Which place is cheaper, Bocas del Toro or Vientiane?
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 Vientiane or Bocas del Toro?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Vientiane or Bocas del Toro, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Vientiane or Bocas del Toro?
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.
Bocas del Toro
The capital of the Bocas del Toro province, this city of the same name sits in the Caribbean West region of Panama. Bocas del Toro, or Bocas Town, is in the district of Bocas del Toro, which also includes the towns of Bastimentos, Cauchero, Punta Laurel, and Tierra Oscura. The district has a population of about 17,000 and covers a total area of 433.2 square kilometers, and the town has a population of about 13,000. The area is a tourist destination for its beautiful beaches, excellent snorkeling and diving, and interesting culture.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in Laos, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Laos, The Best 2-Week Tours from Panama City, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Panama.
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Vientiane Prices
Laos PricesBocas del Toro Prices
Panama Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVientiane $24Bocas del Toro $96
The average daily cost (per person) in Vientiane is $24, while the average daily cost in Bocas del Toro is $96. 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 Vientiane and Bocas del Toro in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVientiane $8.45Bocas del Toro $33
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVientiane $17Bocas del Toro $66
Compare Hotels in Vientiane and Bocas del Toro
Looking for a hotel in Vientiane or Bocas del Toro? 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: Vientiane Hotel Prices and Bocas del Toro Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Vientiane $2.01Bocas del Toro $10
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 - Hanoi Sleeping Bus Transfer : $63
- Wattay Airport (VTE): Private Transfer to/from Vientiane: $20
- Vientian Private Airport Transfer - Wattay Airport: $15
- Vientiane Private Transfer: Wattay Airport -Hotel-Railway Station: $9.90
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bocas del Toro
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Bocas del Toro:
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Water Taxi$3.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bocas del Toro
Also for Bocas del Toro, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer from Bocas del Toro to Puerto Viejo: $54
Is it cheaper to fly into Vientiane or Bocas del Toro?
Prices for flights to both Bocas del Toro and Vientiane 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 dayVientiane $12Bocas del Toro $47
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
Typical Food Prices in Bocas del Toro
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Bocas del Toro:
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Lunch$15
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Breakfast$14
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Vientiane $3.80Bocas del Toro $21
Tours and Activities in Vientiane
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Vientiane are as follows:
- Vientiane Cultural Tour with Private Guide: $110
- 1-Day Tour to Vang Vieng with Private Guide: $200
- 1-Day Vientiane City Adventure: Top Sights & Hidden Gems: $110
- From Plain of Jars Tour & Homestay: $1,650
- From Vang Vieng 2-Day Tour with Blue Lagoon: $443
- From Vang Vieng Tour with Cave Kayak & Zipline: $113
- Guided Vientiane City and Buddha Park Full-Day Tour: $99
- Half Day Private Tour in City Highlights: $120
- Half-Day Vientiane City Bike Tour: $90
- Lao Arts Museum & City Highlights Tour with Lunch: $122
- Laos Railway Tickets Easily: Avoid Long Queues & Wasted Time: $30
- Laos Railway Tickets Online: Skip Long Queues, Avoid Missing: $30
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bocas del Toro
For Bocas del Toro, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Island Boat Tour$25
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Starfish Island Boat Trip$20
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Yoga Class$4.99
Tours and Activities in Bocas del Toro
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Bocas del Toro.
