Which place is cheaper, Vang Vieng or Bangkok?
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 Bangkok or Vang Vieng?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Bangkok and Vang Vieng can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Bangkok or Vang Vieng?
Bangkok
Bangkok: a name synonymous with all things exotic. The vibrant and exciting capital of Thailand is not just a hub for Southeast Asia, but also a destination into itself. Known for an active nightlife and party scene, as well as great food, historic temples, and busy markets, Bangkok offers a diversity to entertain even the most experienced travelers.
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 Family-Friendly Tours to Thailand, The Best Wildlife Tours to Thailand, The Best Adventure Tours to Laos, and The Best Budget Tours to Laos.
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Bangkok Prices
Thailand PricesVang Vieng Prices
Laos Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBangkok $99Vang Vieng $18
The average daily cost (per person) in Bangkok is $99, while the average daily cost in Vang Vieng is $18. 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 Bangkok and Vang Vieng in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBangkok $48Vang Vieng $4.11
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBangkok $96Vang Vieng $8.22
Compare Hotels in Bangkok and Vang Vieng
Looking for a hotel in Bangkok 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: Bangkok Hotel Prices and Vang Vieng Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Bangkok $6.24Vang Vieng $3.01
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bangkok
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Bangkok are as follows:
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Tuk Tuk to bus station$2.39
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Skytrain Ticket$4.78
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Chao Phraya River Express Ticket$0.96
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Ferry Ride$0.78
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Taxi From Airport$7.46
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Short Taxi Ride$2.69
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Boat Taxi$1.49
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Trains to airport$4.78
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bangkok
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bangkok:
- Private Transfer from Bangkok to Krabi with 2h of Sightseeing: $295
- Private Transfer from Bangkok to Chiang Mai with 2h of Sightseeing: $273
- Private Transfer from Don Mueang (DMK) Airport to Aranyaprathet: $229
- Private Transfer from Ayutthaya to Hua Hin: $223
- Private Transfer from Suvarnabhumi (BKK) Airport to Trat: $220
- Private Transfer Bangkok and Pattaya: $214
- Private Transfer from Bangkok or Airport to Koh Chang Island: $202
- Private Transfer from Suvarnabhumi (BKK) Airport to Rayong: $196
- Suvarnabhumi Airport BKK to Kanchanaburi Round Trip Transfer: $192
- Limousine one way transfer: BKKAirport to/from U-Tapao Airport: $183
- Bangkok Airport DMK to Kanchanaburi Round Trip Private Transfer: $183
- Limousine one way transfer: BKKAirport to/from ChaAm or Hua Hin: $183
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vang Vieng
Also for Vang Vieng, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Vang Vieng Private Transfer: Hotel - Railway Station - Vientiane: $11
Is it cheaper to fly into Bangkok or Vang Vieng?
Prices for flights to both Vang Vieng and Bangkok 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 dayBangkok $34Vang Vieng $10
Typical Food Prices in Bangkok
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Bangkok:
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Dinner at Hard Rock Cafe (for Two)$27
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Casual Lunch of Prawns (for Two)$5.97
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2 Rotis (Bread)$1.34
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Mango & Sticky Rice$0.90
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Lunch at KFC (for Two)$5.97
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Pad Thai$2.09
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Airport Lunch for 2$16
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Lunch for 2$22
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bangkok
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bangkok.
- Mahanakorn Pad Thai & Tom Yum Cooking Class in Bangkok: $21
- Meridian Dinner and Sunset Cruise in Bangkok: $23
- Meridian Sunset Dinner Cruise - Floating Paradise From ICONSIAM Bangkok: $26
- Bangkok Sawasdee Sunset Dinner Cruise from ICONSIAM Beer FreeFlow: $26
- 2-Hour Dinner Cruise on the Chao Phraya Princess: $26
- Twilight Dinner Cruise Along Chao Phraya River in Bangkok: $27
- Calypso Cabaret Show with Thai Set Dinner: $27
- Baiyoke Sky Dinner Experience with Observation Deck Access: $29
- Chao Phraya Dinner Cruise with Cabaret Show and Sunset View: $29
- Bangkok Sunset or Evening Dinner Cruise (The Planet Cruise): $30
- Peaceful Wat Pho and Authentic Street Food Tour: $31
- Bangkok The Luxury White Sunset or Dinner Cruise (Asiatique Pier): $31
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Bangkok $17Vang Vieng $4.61
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bangkok
Here are a few typical costs in Bangkok for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Movie Ticket$4.78
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Grand Palace Entrance Ticket$10
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Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha) Ticket$1.49
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Dusit Zoo Entrance Fee (for Two)$5.97
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Club Cover Charge$11
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Thai Boxing Tickets (for Two)$72
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Fish Pedicure$4.48
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Wat Pho entrance ticket$2.98
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Siriraj Museum (2)$12
Tours and Activities in Bangkok
Here are a few actual costs in Bangkok for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 1 Hour Axe Throwing Experience: $19
- 2 Day Guided Tour from Bangkok to Ayutthaya: $91
- 2 Days Pattaya Sunset Boat Party Tour: $137
- 2 Days Private Experience from Bangkok Big City Farm: $250
- 2 Hour Electric Tuk Tuk Cultural Tour of Bangkok: $29
- 2 Hour Muay Thai Training Experience with Fighters in Bangkok: $22
- 2 Hours Bangkok Canal Tour By Longtail Boat: $70
- 3 Hours Heritage Ayutthaya Bus Tour to Famous Temples: $27
- 3hr Sunset Canal Cruise & Stop at Biggest Buddha (fully guided): $73
- 5-Hours Private Walking Tour in Bangkok with Guide: $95
- 8 hours Bangkok Customized Private Day Tour Pick up from Hotel: $76
- A Leisure Day At The Lotus Farm Tour Including Lunch: $138
Tours and Activities in Vang Vieng
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Vang Vieng.
