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

Should you visit Vientiane or Guayaquil?

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

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

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.

Guayaquil

Guayaquil is Ecuador's largest city and seaport. From a tourist perspective, the city acts primarily as a transportation gateway to the country and the Galapagos Islands. While the city can be skipped altogether, should you have a free day to spend here, there are a few noteworthy things to do, as well as some terrific dining and nightlife options. Guayaquil’s main tourist attraction is Las Penas, a hill with old, colorfully painted buildings at the north end of the Malecon, where you can walk the 400 steps to the lighthouse at the top for good views of the city. The neighborhood is filled with cafes, bars, restaurants, and art galleries and is relatively safe. Other important sights include the Malecon 2000, a massive urban development project that has brought new life to the riverside in the city center and the Parque Seminario, filled with fountains, trees and iguanas, located at 10 de Agosto Ave and Chile Ave.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in Laos, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Laos, The Best G Adventures Tours to Ecuador, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Ecuador.


Which place is cheaper, Guayaquil 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
    Guayaquil Prices
    Ecuador Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Vientiane $24
    Guayaquil $116

The average daily cost (per person) in Vientiane is $24, while the average daily cost in Guayaquil is $116. 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 Guayaquil in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Vientiane $8.45
    Guayaquil $32
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Vientiane $17
    Guayaquil $64
Compare Hotels in Vientiane and Guayaquil

Looking for a hotel in Vientiane or Guayaquil? 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 Guayaquil


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 Guayaquil Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Vientiane $2.01
    Guayaquil $15
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 Guayaquil?

Prices for flights to both Guayaquil 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
    Guayaquil $50

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
    Guayaquil $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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Vientiane $2.12
    Guayaquil $17


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


Which is Bigger, Vientiane or Guayaquil?

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

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 Guayaquil in the Summer?

Both Guayaquil 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Guayaquil year-round.

Guayaquil 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 Guayaquil. Vientiane gets 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

In July, Vientiane is generally a little warmer than Guayaquil. Daily temperatures in Vientiane average around 30°C (85°F), and Guayaquil fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Vientiane 30°C (85°F) 
    Guayaquil 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Vientiane or Guayaquil in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Vientiane and Guayaquil. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vientiane year-round. Guayaquil attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In October, Vientiane usually receives around the same amount of rain as Guayaquil. Vientiane gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Vientiane is a little warmer than Guayaquil in the autumn. The daily temperature in Vientiane averages around 28°C (83°F) in October, and Guayaquil fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Vientiane 28°C (83°F) 
    Guayaquil 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Vientiane or Guayaquil in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Vientiane as well as Guayaquil. Vientiane attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Guayaquil throughout the year.

It's quite rainy in Guayaquil. Vientiane usually gets less rain in January than Guayaquil. Vientiane gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the winter, Vientiane is cooler than Guayaquil. Typically, the winter temperatures in Vientiane in January average around 24°C (75°F), and Guayaquil averages at about 28°C (82°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Vientiane 24°C (75°F) 
    Guayaquil 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Vientiane or Guayaquil in the Spring?

Both Guayaquil and Vientiane are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vientiane throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Guayaquil because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Guayaquil. In April, Vientiane usually receives less rain than Guayaquil. Vientiane gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Vientiane can become quite hot in the spring. In April, Vientiane is generally a little warmer than Guayaquil. Daily temperatures in Vientiane average around 31°C (88°F), and Guayaquil fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Vientiane 31°C (88°F) 
    Guayaquil 28°C (82°F)

Typical Weather for Guayaquil and Vientiane

Vientiane Guayaquil
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (75°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 28°C (82°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Feb 26°C (79°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 27°C (81°F) 230 mm (9.1 in)
Mar 29°C (85°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 220 mm (8.7 in)
Apr 31°C (88°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 28°C (82°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
May 30°C (87°F) 255 mm (10 in) 27°C (81°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 30°C (86°F) 273 mm (10.7 in) 25°C (77°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jul 30°C (85°F) 266 mm (10.5 in) 23°C (73°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Aug 29°C (85°F) 323 mm (12.7 in) 23°C (73°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Sep 29°C (84°F) 295 mm (11.6 in) 25°C (77°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Oct 28°C (83°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 26°C (79°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Dec 24°C (74°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)