Which place is cheaper, Vientiane or Da Nang?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Da Nang or Vientiane?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Da Nang or Vientiane? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Da Nang or Vientiane?
Da Nang
Halfway between Ho Chi Minh City in the south and Hanoi in the North is the easy-going beach city of Da Nang (or Danang, for some). The third most populated city in Vietnam, Da Nang draws in crowds with its beautiful and calm beaches as well as its history as a French colonial port.
With beaches, mountains, and cityscape, there's bound to be a point of interest for all travelers. Da Nang is also a transit hub to get to the four Vietnamese UNESCO World heritage sites: Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park, Hue, Hoi An, and My Son.
Da Nang experiences wet season from September through March and dry season from April through August with average temperatures of around 80℉.
Da Nang is also known to have some of the friendliest locals, probably due to the peace and quiet and lack of heavy traffic, even in the city.
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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Hanoi, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Ho Chi Minh City, The Best Bicycle Tours in Laos, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Laos.
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Da Nang Prices
Vietnam PricesVientiane Prices
Laos Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDa Nang $55Vientiane $24
The average daily cost (per person) in Da Nang is $55, while the average daily cost in Vientiane is $24. 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 Da Nang and Vientiane in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDa Nang $18Vientiane $8.45
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDa Nang $36Vientiane $17
Compare Hotels in Da Nang and Vientiane
Looking for a hotel in Da Nang 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: Da Nang Hotel Prices and Vientiane Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Da Nang $11Vientiane $2.01
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Da Nang
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Da Nang:
- Transfer from Da Nang Hotel to Airport by Private Car: $5.00
- Da Nang Airport Transfer to Da Nang Hotel by Private Car: $5.00
- Hue Transfer Service to/from Hotel, Airport, Train Station: $7.09
- PRIVATE TRANSFER Da Nang Airport to/from Da Nang & Hoi An hotels: $8.00
- Danang Private Airport Transfer: $9.50
- Hue: Private Transfer to/from Da Nang via Many Attractions: $15
- Hue: Private Transfer to Da Nang with Sightseeing Stops: $15
- Private transfer Danang airport - Hotels in Danang: $15
- Hue: Private Transfer to/from Hoi An via Many Attractions: $16
- Da Nang - Hoi An Airport Transfer: $16
- Hoi An Transfer to/from Hue by Private Car via Hai Van Pass: $18
- From Hue: One-Way Shared Bus Transfer to Hoi An: $19
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Vientiane
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Vientiane are as follows:
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Tuk Tuk Ride$4.15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vientiane
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Vientiane:
- Vientiane Private Transfer: Wattay Airport -Hotel-Railway Station: $9.90
- Vientian Private Airport Transfer - Wattay Airport: $15
- Wattay Airport (VTE): Private Transfer to/from Vientiane: $20
- Vientiane - Hanoi Sleeping Bus Transfer : $63
Is it cheaper to fly into Da Nang or Vientiane?
Prices for flights to both Vientiane and Da Nang 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
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Food Meals for one dayDa Nang $27Vientiane $12
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Da Nang
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Da Nang.
- Tasty Dinner Da Nang on Han River Cruise by Yatch & Champa Show: $17
- Poseidon Cruise with Dinner and Dragon Bridge Show: $17
- HộiAnTrà Quế farming &Cooking Class-BasketBoat Ride,Crab fishing: $26
- Eco Cooking Class and Basket boat tour from Da Nang/ Hoi An: $29
- Da Nang Food Tour Motorbike & Sightseeing By Ao Dai Lady Rider: $38
- 5 traditional dishes Da Nang cooking class with market trip: $39
- Seafood dinner, night market, sightseeing by night: $39
- Happy Cooking Class in Danang : $39
- Da Nang Evening Food Tour: $47
- 6-Hour Cooking Class in Danang (JDN1): $50
- Discover Da Nang by Night on a Private Food Tour: $53
- Hue Countryside Bike Tour & Cooking Class: $71
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Vientiane
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Vientiane.
