Which place is cheaper, Vang Vieng or Aqaba?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Aqaba or Vang Vieng?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Aqaba or Vang Vieng, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Aqaba or Vang Vieng?
Aqaba
Aqaba is a port city in Jordan, in fact, it is the only port city in the country. This city is located on the Gulf of Aqaba on the Red Sea, which is in the southern part of Jordan. The city is still being developed; many of its facilities and infrastructures are being improved. The population of Aqaba is about 190,000 and the city has been key in developing Jordan's economy via trade and tourism.
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 Luxury Tours to Jordan, The Best Budget Tours to Jordan, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Laos, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Laos.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAqaba $127Vang Vieng $14
The average daily cost (per person) in Aqaba is $127, 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 Aqaba and Vang Vieng in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAqaba $59Vang Vieng $4.34
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAqaba $118Vang Vieng $8.68
Compare Hotels in Aqaba and Vang Vieng
Looking for a hotel in Aqaba 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: Aqaba Hotel Prices and Vang Vieng Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Aqaba $24Vang Vieng $3.18
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aqaba
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Aqaba:
- Amman: Day Trip Petra & Wadi Rum Guided Tour with Transfer: $490
- Private Transfer: From Amman City To Wadi Rum: $209
- Private Transfer: Aqaba Airport to Sheikh Hussein Border or vice versa: $193
- Aqaba King Hussein Airport (AQJ): Transfer to Aqaba hotels: $163
- Private Transfer from Araba Border to Amman Queen Alia Airport: $153
- Aqaba Border Yitzhak Rabin Terminal to Petra Private Transfer: $140
- Wadi Araba Border (Eilat) Private Transfer To Petra: $135
- Private Transfer from Wadi Rum to Amman Airport: $133
- Transfers , Meet & Assistance at Wadi Araba Crossing Border : $133
- Private Transfer from Aqaba Airport to Amman Queen Alia Airport: $133
- Aqaba South Beach to Wadi Rum Private Transfer: $130
- Aqaba Private Transfer from/to Amman, Airport, Dead Sea or K.H.B: $125
Is it cheaper to fly into Aqaba or Vang Vieng?
Prices for flights to both Vang Vieng and Aqaba 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
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Food Meals for one dayAqaba $42Vang Vieng $6.31
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Aqaba
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Aqaba.
- Suhaila (connecting through cooking): $50
- Explore Wadi Rum: Jeep Tour, Bed and Breakfast, and Dinner: $64
- Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight + Dinner in Bedouin Camp: $87
- Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight in Bedouin Camp & Dinner : $88
- Wadi Rum New Year Eve Party (Jeep Tour + Dinner + Music + Fireworks + Overnight): $112
- From Wadi Rum Full-Day Private Jeep Tour with Dinner: $169
- From Aqaba to Wadi Rum ,Jeep Tour with Dinner (Half Day): $185
- 4 Hours Jeep Tour with Overnight in Bedouin Camp and Dinner: $286
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Aqaba $54Vang Vieng $4.87
Tours and Activities in Aqaba
Here are a few actual costs in Aqaba for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Day Tour in Jeep Tour with Bedouin Guide: $81
- Discover the Depths: Aqaba's Ultimate private Dive Experience: $55
- Full-Day Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum without Overnight Stay: $85
- 06 Hours Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum : $84
- 2 Days 1 Night in Wadi Rum Jeep Tour: $204
- 2 Days Guided Hiking Tour To Wadi Rum Jebal Al Hash: $103
- 2 Days private tour Petra, Wadi Rum (overnight) from Amman: $682
- 2 Hour Jeep Tour (Morning or Sunset) Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $35
- 2 Hour Jeep Tour - Wadi Rum Desert & Canyon: $35
- 2 Hours Morning or Sunset Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $28
- 2 hours Jeep tour in Wadi Rum with Bedouin guide (incl. bottled water and tea): $100
- 2-Hour Private Scuba Experience in Aqaba : $48
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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAqaba $9.07Vang Vieng $1.14
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Aqaba and Vang Vieng, we can see that Aqaba is more expensive. And not only is Vang Vieng much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Aqaba 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 Aqaba would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Aqaba 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 Aqaba Expensive? and Is Vang Vieng Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Aqaba or Vang Vieng?
Aqaba has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Vang Vieng. When comparing the sizes of Aqaba 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 Aqaba 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 Aqaba or Vang Vieng in the Summer?
Both Vang Vieng and Aqaba during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Aqaba because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vang Vieng year-round.
Aqaba usually gets less rain in July than Vang Vieng. Aqaba gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Vang Vieng receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
It's quite sunny in Aqaba. In the summer, Aqaba often gets more sunshine than Vang Vieng. Aqaba gets 384 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vang Vieng receives 141 hours of full sun.
The heat can be very extreme in Aqaba. In the summer, Aqaba is a little warmer than Vang Vieng. Typically, the summer temperatures in Aqaba in July average around 33°C (91°F), and Vang Vieng averages at about 22°C (72°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAqaba 33°C (91°F)Vang Vieng 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Vang Vieng in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Aqaba and Vang Vieng. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Aqaba year-round. Vang Vieng attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In October, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Vang Vieng. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Vang Vieng receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vang Vieng this time of the year. In Aqaba, it's very sunny this time of the year. Aqaba usually receives more sunshine than Vang Vieng during autumn. Aqaba gets 295 hours of sunny skies, while Vang Vieng receives 222 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Aqaba is generally a little warmer than Vang Vieng. Daily temperatures in Aqaba average around 26°C (79°F), and Vang Vieng fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAqaba 26°C (79°F)Vang Vieng 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Vang Vieng in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Aqaba as well as Vang Vieng. Aqaba attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vang Vieng throughout the year.
Aqaba usually gets less rain in January than Vang Vieng. Aqaba gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Vang Vieng receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vang Vieng. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Aqaba this time of the year. In the winter, Aqaba often gets less sunshine than Vang Vieng. Aqaba gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vang Vieng receives 254 hours of full sun.
Aqaba is much colder than Vang Vieng in the winter. The daily temperature in Aqaba averages around 14°C (57°F) in January, and Vang Vieng fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAqaba 14°C (57°F)Vang Vieng 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Vang Vieng in the Spring?
Both Vang Vieng and Aqaba are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Aqaba throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Vang Vieng because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Vang Vieng. In April, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Vang Vieng. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Vang Vieng receives 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
It's quite sunny in Vang Vieng. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Aqaba. Aqaba usually receives more sunshine than Vang Vieng during spring. Aqaba gets 282 hours of sunny skies, while Vang Vieng receives 230 hours of full sun in the spring.
In the spring, Aqaba is around the same temperature as Vang Vieng. Typically, the spring temperatures in Aqaba in April average around 24°C (75°F), and Vang Vieng averages at about 23°C (73°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAqaba 24°C (75°F)Vang Vieng 23°C (73°F)
Typical Weather for Vang Vieng and Aqaba
| Aqaba | Vang Vieng | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (57°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Mar | 19°C (66°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Apr | 24°C (75°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Jun | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Jul | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| Aug | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| Sep | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Nov | 20°C (68°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 3 mm (0.1 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.