Travel Budget for Vientiane Visit Vientiane on a Budget or Travel in Style

Vientiane, Khoueng Viangchan, Laos

Vientiane is an exciting destination known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.

How much does it cost to travel to Vientiane?

You should plan to spend around $24 (₭510,575) per day on your vacation in Vientiane. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

  • $12 (₭261,574) on meals
  • $2.01 (₭43,466) on local transportation
  • $17 (₭366,367) on hotels

A one week trip to Vientiane for two people costs, on average, $331 (₭7,148,050). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    $24
    510,575
  • One Week Per person
    $165
    3,574,025
  • 2 Weeks Per person
    $331
    7,148,050
  • One Month Per person
    $708
    15,317,250
  • One Week For a couple
    $331
    7,148,050
  • 2 Weeks For a couple
    $661
    14,296,100
  • One Month For a couple
    $1,417
    30,634,500
This data comes from the travel budgets of real travelers - How it works. Put these numbers on your website.


How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Vientiane cost?

A one week trip to Vientiane usually costs around $165 (₭3,574,025) for one person and $331 (₭7,148,050) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Vientiane on average costs around $331 (₭7,148,050) for one person and $661 (₭14,296,100) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Vientiane will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Vientiane on average costs around $708 (₭15,317,250) for one person and $1,417 (₭30,634,500) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.




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?

Vientiane on a Budget
Category Budget Mid-Range Luxury
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy
$3
(74,102)
$8
(183,183)
$20
(438,037)
Local Transportation1 $1
(17,220)
$2
(43,466)
$5
(109,225)
Food2 $5
(109,667)
$12
(261,574)
$26
(569,316)
Entertainment1 $1
(31,500)
$4
(82,485)
$10
(224,444)
Alcohol2 $0-1
(9,871-29,614)
$1-3
(22,955-68,866)
$2-6
(46,360-139,080)

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.

Average Daily Costs

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.

  • Accommodation1 Hotel or hostel for one person
    $8.47
    183,183
  • Accommodation1 Typical double-occupancy room
    $17
    366,367

Hotels in Vientiane

Looking for a hotel in Vientiane? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.



Actual Hotel Prices in Vientiane

The average hotel room price in Vientiane based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $30 in the low season and $56 in the peak season. Below are the average prices for each budget category. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)

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
Tips to Save Money on Accommodation in Vientiane

Traveling in the low or shoulder season (and not in ) means you'll enjoy lower accommodation prices and fewer tourists around.


Recommended Properties


Transportation Budget in Vientiane

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • 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.

  • 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

Recommended Services


Flights to Vientiane
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.

Rental Cars in Vientiane
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.


What did other people spend on Transportation in Vientiane?

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.


  • Tuk Tuk Ride
    90,000


Food Budget in Vientiane

Cuisine is one of the main reasons people travel, so don't miss out on the local fare.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • 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.

  • 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.

Food & Dining Tips

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

Recommended


Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Vientiane

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • 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.

  • 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

Recommended Activities


Nightlife Budget in Vientiane

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The average person spends about $2.12 (₭45,911) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Vientiane per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

  • Alcohol2 Drinks for one day
    $2.12
    45,911
Nightlife Tips

Nights out are a travel highlight, but reducing your drink tab is a smart way to stretch your budget further.



Travel cost data last updated: Apr 25, 2025

Budgeting and Travel Tips for Vientiane

  • During peak season, prices are generally much higher and the destination is more crowded. You can save money and avoid the crowds by visiting during the shoulder seasons or low season instead.
  • Traveling at a more relaxed pace can save you money while you take in the stunning beauty around you. When you fill each day with activities, your expenses can soar. But by slowing down and enjoying the journey, you usually spend less.

Budgeting Challenges

  • There aren't many public transportation options in Vientiane. Organizing another form of transport, like a tour or private driver, might be necessary. Just know that this could stretch your budget in other places.
  • If you were counting on hostels in Vientiane, you might be out of luck because the destination does not have very many. If saving money in a dorm was your plan, instead consider finding a budget hotel or renting an apartment.
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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.



Neighborhoods & Around

Chanthabuli is the central area which is home to the government buildings, wats, plus many hotels and restaurants. Most visitors tend to stay in this general area, as it contains all needed amenities.

Related:

Looking for a hostel in Vietnam or Cambodia? Find party hostels in Vietnam or Siem Reap or find the best place to stay if you're traveling alone to Ho Chi Minh City.

We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.



1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis.
2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.