vs
Hanoiis 8% cheaper — BDI "Good Deal" (57/10) vs Vientiane "Fair" (45/10). Dorms avg $9/night vs $9/night.
Quick Verdict
Best For…
Traveler type
🇻🇳 Hanoi
🇱🇦 Vientiane
Solo budget traveler
★★★★★
15 hostels, avg 9.3 rating
★★★★★
13 hostels, avg 6.8 rating
Couple on a budget
★★★★★
Private rooms avg $46/night
★★★★★
Private rooms avg $27/night
Digital nomad
★★★★★
Coffee $1.81, dorms avg $9
★★★★★
Coffee $1.81, dorms avg $9
Nightlife seeker
★★★★★
Beer $0.96, 15 hostels
★★★★★
Beer $1.40, 13 hostels
First-time Europer
★★★★★
23 attractions
★★★★★
24 attractions
Cost Comparison
Daily Budget
| Tier | 🇻🇳 Hanoi | 🇱🇦 Vientiane | You Save / day |
|---|---|---|---|
Shoestring Dorm bed · street food · free activities | $12 cheaper | $13 | $1/day |
Comfortable Mix of dorm & private · restaurants | $28 | $27 cheaper | $2/day |
Flashpacker Private rooms · dining out · some tours | $54 cheaper | $55 | $1/day |
Price Intelligence
Seasonal Price Curve
Everyday Costs
Cost of Living
| Item | 🇻🇳 Hanoi | 🇱🇦 Vientiane |
|---|---|---|
| 🥙Street food meal Local market, street stall | $1.90 18% less | $2.33 |
| 🍽️Mid-range meal Sit-down restaurant, one person | $13.35 | $9.67 28% less |
| 🍺Beer (local draft) 500ml at a bar | $0.96 31% less | $1.40 |
| ☕Coffee Espresso or flat white | $1.81 | $1.81 |
| 🚇Single metro / bus Standard single ticket | $0.34 28% less | $0.47 |
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Our Verdict + Hostel Quality
🇻🇳▼
Hanoi
Vietnam
57
BDI: Good Deal
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Moderate dorm prices (avg $9/night).
Hostel Quality
Avg guest rating8.5
Top-rated hostelLake View Backpackers Hostel Rooftop Bar (9.5)
Annual dorm avg$9/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
🇻🇳 Hanoi
🇱🇦 Vientiane
🇪🇺 EU / EEA
e-Visa (90d)
Visa Free (30d)
🇺🇸 US
e-Visa (90d)
Visa Free (30d)
🇬🇧 UK
e-Visa (90d)
Visa Free (30d)
🇦🇺 Australia
e-Visa (90d)
Visa Free (30d)
🇨🇦 Canada
e-Visa (90d)
Visa Free (30d)
Flights
Getting There
City to City
Getting Between Hanoi & Vientiane
Climate
Weather & Best Time to Visit
°C · mm
🇻🇳 Hanoi
26°C
High
/
19°C
Low
🌧 Rainfall: 55mm/month
Best months: Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov
🇱🇦 Vientiane
34°C
High
/
23°C
Low
🌧 Rainfall: 30mm/month
Best months: Jan, Feb, Oct, Nov
Things To Do
Top Attractions
🇻🇳 Hanoi
1. House number 48 Hang Ngang StreetFree
2. Bảo tàng Binh chủng Thông tin liên lạcFree
3. Cầu Mậu LươngFree
4. Di Tích Lịch Sử Chùa LángFree
5. Nguyen Art GalleryFree
🇱🇦 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 Hanoi or Vientiane cheaper for backpackers?+
How many hostels are in Hanoi vs Vientiane?+
Do I need a visa for Hanoi or Vientiane?+
When is the best time to visit Hanoi or Vientiane?+
What's the cheapest month to visit Hanoi and Vientiane?+
Keep Exploring
People Also Compared
Ready to book?
Plan a trip to both cities
Full itinerary with real-time flights, hostels & transport — built on our 64k+ price index.
Build Your Itinerary →Free · No account required · Results in under 30 seconds