Which place is cheaper, Vang Vieng or Chiang Mai?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Chiang Mai or Vang Vieng?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Chiang Mai and Vang Vieng. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Chiang Mai or Vang Vieng?
Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is both the cultural center of northern Thailand and a launching point for trips into the rural areas, small towns, and lush jungles of the country's northern regions. Known for great food, historic temples, arts and crafts, and a lively night market, Chiang Mai is a very popular destination for travelers. In some areas, tourists and ex-pats dominate, but it's quite easy to get away from the tourist scene and into the real culture of Thailand, as Chiang Mai (and the surrounding countryside) is quite large.
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 G Adventures Tours to Thailand, The Best 3-Day Tours from Phuket, The Best G Adventures Tours to Laos, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Laos.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChiang Mai $49Vang Vieng $14
The average daily cost (per person) in Chiang Mai is $49, 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 Chiang Mai and Vang Vieng in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChiang Mai $28Vang Vieng $4.16
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChiang Mai $56Vang Vieng $8.32
Compare Hotels in Chiang Mai and Vang Vieng
Looking for a hotel in Chiang Mai 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: Chiang Mai Hotel Prices and Vang Vieng Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Chiang Mai $3.94Vang Vieng $3.05
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Chiang Mai
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Chiang Mai are as follows:
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Tuk Tuk Ride$1.19
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Moped Rental$5.33
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chiang Mai
Also for Chiang Mai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Chiang Mai #1 Way Private Car transfer to/from Bangkok City: $298
- Chiang Rai:Private Transfer to Chiang Mai with Temples Visit: $253
- Skyline Jungle Luge Ticket + Lunch with Private Transfer: $250
- Private Transfer to/from Mae Sot: $238
- Private Transfer to/from Mae Sot: $223
- Chiang Mai #Private Car transfer to/from Mae Sot: $214
- Zipline Adventure at Chiang Mai with Return Transfer: $211
- Private Transfer from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai: $168
- From One-Way Private Transfer to Chiang Rai: $164
- Private Transfer: Chiang Mai Airport Arrival or Departure ride: $155
- Private Airport Transfer to or from Chiang Rai: $140
- ATV Riding and Grand Canyon Chiang Mai Include Pickup Transfer: $99
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 Chiang Mai or Vang Vieng?
Prices for flights to both Vang Vieng and Chiang Mai 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 dayChiang Mai $11Vang Vieng $6.05
Typical Food Prices in Chiang Mai
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Chiang Mai:
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Sit Down Dinner (for One)$5.78
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Roti Snack (Bread)$0.71
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Casual Breakfast$1.19
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$5.93
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Mangoes$0.89
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Coffee$1.48
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chiang Mai
For Chiang Mai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Cooking Morning Class Chiang Mai Visit Organic Garden and Market : $12
- Chiang Mai : Small Group Thai Cooking class with market tour: $19
- Traditional Khantoke Dinner and Show from Chiang Mai: $21
- Khantoke Dinner with Traditional Performance: $24
- Half-Day Thai Cooking Class at Organic Farm in Chiang Mai: $24
- Morning Cooking Class in Organic Garden | Chiang Mai: $24
- Afternoon Cooking Class in Organic Garden in Chiang Mai: $24
- Cooking Class, Market and Thai Herbs Garden Tour: $27
- We Cook Thai Home Garden Cooking School: $27
- Evening Cooking Class and Local Market Visit: $27
- Half-day Thai Cooking Class from scratch by an Expert Chef: $27
- Half-Day Thai Cuisine Cooking Experience in Chiang Mai : $29
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Chiang Mai $14Vang Vieng $4.67
Typical Entertainment Prices in Chiang Mai
For Chiang Mai, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Thai Cooking Class$39
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Doi Suthep Entrance Ticket$1.78
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Kratong Lessons$2.96
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Pedicure$4.45
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Chiang Mai Museum (for Two)$5.33
Tours and Activities in Chiang Mai
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Chiang Mai.
- Chiang Mai ATV, Hiking and Rafting Adventure: $87
- One Day Doi Inthanon National Park Small Group Guided Tour: $43
- Private Tour of Sacred Sakyant Tattoo in Lamphun Province.: $87
- 1 Day Doi Inthanon Private tour ( Hiking and Sightseeing ): $106
- 1 Day Private Tour Doi Inthanon And Phachor Canyon: $140
- 1 Day Private Tour White Temple and Renewed Doichang Coffee: $188
- 1 Day Sukhothai Historical Park from Chiang Mai Private Tour: $176
- 1 Hr Chiang Mai Buggy Tour (Off-Road): $164
- 1 day Private Tour to Unseen Temple in Lampang: $135
- 2 Days 1 Night Non Tourist Trek: $134
- 2 Days Hiking Tour in Chiang Mai: $122
- 2-Day Chiang Dao and Mae Taeng Valley active tour: $253
Tours and Activities in Vang Vieng
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Vang Vieng.
