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

Should you visit Vilnius or Vientiane?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Vilnius and Vientiane. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Vilnius or Vientiane?

Vilnius

Vilnius is the capital and largest city in the country of Lithuania. It has a population of more than 500,000 residents and is located in the valley between the Neris River and the Vilnia River in the southeastern part of the country. Visitors come to the city for its beautiful Old Town, impressive architecture, and fascinating culture. In 2009 it was named the European Capital of Culture along with the city of Linz, in Austria.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Vilnius, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Lithuania, The Best Bicycle Tours in Laos, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Laos.


Which place is cheaper, Vientiane or Vilnius?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Vilnius is €117, while the average daily cost in Vientiane is €20. 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 Vilnius and Vientiane in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Vilnius €41
    Vientiane €7.27
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Vilnius €82
    Vientiane €15
Compare Hotels in Vilnius and Vientiane

Looking for a hotel in Vilnius or Vientiane? 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 Vilnius


Hotels in Vientiane


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: Vilnius Hotel Prices and Vientiane Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Vilnius €7.26
    Vientiane €1.72
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Vilnius

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Vilnius:


  • Train to Airport
    €0.80

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vilnius

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Vilnius:

  • Trakai Tour with Audio Guide and Minibus Transfers: $35
  • Private Vilnius Airport Departure Transfer: $40
  • Vilnius Airport Private Transfer: $40
  • Vilnius Private 1-Way Airport Transfer: $69
  • Private Transfer from Vilnius Airport to Lithuania: $148
  • Hot air balloon flight Vilnius Trakai with Transfer and Shampagne: $206
  • Premium Hot Air Balloon Flight Over Trakai (transfer included): $211
  • Jewish Heritage Sites Private Tour with Transfer: $230
  • Hot Air Balloon Ride with Hotel Transfer: $288
  • From Private Transfer to Riga with Sightseeing: $448
  • From Suburbs Hot Air Balloon Ride w/ Hotel Transfer: $749

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Vientiane

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Vientiane are as follows:


  • Tuk Tuk Ride
    €3.57

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vientiane

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Vientiane:

  • Vientiane Private Transfer: Wattay Airport -Hotel-Railway Station: $9.90
  • Vientian Private Airport Transfer - Wattay Airport: $15
  • Wattay Airport (VTE): Private Transfer to/from Vientiane: $20

Is it cheaper to fly into Vilnius or Vientiane?

Prices for flights to both Vientiane and Vilnius 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
    Vilnius €63
    Vientiane €10
Typical Food Prices in Vilnius

Some typical examples of dining costs in Vilnius are as follows:


  • Dinner for Two
    €13

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Vilnius

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Vilnius.

  • Zeppelin Cooking Class: $113
  • Traditional Lithuanian Cooking Class with Locals: $114
  • Folk Show and Lithuanian Traditional Dinner: $980

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Vientiane

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Vientiane.

  • Vientiane Private Lao Cooking Class with Market Tour and Lunch: $70
  • Vientiane classic Food tour ( Included Food ): $78
  • Night Market, Dinner, and Nightclub: $90
  • Small-Group Street Food Tour with Tastings: $91
  • Vientiane Private Lao Cooking Class with Market Tour: $122
  • Cooking Class Garden House: $335

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Vilnius €9.57
    Vientiane €3.27
Typical Entertainment Prices in Vilnius

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Vilnius are as follows:


  • Walking Tour
    €5.79

Tours and Activities in Vilnius

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

  • Vilnius Self-Guided Audio Experience: $6.00
  • Secrets of Old Vilnius Smartphone App GPS Audio Walking Tour: $7.50
  • History Loop with Audio and Quiz at Vilnius Self-Guided Tour: $7.99
  • Iron Wolf to Gate of Dawn Self Guided Tour of Vilnius: $8.99
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour of Vilnius Old Town Core: $10
  • Audio Tour of the South Part of the Vilnius Old Town: $10
  • Vilnius Walking Tour Pagans and Pioneers: $11
  • Live guide tour via WhatsApp - Vilnius Ghetto: $11
  • Audio Tour of Vilnius Old Town Core: $12
  • The Old Town of A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
  • Presidential Palace Guided Tour in Vilnius: $13
  • Audio Tour of Vilnius Old Town Core and the South Part 2in1: $14

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: $8.50
  • Vientiane Lao Art Museum Admission Ticket: $10
  • Lao Art Museum Vientiane Admission & Cultural Experience: $10
  • Laos Railway Tickets Online: Skip Long Queues, Avoid Missing: $12
  • Art, Culture, & Inspiration Guided Half-Day Tour: $52
  • Half-Day City Tour with Patuxai and Buddha Park: $52
  • Vientiane Landmarks and Cultural Immersion Tour: $56
  • Cultural Tour with Buddha Park and Patuxay: $58
  • Vientiane IG tour & Patuxay monument: $59
  • Explore Vientiane with Lao Art Museum Tour: $61
  • Half-Day City Tour - Morning or Afternoon: $65
  • Vientiane Half Day City Tour (Daily Guaranteed): $80

