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

Should you visit Vientiane or Coffs Harbour?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Vientiane or Coffs Harbour, 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 Coffs Harbour?

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.

Coffs Harbour

Coffs Harbour is in New South Wales between Brisbane and Sydney. Historically, Coffs Harbour has been a popular vacation destination among families, particularly Australian families. Most visitors today are families that are carrying on a longstanding tradition and bringing their children to the holiday destination of their childhood. You'll also find backpackers who spend up to a week here, dividing the trip between Sydney and Brisbane. The area has a well established tourist infrastructure that is not as trendy as that in Byron Bay, but it remains a wonderful community to visit if you're not looking for the party atmosphere.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in Laos, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Laos, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Australia, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Coffs Harbour or Vientiane?

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

  • Vientiane Prices
    Laos Prices
    Coffs Harbour Prices
    Australia Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Vientiane $24
    Coffs Harbour $174

The average daily cost (per person) in Vientiane is $24, while the average daily cost in Coffs Harbour is $174. 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 Coffs Harbour in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Vientiane $8.45
    Coffs Harbour $63
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Vientiane $17
    Coffs Harbour $126
Compare Hotels in Vientiane and Coffs Harbour

Looking for a hotel in Vientiane or Coffs Harbour? 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 Vientiane


Hotels in Coffs Harbour


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 Coffs Harbour Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Vientiane $2.01
    Coffs Harbour $22
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:

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Vientiane or Coffs Harbour?

Prices for flights to both Coffs Harbour 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Vientiane $12
    Coffs Harbour $89

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.
    Vientiane $3.80
    Coffs Harbour $42

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 Coffs Harbour

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Coffs Harbour's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Surfing Museum (for 2)
    $7.20

Tours and Activities in Coffs Harbour

For Coffs Harbour, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Treetops Adventure Tree Ropes Course: $46

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Vientiane $2.12
    Coffs Harbour $8.41


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vientiane and Coffs Harbour, we can see that Coffs Harbour 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 Coffs Harbour is in Pacific, 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 Coffs Harbour would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Coffs Harbour 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 Coffs Harbour Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Vientiane or Coffs Harbour?

Vientiane has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Coffs Harbour. When comparing the sizes of Vientiane and Coffs Harbour, 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 Coffs Harbour?

Coffs Harbour 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 Vientiane or Coffs Harbour in the Summer?

Both Coffs Harbour and Vientiane during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Vientiane because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Coffs Harbour for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Vientiane is a little warmer than Coffs Harbour in the summer. The daily temperature in Vientiane averages around 30°C (85°F) in July, and Coffs Harbour fluctuates around 23°C (74°F)in January.

In Coffs Harbour, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Vientiane often gets less sunshine than Coffs Harbourin January. Vientiane gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Coffs Harbour receives 237 hours of full sun.

Coffs Harbour gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Vientiane. Vientiane usually gets more rain in July than Coffs Harbourin January. Vientiane gets 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain, while Coffs Harbour receives 187 mm (7.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Vientiane 30°C (85°F) 
    Coffs Harbour 23°C (74°F)

Should I visit Vientiane or Coffs Harbour in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Vientiane and Coffs Harbour. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vientiane year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Coffs Harbour in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Vientiane is a little warmer than Coffs Harbour. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Vientiane in October average around 28°C (83°F), and Coffs Harbour averages at about 20°C (67°F)in April.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Coffs Harbour this time of the year. In Vientiane, it's very sunny this time of the year. Vientiane usually receives more sunshine than Coffs Harbour during autumn. Vientiane gets 222 hours of sunny skies, while Coffs Harbour receives 203 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Coffs Harbour receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Vientiane usually receives less rain than Coffs Harbourin April. Vientiane gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Coffs Harbour receives 215 mm (8.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Vientiane 28°C (83°F) 
    Coffs Harbour 20°C (67°F)

Should I visit Vientiane or Coffs Harbour in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Vientiane as well as Coffs Harbour. Vientiane attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Coffs Harbour for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Vientiane is generally much warmer than Coffs Harbourin July. Daily temperatures in Vientiane average around 24°C (75°F), and Coffs Harbour fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Coffs Harbour. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vientiane this time of the year. In the winter, Vientiane often gets more sunshine than Coffs Harbourin July. Vientiane gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Coffs Harbour receives 219 hours of full sun.

Vientiane usually gets less rain in January than Coffs Harbourin July. Vientiane gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Coffs Harbour receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Vientiane 24°C (75°F) 
    Coffs Harbour 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Vientiane or Coffs Harbour in the Spring?

Both Coffs Harbour and Vientiane are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vientiane throughout the year. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Coffs Harbour because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

It's very hot in Vientiane this time of the year. Vientiane is much warmer than Coffs Harbour in the spring. The daily temperature in Vientiane averages around 31°C (88°F) in April, and Coffs Harbour fluctuates around 19°C (66°F)in October.

It's quite sunny in Coffs Harbour. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vientiane. Vientiane usually receives less sunshine than Coffs Harbour during spring. Vientiane gets 230 hours of sunny skies, while Coffs Harbour receives 257 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Coffs Harbour. In April, Vientiane usually receives less rain than Coffs Harbourin October. Vientiane gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Coffs Harbour receives 103 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Vientiane 31°C (88°F) 
    Coffs Harbour 19°C (66°F)

Typical Weather for Coffs Harbour and Vientiane

Vientiane Coffs Harbour
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (75°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 23°C (74°F) 187 mm (7.4 in)
Feb 26°C (79°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 23°C (73°F) 195 mm (7.7 in)
Mar 29°C (85°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 22°C (72°F) 241 mm (9.5 in)
Apr 31°C (88°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 20°C (67°F) 215 mm (8.5 in)
May 30°C (87°F) 255 mm (10 in) 17°C (62°F) 177 mm (7 in)
Jun 30°C (86°F) 273 mm (10.7 in) 14°C (58°F) 125 mm (4.9 in)
Jul 30°C (85°F) 266 mm (10.5 in) 13°C (55°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Aug 29°C (85°F) 323 mm (12.7 in) 14°C (57°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 29°C (84°F) 295 mm (11.6 in) 16°C (62°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 28°C (83°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 19°C (66°F) 103 mm (4.1 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 20°C (69°F) 136 mm (5.4 in)
Dec 24°C (74°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 22°C (72°F) 143 mm (5.6 in)


Related Articles for Vientiane