Which place is cheaper, Nanjing 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 Nanjing?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Vientiane or Nanjing, 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 Nanjing?
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.
Nanjing
Nanjing is the capital city of the Jiangsu Province on the central eastern coast of China, just north of Shanghai. This historically and culturally rich city lies at the lower end of the Yangtze river, resulting in lush and scenic landscapes. Nanjing is well-known for having many popular historical sites, some of which have been listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in Laos, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Laos, The Best Historical Tours in China, and The Best 10-Day Tours in China.
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Vientiane Prices
Laos PricesNanjing Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVientiane $24Nanjing $118
The average daily cost (per person) in Vientiane is $24, while the average daily cost in Nanjing is $118. 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 Nanjing in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVientiane $8.45Nanjing $47
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVientiane $17Nanjing $94
Compare Hotels in Vientiane and Nanjing
Looking for a hotel in Vientiane or Nanjing? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Vientiane $2.01Nanjing $39
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:
- 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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nanjing
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nanjing:
- [Airport transfer] Nanjing Lukou International Airport ⇔ Nanjing city transfer ☆ High reputation for service! <Charter charter>: $27
- Nanjing Lukou Airport Chauffeur Service, Nanjing Airport Transfer, Pickup: $30
- Private Arrival Transfer to Nanjing City from Railway Station : $32
- Nanjing Railway Station Private Transfer from City Center: $32
- Private Transfer to Nanjing Railway Station from City Hotels: $33
- Private Transfer between Nanjing Olympic Stadium and City Hotel: $33
- Nanjing Railway Station Private Arrival Transfer to City Hotels: $35
- Tangshan Hot Spring Spa Resorts Private Transfer from Nanjing City : $44
- Nanjing Lukou International Airport Private Arrival Transfer to City Center: $45
- Private Transfer to Nanjing Railway Station from Lukou Airport : $45
- Private Departure Transfer from Nanjing City Center to Lukou Int'l Airport: $45
- Private Nanjing Airport Transfer from City Hotels or Tangshan Hot Spring Resorts: $45
Is it cheaper to fly into Vientiane or Nanjing?
Prices for flights to both Nanjing 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 $12Nanjing $49
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nanjing
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Nanjing.
- 3-Hour Nanjing Authentic Local Food Tour by Public Transportation: $93
- Flexible Private Nanjing City Night Tour with Dinner Option : $112
- Nanjing City Private Night Tour with Qinghuai River Cruise and Dinner Option: $114
- Private Amazing Nanjing Airport Layover Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $181
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Vientiane $3.80Nanjing $9.41
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
Tours and Activities in Nanjing
Here are a few actual costs in Nanjing for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Qixia Mountain Ticket for Adult: $20
- Night Cruise on Outer Qinhuai River for Adults: $20
- Flexible Private Nanjing Independent Tour : $63
- Nanjing Self-Guided Day Tour with Private Car and Driver Service: $72
- Nanjing Private English Tour Guide Service: $75
- Private Amazing Nanjing City Day Tour in Your Way: $75
- Nanjing Professional English Tour Guide Service: $91
- 3-Hour Local Food Tasting Tour: $93
- Nanjing Private Day Tour With Must-Visit Attractions: $100
- Half-Day Nanjing City Private Flexible Tour : $109
- 4-Hour Nanjing City Private Tailor-Made Tour in Your Way : $109
- 6-Hour Private Tour of Xiaoling Tomb,City Wall & Memorial Hall : $115
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVientiane $2.12Nanjing $9.61
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vientiane and Nanjing, we can see that Nanjing 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 Nanjing would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nanjing 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 Nanjing Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Vientiane or Nanjing?
Nanjing has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Vientiane. When comparing the sizes of Vientiane and Nanjing, 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 Nanjing?
Nanjing 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 Nanjing in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Vientiane and Nanjing. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vientiane year-round.
In the summer, Vientiane is around the same temperature as Nanjing. Typically, the summer temperatures in Vientiane in July average around 30°C (85°F), and Nanjing averages at about 28°C (83°F).
Nanjing receives a lot of rain in the summer. Vientiane gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Vientiane usually receives more rain than Nanjing. Vientiane gets 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain, while Nanjing receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyVientiane 30°C (85°F)Nanjing 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Nanjing in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Vientiane as well as Nanjing. Vientiane attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In October, Vientiane is generally much warmer than Nanjing. Daily temperatures in Vientiane average around 28°C (83°F), and Nanjing fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).
Vientiane usually gets more rain in October than Nanjing. Vientiane gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Nanjing receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberVientiane 28°C (83°F)Nanjing 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Nanjing in the Winter?
Both Nanjing and Vientiane are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vientiane throughout the year.
It's quite cold in Nanjing in the winter. Vientiane is much warmer than Nanjing in the winter. The daily temperature in Vientiane averages around 24°C (75°F) in January, and Nanjing fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).
In January, Vientiane usually receives less rain than Nanjing. Vientiane gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Nanjing receives 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryVientiane 24°C (75°F)Nanjing 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Nanjing in the Spring?
Both Nanjing and Vientiane during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Vientiane because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The heat can be very extreme in Vientiane. In the spring, Vientiane is much warmer than Nanjing. Typically, the spring temperatures in Vientiane in April average around 31°C (88°F), and Nanjing averages at about 15°C (60°F).
Nanjing gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Vientiane usually gets less rain in April than Nanjing. Vientiane gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Nanjing receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilVientiane 31°C (88°F)Nanjing 15°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Nanjing and Vientiane
| Vientiane | Nanjing | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (85°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Apr | 31°C (88°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| May | 30°C (87°F) | 255 mm (10 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (86°F) | 273 mm (10.7 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (85°F) | 266 mm (10.5 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 174 mm (6.9 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 323 mm (12.7 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (84°F) | 295 mm (11.6 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (83°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (74°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 25 mm (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.