vs
Vientianeis 5% cheaper — BDI "Fair" (45/10) vs Chiang Mai "Pricey" (39/10). Dorms avg $14/night vs $9/night.
Quick Verdict
Best For…
Traveler type
🇹🇭 Chiang Mai
🇱🇦 Vientiane
Solo budget traveler
★★★★★
15 hostels, avg 9.6 rating
★★★★★
13 hostels, avg 6.8 rating
Couple on a budget
★★★★★
Private rooms avg $41/night
★★★★★
Private rooms avg $27/night
Digital nomad
★★★★★
Coffee $1.96, dorms avg $14
★★★★★
Coffee $1.81, dorms avg $9
Nightlife seeker
★★★★★
Beer $2.41, 15 hostels
★★★★★
Beer $1.40, 13 hostels
First-time Europer
★★★★★
19 attractions
★★★★★
24 attractions
Cost Comparison
Daily Budget
| Tier | 🇹🇭 Chiang Mai | 🇱🇦 Vientiane | You Save / day |
|---|---|---|---|
Shoestring Dorm bed · street food · free activities | $14 | $13 cheaper | $1/day |
Comfortable Mix of dorm & private · restaurants | $29 | $27 cheaper | $3/day |
Flashpacker Private rooms · dining out · some tours | $60 | $55 cheaper | $4/day |
Price Intelligence
Seasonal Price Curve
Everyday Costs
Cost of Living
| Item | 🇹🇭 Chiang Mai | 🇱🇦 Vientiane |
|---|---|---|
| 🥙Street food meal Local market, street stall | $2.09 10% less | $2.33 |
| 🍽️Mid-range meal Sit-down restaurant, one person | $10.05 | $9.67 4% less |
| 🍺Beer (local draft) 500ml at a bar | $2.41 | $1.40 42% less |
| ☕Coffee Espresso or flat white | $1.96 | $1.81 8% less |
| 🚇Single metro / bus Standard single ticket | $0.96 | $0.47 51% less |
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Our Verdict + Hostel Quality
🇹🇭▼
Chiang Mai
Thailand
39
BDI: Pricey
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Moderate dorm prices (avg $14/night).
Hostel Quality
Avg guest rating8.5
Top-rated hostelAngmo Hostel By Amaka (9.8)
Annual dorm avg$14/night
Total hostels15
🇱🇦▼
Vientiane
Laos
45
BDI: Fair
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Moderate dorm prices (avg $9/night).
Hostel Quality
Avg guest rating8.5
Top-rated hostelSailomyen Cafe And Hostel (9.5)
Annual dorm avg$9/night
Total hostels13
Entry Requirements
Visa & Entry
Passport
🇹🇭 Chiang Mai
🇱🇦 Vientiane
🇪🇺 EU / EEA
Visa Free (60d)
Visa Free (30d)
🇺🇸 US
Visa Free (60d)
Visa Free (30d)
🇬🇧 UK
Visa Free (60d)
Visa Free (30d)
🇦🇺 Australia
Visa Free (60d)
Visa Free (30d)
🇨🇦 Canada
Visa Free (60d)
Visa Free (30d)
Flights
Getting There
City to City
Getting Between Chiang Mai & Vientiane
Climate
Weather & Best Time to Visit
°C · mm
🇹🇭 Chiang Mai
35°C
High
/
22°C
Low
🌧 Rainfall: 11mm/month
Best months: Jan, Nov, Dec
🇱🇦 Vientiane
34°C
High
/
23°C
Low
🌧 Rainfall: 30mm/month
Best months: Jan, Feb, Oct, Nov
Things To Do
Top Attractions
🇹🇭 Chiang Mai
1. Buddhist Manuscript Library and MuseumFree
2. Khru Ba Srivijaya MonumentFree
3. Ku LuaFree
4. San Ku RuinsFree
5. Thapae GateFree
🇱🇦 Vientiane
1. Carol Cassidy Lao TextilesFree
2. Chao Anouvong StatueFree
3. Coffee Ah'Free
4. King Sai SetthathirathFree
5. MAG UXO Visitors CentreFree
Common Questions
FAQ
Is Chiang Mai or Vientiane cheaper for backpackers?+
How many hostels are in Chiang Mai vs Vientiane?+
Do I need a visa for Chiang Mai or Vientiane?+
When is the best time to visit Chiang Mai or Vientiane?+
What's the cheapest month to visit Chiang Mai and Vientiane?+
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