Which place is cheaper, Seoul 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 Seoul?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Vientiane or Seoul, 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 Seoul?
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.
Seoul
With a population of more than 11 million, Seoul is easily the largest city in South Korea. It is also the financial, political, and cultural capital of the country and has much to offer open minded travelers. It is often overlooked by travelers who instead head to Tokyo or Shanghai, but Seoul has a wide range of cultural experiences, food options, and historical sights. Seoul is a city of contrasts with ancient traditions, flashy technology, religious temples and a modern youth culture. It is also more affordable than many of the other Asian metropolis' to which it is often compared. If you're looking for an interesting and different experience that is a little off the tourist trail, Seoul can definitely offer that opportunity.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in Laos, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Laos, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to South Korea, and The Best Adventure Tours to South Korea.
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Vientiane Prices
Laos PricesSeoul Prices
South Korea Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVientiane $24Seoul $128
The average daily cost (per person) in Vientiane is $24, while the average daily cost in Seoul is $128. 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 Seoul in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVientiane $8.45Seoul $54
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVientiane $17Seoul $108
Compare Hotels in Vientiane and Seoul
Looking for a hotel in Vientiane or Seoul? 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 Seoul Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Vientiane $2.01Seoul $15
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 Private Transfer: Wattay Airport -Hotel-Railway Station: $9.90
- Vientian Private Airport Transfer - Wattay Airport: $15
- Wattay Airport (VTE): Private Transfer to/from Vientiane: $20
- Vientiane - Hanoi Sleeping Bus Transfer : $63
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Seoul
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Seoul:
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Subway Card$3.58
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Short Taxi Ride$5.01
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Metro Ride$0.97
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Seoul City Pass Plus$7.16
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Seoul
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Seoul:
- Night Views Tour with Guide and Transfers: $41
- From Round-Trip Transfer to Dae Jang Geum Park: $55
- Transfer Service from Gimpo Airport to Hotel City: $57
- Seoul Gimpo Airport (GMP) Transfer to Seoul/Suwon/Seongnam/Yongin: $60
- Seoul Incheon Airport (ICN) to Seoul - Arrival Private Transfer: $65
- Incheon Airport (ICN) Transfer to Seoul/Suwon/Seongnam/Yongin: $68
- Private Transfer from Seoul Incheon Airport (ICN) to Seoul hotels: $80
- Seoul to Seoul Incheon Airport (ICN) - Departure Private Transfer: $80
- Private Airport Transfer Gimpo Intl Airport (GMP) to Seoul City: $83
- Private Airport Transfer : Gimpo airport to/from Seoul (1~7pax): $89
- Private Gimpo Airport Transfer to/from Seoul(1~7pax): $94
- Incheon International Airport (ICN): Private Seoul Transfer: $95
Is it cheaper to fly into Vientiane or Seoul?
Prices for flights to both Seoul 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 $12Seoul $51
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 Seoul
Some typical examples of dining costs in Seoul are as follows:
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Rice with Kimchi & Bacon$4.30
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Waffle$0.72
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Dippin' Dots$1.43
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Chicken Fried Rice$3.94
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Chicken Stick$1.43
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Drinking Yoghurt & Mi Chew$1.36
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Lunch Buffet$4.30
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Donut$0.72
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Mushroom Burger$3.72
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Green Tea Ice Cream$2.36
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Udon & Sushi$5.01
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Fresh Burger$3.44
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Soba Noodles Lunch$3.22
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Bibimbap Lunch$3.58
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Fried Rice$3.94
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Vietnamese Dinner$6.80
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Breakfast and Coffee for 2$6.80
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Donut$1.79
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Seoul
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Seoul.
