Cost of Living in Vientiane
How much does it cost to visit Vientiane? Daily budgets, accommodation costs, and real price examples for 2026.
Photo: Frank McKenna / Unsplash
Daily Budget Breakdown
Budget
Hostels, street food, free attractions
LAK 300000
per day
Weekly: LAK 2100000
Monthly: LAK 9000000
Examples
- 🏨Douangdeunh Guesthouse dorm bedLAK 70000
- 🍽️Street food market for sticky rice and grilled meatsLAK 50000
- 🚌Tuk-tuk for short distancesLAK 50000
- 🎟️Visit Pha That Luang and Wat Si SaketLAK 60000
- 🎟️Explore the Mekong Riverfront at sunsetLAK 0
- 🍽️Local noodle soup (Khao Piak Sen) from a street vendorLAK 20000
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, restaurants, guided tours
LAK 750000
per day
Weekly: LAK 5250000
Monthly: LAK 22500000
Examples
- 🏨Planet Boutique Hotel standard roomLAK 250000
- 🍽️Lunch at Kualao Restaurant for Lao specialtiesLAK 100000
- 🚌Rent a bicycle to explore the cityLAK 50000
- 🎟️Visit the COPE Visitor CentreLAK 0
- 🎟️Buddha Park (Xieng Khuan) entrance feeLAK 60000
- 🍽️Dinner at Tamarind Restaurant with a tasting menuLAK 290000
Luxury
5-star hotels, fine dining, private tours
LAK 1500000
per day
Weekly: LAK 10500000
Monthly: LAK 45000000
Examples
- 🏨The Luang Say Residence executive suiteLAK 900000
- 🍽️Fine dining lunch at L'Atelier d'EricLAK 300000
- 🚌Private car with driver for the dayLAK 150000
- 🎟️Private guided tour of Vientiane's temples and historical sitesLAK 100000
- 🍽️Sunset cocktails at Spirit Lao Bar followed by dinner at Makphet RestaurantLAK 150000
Cost by Category
accommodation
80000-250000 LAK
food
70000-200000 LAK
Transport
30000-80000 LAK
activities
50000-150000 LAK
Cost by Neighbourhood
| Neighbourhood | Budget Level | vs City Centre | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Old Quarter | Mid-range | average | first-timers, couples |
| Riverside (South of Setthathirath Road) | Mid-range | average | first-timers, foodies |
| Sikhai Area (East of City Center) | Budget | below average | digital nomads, budget |
Money-Saving Tips for Vientiane
🏨 Accommodation
- Stay in budget neighbourhoods outside the tourist centre
- Book apartments for longer stays (weekly discounts)
- Travel in shoulder season for lower hotel rates
- Compare prices across multiple booking platforms
🍽️ Food & Drink
- Eat where locals eat, away from tourist hotspots
- Try street food and market stalls for cheap eats
- Buy lunch specials instead of evening meals
- Cook some meals if your accommodation has a kitchen
🚌 Transport
- Buy multi-day transit passes for unlimited travel
- Walk between nearby attractions to save fares
- Use public transport over taxis where possible
- Book airport transfers in advance for fixed prices
🎟️ Activities
- Take free walking tours (tip-based)
- Look for free museum days or discounted hours
- Book tours and activities online for lower prices
- Explore parks, markets, and neighbourhoods on foot
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FAQ: Vientiane Costs
How much does it cost to visit Vientiane?
Budget travellers can visit Vientiane for around LAK 300000/day (LAK 2100000/week). Mid-range travellers should budget LAK 750000/day, while luxury travel costs around LAK 1500000/day.
Is Vientiane expensive?
Vientiane is on the expensive side. Budget travellers need at least LAK 300000/day. Consider staying in budget neighbourhoods and eating at local spots to save.
How much should I budget per day in Vientiane?
For a comfortable mid-range experience in Vientiane, budget LAK 750000/day. This covers a decent hotel, meals at sit-down restaurants, public transport, and a couple of activities.
What is the cheapest way to visit Vientiane?
Budget travellers in Vientiane can get by on LAK 300000/day by staying in hostels or budget hotels, eating street food and local restaurants, using public transport, and choosing free walking tours and public attractions.