A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bali vs. Vang Vieng for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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 Adventure Tours to Laos, and The Best Budget Tours to Laos.


Which place is cheaper, Vang Vieng or Bali?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Bali is $85, 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 Bali and Vang Vieng in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bali $40
    Vang Vieng $4.25
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bali $80
    Vang Vieng $8.50
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.

Hotels in Bali


Hotels in Vang Vieng


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
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bali $8.68
    Vang Vieng $3.11
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bali

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Bali:


  • Motorbike Rental
    $2.98

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bali

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bali:

  • Bali Spiritual: Blessing Ceremony, Pristine Nature and Transfer: $115
  • Bali Water Sport : Sea Walker,Donut Boat and Banana Boat with Hotel Transfers: $72
  • Bali Parasailing Adventure,Banana Boat,Jet Ski and Donut Boat with Transfers: $69
  • All Inclusive Batur Sunrise Treking Guide Ticket And Transfer : $60
  • LuxMe Bali Four Hands massage with Hotel Transfer: $58
  • Traditional Balinese Massage with Hotel Transfer: $50
  • Bali to/from Gili Air: Fast Boat with Optional Bali Transfer: $48
  • Fast Boat Transfers between Bali and Lombok: $48
  • Bali Parasailing Adventure with Including Hotel Transfer: $45
  • Bali Nusa Dua Combo Parasailing And Snorkeling Include Transfer: $35
  • Ride Bali ATV Adventure Ticket And Transfer: $34
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Bali Airport to Hotel: $32

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 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Bali $34
    Vang Vieng $11
Typical Food Prices in Bali

Some typical examples of dining costs in Bali are as follows:


  • Coffee
    $1.19
  • Lunch for Two
    $13
  • Bali Cafe for Two
    $26
  • Lunch for Two
    $7.75
  • Lunch for 2
    $8.59
  • Dinner for 2
    $9.42

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bali

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bali.

  • Romantic Seafood Dinner under sunset jimbaran Beach: $36
  • Romantic Seafood Dinner at Jimbaran: $40
  • South Bali Beach Tour, Uluwatu Sunset Kecak Fire Dance & Seafood Barbeque Dinner: $50
  • Kekeb Cooking Class at Nusa Dua: $55
  • Bali Famous Beach, Kecak Dance, Uluwatu Temple, Sunset, Dinner: $65
  • Bali Street Food Tour: $65
  • Sidemen Cooking Class: $77
  • Pure Bali Village Experience, Cooking & Jamu Class+VIP Transfer: $89

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bali $10
    Vang Vieng $4.76
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bali

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Bali are as follows:


  • Spa for Two
    $52
  • Snorkelling Trip
    $12
  • Cooking School
    $27

Tours and Activities in Bali

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bali are as follows:

  • Bali Telaga Waja White Water Rafting Adventure : $55
  • Legendary Scenic Spots Of Nusa Penida Private Guided Day Tour: $37
  • Sightseeing to Ulundanu temple, banyumala waterfall & Tanah lot: $57
  • Ubud Bali ATV Quad Bike Adventure: $45
  • 3-Days Lombok,Gili island Tour Hopping around departure from Bali island: $300
  • 5 Hours Bali Blue Lagoon Snorkeling Tour Including Tanjung Jepun: $59
  • Alas Harum Bali Cretya Tegalalang Rice Terrace Ubud Swing Ticket: $25
  • Amazing Private Tour: Lempuyang temple, Tirta gangga, Tukad cepung waterfall: $60
  • Bali ATV Adventure: $61
  • Bali ATV Quad Bike Adventure and Snorkeling Tour: $99
  • Bali Benoa Shore Excursion for Cruise's Passenger - All Inclusive: $49
  • Bali Instagram Tour : The Most Popular Spots In Bali: $62

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
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bali $3.07
    Vang Vieng $1.11


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).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Bali 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).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Bali 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).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Bali 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).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Bali 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)