Vientianeis 5% cheaper — BDI "Good Deal" (59/10) vs Chiang Mai "Fair" (47/10). 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
brokepackr Dorm bed · street food · free activities | $14 | $13 cheaper | $1/day |
backpackr Mix of dorm & private · restaurants | $29 | $27 cheaper | $3/day |
flashpackr 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
47
BDI: Fair
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Higher dorm prices (avg $14/night). Strong hostel scene (15 hostels). Plenty to see (19 attractions).
Hostel Quality
Avg guest rating8.5
Top-rated hostelAngmo Hostel By Amaka (9.8)
Annual dorm avg$14/night
Total hostels15
🇱🇦▼
Vientiane
Laos
59
BDI: Good Deal
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Moderate dorm prices (avg $9/night). Strong hostel scene (13 hostels). Plenty to see (24 attractions).
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
36°C
High
/
25°C
Low
🌧 Rainfall: 36mm/month
Best months: Jan, Nov, Dec
🇱🇦 Vientiane
34°C
High
/
25°C
Low
🌧 Rainfall: 99mm/month
Best months: Jan, Feb, Oct, Nov
Things To Do
Top Attractions
🇹🇭 Chiang Mai
1. Baan Tuek Art Center
2. Bhubing Palace
3. Buddhist Manuscript Library and Museum
4. Three Kings Monument
5. Agro Tourism Bees
🇱🇦 Vientiane
1. Chao Anouvong Statue
2. City Pillar Shrine
3. Coffee Ah'
4. Elephant Dish Statue
5. Hotel
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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