- Nam Song River Kayak Tour: $18
- Vang Vieng Water Cave Tubing and Nam Song River Kayaking Tour: $23
- Tham Nangfar and Tham Nam Day Tour with Kayaking: $24
- Vang Vieng Nam Xay Top View, Blue Lagoon and Cave Tour: $29
- Get Your Laos–China Train Ticket Fast – No Waiting, No Worries: $30
- Blue Lagoon and Countryside Bike Tour with Lunch: $38
- One Day Guided Tour: Kayaking, Zipline & Tubing In The Cave from Vang Vieng: $50
- Vang Vieng Zipline & Kayaking Cave Adventure: $50
- BBQ Lunch Cruise on Nam Ngum Lake: $50
- Kayaking&Zipline&Cave Tubing&cave tour: $51
- Vang Vieng Day Tour: Zipline, Water Cave, Kayak & Blue Lagoon 3: $52
- Vang Vieng Tour B - Nam Xay Viewpoint Hike & Blue Lagoon 1 Tour: $55
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBangkok $5.46Vang Vieng $1.08
Typical Alcohol Prices in Bangkok
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Bangkok are as follows:
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Beer$1.19
Sample the Local Flavors in Bangkok
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Bangkok:
- Sunset Rooftop, TukTuk Ride, Night Market & Bar Crawl: $29
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bangkok and Vang Vieng, we can see that Bangkok 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 Bangkok would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bangkok 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 Bangkok Expensive? and Is Vang Vieng Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Bangkok or Vang Vieng?
Bangkok has a larger population, and is about 200 times larger than the population of Vang Vieng. When comparing the sizes of Bangkok 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 Bangkok 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 Bangkok or Vang Vieng in the Summer?
Both Vang Vieng and Bangkok during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Bangkok because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vang Vieng year-round.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Bangkok. Bangkok usually gets more rain in July than Vang Vieng. Bangkok gets 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Vang Vieng receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the summer, Bangkok often gets more sunshine than Vang Vieng. Bangkok gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vang Vieng receives 141 hours of full sun.
In July, Bangkok is generally a little warmer than Vang Vieng. Daily temperatures in Bangkok average around 29°C (84°F), and Vang Vieng fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBangkok 29°C (84°F)Vang Vieng 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Bangkok or Vang Vieng in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Bangkok and Vang Vieng. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bangkok year-round. Vang Vieng attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
November to February in Bangkok is the dry season. Also, May to October is the rainy season in Bangkok. Bangkok gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Bangkok usually receives more rain than Vang Vieng. Bangkok gets 242 mm (9.5 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 Bangkok, it's very sunny this time of the year. Bangkok usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Vang Vieng during autumn. Bangkok gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Vang Vieng receives 222 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Bangkok is a little warmer than Vang Vieng in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bangkok averages around 28°C (83°F) in October, and Vang Vieng fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBangkok 28°C (83°F)Vang Vieng 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Bangkok or Vang Vieng in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Bangkok as well as Vang Vieng. Bangkok attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vang Vieng throughout the year.
Also, November to February in Bangkok is the dry season. Bangkok usually gets less rain in January than Vang Vieng. Bangkok gets 9 mm (0.4 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 Bangkok this time of the year. In the winter, Bangkok often gets more sunshine than Vang Vieng. Bangkok gets 276 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vang Vieng receives 254 hours of full sun.
In the winter, Bangkok is around the same temperature as Vang Vieng. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bangkok in January average around 27°C (80°F), and Vang Vieng averages at about 24°C (75°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBangkok 27°C (80°F)Vang Vieng 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Bangkok or Vang Vieng in the Spring?
Both Vang Vieng and Bangkok are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bangkok 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 Bangkok is May to October. It rains a lot this time of the year in Vang Vieng. In April, Bangkok usually receives less rain than Vang Vieng. Bangkok gets 65 mm (2.6 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 Bangkok. Bangkok usually receives more sunshine than Vang Vieng during spring. Bangkok gets 262 hours of sunny skies, while Vang Vieng receives 230 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Bangkok is generally a little warmer than Vang Vieng. Daily temperatures in Bangkok average around 31°C (87°F), and Vang Vieng fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBangkok 31°C (87°F)Vang Vieng 23°C (73°F)
Typical Weather for Vang Vieng and Bangkok
| Bangkok | Vang Vieng | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (80°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (85°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Apr | 31°C (87°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) |
| May | 30°C (86°F) | 220 mm (8.7 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (85°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (84°F) | 155 mm (6.1 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 197 mm (7.8 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 344 mm (13.5 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (83°F) | 242 mm (9.5 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (79°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.