- Zapatilla Island Hopping Day Tour: $49
- Bioluminescence Tour - Bocas del Toro: $49
- Bioluminescence Snorkeling and Boat Experience at Bocas del Toro: $50
- Isla Colon Tour to Bird Island, Boca del Drago and Starfish Beach: $50
- Bocas del Toro Island Hopping Day Tour in Zapatilla Beach: $51
- From Isla Colon: Bocas del Toro Archipelago Boat Tour: $56
- Stand Up Paddle Board Experience in Bahia Honda Bocas del Toro: $60
- Speed Boat tour to Mangrove Point -Starfish Beach -Bocas del Drago and Birds Island: $65
- Full-Day Speedboat Tour, Wildlife, and Snorkeling in Bocas del Toro in Panama: $68
- Bocas Biodiversity: A Birds & Wildlife EcoTour Experience: $76
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVientiane $2.12Bocas del Toro $12
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vientiane and Bocas del Toro, we can see that Bocas del Toro is more expensive. And not only is Vientiane much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Vientiane is in Asia and Bocas del Toro is in Central America, 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 Bocas del Toro would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bocas del Toro 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 Vientiane Expensive? and Is Bocas del Toro Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Vientiane or Bocas del Toro?
Vientiane has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Bocas del Toro. When comparing the sizes of Vientiane and Bocas del Toro, 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 Vientiane or Bocas del Toro?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Vientiane or Bocas del Toro in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Vientiane as well as Bocas del Toro. Vientiane attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bocas del Toro throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Bocas del Toro. Vientiane receives a lot of rain in the summer. Vientiane usually gets less rain in July than Bocas del Toro. Vientiane gets 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the summer, Vientiane often gets more sunshine than Bocas del Toro. Vientiane gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bocas del Toro receives 124 hours of full sun.
In the summer, Vientiane is a little warmer than Bocas del Toro. Typically, the summer temperatures in Vientiane in July average around 30°C (85°F), and Bocas del Toro averages at about 26°C (79°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyVientiane 30°C (85°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Bocas del Toro in the Autumn?
Both Bocas del Toro and Vientiane are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vientiane throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Bocas del Toro because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Bocas del Toro. In October, Vientiane usually receives less rain than Bocas del Toro. Vientiane gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 198 mm (7.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vientiane. Vientiane usually receives more sunshine than Bocas del Toro during autumn. Vientiane gets 222 hours of sunny skies, while Bocas del Toro receives 159 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Vientiane is generally around the same temperature as Bocas del Toro. Daily temperatures in Vientiane average around 28°C (83°F), and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberVientiane 28°C (83°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Bocas del Toro in the Winter?
Both Bocas del Toro and Vientiane during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Vientiane because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bocas del Toro year-round.
Bocas del Toro gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Vientiane usually gets less rain in January than Bocas del Toro. Vientiane gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 319 mm (12.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
It's quite sunny in Vientiane. In the winter, Vientiane often gets more sunshine than Bocas del Toro. Vientiane gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bocas del Toro receives 159 hours of full sun.
Vientiane is around the same temperature as Bocas del Toro in the winter. The daily temperature in Vientiane averages around 24°C (75°F) in January, and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryVientiane 24°C (75°F)Bocas del Toro 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Bocas del Toro in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Vientiane and Bocas del Toro. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vientiane year-round. Bocas del Toro attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Bocas del Toro receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Vientiane usually receives less rain than Bocas del Toro. Vientiane gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
In Vientiane, it's very sunny this time of the year. Vientiane usually receives more sunshine than Bocas del Toro during spring. Vientiane gets 230 hours of sunny skies, while Bocas del Toro receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.
The heat can be very extreme in Vientiane. In the spring, Vientiane is a little warmer than Bocas del Toro. Typically, the spring temperatures in Vientiane in April average around 31°C (88°F), and Bocas del Toro averages at about 26°C (79°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilVientiane 31°C (88°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for Bocas del Toro and Vientiane
| Vientiane | Bocas del Toro | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 319 mm (12.6 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 201 mm (7.9 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (85°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 193 mm (7.6 in) |
| Apr | 31°C (88°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) |
| May | 30°C (87°F) | 255 mm (10 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 281 mm (11.1 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (86°F) | 273 mm (10.7 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 276 mm (10.9 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (85°F) | 266 mm (10.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 323 mm (12.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 255 mm (10 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (84°F) | 295 mm (11.6 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (83°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 367 mm (14.4 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (74°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 402 mm (15.8 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.