Vientianeis 32% cheaper — BDI "Fair" (45/10) vs Phnom Penh "Good Deal" (55/10). Dorms avg $8/night vs $9/night.
Quick Verdict
Best For…
Traveler type
🇰🇭 Phnom Penh
🇱🇦 Vientiane
Solo budget traveler
★★★★★15 hostels, avg 8.5 rating
★★★★★13 hostels, avg 6.8 rating
Couple on a budget
★★★★★Private rooms avg $25/night
★★★★★Private rooms avg $27/night
Digital nomad
★★★★★Coffee $2.92, dorms avg $8
★★★★★Coffee $1.81, dorms avg $9
Nightlife seeker
★★★★★Beer $1.50, 15 hostels
★★★★★Beer $1.40, 13 hostels
Cost Comparison
Daily Budget
| Tier | 🇰🇭 Phnom Penh | 🇱🇦 Vientiane | You Save / day |
|---|
Shoestring Dorm bed · street food · free activities | $20 | $13 cheaper | $6/day |
Comfortable Mix of dorm & private · restaurants | $41 | $27 cheaper | $14/day |
Flashpacker Private rooms · dining out · some tours | $77 | $55 cheaper | $22/day |
Price Intelligence
Seasonal Price Curve
Everyday Costs
Cost of Living
| Item | 🇰🇭 Phnom Penh | 🇱🇦 Vientiane |
|---|
| 🥙Street food meal Local market, street stall | $5 | $2.33 53% less |
| 🍽️Mid-range meal Sit-down restaurant, one person | $20 | $9.67 52% less |
| 🍺Beer (local draft) 500ml at a bar | $1.50 | $1.40 7% less |
| ☕Coffee Espresso or flat white | $2.92 | $1.81 38% less |
| 🚇Single metro / bus Standard single ticket | $0.40 15% less | $0.47 |
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Our Verdict + Hostel Quality
🇰🇭55
BDI: Good Deal
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Very affordable dorms (avg $8/night).
Hostel Quality
Top-rated hostelVilla Martial Arts Gym And Hostel (10.0)
Annual dorm avg$8/night
Total hostels15
🇱🇦45
BDI: Fair
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Moderate dorm prices (avg $9/night).
Hostel Quality
Top-rated hostelSailomyen Cafe And Hostel (9.5)
Annual dorm avg$9/night
Total hostels13
Entry Requirements
Visa & Entry
Passport
🇰🇭 Phnom Penh
🇱🇦 Vientiane
City to City
Getting Between Phnom Penh & Vientiane
Climate
Weather & Best Time to Visit
°C · mm
🇰🇭 Phnom Penh
🌧 Rainfall: 38mm/month
Best months: Jan, Dec
🇱🇦 Vientiane
🌧 Rainfall: 30mm/month
Best months: Jan, Feb, Oct, Nov
Things To Do
Top Attractions
🇰🇭 Phnom Penh
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 Phnom Penh or Vientiane cheaper for backpackers?+
How many hostels are in Phnom Penh vs Vientiane?+
Do I need a visa for Phnom Penh or Vientiane?+
When is the best time to visit Phnom Penh or Vientiane?+
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