hue: Hue to Vientiane Bus tickets: $62
  • Full Day Private Tour in Vientiane with Pickup: $142
  • Guided Vientiane City and Buddha Park Full-Day Tour: $81
  • Half Day Private Tour in City Highlights: $120
  • Half-Day Vientiane City Bike Tour: $67
  • Private Custom Tour with a Local Guide in Vientiane: $82
  • Private Tour: Full-day Cycling The City Streets Vientiane with Buddha Park: $174
  • 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
  • Private Tour: Vientiane City Tour Full Day with Buddha Park: $145

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Vientiane $2.35
    Wuyuan $14


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



When is the best time to visit Vientiane or Wuyuan?

Wuyuan 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 Wuyuan in the Summer?

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

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

It's quite rainy in Wuyuan. Vientiane receives a lot of rain in the summer. Vientiane usually gets more rain in July than Wuyuan. Vientiane gets 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain, while Wuyuan receives 192 mm (7.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Vientiane 30°C (85°F) 
    Wuyuan 30°C (85°F)

Should I visit Vientiane or Wuyuan in the Autumn?

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

In October, Vientiane is generally a little warmer than Wuyuan. Daily temperatures in Vientiane average around 28°C (83°F), and Wuyuan fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

In October, Vientiane usually receives around the same amount of rain as Wuyuan. Vientiane gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Wuyuan receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Vientiane 28°C (83°F) 
    Wuyuan 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Vientiane or Wuyuan in the Winter?

Both Wuyuan and Vientiane during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Vientiane because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Vientiane is much warmer than Wuyuan in the winter. The daily temperature in Vientiane averages around 24°C (75°F) in January, and Wuyuan fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

Vientiane usually gets less rain in January than Wuyuan. Vientiane gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Wuyuan receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Vientiane 24°C (75°F) 
    Wuyuan 6°C (43°F)

Should I visit Vientiane or Wuyuan in the Spring?

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

The heat can be very extreme in Vientiane. In the spring, Vientiane is much warmer than Wuyuan. Typically, the spring temperatures in Vientiane in April average around 31°C (88°F), and Wuyuan averages at about 18°C (64°F).

Wuyuan receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Vientiane usually receives less rain than Wuyuan. Vientiane gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Wuyuan receives 238 mm (9.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Vientiane 31°C (88°F) 
    Wuyuan 18°C (64°F)

Typical Weather for Wuyuan and Vientiane

Vientiane Wuyuan
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (75°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 6°C (43°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Feb 26°C (79°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 8°C (46°F) 123 mm (4.9 in)
Mar 29°C (85°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 174 mm (6.8 in)
Apr 31°C (88°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 18°C (64°F) 238 mm (9.4 in)
May 30°C (87°F) 255 mm (10 in) 23°C (73°F) 257 mm (10.1 in)
Jun 30°C (86°F) 273 mm (10.7 in) 26°C (79°F) 270 mm (10.6 in)
Jul 30°C (85°F) 266 mm (10.5 in) 30°C (85°F) 192 mm (7.6 in)
Aug 29°C (85°F) 323 mm (12.7 in) 30°C (85°F) 107 mm (4.2 in)
Sep 29°C (84°F) 295 mm (11.6 in) 26°C (78°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Oct 28°C (83°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 20°C (68°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 14°C (57°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Dec 24°C (74°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 8°C (47°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)