Is Laos or Vietnam Cheaper?

Vietnam emerges as the more affordable option compared to Laos, with significant differences in accommodation prices, food costs, and transportation expenses. On average, Laos is 23.5% more expensive than Vietnam for dining out, and accommodation prices vary greatly depending on the location. Additionally, transportation costs in Laos are triple those in Vietnam. However, miscellaneous expenses, such as entrance fees and souvenirs, can still add up quickly. For a more detailed breakdown of the costs and to better plan your trip, examine the nuances of travel expenses in Laos and Vietnam.

Laos Vs Vietnam: Cost Comparison

Comparing the costs of living in Laos and Vietnam reveals significant differences in various aspects of daily life, with Laos emerging as the more expensive option in several key areas. In Luang Prabang, the cost of living is higher compared to Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam. For instance, dining out in Laos costs 23.5% more than in Vietnam, with a basic meal at an inexpensive restaurant costing $1.85 in Laos versus $1.84 in Vietnam. In addition, groceries are 54.5% more expensive in Laos, with bread costing $1.02 compared to $0.88 in Vietnam. Moreover, these significant price differences highlight the importance of considering the cost of living when deciding between Laos and Vietnam as a travel or expat destination.

Daily Expenses in Laos

Daily expenses in Laos can add up quickly, particularly with regards to accommodation, with hotel prices in popular destinations like Luang Prabang surpassing those in neighboring countries. However, in other parts of the country, guesthouses can be found for as low as $7 per night. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Laos costs around $1.85, making it an affordable option for travelers. Additionally, a fast food combo meal is priced around $4.45. Beverages are also reasonably priced, with a bottle of Coca-Cola (11 fl. oz) costing around $0.78 and a bottle of water (11 fl. oz) costing around $0.51. Overall, Laos offers a range of accommodation and dining options to suit various budgets, depending on the part of the country and personal preferences.

Vietnam Travel Costs Breakdown

In Vietnam, accommodation prices vary greatly depending on the location, with options ranging from $10 guesthouses in Hanoi to $18 rooms with modern facilities in Hoian, including breakfast. The cost of travel in Vietnam can be broken down into several key areas.

• Food: A basic meal with a drink at an inexpensive restaurant costs $1.84, and a fast food combo meal costs $4.33.
• Drinks: A bottle of Coca-Cola (11 fl. oz) costs $0.55.
• Accommodation: Prices vary depending on the location and competition, with lesser-touristed areas offering lower prices, such as 3-star business hotels for as low as $10.
• SIM cards: A necessity for staying connected while traveling, especially for major tourist destinations across the entire country.

Accommodation Prices in Laos

When considering accommodation prices in Laos, understanding the costs of different types of lodging is vital. Specifically, hostel dorm prices and luxury hotel rates vary greatly, with dorms offering an affordable option for budget-conscious travelers and luxury hotels catering to those seeking comfort and indulgence. In the following section, we will delve into the specific costs associated with these two extremes, providing a thorough overview of accommodation prices in Laos.

Hostel Dorm Prices

Laos' hostel dorm prices vary widely depending on the location, with Vientiane and Luang Prabang typically offering more expensive options compared to southern Laos. However, great deals can be found in various forms and parts of Laos. Here are some general price ranges to expect:

• In Vientiane and Luang Prabang, expect to pay around $10-15 per night for a dorm bed.
• In southern Laos, prices can be as low as $5-7 per night.
• In smaller towns, prices can range from $8-12 per night.
• Some hostels may offer discounts for long-term stays or loyalty programs, so it's always worth asking.

Luxury Hotel Rates

Across Laos, luxury hotel rates vary substantially, with prices influenced by location, amenities, and availability. While Luang Prabang's World Heritage status has driven up hotel prices, making it more expensive than other areas in Laos, other regions offer more affordable options. In Vientiane, a clean, conveniently-located hotel can cost around $18 per night. In southern Laos, guesthouses can be found for as low as $7 per night, depending on the location. Specifically, hotel prices in Laos, especially in Luang Prabang, are higher compared to Cambodia and Vietnam. However, prices in Laos are still relatively affordable, making it an attractive destination for travelers seeking luxury accommodations at a reasonable cost.

