Is Vientiane expensive to visit?
Vientiane is a smaller destination that draws visitors with a range of travel styles, spending habits, and budget preferences. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range hotels to high-end luxury properties.
Although Vientiane can be quite pricey if you let it be, you can cut costs by looking for discounts and coupons.
On average, budget travelers spend $10 (₭210,219) per day, mid-range travelers spend $24 (₭510,575) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $54 (₭1,167,290) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Vientiane.
Within Asia, Vientiane is a very affordable destination compared to other places. It is in the top 10% of cities in Asia for its affordability. Very few cities in the region are as affordable as Vientiane.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Vientiane Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Vientiane?
The average Vientiane trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Vientiane travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Vientiane cost?
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Having realistic expectations for your budget when visiting Vientiane is important. While it's tempting to aim for a shoestring budget, most travelers don't find that style of travel to be enjoyable. Think about your priorities and how you've traveled in the past. Do you prefer staying in budget accommodations or enjoying more luxurious options? Do you like to explore attractions and dine out at local restaurants? These choices will influence your travel costs and itinerary.
Who Exactly is a Budget Traveler?
Although you may consider yourself a budget traveler, unless you're ready to cut out many creature comforts, you'll likely spend much more than the $10 per day that young budget travelers often get by on.
For backpackers, this tight budget typically involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest eateries or fast food joints, using public transportation, and sticking to free attractions.
Vientiane is home to plenty of hostels, including Barn1920s Hostel, Vientiane Ruby Riverside Backpackers Hostel, and Sailomyen Cafe & Hostel. In hostels like these, you can snag budget-friendly dorm beds and enjoy a social environment, but be prepared for basic amenities.
Is Your Travel Style Average?
Couples and families traveling for leisure often prefer mid-range hotels, dine at popular eateries, and visit key museums and attractions that require an entry fee. Many visitors to Vientiane are keen to visit the prominent attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. It's important to remember that most activities will cost you money. Consequently, you should anticipate your daily budget to be closer to $24 per person, per day.
Vientiane boasts a wide array of hotels and vacation rentals. When traveling with others, you can share accommodations with a partner, friend, or children, thus reducing your expenses. Families should prioritize hotels and restaurants that are geared toward kids. Salana Boutique Hotel is an excellent family-friendly option, while Sabaidee@Lao Hotel Vientiane is also superb. You can find additional family and couple-friendly hotels in our hotel guide for Vientiane here.
What Luxury Travel Looks Like
If you're used to premier amenities and elevated service, prepare to spend about $54 per day. Choosing comfortable hotels, dining at award-winning establishments, indulging in extravagant excursions, and relying on taxis or private drivers to explore the destination will demand a higher price range. Many high-end visitors also prefer unique experiences such as 1-Day Tour to Vang Vieng with Private Guide - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Vientiane
In Vientiane, hotel prices can swing drastically. Higher-end hotels offer more luxury, but come at a cost, especially in peak season when prices are higher. Off-season prices are more reasonable, averaging $30, but during peak season they jump to an average of $56. You can find budget options starting at $16 up to luxury rates at $103. Hostels are typically cheaper, especially dorms. Book early and avoid peak season to save money.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Vientiane for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $17 (₭366,367). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $8.47 (₭183,183) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Vientiane? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Vientiane include:
- Salana Boutique Hotel starting at $56
- Le Charme Vientiane Hotel starting at $46
- Seasons Riverside Hotel starting at $34
- Sabaidee@Lao Hotel Vientiane starting at $53
- ibis Vientiane Nam Phu starting at $48
Traveling in the low or shoulder season (and not in ) means you'll enjoy lower accommodation prices and fewer tourists around.
Transportation Budget in Vientiane
Calculated from travelers like you
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On average, past travelers have spent $2.01 (₭43,466) per person, per day, on local transportation in Vientiane. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Vientiane is significantly more than public transportation.
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Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$2.01
₭43,466
While getting around Vientiane is easer than most other Southeast Asian cities, there still aren't many street signs. Plus, the few that do exist are in Lao or French.
Bicycling is probably the easiest way to get around the city. It's relatively safe given that traffic is often quite slow, and most rental services are available straight through your hotel.
The city center is walkable, but not if you plan on leaving the city center – that's quite a trek. Also, be cautious when crossing streets. While "pedestrian crossing signs are posted, many drivers don't pay attention to them. And before you go strolling the sidewalks, keep in mind that rainwater drainage system of the city (including water for laundry, baths and dishes) flows along the sidewalks beneath concrete slabs that are typically not very secure. So watch your step so you don't get ankle-deep in someone's bath water!
Taxis are available in the city, but you better be prepared to bring out your best haggling game. The prices of taxis are negotiated, and many will claim they are giving you a better rate than a tuk-tuk even though they probably aren't.
