Which place is cheaper, Vang Vieng or Abu Dhabi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Abu Dhabi or Vang Vieng?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Abu Dhabi and Vang Vieng can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Abu Dhabi or Vang Vieng?
Abu Dhabi
It doesn't get more "lifestyles of the rich and famous" than a vacation to Abu Dhabi. The federal capital and center of government for the United Arab Emirates is arguably the most modern city in the world.
Abu Dhabi has a population of 1.5 million and provides a home to several oil companies and embassies, but this place is definitely a playground for the world's fanciest tourists. This city has several large projects underway including Yas Island's Formula 1 track and Ferrari theme park.
Note: homosexuality is still outlawed in the UAE with harsh punishments including deportation, fines, jail time or even a death sentence.
Vang Vieng
Vang Vieng is a town in the Vientiane province of Laos that sits along the banks of the Nam Song River. With its beautifully carved karst topography cliffs towering over the winding river, the area has become very tourist-oriented for those seeking to explore the outdoor wonders. People from all over come to engage in the unique landscape-mountain biking, trekking, kayaking, caving, swimming, and rock climbing, amongst others.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to United Arab Emirates, The Best Tours for Seniors to United Arab Emirates, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Laos, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Laos.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAbu Dhabi $164Vang Vieng $14
The average daily cost (per person) in Abu Dhabi is $164, while the average daily cost in Vang Vieng is $14. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Abu Dhabi and Vang Vieng in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAbu Dhabi $98Vang Vieng $4.34
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAbu Dhabi $196Vang Vieng $8.68
Compare Hotels in Abu Dhabi and Vang Vieng
Looking for a hotel in Abu Dhabi or Vang Vieng? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Abu Dhabi Hotel Prices and Vang Vieng Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Abu Dhabi $20Vang Vieng $3.18
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Abu Dhabi
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Abu Dhabi are as follows:
-
Car Rental$31
-
Taxi to Airport$14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Abu Dhabi
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Abu Dhabi:
- Skydive in Abu Dhabi | Tandem Skydive with transfer: $817
- Ferrari World Abu Dhabi Tickets with Private Transfers: $289
- Private Transfer from Talal Liwa to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): $273
- Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Ras Al Khiamah: $273
- Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Qasr Al Sarab: $273
- Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Fujairah: $273
- Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Talal Liwa: $273
- Private Transfer from Qasr Al Sarab to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): $273
- Private Transfer from Jebel Dhanna Resort to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): $273
- Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Jebel Dhanna Resort: $273
- Ferrari world & Warner bros. parks with transfer from Dubai: $250
- Ferrari World Theme Park and Seaworld Park Ticket with Transfer: $250
Is it cheaper to fly into Abu Dhabi or Vang Vieng?
Prices for flights to both Vang Vieng and Abu Dhabi change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
-
Food Meals for one dayAbu Dhabi $45Vang Vieng $6.31
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Abu Dhabi
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Abu Dhabi.
- Dubai: Dhow Cruise Marina Multi Cusine Dinner & Tanura Show: $35
- Dubai Marina luxury Dhow Cruise Dinner (catamaran): $42
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari BBQ Dinner Live Shows Pick & Drop More: $45
- Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari Tour with Shows and BBQ Dinner: $48
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With BBQ Dinner & Live Shows: $49
- Desert Safari, Quad Bike, Camel Ride & BBQ Dinner: $50
- Desert Tour with BBQ Dinner and Hotel Transfer: $51
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With Live Shows And BBQ Buffet Dinner: $60
- Desert Safari Abu Dhabi w/ Sand Boarding, Camel Ride & BBQ Dinner: $75
- Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari & Dinner Under the Stars: $77
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari 4x4, BBQ Dinner, Camel Ride: $81
- Evening Desert Safari Abu Dhabi with BBQ Dinner & Shows: $81
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Abu Dhabi $39Vang Vieng $4.87
Tours and Activities in Abu Dhabi
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Abu Dhabi are as follows:
- Abu Dhabi Full Day City Tour : $100
- Abu Dhabi Louvre Museum Entrance Ticket: $41
- Abu Dhabi Tour-Sheik Zayed Mosque, Emirates Palace With Louvre Musuem: $115
- Full Day Abu Dhabi City & Louvre Museum Tour: $90
- Private Full-Day Tour in Abu Dhabi: $234
- Ticket to Louvre Museum, Abu Dhabi: $19
- 4 Hour Cultural Tour of Abu Dhabi - Private Tour: $160
- 8 Hour Ticket/Pass For Yas Water World In Dubai.: $103
- 8 hours Private Tour: Ferrari World and Louvre Museum with Pickup: $270
- Abu Dhabi 'Hidden Gems' by City Break - walking tours made fun!: $32
- Abu Dhabi 4G & 5G Data Roaming for Tourist: $11
- Abu Dhabi : Private Custom Walking Tour with A Guide: $43
Tours and Activities in Vang Vieng
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Vang Vieng.
