Quick Verdict
Best For…
Traveler type
🇹🇭 Khao Lak
🇱🇦 Vientiane
Solo budget traveler
—
★★★★★
13 hostels, avg 6.8 rating
Couple on a budget
—
★★★★★
Private rooms avg $27/night
Digital nomad
—
★★★★★
Coffee $1.81, dorms avg $9
Nightlife seeker
—
★★★★★
Beer $1.40, 13 hostels
First-time Europer
—
★★★★★
24 attractions
Cost Comparison
Daily Budget
| Tier | 🇹🇭 Khao Lak | 🇱🇦 Vientiane | You Save / day |
|---|---|---|---|
brokepackr Dorm bed · street food · free activities | — | $13 | — |
backpackr Mix of dorm & private · restaurants | — | $27 | — |
flashpackr Private rooms · dining out · some tours | — | $55 | — |
Price Intelligence
Seasonal Price Curve
Everyday Costs
Cost of Living
| Item | 🇹🇭 Khao Lak | 🇱🇦 Vientiane |
|---|---|---|
| 🥙Street food meal Local market, street stall | — | $2.33 |
| 🍽️Mid-range meal Sit-down restaurant, one person | — | $9.67 |
| 🍺Beer (local draft) 500ml at a bar | — | $1.40 |
| ☕Coffee Espresso or flat white | — | $1.81 |
| 🚇Single metro / bus Standard single ticket | — | $0.47 |
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Our Verdict + Hostel Quality
🇹🇭▼
Khao Lak
Thailand
43
BDI: Fair
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Higher dorm prices (avg $10/night). Strong hostel scene (7 hostels).
Hostel Quality
Avg guest rating8.5
Top-rated hostelKhaolak Wandee Hostel (10.0)
Annual dorm avg$10/night
Total hostels7
🇱🇦▼
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
🇹🇭 Khao Lak
🇱🇦 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 Khao Lak & Vientiane
Climate
Weather & Best Time to Visit
°C · mm
🇹🇭 Khao Lak
No weather data
🇱🇦 Vientiane
34°C
High
/
23°C
Low
🌧 Rainfall: 30mm/month
Best months: Jan, Feb, Oct, Nov
Things To Do
Top Attractions
🇹🇭 Khao Lak
No attraction data
🇱🇦 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 Khao Lak or Vientiane cheaper for backpackers?+
How many hostels are in Khao Lak vs Vientiane?+
Do I need a visa for Khao Lak or Vientiane?+
When is the best time to visit Khao Lak or Vientiane?+
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