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

Should you visit Warsaw or Vientiane?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Warsaw and Vientiane can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Warsaw or Vientiane?

Warsaw

Warsaw is the capital city of Poland. It has a population of 1.7 million, making it the country's largest city. Located on the Vistula River, it is a popular tourist destination for its interesting architecture and culture. The right bank of the river was the first area to become populated in the 9th or 10 century. Today, however, the city's central district is on the left bank of the river. The Old Town, where you will find many sights and attractions, is fully contained within the city center.

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 Sightseeing Tours in Poland, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Krakow, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Laos, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Laos.


Which place is cheaper, Vientiane or Warsaw?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Warsaw is $94, while the average daily cost in Vientiane is $15. 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 Warsaw and Vientiane in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Warsaw $52
    Vientiane $6.00
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Warsaw $104
    Vientiane $12
Compare Hotels in Warsaw and Vientiane

Looking for a hotel in Warsaw 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 Warsaw


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: Warsaw Hotel Prices and Vientiane Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Warsaw $4.68
    Vientiane $2.08

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Warsaw

Also for Warsaw, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • ONEWAY Private Warsaw Chopin Airport(WAW) to/from Warsaw Transfer: $24
  • Bus Transfer to/from Vilnus: $36
  • Warsaw Chopin Airport one way private transfer 5-8 PAX: $36
  • Private transfer from Warsaw city center to Modlin Airport WMI: $36
  • Private Transfer from Warsaw Hotels to Warsaw Airport : $38
  • Warsaw Private Transfer from Warsaw city centre to Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW): $41
  • Warsaw Private Transfer from Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW) to City centre: $41
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Warsaw APT-HTL (WAW): $42
  • Private Transfer from Warsaw Chopin Airport: $43
  • Private transfer by social-distance car from or to Warsaw Chopin Airport: $44
  • Private transfer from Warsaw Chopin airport by social-distance car: $44
  • Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW) to Downtown hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $44

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Vientiane

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


  • Tuk Tuk Ride
    $4.23

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vientiane

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Vientiane:

  • 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 Warsaw or Vientiane?

Prices for flights to both Vientiane and Warsaw 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
    Warsaw $27
    Vientiane $6.30
Typical Food Prices in Warsaw

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


  • Dinner for Two
    $13
  • Lunch for Two
    $10

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Warsaw

For Warsaw, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Lunch or Dinner at Hard Rock Cafe with Skip-the-Line: $19
  • Breakfast Market Food Tour in Warsaw: $56
  • Warsaw's No 1 cooking class-Polish dumplings with liqueur tasting: $61
  • Polish Dumplings Cooking Class: $62
  • Traditional Polish Cooking Class in Warsaw: $79
  • Traditional Polish Cooking Class with liquor tasting in Warsaw: $89
  • Polish Food Tour: $93
  • Taste of Poland - Old Town food tour and guided walk in one: $95
  • 4-Hour Polish Food Tour: $110
  • The 10 Tastings of Warsaw With Locals: Private Food Tour : $117
  • EVERYDAY Warsaw Traditional Food Tour with Old Town Sightseeing: $156
  • Traditional Food Tour with Old Town Sightseeing: $156

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Warsaw $7.02
    Vientiane $3.53

Tours and Activities in Warsaw

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Warsaw.

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.23
  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Walking Tour: $4.31
  • Walking Audio Tour of Wilanów Palace Grounds: $5.20
  • Uncover Historic Marvels of In-App Audio Tour: $5.32
  • Warsaw at War 1939-1945: A Self-guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Warsaw's Old Town A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Old Town Self-Guided Smartphone Audio Tour: $5.99
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.45
  • Smartphone Escape Game and Tour: $6.46
  • Museum POLIN "(post)JEWISH..." - Exhibition Ticket: $7.47
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews Ticket: $11

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: $61
  • 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
    Warsaw $10
    Vientiane $2.34

Sample the Local Flavors in Warsaw

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Warsaw:

  • The Original Pub Crawl: $16
  • #1 Pub Crawl Warsaw with Premium Open Bar: $20
  • Pub Crawl with 1-Hour Open Bar: $20
  • Warsaw Wine Tasting Private Tour with Wine Expert: $177


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


Which is Bigger, Warsaw or Vientiane?

