Which place is cheaper, Zhengzhou or Vientiane?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Vientiane or Zhengzhou?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Vientiane or Zhengzhou, 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 Zhengzhou?
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.
Zhengzhou
Along the Yellow River, a city from the future and the past resides. Ancient pagodas, futuristic domes, verdant gardens - Zhengzhou is a myriad of many worlds in one urban area. The provincial capital of the Henan Province, Zhengzhou is the encapsulation of a perfect city from its delicate balance of the natural and urban spheres. It was born during the Sui Dynasty, and its actual location was in the modern-day Chenggao. Moreover, Zhengzhou works as the political, economic, technological, and educational center of the province. The city is also one of the eight great ancient capitals of China, with a collection of architecture and art originating during iconic dynasties. These relics of the old world include the Shaolin Monastery, Henan Museum, the Pagoda Forest, the Gaocheng Astronomical Observatory, the Songyue Pagoda, the Emperors of Yan and Huang, and the scenic views of the Yellow River. With over nine million inhabitants, Zhengzhou continues to grow at a thriving rate. It also should be noted that in June 2012, Greater Zhengzhou was named one of the thirteen emerging megacities in China according to the Economist Intelligent Unit. Known internationally for its amazing culmination of culture and history, Zhengzhou is the ideal city for travelers and inhabitants alike.
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 $15Zhengzhou $98
The average daily cost (per person) in Vientiane is $15, while the average daily cost in Zhengzhou is $98. 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 Zhengzhou in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVientiane $6.01Zhengzhou $36
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVientiane $12Zhengzhou $72
Compare Hotels in Vientiane and Zhengzhou
Looking for a hotel in Vientiane or Zhengzhou? 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 $2.08Zhengzhou $63
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
- Vientian Private Airport Transfer - Wattay Airport: $15
- Vientiane - Hanoi Sleeping Bus Transfer : $63
- Vientiane Airport Transfer: Wattay airport to hotel - Private transfer: $15
- Vientiane Private Airport and Hotel Transfers: $9.00
- Wattay Airport (VTE): Private Transfer to/from Vientiane: $29
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zhengzhou
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zhengzhou:
- Zhengzhou Xinzheng Airport Chauffeur Transfer, Zhengzhou Airport Transfer: $27
- [Airport Transfer] Zhengzhou Xinjiang International Airport Zhengzhou City Transfer There is a reputation for high service! : $27
- Zhengzhou Special Car Service, Zhengzhou Airport Transfer: $27
- Zhengzhou Xinzheng Airport Chauffeur Transfer, Zhengzhou Airport Transfer: $31
- Zhengzhou Xinzheng Airport Chauffeur Transfer , Zhengzhou Airport Transfer : $53
- Zhengzhou Airport Transfer( Hotel to Airport): $59
- Zhengzhou Xinzheng Airport Chauffeur Transfer , Zhengzhou Airport Transfer : $65
- One-Way Private Transfer from Zhengzhou to Kaifeng: $70
- One-Way Private Transfer from Zhengzhou to Luoyang: $80
- Private Transfer from Zhengzhou to Luoyang Longmen Grottoes : $95
- Private Guided Tour/Transfer to Shaolin Temple: $98
- Private transfer to Shaolin Temple from Zhengzhou: $108
Is it cheaper to fly into Vientiane or Zhengzhou?
Prices for flights to both Zhengzhou 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 $6.32Zhengzhou $28
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 Zhengzhou
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zhengzhou.
