Which place is cheaper, Vang Vieng or Bali?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Bali 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 Bali and Vang Vieng can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Bali or Vang Vieng?
Bali
Known as the "Island of the Gods," it's not difficult to see why the Gods would want to set up shop in Bali. With a beautifully diverse landscape of hills, mountains, coastlines, beaches, vibrant rice fields and volcanic hillsides, you'll easily go into sensory overload.
Bali is home to 4 million people who all hold true to a deeply spiritual and unique culture. With champion surfing, world class resorts and challenging hiking trails, this Indonesian island accommodates travelers from every walk of life. It's often called, "paradise on earth, " and no one disagrees.
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 Tours for Seniors to Indonesia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Indonesia, 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 dayBali $73Vang Vieng $14
The average daily cost (per person) in Bali is $73, 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 Bali and Vang Vieng in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBali $42Vang Vieng $4.34
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBali $84Vang Vieng $8.68
Compare Hotels in Bali and Vang Vieng
Looking for a hotel in Bali 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: Bali Hotel Prices and Vang Vieng Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Bali $9.03Vang Vieng $3.18
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bali
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Bali:
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Motorbike Rental$3.10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bali
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bali:
- Bali Spiritual: Blessing Ceremony, Pristine Nature and Transfer: $109
- BALI PARAGLIDING Fly, Swing and Soaring above the sea with private transfer: $103
- West Beach Nusa Penida Tour with Speedboat Transfer from Sanur: $99
- Drive Your Own Jet Ski Without Instructor With Private Transfer: $85
- Unforgettable Batur Volcano Hiking With Private Transfer: $85
- Batur Volcano Jeep Tour Include Private Transfer: $80
- Bali Quad and Buggy Discovery Tour, Including Round-Trip Transfer: $76
- Horse Riding on the Black Sand Beach and Free Hotel Transfers: $74
- Nusa Penida All-Inclusive Full-Day Tour with Transfers: $66
- Bali Water Sport : Sea Walker,Donut Boat and Banana Boat with Hotel Transfers: $64
- Ubud: Sky Bike and Jungle Swing Experience with Transfer: $63
- Bali to/from Gili Gede: Fast Boat (Optional Bali Transfer): $60
Is it cheaper to fly into Bali or Vang Vieng?
Prices for flights to both Vang Vieng and Bali 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 dayBali $21Vang Vieng $6.31
Typical Food Prices in Bali
Some typical examples of dining costs in Bali are as follows:
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Coffee$1.24
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Lunch for Two$14
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Bali Cafe for Two$27
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Lunch for Two$8.07
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Lunch for 2$8.93
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Dinner for 2$9.80
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bali
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bali.
- The Balinesia Lu'au - 'A Kampung Bali Experience & Dinner Show': $28
- Best Romantic Seafood Dinner at Jimbaran Beach Sunset : $29
- Romantic Seafood Dinner under sunset in the Beach: $30
- Uluwatu Temple Kecak And Dinner Half Day Private Guided Tour: $30
- Private Tour Uluwatu Sunset Kecak Dance and Dinner at Jimbaran: $31
- Bali Sunset and Dinner: Uluwatu, Tanah Lot and Jimbaran: $32
- Pirate Dinner Cruise with Shows, Games, and Music: $33
- From Ubud: Authentic Cooking Class in a Local Village: $35
- From Ubud: Balinese Cooking Class at an Organic Farm: $35
- Romantic Seafood Dinner at Jimbaran: $38
- Spice Garden, Jamu & Cooking Class in Bali Village: $45
- Seminyak: Balinese Cooking Class & Market Tour: $45
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Bali $11Vang Vieng $4.87
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bali
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Bali are as follows:
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Spa for Two$54
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Snorkelling Trip$12
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Cooking School$28
Tours and Activities in Bali
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bali are as follows:
- ATV Rafting Jungle Swing Private Guided Tour : $63
- Bali Telaga Waja White Water Rafting Adventure : $47
- Lembongan Snorkeling and Island Tour: $80
- Nusa Penida Snorkeling Adventure (Private & All-Inclusive): $129
- Private Tour Bali Bird Park And Ubud Tour: $110
- Private Tours Tegenungan Waterfall Ubud Palace & Market: $80
- Sightseeing to Ulundanu temple, banyumala waterfall & Tanah lot: $57
- White Water Rafting Adventure at Telaga Waja River : $43
- (BCR Rafting) Rafting Adventure in Telaga Waja River 18km: $55
- 2 Day Tours Ubud Art Village, Dance And Other Tourist Attractions: $186
- 2 Days Private Tours : Watersport And Uluwatu Temple: $124
- 2-Hour Private Luxury Spa Experience Bali Aromatherapy Massage: $50
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 dayBali $3.20Vang Vieng $1.14
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bali and Vang Vieng, we can see that Bali 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 Bali would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bali 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 Bali Expensive? and Is Vang Vieng Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Bali or Vang Vieng?
Bali has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Vang Vieng. When comparing the sizes of Bali 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 Bali 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 Bali or Vang Vieng in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Bali as well as Vang Vieng. Bali attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vang Vieng throughout the year.
Also, April to September in Bali is the dry season. Bali usually gets less rain in July than Vang Vieng. Bali gets 40 mm (1.6 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 Bali this time of the year. In the summer, Bali often gets more sunshine than Vang Vieng. Bali gets 253 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vang Vieng receives 141 hours of full sun.
In the summer, Bali is a little warmer than Vang Vieng. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bali in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Vang Vieng averages at about 22°C (72°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBali 27°C (81°F)Vang Vieng 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Bali or Vang Vieng in the Autumn?
Both Vang Vieng and Bali are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bali throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Vang Vieng because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The rainy season in Bali is October to March. In October, Bali usually receives around the same amount of rain as Vang Vieng. Bali gets 60 mm (2.4 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 Bali. Bali usually receives more sunshine than Vang Vieng during autumn. Bali gets 266 hours of sunny skies, while Vang Vieng receives 222 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Bali is generally a little warmer than Vang Vieng. Daily temperatures in Bali average around 27°C (81°F), and Vang Vieng fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBali 27°C (81°F)Vang Vieng 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Bali or Vang Vieng in the Winter?
Both Vang Vieng and Bali during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Bali because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vang Vieng year-round.
October to March is the rainy season in Bali. Bali usually gets more rain in January than Vang Vieng. Bali gets 90 mm (3.5 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. In the winter, Bali often gets less sunshine than Vang Vieng. Bali gets 170 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vang Vieng receives 254 hours of full sun.
Bali is around the same temperature as Vang Vieng in the winter. The daily temperature in Bali averages around 26°C (79°F) in January, and Vang Vieng fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBali 26°C (79°F)Vang Vieng 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Bali or Vang Vieng in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Bali and Vang Vieng. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bali year-round. Vang Vieng attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
April to September in Bali is the dry season. Vang Vieng receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Bali usually receives less rain than Vang Vieng. Bali gets 70 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 Bali, it's very sunny this time of the year. Bali usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Vang Vieng during spring. Bali gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Vang Vieng receives 230 hours of full sun in the spring.
In the spring, Bali is a little warmer than Vang Vieng. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bali in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Vang Vieng averages at about 23°C (73°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBali 27°C (81°F)Vang Vieng 23°C (73°F)
Typical Weather for Vang Vieng and Bali
| Bali | Vang Vieng | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 90 mm (3.5 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.