- Vientiane classic Food tour ( Included Food ): $78
- Night Market, Dinner, and Nightclub: $90
- Vientiane Private Lao Cooking Class with Market Tour and Lunch: $95
- Vientiane Private Lao Cooking Class with Market Tour: $122
- Cooking Class Garden House: $335
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Da Nang $13Vientiane $3.80
Tours and Activities in Da Nang
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Da Nang are as follows:
- Han River by night on boat cruise in Da Nang: $5.50
- Day Tour to Bana Hills with Golden Bridge: $7.76
- Ba Na Hills & Golden Bridge Tour from Da Nang: $8.54
- Experience Da Nang Han River Local Cruise by Night: $9.00
- Explore Hue: 3 Highlights Tour then Depart to Hoi An: $11
- Combo Dragon Cruise by Yatch-Tasty Local Beer & Champa Dance: $17
- Beautiful Night Cruise Experience in Han River Da Nang: $18
- Exploring Beautiful Charming Da Nang Show Ticket: $19
- Full Day Golden Bridge and Ba Na Hills Small Group Tour: $21
- Marble Mountains - Am Phu Cave - Monkey Mountain Sunset tour : $22
- Da Nang Street Food Private Tour With Female Tour Guide: $25
- Danang City Full Day Tours: $25
Tours and Activities in Vientiane
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Vientiane are as follows:
- Laos Railway Tickets Easily: Avoid Long Queues & Wasted Time: $30
- Laos Railway Tickets Online: Skip Long Queues, Avoid Missing: $30
- Art, Culture, & Inspiration Guided Half-Day Tour: $52
- Half-Day City Tour with Patuxai and Buddha Park: $52
- Vientiane Sky Luge and Roller Zipline Experience: $55
- Vientiane Landmarks and Cultural Immersion Tour: $56
- Cultural Tour with Buddha Park and Patuxay: $58
- Vientiane IG tour & Patuxay monument: $59
- Half-Day City Tour - Morning or Afternoon: $65
- Vientiane Half Day City Tour: $80
- Vientiane : Private Custom Tour with a Local Guide: $88
- Vientiane Half-Day City Tour: $89
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDa Nang $8.91Vientiane $2.12
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Da Nang and Vientiane, we can see that Da Nang 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 Da Nang would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Da Nang 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 Da Nang Expensive? and Is Vientiane Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Da Nang or Vientiane?
Da Nang has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Vientiane. When comparing the sizes of Da Nang 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 Da Nang or Vientiane?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Da Nang or Vientiane in the Summer?
Both Vientiane and Da Nang are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Da Nang throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Vientiane because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The dry season in Da Nang is January to July. The rainy season in Da Nang is August to December. It rains a lot this time of the year in Vientiane. In July, Da Nang usually receives less rain than Vientiane. Da Nang gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Vientiane receives 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Da Nang. Da Nang usually receives more sunshine than Vientiane during summer. Da Nang gets 242 hours of sunny skies, while Vientiane receives 141 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Da Nang is generally around the same temperature as Vientiane. Daily temperatures in Da Nang average around 29°C (85°F), and Vientiane fluctuates around 30°C (85°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyDa Nang 29°C (85°F)Vientiane 30°C (85°F)
Should I visit Da Nang or Vientiane in the Autumn?
Both Vientiane and Da Nang during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Da Nang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vientiane year-round.
August to December is the rainy season in Da Nang. It rains a lot this time of the year in Da Nang. Da Nang usually gets more rain in October than Vientiane. Da Nang gets 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain, while Vientiane receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Vientiane, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Da Nang often gets less sunshine than Vientiane. Da Nang gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vientiane receives 222 hours of full sun.
Da Nang is cooler than Vientiane in the autumn. The daily temperature in Da Nang averages around 25°C (78°F) in October, and Vientiane fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberDa Nang 25°C (78°F)Vientiane 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Da Nang or Vientiane in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Da Nang and Vientiane. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Da Nang year-round. Vientiane attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
January to July in Da Nang is the dry season. Da Nang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Da Nang usually receives more rain than Vientiane. Da Nang gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Vientiane receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vientiane this time of the year. Da Nang usually receives less sunshine than Vientiane during winter. Da Nang gets 136 hours of sunny skies, while Vientiane receives 254 hours of full sun in the winter.
In the winter, Da Nang is around the same temperature as Vientiane. Typically, the winter temperatures in Da Nang in January average around 22°C (71°F), and Vientiane averages at about 24°C (75°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryDa Nang 22°C (71°F)Vientiane 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Da Nang or Vientiane in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Da Nang as well as Vientiane. Da Nang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vientiane throughout the year.
Da Nang usually gets less rain in April than Vientiane. Da Nang gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Vientiane receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vientiane. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Da Nang this time of the year. In the spring, Da Nang often gets less sunshine than Vientiane. Da Nang gets 210 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vientiane receives 230 hours of full sun.
It's very hot in Vientiane this time of the year. In April, Da Nang is generally cooler than Vientiane. Daily temperatures in Da Nang average around 26°C (80°F), and Vientiane fluctuates around 31°C (88°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilDa Nang 26°C (80°F)Vientiane 31°C (88°F)
Typical Weather for Vientiane and Da Nang
| Da Nang | Vientiane | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 22°C (71°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Feb | 23°C (73°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Mar | 24°C (75°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (80°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 31°C (88°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 30°C (87°F) | 255 mm (10 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (85°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 273 mm (10.7 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (85°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 30°C (85°F) | 266 mm (10.5 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 323 mm (12.7 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 331 mm (13 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 295 mm (11.6 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (78°F) | 613 mm (24.1 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Nov | 24°C (76°F) | 376 mm (14.8 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 223 mm (8.8 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
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.