Which place is cheaper, Vientiane or Yangon?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Yangon or Vientiane?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Yangon or Vientiane, 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: Yangon or Vientiane?
Yangon
Yangon, formerly known as Rangoon, is the largest city and economic center for the nation of Myanmar, formerly known as Burma. The city is a mix of British, Burmese, Chinese, and Indian influences, and is host to beautiful 19th-century colonial architecture as well as modern skyscrapers. The people of Yangon mainly follow the Buddhist religion and it is common to see monks wandering along the busy streets amidst gilded temples.
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 Cultural Tours in Myanmar, The Best Budget Tours to Myanmar, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Laos, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Laos.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayYangon $63Vientiane $15
The average daily cost (per person) in Yangon is $63, 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 Yangon and Vientiane in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personYangon $31Vientiane $6.01
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomYangon $62Vientiane $12
Compare Hotels in Yangon and Vientiane
Looking for a hotel in Yangon 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.
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.Yangon $2.38Vientiane $2.08
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Yangon
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Yangon:
- Bagan (Nyaung Oo) Airport Private Transfer : $8.54
- Bagan Airport Transfer with Private Car: $13
- Private Arrival Transfer: Bagan Nyaung-U Airport (NYU) to Hotel: $14
- Yangon Airport Private Arrival Transfer : $20
- Private Airport Transfer at Yangon Airport to Center of Yangon: $23
- Private Arrival Transfer: Yangon International Airport (RGN) to Hotel: $23
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Yangon International Airport (RGN): $23
- Private Hotel Transfers to or from YIA Airport: $24
- Yangon Airport Private Transfer : $27
- Private Yangon Departure Transfer: Hotel to Yangon Airport: $40
- Yangon Airport (RGN): Private Transfer to/from Yangon City: $41
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:
- Private Transfer in Laos: $5.00
- Vientiane Private Airport and Hotel Transfers: $9.00
- Vientiane Airport Transfer: Wattay airport to hotel - Private transfer: $15
- Vientian Private Airport Transfer - Wattay Airport: $15
- Wattay Airport (VTE): Private Transfer to/from Vientiane: $29
- Vientiane - Hanoi Sleeping Bus Transfer : $63
Is it cheaper to fly into Yangon or Vientiane?
Prices for flights to both Vientiane and Yangon 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 dayYangon $9.70Vientiane $6.32
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Yangon
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Yangon.
- Morning Yangon Food Tour: $24
- Yangon Evening Food Tour and trishaw ride: $26
- Yangon morning food tour with train ride : $27
- Yangon Street Food Tours: $28
- Cooking class in the down town of Yangon, half day tour (07:30 AM - 12:30 PM): $65
- Cooking Class in Yangon,Myanmar: $67
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.Yangon -Vientiane $3.54
Tours and Activities in Yangon
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Yangon are as follows:
- Bus Ticket ( Yangon - Mandalay): $21
- Morning Eat, Walk & Ride Tour: $25
- Walking Tour in Downtown Yangon: $25
- Yangon Dala Discovery Tour on Bamboo Bicycles: $32
- Half-Day Spiritual Shwedagon Pagoda Join in Tour in Yangon: $33
- Yangon Full Day City Tour: $38
- Yangon City Tour With English Speaking Driver: $40
- Yangon Group Street Food & Walking Tour: $40
- Bagan Sightseeing Tour by Private Guide and Car: $42
- Yangon Evening Street Food and Market Walking Tour: $44
- One Bagan Sightseeing Tour: $45
- Bagan Temples Tour by Private car and Tour guide.: $46
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
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayYangon -Vientiane $2.35
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Yangon and Vientiane, we can see that Yangon 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 Yangon would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Yangon 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 Yangon Expensive? and Is Vientiane Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Yangon or Vientiane?
Yangon has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Vientiane. When comparing the sizes of Yangon 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.
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.