A tuk-tuk in Vientiane is not the same as in Bangkok. Here they are considered public transportation so don't be surprised if you negotiate a fare and the driver picks up more riders along the way to your destination. If you have a big group that will fill a tuk-tuk it may be a reasonably priced way to get around – but don't try to use one on your own.
There is also a bus system running throughout the city, but none of the signs are in English and are rarely displayed on the front of the bus.
Some of the standard transportation options and hotel transfers include:
- Vientiane Private Transfer: Wattay Airport -Hotel-Railway Station for $10 details
- Vientiane - Hanoi Sleeping Bus Transfer for $63 details
- Vientian Private Airport Transfer - Wattay Airport for $15 details
How much does it cost to go to Vientiane? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Vientiane will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Typical prices for transit in Vientiane are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the overall transportation costs in Vientiane. Keep in mind that your individual costs will vary based on your method of transit, as hired cars such as taxis are generally much more expensive than public transportation.
Food Budget in Vientiane
Cuisine is one of the main reasons people travel, so don't miss out on the local fare.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Vientiane can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Vientiane is $12 (₭261,574) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
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Food2
Meals for one day
$12
₭261,574
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Vientiane is around $12 (₭261574) per person, with previous travelers spending from $5 to $26. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Vientiane are as follows:
- Breakfast: $1 to $4
- Lunch: $2 to $5
- Dinner: $4 to $8
- Coffee: $1
- Fast Food or Street Food: $2
Vientiane covers the wants and needs of just about every tourist and traveler – including the morning food market's samples of cricket and other creepy-crawler treats.
While you can find anything from Chinese to Tex-Mex in Vientiane, for authentic Lao cuisine, you'll want to find a noodle shop serving rice noodle soups. Many of them also have fried rice and other noodle- based meals.
Some hotels include breakfast in the overall cost, while others add it as an extra charge. The quality and price of breakfast can vary greatly depending on the hotel. Being informed beforehand can help you determine if you need to set aside additional funds. The hotel's buffet may be worth it, or you might consider visiting a local bakery or cafe for a more budget-friendly option.
Instead of constantly buying drinks, bring along a water bottle. It's also great for the planet.
If you're going to take a tour, make sure you understand which meals are included. You could end up paying for some food yourself, which might affect your budget.
Taking a food tour or cooking class is a great way to experience the culture in Vientiane. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Vientiane Private Lao Cooking Class with Market Tour and Lunch for $95 details
- Vientiane Private Lao Cooking Class with Market Tour for $122 details
- Vientiane classic Food tour ( Included Food ) for $78 details
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Vientiane
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Vientiane typically cost an average of $3.81 (₭82,485) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
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Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$3.81
₭82,485
It's easy to be swept up in the beauty of Vientiane. It's all right out in the open for you to fall in love with – tour the temples, stroll the river, sip on a relaxing, adult beverage and completely unwind.
If you do feel the need to cross some things off the sightseeing list, you can pop inside any of the gorgeous temples this city has to offer. The Pha That Luang is a nice place to start since it's the national symbol of Laos and is the most important religious monument in the country.
It's the most important, but not the only one worth visiting. The Wat Si Saket has hundreds of nooks and crannies holding Buddhist images of all sizes and materials. The many interpretations of Buddha can have you browsing all afternoon.
If you're more interested in local history and culture you can always spend a day strolling the exhibits in the Lao National Museum, but if the world of folklore is more your style take a trip to the Black Stupa. As the mythical home to the seven headed dragon protector of Vientiane, it's full of magic and mysticism.
For a stunning view of central Vientiane, climb the seven stories to the top of the Patuxia – the Lao version of the Acr de Triomphe. It is embellished with art of the Buddha and is home to a famous musical fountain and a World Peace gong from Indonesia.
So kicking back and taking in temples is just too low-key for you. That's great. There's plenty of adventures to be had in Vientiane. Pop in to the Green Discovery Laos to start any and all journeys from motorcycling, bicycling, kayaking, cave expeditions and even zip-lining. Not only will they set you up with reputable and safe vendors, but Green Discovery Laos is completely committed to ensuring all locals benefit from the booming tourism industry.
If you can't sit still, but are not up for major adventures, a picnic along the Shore of Nam Ngum is right up your alley. The entire shore is lined with floating restaurants serving fresh fish straight from the lake. It's sure to be a dinner experience that you've never had before.
A nice way to explore destinations in Vientiane is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Laos Railway Tickets Easily: Avoid Long Queues & Wasted Time for $30 details
- Half-Day Vientiane City Bike Tour for $90 details
- Vientiane Cuisine and Culture The Hungry Tuk Tuk Private Tour for $80 details
Vientiane, Laos
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.