Which place is cheaper, Vang Vieng or Ayutthaya?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Ayutthaya or Vang Vieng?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Ayutthaya or Vang Vieng? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Ayutthaya or Vang Vieng?
Ayutthaya
Once the largest city in the world, Ayutthaya, is the example of an ancient capital within a modern city. Located in the central plains of Thailand, this spot is ideally located between China, India and the Malay Archipelago creating the perfect place for trade in Asia. Eighteenth century maps from Holland and France show golden palaces, large ceremony spots and trading vessels from all over the world. Suddenly, in 1767, Ayutthaya experienced a tragic fall from grace with a Burmese invasion burning much of the city to the ground.
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 Cultural Tours in Thailand, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Thailand, The Best Adventure Tours to Laos, and The Best Budget Tours to Laos.
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Ayutthaya Prices
Thailand PricesVang Vieng Prices
Laos Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAyutthaya $86Vang Vieng $19
The average daily cost (per person) in Ayutthaya is $86, while the average daily cost in Vang Vieng is $19. 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 Ayutthaya and Vang Vieng in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAyutthaya $24Vang Vieng $4.25
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAyutthaya $48Vang Vieng $8.50
Compare Hotels in Ayutthaya and Vang Vieng
Looking for a hotel in Ayutthaya 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: Ayutthaya Hotel Prices and Vang Vieng Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Ayutthaya $29Vang Vieng $3.11
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Ayutthaya
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Ayutthaya are as follows:
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River Ferry Crossing$0.63
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ayutthaya
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ayutthaya:
- Private Transfer to Koh Chang with Ferry: $204
- Transfer from Bangkok: $141
- ATV Adventure with Tuk Tuk Transfer and Lunch: $67
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vang Vieng
Also for Vang Vieng, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Shared transfer from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang city: $20
Is it cheaper to fly into Ayutthaya or Vang Vieng?
Prices for flights to both Vang Vieng and Ayutthaya 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 dayAyutthaya $39Vang Vieng $11
Typical Food Prices in Ayutthaya
Some typical examples of dining costs in Ayutthaya are as follows:
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Lunch for 2$4.40
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Ice Cream$0.94
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Breakfast for 2$4.40
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Breakfast for 2$11
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ayutthaya
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Ayutthaya.
- Bangkok: VELA Dinner Cruise Ticket: $28
- Iconic dinner & historical bicycle tour (2in1): $60
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Ayutthaya $31Vang Vieng $4.76
Typical Entertainment Prices in Ayutthaya
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Ayutthaya are as follows:
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Temple Entrances (2)$6.28
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Wat Entrance$1.57
Tours and Activities in Ayutthaya
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Ayutthaya are as follows:
- Ayutthaya City and Historical Park Bike Tour: $47
- Colorful Slow Life Bicycle Tour with local guide.: $24
- Luxury Hacker Craft Boat Cruise Temple sightsee: $72
- Sunset Bike Tour and Scenic Boat Ride: $83
- Colors of UNESCO Heritage 6 hour Bicycle Tour: $62
- In Tour Guide Service with Authentic Local tour: $23
Tours and Activities in Vang Vieng
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Vang Vieng.
- Get Your Laos–China Train Ticket Fast – No Waiting, No Worries: $30
- Vangrong Full Day Tour: $45
- Vang Vieng Shared Tour with Kayaking in Nam Song River: $48
- Vang Vieng Bike Tour: $49
- One Day Guided Tour: Kayaking, Zipline & Tubing In The Cave from Vang Vieng : $50
- Vangrong One Day Shared Tour: $52
- Vang Vieng Tour B - Nam Xay Viewpoint Hike & Blue Lagoon 1 Tour: $55
- Vang Vieng Jungle Day Tour: $58
- Vang Vieng Kayaking Fun Rapid and Float Tour: $65
- Vang Vieng Kayaking Fun Rapid and Float Tour: $65
- Vang Vieng River Kayaking Rapid and Float Tour: $65
- Nam Xay Viewpoint Hike and Blue Lagoon Tour: $79
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAyutthaya $21Vang Vieng $1.11
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ayutthaya and Vang Vieng, we can see that Ayutthaya is more expensive. And not only is Vang Vieng much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Ayutthaya would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ayutthaya 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 Ayutthaya Expensive? and Is Vang Vieng Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Ayutthaya or Vang Vieng?
Ayutthaya has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Vang Vieng. When comparing the sizes of Ayutthaya 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 Ayutthaya 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 Ayutthaya or Vang Vieng in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Ayutthaya as well as Vang Vieng. Ayutthaya attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vang Vieng throughout the year.
Ayutthaya receives a lot of rain in the summer. Ayutthaya usually gets more rain in July than Vang Vieng. Ayutthaya gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Vang Vieng receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the summer, Ayutthaya often gets more sunshine than Vang Vieng. Ayutthaya gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vang Vieng receives 141 hours of full sun.
In July, Ayutthaya is generally a little warmer than Vang Vieng. Daily temperatures in Ayutthaya average around 29°C (84°F), and Vang Vieng fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAyutthaya 29°C (84°F)Vang Vieng 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Ayutthaya or Vang Vieng in the Autumn?
Both Vang Vieng and Ayutthaya are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ayutthaya throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Vang Vieng because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The dry season in Ayutthaya is October to April. The rainy season in Ayutthaya is May to October. It's quite rainy in Ayutthaya. In October, Ayutthaya usually receives more rain than Vang Vieng. Ayutthaya gets 180 mm (7.1 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 Ayutthaya. Ayutthaya usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Vang Vieng during autumn. Ayutthaya gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Vang Vieng receives 222 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Ayutthaya is a little warmer than Vang Vieng in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ayutthaya averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Vang Vieng fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAyutthaya 28°C (82°F)Vang Vieng 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Ayutthaya or Vang Vieng in the Winter?
Both Vang Vieng and Ayutthaya during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Ayutthaya because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vang Vieng year-round.
Ayutthaya usually gets less rain in January than Vang Vieng. Ayutthaya gets 7 mm (0.3 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 Ayutthaya. In the winter, Ayutthaya often gets more sunshine than Vang Vieng. Ayutthaya gets 276 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vang Vieng receives 254 hours of full sun.
In the winter, Ayutthaya is around the same temperature as Vang Vieng. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ayutthaya in January average around 25°C (78°F), and Vang Vieng averages at about 24°C (75°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAyutthaya 25°C (78°F)Vang Vieng 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Ayutthaya or Vang Vieng in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Ayutthaya and Vang Vieng. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ayutthaya year-round. Vang Vieng attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
October to April in Ayutthaya is the dry season. Also, May to October is the rainy season in Ayutthaya. Vang Vieng receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Ayutthaya usually receives less rain than Vang Vieng. Ayutthaya gets 71 mm (2.8 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 Ayutthaya, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ayutthaya usually receives more sunshine than Vang Vieng during spring. Ayutthaya gets 262 hours of sunny skies, while Vang Vieng receives 230 hours of full sun in the spring.
Ayutthaya can become quite hot in the spring. In April, Ayutthaya is generally a little warmer than Vang Vieng. Daily temperatures in Ayutthaya average around 31°C (88°F), and Vang Vieng fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAyutthaya 31°C (88°F)Vang Vieng 23°C (73°F)
Typical Weather for Vang Vieng and Ayutthaya
| Ayutthaya | Vang Vieng | |||
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| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (78°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Mar | 30°C (85°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Apr | 31°C (88°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) |
| May | 30°C (86°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (85°F) | 102 mm (4 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (84°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 292 mm (11.5 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 180 mm (7.1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 13 mm (0.5 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.