Running along the banks of the Mekong River and located on every possible route through the country, it is a generic capital city in many ways. In this hectic capital city of Laos, you will get diversity in cuisine, a lot more activities and bars. Besides a lot of amazing riverside markets, a Buddhist statue park, temples aplenty to explore, this city also offers a lot of stunning local food to try. Overall, Vientiane is well worth a few-day holiday and let this guide help you to plan your trip! Indochina tours Laos
Typical Costs
Budget hotel in Vientiane- source: internet
Hostel prices – It is not difficult to find cheap, backpacker-friendly places to stay in Vientiane. Even, you can find hostel beds costing from 46,000-80,000 LAK with free breakfast and free WiFi included. If you are looking for privacy, expect to spend a bit more in the lower-priced dorms, which have 12-20 beds in them. Expect a private room to cost from 110,000 to 150,000 LAK per night.
Budget hotel prices – As many budget hotels fill up quickly, make sure to secure accommodations as early as possible. Most budget options with free WiFi and free breakfast can be found for about 120,000 LAK per night. Mid-range options can be found between 120,000-400,000 LAK. Not only budget hotels, Airbnb can also be found in the city. .
Average cost of food – Compared to other areas in Laos, food in Vientiane can be pretty cheap with a wider range of options. Western meals will cost around 35,000 LAK while cheap meals will cost under 20,000 LAK. Expect to pay around 100,000 LAK for a nicer meal at a mid-range Western restaurant with a drink. A week’s worth of groceries should cost between 150,000-250,000 LAK if you plan on cooking your own meals, but, you’re better off buying food when you visit with food so cheap and kitchens hard to find. Laos travel tours
Tuk tuk in Vientiane- source: internet
Transportation costs – Tuk-tuks and taxis are available in town, with a 3km tuk-tuk ride costing about USD $2.4. A lot of taxis want to barter the price, so if they do not turn their meter on, aim for around 5,000 LAK per kilometer. Prices will be between 3,000-6,000 LAK if you want to get around by bus or minibus.
- Estimated daily budget – 200,000-250,000 LAK (~ USD $25-30)
Money Saving Tips
Local food in Vientiane- source: internet
If you are already traveling on a budget, eating local cuisines, not drinking a ton, and staying at relatively modest accommodation, you will be hard pressed to really save tons of money in the city, which is already very cheap. Here are things to do:
Buy food at local markets – Going to restaurants for every meal is significantly much more expensive than buying your own food. Stick to the local markets if you are on a budget. There, fresh food must be the cheapest.
Stick to local transportation – Despite being convenient, taxis and tuk-tuks will gradually erode your budget. If you need to get around, stick to the public transportation. Ask your hotel/hostel staff what you should expect to pay if you do need to take a taxi or tuk-tuk. This way, you will not be ripped off!
Avoid Western food – Locals dishes are always cheaper than Western food! Sure, even though the prices may not seem so high at first, your wallet will be empty after a while. Eat what the locals eat to save your budget!
Top Things to See and Do in Vientiane
Vientiane is well worth your time- source: internet
Visit the Lao National Museum – Packed full of Laotian history, this museum is one of the greatest stops in Vientiane. Ranging from an early history all the way through to the modern era, a bit faded exhibits here cover a lot of ground and offer great insight. Expect the admission to be 10,000 LAK.
Visit some of the many temples and stupas – Among many temples to check out in Vientiane, the Black Stupa, Wat Si Saket and Pha That Luang are some of the best ones. Some of them have entrance fee, but the costs are quite low with entry into the small museums included.
Get a massage – In Vientiane town, there are several locations offering Lao massage. This great way to relax in chill Vientiane is relatively affordable. Champa Spa and Adina Spa are the two options offering great massages at reasonable rates. Expect these massages to start around USD $10 per hour.
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