Transportation Costs in Vietnam

In Vietnam, transportation costs are relatively affordable, with a monthly public transit pass available for $6.87, making it a convenient option for frequent travelers. For those who prefer to drive, gasoline is also relatively cheap, costing $3.48 per gallon. Here are some key transportation costs in Vietnam:

• Monthly public transit pass: $6.87
• Gasoline (1 gallon): $3.48
• Motorbike rental (daily): varies by location and type of bike
• Taxi fares: start from $1.50 for a short ride

Food Prices in Laos and Vietnam

In terms of food prices in Laos and Vietnam, there are notable differences worth noting. Street food prices, in particular, can vary appreciably between the two countries, with Laos tending to be more expensive. Mid-range restaurant meals also show a distinct price disparity, with Vietnam often offering better value for money.

Street Food Prices

Street food prices in Laos and Vietnam are remarkably affordable, with a basic meal costing as little as $1-2. This makes it an attractive option for travelers on a budget. Here are some examples of street food prices:

• A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs $1.85 in Laos and $1.84 in Vietnam
• A bottle of Coca-Cola (11 fl. oz) costs $0.78 in Laos and $0.55 in Vietnam
• A bottle of water (11 fl. oz) costs $0.51 in Laos and $0.34 in Vietnam
• Street food meals are widely available, costing around $1-2 per meal in Laos

Mid-Range Restaurant Meals

While street food is an attractive option, mid-range restaurant meals in Laos and Vietnam offer a more extensive menu selection at a slightly higher price point, with meals costing between $10-20 per person in Laos and $5-15 per person in Vietnam. This price range offers a more varied menu, with dishes that may not be available at street food stalls or local eateries. In Vietnam, local restaurants, or 'com' places, offer meals from $3-5, which is a more affordable option. However, for a more extensive menu, mid-range restaurants are a better choice. Overall, both countries offer affordable dining options, with mid-range meals being a good compromise between price and menu variety.

Activities and Tours in Laos

From temples to waterfalls, Laos offers a diverse range of activities and tours that cater to various interests and budgets. Discovering Laos' attractions can be done without breaking the bank, with many free or low-cost activities available. Here are some examples:

• Wander through temples and markets for free or at a low cost
• Witness the morning alms-giving ceremony in Luang Prabang, but beware of scams
• Enjoy stunning views of Luang Prabang from Mount Phousi for a small 20,000 LAK ($1) entry fee
• Visit the breathtaking Kuang Si Falls for an entry fee of 25,000 LAK ($1.20 USD)

Laos offers a range of activities that are affordable and accessible, making it an attractive destination for budget-conscious travelers.

Vietnam's Hidden Travel Fees

In contrast to Laos' affordable attractions, Vietnam's travel costs can add up quickly due to various hidden fees that are not always immediately apparent. One such fee is the departure tax of 750,000 VND (approximately $32 USD) for international flights, which may not be included in the ticket price. Additionally, some airports charge an extra 25,000 VND (around $1.10 USD) for domestic flights. In Ho Chi Minh City, a 10% service charge is added to hotel bills, increasing accommodation costs. In addition, visa on arrival fees range from $25 to $50 USD, depending on the type of visa and duration of stay. Travelers should also be aware of potential foreign transaction fees of 2-3% when using credit cards in Vietnam. These hidden fees can substantially impact travel expenses.

Budgeting for Miscellaneous Expenses

When planning a trip to Laos or Vietnam, you should highly prioritize allocating a significant portion of your budget to miscellaneous expenses, as they can quickly add up and impact your overall travel costs. These expenses can include souvenirs, unexpected transportation costs, and other incidentals. To guarantee a smooth trip, it's vital to budget for these expenses.

Some miscellaneous expenses to keep in mind include:

• Entrance fees for attractions and museums
• Tipping for services such as guided tours and food delivery
• Laundry and dry cleaning services
• Miscellaneous souvenirs and snacks

Which Country Is Cheaper?

Comparing the costs of Laos and Vietnam reveals a distinct disparity, with Vietnam emerging as the more affordable option overall. When it comes to dining out, Laos is 23.5% more expensive, with a basic meal costing $1.85 compared to Vietnam's $1.84. Grocery prices also favor Vietnam, with bread and local cheese costing much less. Transportation costs in Laos are triple those in Vietnam, with gasoline and public transit passes being higher still. Accommodation prices also skew in Vietnam's favor, with 1-bedroom apartments costing two to three times less. While prices vary depending on location and timing, Vietnam generally offers better value for money, making it the more budget-friendly choice.