Warsaw has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Vientiane. When comparing the sizes of Warsaw 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 Warsaw or Vientiane?

Warsaw 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 Warsaw or Vientiane in the Summer?

Both Vientiane and Warsaw during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Warsaw for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vientiane year-round.

Warsaw is much colder than Vientiane in the summer. The daily temperature in Warsaw averages around 19°C (65°F) in July, and Vientiane fluctuates around 30°C (85°F).

It's quite sunny in Warsaw. In the summer, Warsaw often gets more sunshine than Vientiane. Warsaw gets 353 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vientiane receives 141 hours of full sun.

Vientiane gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Warsaw usually gets less rain in July than Vientiane. Warsaw gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Vientiane receives 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Warsaw 19°C (65°F) 
    Vientiane 30°C (85°F)

Should I visit Warsaw or Vientiane in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Warsaw and Vientiane. The autumn months attract visitors to Warsaw because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Vientiane attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the autumn, Warsaw is much colder than Vientiane. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Warsaw in October average around 9°C (49°F), and Vientiane averages at about 28°C (83°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vientiane this time of the year. Warsaw usually receives less sunshine than Vientiane during autumn. Warsaw gets 135 hours of sunny skies, while Vientiane receives 222 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Warsaw usually receives less rain than Vientiane. Warsaw gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Vientiane receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Warsaw 9°C (49°F) 
    Vientiane 28°C (83°F)

Should I visit Warsaw or Vientiane in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Warsaw as well as Vientiane. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Warsaw this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vientiane throughout the year.

It's quite cold in Warsaw in the winter. In January, Warsaw is generally much colder than Vientiane. Daily temperatures in Warsaw average around -3°C (27°F), and Vientiane fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vientiane. In the winter, Warsaw often gets less sunshine than Vientiane. Warsaw gets 35 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vientiane receives 254 hours of full sun.

Warsaw usually gets more rain in January than Vientiane. Warsaw gets 22 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Vientiane receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Warsaw -3°C (27°F) 
    Vientiane 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Warsaw or Vientiane in the Spring?

Both Vientiane and Warsaw are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Warsaw for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Plenty of visitors come to Vientiane because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

The heat can be very extreme in Vientiane. Warsaw is much colder than Vientiane in the spring. The daily temperature in Warsaw averages around 9°C (47°F) in April, and Vientiane fluctuates around 31°C (88°F).

It's quite sunny in Vientiane. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Warsaw. Warsaw usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Vientiane during spring. Warsaw gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while Vientiane receives 230 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Warsaw usually receives less rain than Vientiane. Warsaw gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Vientiane receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Warsaw 9°C (47°F) 
    Vientiane 31°C (88°F)

Typical Weather for Vientiane and Warsaw

Warsaw Vientiane
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -3°C (27°F) 22 mm (0.9 in) 24°C (75°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
Feb -1°C (30°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 26°C (79°F) 12 mm (0.5 in)
Mar 3°C (37°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 29°C (85°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Apr 9°C (47°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 31°C (88°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
May 14°C (57°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 30°C (87°F) 255 mm (10 in)
Jun 17°C (63°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 30°C (86°F) 273 mm (10.7 in)
Jul 19°C (65°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 30°C (85°F) 266 mm (10.5 in)
Aug 18°C (65°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 29°C (85°F) 323 mm (12.7 in)
Sep 14°C (58°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 29°C (84°F) 295 mm (11.6 in)
Oct 9°C (49°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 28°C (83°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Nov 4°C (39°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Dec -0°C (31°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 24°C (74°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)