Which place is cheaper, Vang Vieng or Dar es Salaam?
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 Dar es Salaam 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 Dar es Salaam and Vang Vieng can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Dar es Salaam or Vang Vieng?
Dar es Salaam
Having grown from a fishing village, Dar es Salaam is now a major city and commercial port on Tanzania's Indian Ocean coast. While it is mainly used as a stopping point on the way to Zanzibar, it has a few unique treasures of its own such as the Kariakoo Market, National Museum, and the open-air Village Museum.
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 Safaris in Tanzania, The Best Safaris in Tanzania, The Best Adventure Tours to Laos, and The Best Budget Tours to Laos.
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Dar es Salaam Prices
Tanzania PricesVang Vieng Prices
Laos Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDar es Salaam $493Vang Vieng $19
The average daily cost (per person) in Dar es Salaam is $493, 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 Dar es Salaam and Vang Vieng in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDar es Salaam $452Vang Vieng $4.25
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDar es Salaam $904Vang Vieng $8.50
Compare Hotels in Dar es Salaam and Vang Vieng
Looking for a hotel in Dar es Salaam 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: Dar es Salaam Hotel Prices and Vang Vieng Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Dar es Salaam $14Vang Vieng $3.11
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dar es Salaam
Also for Dar es Salaam, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer/Airport pick up and drop off: $192
- Ferry Tickets to Zanzibar with Transfers.: $120
- Private Layover Tour with Airport Transfer: $120
- Private Transfer from Dar El Salaam to Julius Nyerere Airport (DAR): $106
- Dar es Salaam Airport Transfers Comfortable Ride to Your Hotel: $60
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 Dar es Salaam or Vang Vieng?
Prices for flights to both Vang Vieng and Dar es Salaam 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 dayDar es Salaam $33Vang Vieng $11
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Dar es Salaam -Vang Vieng $4.76
Tours and Activities in Dar es Salaam
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Dar es Salaam.
- Bagamoyo Full-Day Tour: Historic Slave Trade Route & Kaole Ruins: $255
- Dar Es Salaam City Tour (Full Day With Private Guide And Car): $140
- 2 Days 1 Night Bagamoyo Historical Tour : $300
- Ancient Bagamoyo City Day Tour: $249
- Bagamoyo Adventure, Historical Tour: $238
- Bagamoyo Historical Tour - Everyday: $199
- Bagamoyo Tour: $120
- Bird Watching Tour to Tegetero Forest 2days 1 night: $205
- Dar Es Salaam City Tour: $150
- Dar Es Salaam City tour: $164
- Dar Es Salaam Local Markets and Village-National Museum Day tour: $150
- Dar es Salaam City Tour - Everyday: $97
Tours and Activities in Vang Vieng
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Vang Vieng.
- 1 Day Guided Tour in Cave from Vang Vieng: $175
- Get Your Laos–China Train Ticket Fast – No Waiting, No Worries: $30
- Laos: Jungle Zipline and Caving Tour: $58
- Nam Xay Viewpoint Hike & Blue Lagoon 1 Tour in Vang Vieng: $180
- Nam Xay Viewpoint Hike and Blue Lagoon Tour: $79
- One Day Guided Tour: Kayaking, Zipline & Tubing In The Cave from Vang Vieng : $50
- Vang Vieng 1-Day Cave Exploration Tour with Guide: $175
- Vang Vieng Ballooning Adventures: $260
- Vang Vieng Bike Tour: $49
- Vang Vieng Day Tour - Longtail boat, Paragliding: $175
- Vang Vieng Hot Air Balloon Experience and Longtail Boat: $137
- Vang Vieng Hot Air Balloon Kayak Zipline,Blue lagoon1 Tour: $148
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDar es Salaam $7.97Vang Vieng $1.11
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dar es Salaam and Vang Vieng, we can see that Dar es Salaam is more expensive. And not only is Vang Vieng much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dar es Salaam is in Africa and Vang Vieng is in Asia, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Dar es Salaam would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dar es Salaam 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 Dar es Salaam Expensive? and Is Vang Vieng Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Dar es Salaam or Vang Vieng?
Dar es Salaam has a larger population, and is about 110 times larger than the population of Vang Vieng. When comparing the sizes of Dar es Salaam 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 Dar es Salaam 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 Dar es Salaam or Vang Vieng in the Summer?
Both Vang Vieng and Dar es Salaam are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Dar es Salaam throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Vang Vieng because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In July, Dar es Salaam usually receives less rain than Vang Vieng. Dar es Salaam gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Vang Vieng receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Dar es Salaam. Dar es Salaam usually receives more sunshine than Vang Vieng during summer. Dar es Salaam gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Vang Vieng receives 141 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Dar es Salaam is generally a little warmer than Vang Vieng. Daily temperatures in Dar es Salaam average around 25°C (77°F), and Vang Vieng fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyDar es Salaam 25°C (77°F)Vang Vieng 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Vang Vieng in the Autumn?
Both Vang Vieng and Dar es Salaam during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Dar es Salaam because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vang Vieng year-round.
Dar es Salaam usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Vang Vieng. Dar es Salaam gets 66 mm (2.6 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 Dar es Salaam. In the autumn, Dar es Salaam often gets more sunshine than Vang Vieng. Dar es Salaam gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vang Vieng receives 222 hours of full sun.
Dar es Salaam is around the same temperature as Vang Vieng in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dar es Salaam averages around 25°C (78°F) in October, and Vang Vieng fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberDar es Salaam 25°C (78°F)Vang Vieng 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Vang Vieng in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Dar es Salaam and Vang Vieng. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dar es Salaam year-round. Vang Vieng attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Dar es Salaam usually receives more rain than Vang Vieng. Dar es Salaam gets 78 mm (3.1 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 Dar es Salaam, it's very sunny this time of the year. Dar es Salaam usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Vang Vieng during winter. Dar es Salaam gets 236 hours of sunny skies, while Vang Vieng receives 254 hours of full sun in the winter.
In the winter, Dar es Salaam is a little warmer than Vang Vieng. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dar es Salaam in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Vang Vieng averages at about 24°C (75°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryDar es Salaam 28°C (82°F)Vang Vieng 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Vang Vieng in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Dar es Salaam as well as Vang Vieng. Dar es Salaam attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vang Vieng throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Vang Vieng. Dar es Salaam receives a lot of rain in the spring. Dar es Salaam usually gets more rain in April than Vang Vieng. Dar es Salaam gets 269 mm (10.6 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. In the spring, Dar es Salaam often gets less sunshine than Vang Vieng. Dar es Salaam gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vang Vieng receives 230 hours of full sun.
In April, Dar es Salaam is generally a little warmer than Vang Vieng. Daily temperatures in Dar es Salaam average around 27°C (81°F), and Vang Vieng fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilDar es Salaam 27°C (81°F)Vang Vieng 23°C (73°F)
Typical Weather for Vang Vieng and Dar es Salaam
| Dar es Salaam | Vang Vieng | |||
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| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 269 mm (10.6 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) |
| May | 26°C (78°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (76°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (78°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 116 mm (4.6 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.