Which place is cheaper, Tulum 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 Tulum?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Vientiane or Tulum, 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 Tulum?
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.
Tulum
When you think of ancient ruins you probably picture dusty archaeological digs surrounded by sand and professors in khaki shorts. What if I told you there is a way to see ancient ruins and visit a tropical beach? That's exactly what you find in Tulum, Mexico.
Built near the end of Mayan era, the ruins of Tulum served as a port before the arrival of the Spanish. It may have been called Zama, meaning City of Dawn, given that these ruins face the sunrise. Because of Tulum's access to both land and sea routes, this spot was an important hub for the trade industry. It may have had another claim to fame, too. According to some murals and other works around the site, it seems this spot was an important site for the worship of the Diving or Descending God. Today, the area is the third most visited archaeological site in all of Mexico with daily tour buses dropping off visitors.
This area is usually packed with people looking to get a glimpse of the seaside ruins. To avoid crowds and capture the best view of the day, try to arrive as early as possible.
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 Mexico, and The Best Historical Tours in Mexico.
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Vientiane Prices
Laos PricesTulum Prices
Mexico Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVientiane $24Tulum $133
The average daily cost (per person) in Vientiane is $24, while the average daily cost in Tulum is $133. 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 Tulum in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVientiane $8.45Tulum $54
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVientiane $17Tulum $108
Compare Hotels in Vientiane and Tulum
Looking for a hotel in Vientiane or Tulum? 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 Tulum Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Vientiane $2.01Tulum $25
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 Tulum
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Tulum are as follows:
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Scooter Rental$16
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tulum
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Tulum:
- Private Transfer from Tulum Airport (TQO): $69
- Private Transfer to Tulum Airport (TQO): $69
- Tulum to Xcaret - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $114
- Private Airport Transfer to Tulum: $117
- Tulum to Playa del Carmen - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $120
- Private Transfer Cancun International Airport CUN to Tulum City: $125
- One way private transfer Bahia Principe area: $132
- Economy Private Transfer from Tulum to Cancun Airport – Safe: $139
- Tulum Airport: One-Way or Roundtrip Private Transfer: $144
- Private Transfer from Tulum to Cancun Airport – Safe & Comfortable: $150
- Private Transfer to Tulum from Tulum Airport: $150
- Tulum Archaeological Zone and Jaguar Park With Transfer and Lunch: $152
Is it cheaper to fly into Vientiane or Tulum?
Prices for flights to both Tulum 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 $12Tulum $54
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 Tulum
Some typical examples of dining costs in Tulum are as follows:
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Lunch$2.72
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tulum
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Tulum.
- Salsa Class with Mezcalita Workshop & Mexican Dinner in Tulum: $83
- Mexican Cooking from Scratch in a Local Home in Tulum: $87
- Tulum Local Walking Food Tour: $88
- Temazcal Mayan Ritual Tour and Cenote Swim with Yucatecan Dinner: $120
- Private transfer for 5 hours (go dinner,cenotes, shopping and more) : $299
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Vientiane $3.80Tulum $29
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 Tulum
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Tulum are as follows:
- Salsa Dance Experience at Tulum Beach: $22
- Coba Mayan Ruins and Cenote Swim Tour: $25
- Snorkel 2 reef point, 1 hour 20 minutes tour : $29
- ATV Cenote and Ziplines Adventure in Tulum from Riviera Maya: $30
- Tulum Jungle Experience with ATV, Ziplines, and Cenote: $35
- Guided Day Tour to Chichén Itzá, Cenote Swim and Valladolid: $38
- Tulum Extreme Mayan Adventure with ATV, Zipline and Cenote: $38
- Cenotes Casa Tortuga Guide Tour with Ticket: $39
- Chichén Cenote and ValladolidkTour with Buffet Lunch from Tulum: $45
- Tulum Area Experiences Scooter Daily Rental: $45
- Discover Chichen Itza Charm Shared Tour from Tulum: $45
- Tulum Area Experiences E-Bike Daily Rental: $45
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVientiane $2.12Tulum $23
Sample the Local Flavors in Tulum
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Tulum:
- 30 Minutes Brewery Tour in Tulum: $39
- Beer Tasting and Brewery Tour: $69
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vientiane and Tulum, we can see that Tulum 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 Tulum is in North 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 Tulum would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tulum 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 Tulum Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Vientiane or Tulum?
Vientiane has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Tulum. When comparing the sizes of Vientiane and Tulum, 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 Tulum?
Tulum 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 Tulum in the Summer?
Both Tulum 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, many travelers come to Tulum for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
Vientiane is around the same temperature as Tulum in the summer. The daily temperature in Vientiane averages around 30°C (85°F) in July, and Tulum fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).
It's quite sunny in Tulum. Vientiane usually receives less sunshine than Tulum during summer. Vientiane gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Tulum receives 232 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Tulum. It's quite rainy in Vientiane. In July, Vientiane usually receives more rain than Tulum. Vientiane gets 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain, while Tulum receives 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyVientiane 30°C (85°F)Tulum 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Tulum in the Autumn?
Both Tulum 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, many visitors come to Tulum in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Vientiane is around the same temperature as Tulum. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Vientiane in October average around 28°C (83°F), and Tulum averages at about 27°C (81°F).
In Tulum, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Vientiane. In the autumn, Vientiane often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Tulum. Vientiane gets 222 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tulum receives 216 hours of full sun.
Tulum gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Vientiane usually gets less rain in October than Tulum. Vientiane gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Tulum receives 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain this time of the year. November to April is the dry season in Tulum. June to October is the rainy season in Tulum. Also, the hurricane season in Tulum is June to October.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberVientiane 28°C (83°F)Tulum 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Tulum in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Vientiane and Tulum. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vientiane year-round. Also, most visitors come to Tulum for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
In January, Vientiane is generally around the same temperature as Tulum. Daily temperatures in Vientiane average around 24°C (75°F), and Tulum fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tulum this time of the year. In Vientiane, it's very sunny this time of the year. Vientiane usually receives more sunshine than Tulum during winter. Vientiane gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Tulum receives 213 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Vientiane usually receives less rain than Tulum. Vientiane gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Tulum receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryVientiane 24°C (75°F)Tulum 23°C (74°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Tulum in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Vientiane as well as Tulum. Vientiane attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Tulum because of the beaches and the natural beauty.
It's very hot in Vientiane this time of the year. Vientiane is a little warmer than Tulum in the spring. The daily temperature in Vientiane averages around 31°C (88°F) in April, and Tulum fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tulum. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vientiane this time of the year. In the spring, Vientiane often gets less sunshine than Tulum. Vientiane gets 230 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tulum receives 273 hours of full sun.
Vientiane usually gets more rain in April than Tulum. Vientiane gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Tulum receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, November to April in Tulum is the dry season. June to October in Tulum is the rainy season. Keep in mind that June to October is the hurricane season in Tulum.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilVientiane 31°C (88°F)Tulum 27°C (81°F)
Typical Weather for Tulum and Vientiane
| Vientiane | Tulum | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (85°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Apr | 31°C (88°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| May | 30°C (87°F) | 255 mm (10 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (86°F) | 273 mm (10.7 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 192 mm (7.6 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (85°F) | 266 mm (10.5 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 323 mm (12.7 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (84°F) | 295 mm (11.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (83°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (74°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 72 mm (2.8 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.