- Discover Vang Vieng Private Tour- Trekking, Kayaking and Caving: $102
- Full Day Private Kayaking, Zipline & Tubing In The Cave Tour: $162
- Half-Day Nam Song River Kayak Tour with Zipline or Tham None: $27
- One Day Guided Tour: Kayaking, Zipline & Tubing In The Cave from Vang Vieng : $50
- Train ticket Vang vieng to Luang prabang: $50
- Vang Vieng Bike Tour: $39
- Vang Vieng Kayaking Fun Rapid and Float Tour: $35
- Vang Vieng Tour A - Blue lagoon 3 with Caves and Zipline: $110
- Vang Vieng Tour B - Nam Xay Viewpoint Hike & Blue Lagoon 1 Tour: $55
- Blue Lagoon and Countryside Bike Tour with Lunch: $50
- Jungle & Caves Full-Day Private Trekking Tour: $120
- Tham Nangfar and Tham Nam Day Tour with Kayaking: $21
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayChiang Mai $7.34Vang Vieng $1.09
Typical Alcohol Prices in Chiang Mai
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Chiang Mai are as follows:
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Wine$2.96
Sample the Local Flavors in Chiang Mai
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Chiang Mai:
- Chiang Mai Pub Crawl: The Best Nightlife in Town!: $7.45
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chiang Mai and Vang Vieng, we can see that Chiang Mai 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 Chiang Mai would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Chiang Mai 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 Chiang Mai Expensive? and Is Vang Vieng Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Chiang Mai or Vang Vieng?
Chiang Mai has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Vang Vieng. When comparing the sizes of Chiang Mai 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 Chiang Mai or Vang Vieng?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Vang Vieng in the Summer?
Both Vang Vieng and Chiang Mai are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Chiang Mai 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 Chiang Mai is June to September. It's quite rainy in Chiang Mai. In July, Chiang Mai usually receives more rain than Vang Vieng. Chiang Mai gets 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain, while Vang Vieng receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
Chiang Mai usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Vang Vieng during summer. Chiang Mai gets 146 hours of sunny skies, while Vang Vieng receives 141 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Chiang Mai is generally a little warmer than Vang Vieng. Daily temperatures in Chiang Mai average around 30°C (86°F), and Vang Vieng fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyChiang Mai 30°C (86°F)Vang Vieng 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Vang Vieng in the Autumn?
Both Vang Vieng and Chiang Mai during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Chiang Mai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vang Vieng year-round.
November to February is the dry season in Chiang Mai. It rains a lot this time of the year in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai usually gets more rain in October than Vang Vieng. Chiang Mai gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Vang Vieng receives 63 mm (2.5 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 Chiang Mai. In the autumn, Chiang Mai often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Vang Vieng. Chiang Mai gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vang Vieng receives 222 hours of full sun.
Chiang Mai is a little warmer than Vang Vieng in the autumn. The daily temperature in Chiang Mai averages around 29°C (83°F) in October, and Vang Vieng fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberChiang Mai 29°C (83°F)Vang Vieng 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Vang Vieng in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Chiang Mai and Vang Vieng. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Chiang Mai year-round. Vang Vieng attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
November to February in Chiang Mai is the dry season. In January, Chiang Mai usually receives less rain than Vang Vieng. Chiang Mai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Vang Vieng receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vang Vieng this time of the year. In Chiang Mai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Chiang Mai usually receives more sunshine than Vang Vieng during winter. Chiang Mai gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Vang Vieng receives 254 hours of full sun in the winter.
In the winter, Chiang Mai is around the same temperature as Vang Vieng. Typically, the winter temperatures in Chiang Mai in January average around 23°C (74°F), and Vang Vieng averages at about 24°C (75°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryChiang Mai 23°C (74°F)Vang Vieng 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Vang Vieng in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Chiang Mai as well as Vang Vieng. Chiang Mai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vang Vieng throughout the year.
June to September in Chiang Mai is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Vang Vieng. Chiang Mai usually gets less rain in April than Vang Vieng. Chiang Mai gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Vang Vieng receives 188 mm (7.4 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 Chiang Mai this time of the year. In the spring, Chiang Mai often gets more sunshine than Vang Vieng. Chiang Mai gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vang Vieng receives 230 hours of full sun.
Chiang Mai can become quite hot in the spring. In April, Chiang Mai is generally a little warmer than Vang Vieng. Daily temperatures in Chiang Mai average around 31°C (88°F), and Vang Vieng fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilChiang Mai 31°C (88°F)Vang Vieng 23°C (73°F)
Typical Weather for Vang Vieng and Chiang Mai
| Chiang Mai | Vang Vieng | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (74°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (78°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (83°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Apr | 31°C (88°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) |
| May | 31°C (87°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (86°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (86°F) | 161 mm (6.3 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 236 mm (9.3 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (85°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (83°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (75°F) | 20 mm (0.8 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.