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

Should you visit Vientiane or Wollongong?

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

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

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.

Wollongong

Wollongong is south of Sydney in New South Wales. It is also the third largest city in the state. Wollongong has a unique geography in that it is only six kilometers wide at its widest point and is forty kilometers long. It is squeezed in between the mountains and the ocean and in the process of growth, has swallowed several coastal towns between Dapto and Port Kembla. Wollongong is home to the University of Wollongong and has a diverse population that includes people of Serbian, Croatian, Italian, and Turkish descent among other nationalities. The influence of these cultures is obvious in the city's restaurant and entertainment options. Throughout the city you'll find some wonderful beaches with few crowds and some decent surfing opportunities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in Laos, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Laos, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Australia, and The Best Water Sports Tour Packages in Australia.

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

Which is Bigger, Vientiane or Wollongong?

Wollongong has a larger population, and is about 33% larger than the population of Vientiane. When comparing the sizes of Vientiane and Wollongong, 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 Wollongong?

Wollongong 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 Wollongong in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Vientiane as well as Wollongong. Vientiane attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Wollongong for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Vientiane is generally a little warmer than Wollongongin January. Daily temperatures in Vientiane average around 30°C (85°F), and Wollongong fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Wollongong. In the summer, Vientiane often gets less sunshine than Wollongongin January. Vientiane gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wollongong receives 236 hours of full sun.

Vientiane receives a lot of rain in the summer. Vientiane usually gets more rain in July than Wollongongin January. Vientiane gets 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Vientiane or Wollongong in the Autumn?

Both Wollongong and Vientiane are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vientiane throughout the year. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Wollongong because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.

Vientiane is much warmer than Wollongong in the autumn. The daily temperature in Vientiane averages around 28°C (83°F) in October, and Wollongong fluctuates around 18°C (64°F)in April.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vientiane. Vientiane usually receives more sunshine than Wollongong during autumn. Vientiane gets 222 hours of sunny skies, while Wollongong receives 195 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Vientiane usually receives more rain than Wollongongin April. Vientiane gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Vientiane or Wollongong in the Winter?

Both Wollongong and Vientiane during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Vientiane because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Wollongong this time of year.

In the winter, Vientiane is much warmer than Wollongong. Typically, the winter temperatures in Vientiane in January average around 24°C (75°F), and Wollongong averages at about 10°C (50°F)in July.

In Wollongong, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Vientiane. In the winter, Vientiane often gets more sunshine than Wollongongin July. Vientiane gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wollongong receives 208 hours of full sun.

Vientiane usually gets less rain in January than Wollongongin July. Vientiane gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 47 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Vientiane or Wollongong in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Vientiane and Wollongong. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vientiane year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Wollongong for the beaches and the activities around the city.

Vientiane can become quite hot in the spring. In April, Vientiane is generally much warmer than Wollongongin October. Daily temperatures in Vientiane average around 31°C (88°F), and Wollongong fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Wollongong this time of the year. In Vientiane, it's very sunny this time of the year. Vientiane usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Wollongong during spring. Vientiane gets 230 hours of sunny skies, while Wollongong receives 240 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Vientiane usually receives more rain than Wollongongin October. Vientiane gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Wollongong and Vientiane