- Half-Day Nam Song River Kayak Tour with Zipline or Tham None: $27
- Vang Vieng Kayaking Fun Rapid and Float Tour: $35
- Vang Vieng Bike Tour: $39
- One Day Guided Tour: Kayaking, Zipline & Tubing In The Cave from Vang Vieng : $50
- Train ticket Vang vieng to Luang prabang: $50
- Blue Lagoon and Countryside Bike Tour with Lunch: $50
- Vang Vieng Tour B - Nam Xay Viewpoint Hike & Blue Lagoon 1 Tour: $55
- Discover Vang Vieng Private Tour- Trekking, Kayaking and Caving: $102
- Vang Vieng Tour A - Blue lagoon 3 with Caves and Zipline: $110
- Jungle & Caves Full-Day Private Trekking Tour: $120
- Full Day Private Kayaking, Zipline & Tubing In The Cave Tour: $156
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayAbu Dhabi $13Vang Vieng $1.14
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Abu Dhabi and Vang Vieng, we can see that Abu Dhabi is more expensive. And not only is Vang Vieng much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Abu Dhabi is in Middle East and Vang Vieng is in Asia, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Vang Vieng would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Vang Vieng and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Abu Dhabi would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Abu Dhabi than you might in Vang Vieng.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Abu Dhabi Expensive? and Is Vang Vieng Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Abu Dhabi or Vang Vieng?
Abu Dhabi has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Vang Vieng. When comparing the sizes of Abu Dhabi and Vang Vieng, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
When is the best time to visit Abu Dhabi or Vang Vieng?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Vang Vieng in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Abu Dhabi as well as Vang Vieng. Abu Dhabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vang Vieng throughout the year.
Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in July than Vang Vieng. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Vang Vieng receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Abu Dhabi this time of the year. In the summer, Abu Dhabi often gets more sunshine than Vang Vieng. Abu Dhabi gets 331 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vang Vieng receives 141 hours of full sun.
Abu Dhabi can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Abu Dhabi is generally much warmer than Vang Vieng. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 35°C (95°F), and Vang Vieng fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyAbu Dhabi 35°C (95°F)Vang Vieng 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Vang Vieng in the Autumn?
Both Vang Vieng and Abu Dhabi are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Abu Dhabi throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Vang Vieng because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In October, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Vang Vieng. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Vang Vieng receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
It's quite sunny in Vang Vieng. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Vang Vieng during autumn. Abu Dhabi gets 314 hours of sunny skies, while Vang Vieng receives 222 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Abu Dhabi is a little warmer than Vang Vieng in the autumn. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 29°C (84°F) in October, and Vang Vieng fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAbu Dhabi 29°C (84°F)Vang Vieng 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Vang Vieng in the Winter?
Both Vang Vieng and Abu Dhabi during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Abu Dhabi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vang Vieng year-round.
Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in January than Vang Vieng. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Vang Vieng receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Vang Vieng, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Abu Dhabi. In the winter, Abu Dhabi often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Vang Vieng. Abu Dhabi gets 269 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vang Vieng receives 254 hours of full sun.
In the winter, Abu Dhabi is cooler than Vang Vieng. Typically, the winter temperatures in Abu Dhabi in January average around 18°C (64°F), and Vang Vieng averages at about 24°C (75°F).
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAbu Dhabi 18°C (64°F)Vang Vieng 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Vang Vieng in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Abu Dhabi and Vang Vieng. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Abu Dhabi year-round. Vang Vieng attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Vang Vieng receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Vang Vieng. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Vang Vieng receives 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vang Vieng this time of the year. In Abu Dhabi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Vang Vieng during spring. Abu Dhabi gets 297 hours of sunny skies, while Vang Vieng receives 230 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Abu Dhabi is generally a little warmer than Vang Vieng. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 27°C (81°F), and Vang Vieng fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilAbu Dhabi 27°C (81°F)Vang Vieng 23°C (73°F)
Typical Weather for Vang Vieng and Abu Dhabi
| Abu Dhabi | Vang Vieng | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 18°C (64°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Mar | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) |
| May | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Jun | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Jul | 35°C (95°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| Aug | 36°C (97°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| Sep | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.