- Guided Street Food Tour at Namdaemun Market: $45
- Seoul Night Run for Local-Favorite Korean BBQ Dinner: $50
- [Wine & K-BBQ] A Perfect Pairing Dinner in Sinchon: $52
- Mangwon Market Food tour By Locals; Cheap Eats to Fancy Feast: $53
- Wine & K-BBQ: A Perfect Pairing Dinner: $53
- Mangwon Market Food tour By Locals;Cheap Eats to Fancy Feast: $57
- Gwangjang Market Netflix Food Tour: $58
- Kimchi Dishes Cooking Class with Wine Pairing: $61
- Seoul by Night: Palaces, Market & Street Food Tour (Vegan Option): $65
- Namdaemun Market Food Tour: $65
- Guided City Wall Sunset Hike with Korean Dinner: $67
- Cooking Class in Seoul with Korean Grandma: $68
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Vientiane $3.80Seoul $26
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Seoul
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Seoul are as follows:
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Palace Tickets$5.73
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Movie Ticket$5.73
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Kimchi Museum$2.15
Tours and Activities in Seoul
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Seoul are as follows:
- K-Culture Adventure in Seoul Self-Guided Walking Tour : $3.58
- Gyeongbokgung Palace Hanbok Rental Experience in Seoul: $7.00
- Seoul Changdeokgung Palace Hanbok Experience Hanboknam (내국인불가): $7.10
- Alternative A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
- Korean Society and Local Mindset Gwanghwamun Tour: $8.00
- [Seoul] Football Faentasium Admission Ticket (내국인 불가): $10
- Street Hustle Adventure in Seoul: $11
- Gwanghwamun Tour about Korean Society and Local Mindset: $11
- SPAREX Jjimjilbang Sauna Dongmyo branch Admission Ticket(내국인불가): $11
- Skip the Line: Figure Museum W Ticket (내국인 불가): $11
- Dynamic Maze Discount Ticket Insa-dong(내국인불가): $12
- Seoul Job Experience Theme Park Ticket for Kid (내국인 불가): $13
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVientiane $2.12Seoul $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Seoul
Also in Seoul, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Pub Crawl: $25
- The Seoul Pub Crawl [official]: $26
- LGBTQ+ Pub Crawl and Drag Show with Local Drag Queen: $29
- Rice Wine Tasting with Sommelier - Finest Makgeolli (& Soju): $42
- Rice Wine Tasting with Sommelier - Finest Makgeolli (& Soju): $47
- Soju Tasting at Distillery: $51
- Premium Pub Crawl with Open Bottles: $57
- Chunpoong Makgeolli Brewery Tour: $59
- Korean Craft Makgeolli Brewery Tour & Tasting Experience: $60
- Craft Makgeolli Brewery Tour & Tasting Experience: $67
- Itaewon Premium Pub Crawl with Open Bottles: $73
- Learn and Craft Makgeolli in a Traditional Brewery: $79
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vientiane and Seoul, we can see that Seoul 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 Seoul would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Seoul 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 Seoul Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Vientiane or Seoul?
Seoul has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Vientiane. When comparing the sizes of Vientiane and Seoul, 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 Seoul?
Seoul 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 Seoul in the Summer?
Both Seoul and Vientiane are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vientiane throughout the year. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Seoul because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Vientiane is a little warmer than Seoul. Typically, the summer temperatures in Vientiane in July average around 30°C (85°F), and Seoul averages at about 26°C (78°F).
Vientiane usually receives more sunshine than Seoul during summer. Vientiane gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Seoul receives 121 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Seoul. It's quite rainy in Vientiane. In July, Vientiane usually receives less rain than Seoul. Vientiane gets 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain, while Seoul receives 369 mm (14.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyVientiane 30°C (85°F)Seoul 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Seoul in the Autumn?
Both Seoul and Vientiane during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Vientiane because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Seoul this time of year.
In October, Vientiane is generally much warmer than Seoul. Daily temperatures in Vientiane average around 28°C (83°F), and Seoul fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
In Seoul, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Vientiane. In the autumn, Vientiane often gets more sunshine than Seoul. Vientiane gets 222 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seoul receives 204 hours of full sun.
Vientiane usually gets more rain in October than Seoul. Vientiane gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Seoul receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberVientiane 28°C (83°F)Seoul 15°C (59°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Seoul in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Vientiane and Seoul. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vientiane year-round. Also, many travelers come to Seoul for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Seoul. Vientiane is much warmer than Seoul in the winter. The daily temperature in Vientiane averages around 24°C (75°F) in January, and Seoul fluctuates around -3°C (27°F).
In Vientiane, it's very sunny this time of the year. Vientiane usually receives more sunshine than Seoul during winter. Vientiane gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Seoul receives 163 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Vientiane usually receives less rain than Seoul. Vientiane gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Seoul receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryVientiane 24°C (75°F)Seoul -3°C (27°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Seoul in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Vientiane as well as Seoul. Vientiane attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Seoul in the spring for the activities around the city.
The heat can be very extreme in Vientiane. In the spring, Vientiane is much warmer than Seoul. Typically, the spring temperatures in Vientiane in April average around 31°C (88°F), and Seoul averages at about 13°C (55°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Seoul. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vientiane this time of the year. In the spring, Vientiane often gets more sunshine than Seoul. Vientiane gets 230 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seoul receives 205 hours of full sun.
Vientiane usually gets less rain in April than Seoul. Vientiane gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Seoul receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilVientiane 31°C (88°F)Seoul 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Seoul and Vientiane
| Vientiane | Seoul | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | -3°C (27°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | -0°C (32°F) | 25 mm (1 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (85°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 31°C (88°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| May | 30°C (87°F) | 255 mm (10 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (86°F) | 273 mm (10.7 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (85°F) | 266 mm (10.5 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 369 mm (14.5 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 323 mm (12.7 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 294 mm (11.6 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (84°F) | 295 mm (11.6 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 169 mm (6.7 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (83°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (74°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 0°C (33°F) | 22 mm (0.9 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.