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Vilnius €6.08
    Vientiane €1.82
Typical Alcohol Prices in Vilnius

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Vilnius from other travelers:


  • Beer
    €4.34

Sample the Local Flavors in Vilnius

Also in Vilnius, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Vilnius Private Pub & Bar Crawl Tour & Hidden Gems: $61
  • Pub Crawl with Welcome Drink and Traditional Snacks: $91
  • Wine Tasting Experience with Sommelier: $444


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vilnius and Vientiane, we can see that Vilnius is more expensive. And not only is Vientiane much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Vilnius is in Europe and Vientiane is in Asia, 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 Vilnius would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Vilnius 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 Vilnius Expensive? and Is Vientiane Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Vilnius or Vientiane?

Vilnius has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Vientiane. When comparing the sizes of Vilnius and Vientiane, 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 Vilnius or Vientiane?

Vilnius 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 Vilnius or Vientiane in the Summer?

Both Vientiane and Vilnius are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Vilnius in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Plenty of visitors come to Vientiane because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In July, Vilnius is generally much colder than Vientiane. Daily temperatures in Vilnius average around 18°C (65°F), and Vientiane fluctuates around 30°C (85°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vilnius. Vilnius usually receives more sunshine than Vientiane during summer. Vilnius gets 219 hours of sunny skies, while Vientiane receives 141 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Vientiane. In July, Vilnius usually receives less rain than Vientiane. Vilnius gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Vientiane receives 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Vilnius 18°C (65°F) 
    Vientiane 30°C (85°F)

Should I visit Vilnius or Vientiane in the Autumn?

Both Vientiane and Vilnius during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Vilnius for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vientiane year-round.

Vilnius is much colder than Vientiane in the autumn. The daily temperature in Vilnius averages around 8°C (46°F) in October, and Vientiane fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).

In Vientiane, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Vilnius often gets less sunshine than Vientiane. Vilnius gets 94 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vientiane receives 222 hours of full sun.

Vilnius usually gets less rain in October than Vientiane. Vilnius gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Vientiane receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Vilnius 8°C (46°F) 
    Vientiane 28°C (83°F)

Should I visit Vilnius or Vientiane in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Vilnius and Vientiane. The winter months attract visitors to Vilnius because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Vientiane attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

The weather in Vilnius can be very cold. In the winter, Vilnius is much colder than Vientiane. Typically, the winter temperatures in Vilnius in January average around -5°C (23°F), and Vientiane averages at about 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vientiane this time of the year. Vilnius usually receives less sunshine than Vientiane during winter. Vilnius gets 36 hours of sunny skies, while Vientiane receives 254 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Vilnius usually receives more rain than Vientiane. Vilnius gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Vientiane receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Vilnius -5°C (23°F) 
    Vientiane 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Vilnius or Vientiane in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Vilnius as well as Vientiane. The natural beauty are the main draw to Vilnius this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vientiane throughout the year.

It's very hot in Vientiane this time of the year. In April, Vilnius is generally much colder than Vientiane. Daily temperatures in Vilnius average around 7°C (45°F), and Vientiane fluctuates around 31°C (88°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vientiane. In the spring, Vilnius often gets less sunshine than Vientiane. Vilnius gets 164 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vientiane receives 230 hours of full sun.

Vilnius usually gets less rain in April than Vientiane. Vilnius gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Vientiane receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Vilnius 7°C (45°F) 
    Vientiane 31°C (88°F)

Typical Weather for Vientiane and Vilnius

Vilnius Vientiane
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -5°C (23°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 24°C (75°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
Feb -4°C (26°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 26°C (79°F) 12 mm (0.5 in)
Mar 1°C (33°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 29°C (85°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Apr 7°C (45°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 31°C (88°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
May 14°C (57°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 30°C (87°F) 255 mm (10 in)
Jun 17°C (63°F) 77 mm (3 in) 30°C (86°F) 273 mm (10.7 in)
Jul 18°C (65°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 30°C (85°F) 266 mm (10.5 in)
Aug 18°C (64°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 29°C (85°F) 323 mm (12.7 in)
Sep 13°C (56°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 29°C (84°F) 295 mm (11.6 in)
Oct 8°C (46°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 28°C (83°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Nov 2°C (36°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Dec -2°C (29°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 24°C (74°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)