Which place is cheaper, Yangshuo or Vientiane?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Vientiane or Yangshuo?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Vientiane or Yangshuo, 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 Yangshuo?
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.
Yangshuo
A county of the city, Guilin, Yangshuo is located in a region famous for its karst topography. Surrounded by jagged mountain peaks and bordered on one side by the Li River, Yangshuo has become a popular home base for tourists looking to explore the region's natural wonders. Backpackers and tourists, both foreign and domestic, come to Yangshuo every year making it a city of many cultures. Most locals are even able to speak English, which is fairly uncommon for Chinese cities.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in Laos, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Laos, The Best Budget Tours to China, and The Best Tours for Seniors to China.
-
Vientiane Prices
Laos PricesYangshuo Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVientiane $24Yangshuo $86
The average daily cost (per person) in Vientiane is $24, while the average daily cost in Yangshuo is $86. 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 Yangshuo in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVientiane $8.45Yangshuo $26
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVientiane $17Yangshuo $52
Compare Hotels in Vientiane and Yangshuo
Looking for a hotel in Vientiane or Yangshuo? 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
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Vientiane $2.01Yangshuo $43
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:
- Vientiane - Hanoi Sleeping Bus Transfer : $63
- Wattay Airport (VTE): Private Transfer to/from Vientiane: $20
- Vientian Private Airport Transfer - Wattay Airport: $15
- Vientiane Private Transfer: Wattay Airport -Hotel-Railway Station: $9.90
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Yangshuo
Also for Yangshuo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Yangshuo(Xingping) Train Station to Yangshuo Hotel: $21
- Private Transfer from Yangshuo hotel to Guilin hotel: $37
- Private Airport Transfer: Yangshuo Hotel to Guilin Liangjiang Airport: $45
- Private One Way Transfer Service to Guilin City Hotel or Airport from Yangshuo: $48
- Private Departure Transfer: Yangshuo to Guilin Train Stations: $49
- Yangshuo Via Ferrata with Round way private transfer from Yangshuo hotel: $56
- Impression Liu Sanjie - Ticket Booking (including Round-trip Transfer): $62
- Yangshuo Via Ferrata with Round way private transfer from Xingping hotel: $67
- From Rock Climbing with Transfer Private (3 hours): $69
- Guilin: Li River Cruise with Transfer to Yangshuo: $80
- Private Impression Sanjie Liu Evening Show with Hotel Transfer: $88
- From Yangshuo Via Ferrata with Transfer 3 hours Private Tour: $89
Is it cheaper to fly into Vientiane or Yangshuo?
Prices for flights to both Yangshuo 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 dayVientiane $12Yangshuo $33
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 Yangshuo
For Yangshuo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Yangshuo Cooking Class with Market Trip: $45
- Full-day Cultural Experience: Taichi, Cooking & Painting Lessons: $100
- The impression Liu sanjie show and local dinner in town : $145
- Combo Impression Sanjie Liu Show and Authentic Cooking Experience: $199
- Yangshuo Full Day Tour: Cooking class, River boat, Light Show: $259
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Vientiane $3.80Yangshuo $24
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
Tours and Activities in Yangshuo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Yangshuo.
- Impression Sanjie Liu Show Ticket: $45
- Impression Sanjie Liu Show Ticket: $45
- Impression Sanjie Liu Show Ticket Booking : $45
- Yangshuo Impression Liusanjie Show Ticket: $45
- Impression Liusanjie Show Ticket: $48
- Yangshuo Via Ferrata Ticket: $49
- Yulong River Bamboo Rafting Experience: $52
- Yangshuo Ruyi peak & round way cable car ticket: $55
- Yangshuo Walking Day Tour: $56
- Half/Full-Day Yangshuo Countryside Moderate Cycling and Sightseeing Private Tour: $60
- Ticket of Impression Sanjie Liu Show: $62
- Amphibious Off-Road Biking Experience: $67
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayVientiane $2.12Yangshuo $34
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vientiane and Yangshuo, we can see that Yangshuo 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 Yangshuo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Yangshuo 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 Yangshuo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Vientiane or Yangshuo?
Yangshuo has a larger population, and is about 52% larger than the population of Vientiane. When comparing the sizes of Vientiane and Yangshuo, 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 Yangshuo?
Yangshuo 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 Yangshuo in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Vientiane as well as Yangshuo. Vientiane attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the summer, Vientiane is around the same temperature as Yangshuo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Vientiane in July average around 30°C (85°F), and Yangshuo averages at about 30°C (86°F).
It's quite rainy in Yangshuo. Vientiane receives a lot of rain in the summer. Vientiane usually gets more rain in July than Yangshuo. Vientiane gets 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain, while Yangshuo receives 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyVientiane 30°C (85°F)Yangshuo 30°C (86°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Yangshuo in the Autumn?
Both Yangshuo and Vientiane are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vientiane throughout the year.
In October, Vientiane is generally a little warmer than Yangshuo. Daily temperatures in Vientiane average around 28°C (83°F), and Yangshuo fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
In October, Vientiane usually receives around the same amount of rain as Yangshuo. Vientiane gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Yangshuo receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberVientiane 28°C (83°F)Yangshuo 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Yangshuo in the Winter?
Both Yangshuo 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.
Vientiane is much warmer than Yangshuo in the winter. The daily temperature in Vientiane averages around 24°C (75°F) in January, and Yangshuo fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).
Vientiane usually gets less rain in January than Yangshuo. Vientiane gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Yangshuo receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryVientiane 24°C (75°F)Yangshuo 10°C (49°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Yangshuo in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Vientiane and Yangshuo. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vientiane year-round.
The heat can be very extreme in Vientiane. In the spring, Vientiane is much warmer than Yangshuo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Vientiane in April average around 31°C (88°F), and Yangshuo averages at about 20°C (68°F).
Yangshuo receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Vientiane usually receives less rain than Yangshuo. Vientiane gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Yangshuo receives 263 mm (10.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilVientiane 31°C (88°F)Yangshuo 20°C (68°F)
Typical Weather for Yangshuo and Vientiane
| Vientiane | Yangshuo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (85°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) |
| Apr | 31°C (88°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 263 mm (10.3 in) |
| May | 30°C (87°F) | 255 mm (10 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 334 mm (13.2 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (86°F) | 273 mm (10.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 320 mm (12.6 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (85°F) | 266 mm (10.5 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 206 mm (8.1 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 323 mm (12.7 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 168 mm (6.6 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (84°F) | 295 mm (11.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (83°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (74°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 47 mm (1.9 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.