- Zhengzhou Erqi Square and Night Markets Private Tour including Dinner: $145
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Vientiane $3.54Zhengzhou $8.18
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 Zhengzhou
Here are a few actual costs in Zhengzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Kaifeng City Highlights Independant Tour from Zhengzhou: $80
- Private Independent Tour to Shaolin Temple from Zhengzhou: $126
- Private Independent Tour to Yuntai Mountain from Zhengzhou: $169
- Independent Tour to Shaolin Temple and Longmen Grottoes from Zhengzhou: $188
- Private Day Tour to Shaolin Temple from Zhengzhou with Flexiable Departure Time: $198
- All inclusive Anyang Yin Xu ruins and Character Museum day tour from Zhengzhou: $209
- Zhengzhou Yellow River Scenic Spots Private Tour : $209
- Private Day Tour to Luoyang Longmen Grottoes from Zhengzhou: $210
- Zhengzhou Private Half-Day Tour: Shaolin Temple & Kungfu Show: $222
- Private Tour to Zhongyue Temple and Shaolin Temple from Zhengzhou: $233
- Private Day Tour to Shaolin Temple and Songyang Academy from Zhengzhou: $233
- Private Full-Day Tour to Shaolin Temple and Mt.Song from Zhengzhou: $238
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVientiane $2.35Zhengzhou $6.31
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vientiane and Zhengzhou, we can see that Zhengzhou 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 Zhengzhou would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Zhengzhou 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 Zhengzhou Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Vientiane or Zhengzhou?
Zhengzhou has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Vientiane. When comparing the sizes of Vientiane and Zhengzhou, 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 Zhengzhou?
Zhengzhou 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 Zhengzhou in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Vientiane and Zhengzhou. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vientiane year-round.
Vientiane is around the same temperature as Zhengzhou in the summer. The daily temperature in Vientiane averages around 30°C (85°F) in July, and Zhengzhou fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zhengzhou this time of the year. Vientiane usually receives less sunshine than Zhengzhou during summer. Vientiane gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Zhengzhou receives 215 hours of full sun in the summer.
Zhengzhou receives a lot of rain in the summer. Vientiane gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Vientiane usually receives more rain than Zhengzhou. Vientiane gets 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain, while Zhengzhou receives 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyVientiane 30°C (85°F)Zhengzhou 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Zhengzhou in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Vientiane as well as Zhengzhou. Vientiane attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the autumn, Vientiane is much warmer than Zhengzhou. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Vientiane in October average around 28°C (83°F), and Zhengzhou averages at about 16°C (61°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vientiane this time of the year. In the autumn, Vientiane often gets more sunshine than Zhengzhou. Vientiane gets 222 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zhengzhou receives 188 hours of full sun.
Vientiane usually gets more rain in October than Zhengzhou. Vientiane gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Zhengzhou receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberVientiane 28°C (83°F)Zhengzhou 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Zhengzhou in the Winter?
Both Zhengzhou and Vientiane are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vientiane throughout the year.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Zhengzhou. In January, Vientiane is generally much warmer than Zhengzhou. Daily temperatures in Vientiane average around 24°C (75°F), and Zhengzhou fluctuates around 1°C (34°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vientiane. Vientiane usually receives more sunshine than Zhengzhou during winter. Vientiane gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Zhengzhou receives 159 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Vientiane usually receives less rain than Zhengzhou. Vientiane gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Zhengzhou receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryVientiane 24°C (75°F)Zhengzhou 1°C (34°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Zhengzhou in the Spring?
Both Zhengzhou 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.
It's very hot in Vientiane this time of the year. Vientiane is much warmer than Zhengzhou in the spring. The daily temperature in Vientiane averages around 31°C (88°F) in April, and Zhengzhou fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
In Zhengzhou, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Vientiane. In the spring, Vientiane often gets more sunshine than Zhengzhou. Vientiane gets 230 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zhengzhou receives 201 hours of full sun.
Vientiane usually gets more rain in April than Zhengzhou. Vientiane gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Zhengzhou receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilVientiane 31°C (88°F)Zhengzhou 16°C (61°F)
Typical Weather for Zhengzhou and Vientiane
| Vientiane | Zhengzhou | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 1°C (34°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (85°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) |
| Apr | 31°C (88°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| May | 30°C (87°F) | 255 mm (10 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (86°F) | 273 mm (10.7 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (85°F) | 266 mm (10.5 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 323 mm (12.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (84°F) | 295 mm (11.6 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (83°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 25 mm (1 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (74°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 6 mm (0.2 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.