A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Izmir vs. Vientiane for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Izmir or Vientiane?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Izmir and Vientiane. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Izmir or Vientiane?

Izmir

Izmir is a metropolitan city of Turkey and the second most populous city on the Aegean Sea after Athens, Greece. Known as Smyrna in antiquity, it was founded by the Greeks, taken over by the Romans, and rebuilt by Alexander the Great before becoming part of the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century. Most remnants of this past are gone; however, there are a few archaeological sites in addition to beaches, bustling city streets, and colorful markets.

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 G Adventures Tours to Turkey, The Best 3-Day Tours from Istanbul, The Best Bicycle Tours in Laos, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Laos.


Which place is cheaper, Vientiane or Izmir?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Izmir Prices
    Turkey Prices
    Vientiane Prices
    Laos Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Izmir $96
    Vientiane $24

The average daily cost (per person) in Izmir is $96, 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 Izmir and Vientiane in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Izmir $47
    Vientiane $8.45
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Izmir $94
    Vientiane $17
Compare Hotels in Izmir and Vientiane

Looking for a hotel in Izmir 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.

Hotels in Izmir


Hotels in Vientiane


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: Izmir Hotel Prices and Vientiane Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Izmir $23
    Vientiane $2.01

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Izmir

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Izmir:

  • Bodrum Airport Private Minivan By Meet Transfer : $42
  • Dalaman Airport Transfer Private and Comfortable : $45
  • Izmir Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer from/to Izmir City: $47
  • Marmaris - Fethiye From Or To DLM Airport Private Meet Transfer: $48
  • Private Transfer from Izmir city Hotels to Izmir Cruise Port: $54
  • Arrival Transfer Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport ADB to Izmir by Van: $56
  • Private Transfer from Izmir Cruise Port to Izmir hotels: $59
  • Izmir Airport Private Luxury Transfer : $59
  • Izmir Transfer: $62
  • Private Transfer From Izmır Airport to Izmir City Hotels: $66
  • From/To Izmir Airport Private Transfer Services: $66
  • Private Transfer | IZMIR City Hotels - Izmir AIRPORT: $66

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Vientiane

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Vientiane are as follows:


  • Tuk Tuk Ride
    $4.15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vientiane

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Vientiane:

  • Vientian Private Airport Transfer - Wattay Airport: $15
  • Vientiane - Hanoi Sleeping Bus Transfer : $63
  • Vientiane Private Transfer: Wattay Airport -Hotel-Railway Station: $9.90
  • Wattay Airport (VTE): Private Transfer to/from Vientiane: $20

Is it cheaper to fly into Izmir or Vientiane?

Prices for flights to both Vientiane and Izmir 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 day
    Izmir $33
    Vientiane $12

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Izmir

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Izmir.

  • Authentic Turkish Home Cooking Class with Locals: $76
  • Izmir to Aphrodisias: Cooking & Ceramics Class: $251

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
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Izmir $16
    Vientiane $3.80

Tours and Activities in Izmir

Here are a few actual costs in Izmir for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Guided Walking Tour of Teos Ancient City and Sığacık Castle: $32
  • Budget - Friendly Ephesus Tour from Izmir: $42
  • Izmir : Ephesus and Sirince Guided Tour: $53
  • Ephesus Ancient City with Best Guides Only For Cruise Guests: $59
  • Best of Private Walking Tour with a Local: $66
  • Private Ephesus Tour from Izmir Port and Hotels : $67
  • PRIVATE EPHESUS & MARY'S HOUSE TOUR from Izmir Cruise Port: $69
  • From Ephesus, Artemis Temple Tour with Tickets/Lunch: $84
  • Izmir City Tour: $84
  • From Ephesus, Artemis Temple Tour WITH ENTRY TICKETS+LUNCH: $85
  • From Pamukkale, Hierapolis and Karahayit Day Tour: $88
  • Izmir City Tour : $90

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
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Izmir $6.94
    Vientiane $2.12

Sample the Local Flavors in Izmir

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Izmir:

  • Wine Tasting Tour at Two Wineries in Urla Turkey: $131


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Izmir and Vientiane, we can see that Izmir is more expensive. And not only is Vientiane much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Izmir is in Europe and Vientiane is in Asia, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Izmir would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Izmir 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 Izmir Expensive? and Is Vientiane Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Izmir or Vientiane?

Izmir has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Vientiane. When comparing the sizes of Izmir 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 Izmir or Vientiane?

Izmir has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Vientiane experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Izmir or Vientiane in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Izmir and Vientiane. Many visitors come to Izmir in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Vientiane attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Izmir is around the same temperature as Vientiane in the summer. The daily temperature in Izmir averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Vientiane fluctuates around 30°C (85°F).

In Izmir, it's very sunny this time of the year. Izmir usually receives more sunshine than Vientiane during summer. Izmir gets 378 hours of sunny skies, while Vientiane receives 141 hours of full sun in the summer.

Vientiane receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Izmir usually receives less rain than Vientiane. Izmir gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Vientiane receives 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Izmir 28°C (82°F) 
    Vientiane 30°C (85°F)

Should I visit Izmir or Vientiane in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Izmir as well as Vientiane. Most visitors come to Izmir for the city's sights and attractions during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vientiane throughout the year.

In the autumn, Izmir is cooler than Vientiane. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Izmir in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Vientiane averages at about 28°C (83°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vientiane. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Izmir this time of the year. In the autumn, Izmir often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Vientiane. Izmir gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vientiane receives 222 hours of full sun.

Izmir usually gets less rain in October than Vientiane. Izmir gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Vientiane receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Izmir 19°C (67°F) 
    Vientiane 28°C (83°F)

Should I visit Izmir or Vientiane in the Winter?

Both Vientiane and Izmir are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Izmir because of the cuisine. Plenty of visitors come to Vientiane because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In January, Izmir is generally much colder than Vientiane. Daily temperatures in Izmir average around 9°C (48°F), and Vientiane fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Vientiane. Izmir usually receives less sunshine than Vientiane during winter. Izmir gets 131 hours of sunny skies, while Vientiane receives 254 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Izmir. In January, Izmir usually receives more rain than Vientiane. Izmir gets 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Vientiane receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Izmir 9°C (48°F) 
    Vientiane 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Izmir or Vientiane in the Spring?

Both Vientiane and Izmir during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city are the main draw to Izmir this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vientiane year-round.

The heat can be very extreme in Vientiane. Izmir is much colder than Vientiane in the spring. The daily temperature in Izmir averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Vientiane fluctuates around 31°C (88°F).

In Vientiane, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Izmir. In the spring, Izmir often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Vientiane. Izmir gets 231 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vientiane receives 230 hours of full sun.

Izmir usually gets less rain in April than Vientiane. Izmir gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Vientiane receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Izmir 16°C (61°F) 
    Vientiane 31°C (88°F)

Typical Weather for Vientiane and Izmir

Izmir Vientiane
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 9°C (48°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 24°C (75°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 99 mm (3.9 in) 26°C (79°F) 12 mm (0.5 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 76 mm (3 in) 29°C (85°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 31°C (88°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
May 21°C (69°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 30°C (87°F) 255 mm (10 in)
Jun 25°C (77°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 30°C (86°F) 273 mm (10.7 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 30°C (85°F) 266 mm (10.5 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 29°C (85°F) 323 mm (12.7 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 29°C (84°F) 295 mm (11.6 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 28°C (83°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Nov 15°C (58°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Dec 11°C (52°F) 153 mm (6 in) 24°C (74°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)