Vientiane Prices & Travel Costs

Last Updated: Jan 2024

Vientiane deserves its reputation as one of the most mellow capital cities on earth, but it’s also more modern than many people expect based on older travel guides. There are now some chain restaurants and newer shopping centers, plus a large waterslide park opened in 2008.

Vientiane City Featured Image

Travel Costs to Vientiane

Population 210,000
Area 1,000,000
Timezone UTC+7
Currency Lao Kip
Airports Wattay International Airport (VTE)
BACKPACKER INDEX: US$18.8
1 USD = 20,921.5100 LAK
134 World cities ranked cheapest to most expensive: Backpacker Index for 2024

Accommodation Costs in Vientiane

Vientiane Hotel Seasons

Vientiane Hotel Prices

Rating Price(USD)
starstarstarstarstar7.00 - 22.00
starstarstarstarstar11.00 - 36.00
starstarstarstarstar21.00 - 51.00
starstarstarstarstar52.00 - 104.00
starstarstarstarstar70.00 - 200.00

Vientiane Hostels Prices

Type Price(USD)
Hostel Bed4.00 - 6.00

Vientiane Attractions Prices

Location Description Type Price(USD)
Lao National MuseumThe country's largest and most comprehensive museum is a top draw here. Most exhibits are in English.
adults
0.48
Patuxai (Victory Gate)Climb the various staircases through many gift shops to reach the best views in Vientiane.
adults
0.14
Wat Si Saket/Sisaket MuseumThe oldest temple in Vientiane is known for the hundreds of small Buddha statues in the outer buildings.
adults
0.48

Vientiane Food and Drink Prices

Food Type Description Price(USD)
Budget breakfastIf your hotel doesn't include breakfast you'll have many cafes and restaurants serving cheap meals nearby.1.53 - 2.15
Budget lunchIn addition to local rice and noodle dishes you'll find great baguette sandwiches at many places.1.91 - 3.35
Budget dinnerOutdoor meals by the Mekong are in the budget range, but so are most other restaurants in the tourist zone.3.11 - 4.78
Beer (.640l bottle)Most restaurants and shops charge a similar price for the giant bottle of Beerlao lager. Other brands cost more.1.05 - 1.67
Lao-lao rice whisky (.7l bottle)This clear spirit is surprisingly good considering it's the world's cheapest booze.0.62 - 0.86

Vientiane Transport Prices

Type Price(USD)
Taxi from airport to city center2.75
Tuk-tuk from airport to city center1.39
3km tuk-tuk ride in Vientiane0.72 - 1.43
HAVE MORE INFORMATION OR AN UPDATE? SEND US YOUR TIPS.

When to visit Vientiane

Temperature and rainfall

Month High F Low F Precip (inches)
January83620.3
February87650.5
March91711.3
April94753.3
May91769.7
June897711.0
July887611.0
August877613.0
September887512.0
October87733.1
November86670.4
December83620.1

Vientiane Weather advice

Sunrise and sunset

21 Mar6:13am6:20pm
21 Jun5:34am6:47pm
21 Sep5:58am6:06pm
21 Dec6:35am5:38pm

Where to go before and after