Which place is cheaper, Vang Vieng or Dubai?
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 Dubai 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 Dubai and Vang Vieng can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Dubai or Vang Vieng?
Dubai
Ever wonder what it would be like to see the lifestyles of the rich and famous up close. There's no more upscale destination than Dubai. It's by far and away the spot for shopping, partying, sunbathing, fine dining and the most luxurious of luxury. As the most modern and progressive of the seven emirates in the United Arab Emirates, this area has experienced an unbelievable economic boom and tourism spike. It's a desert city with an amazing infrastructure.
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 3-Day Tours from Dubai, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Arab Emirates, The Best Adventure Tours to Laos, and The Best Budget Tours to Laos.
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Dubai Prices
UAE PricesVang Vieng Prices
Laos Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDubai $289Vang Vieng $18
The average daily cost (per person) in Dubai is $289, 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 Dubai and Vang Vieng in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDubai $170Vang Vieng $4.08
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDubai $340Vang Vieng $8.16
Compare Hotels in Dubai and Vang Vieng
Looking for a hotel in Dubai 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: Dubai Hotel Prices and Vang Vieng Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Dubai $13Vang Vieng $2.99
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Dubai
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Dubai:
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Taxi Ride$12
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Airport Taxi$12
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Sea Taxi$0.54
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dubai
Also for Dubai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Burj Khalifa VIP Sunset Tour with Porsche Transfer: $1,999
- Burj Khalifa VIP Lunch – Michelin Dining & Porsche Transfer: $1,299
- From Dive and Stay 5-Dives with Transfer: $490
- Atlantis Aquaventure Tickets with Hotel Transfers: $368
- Desert Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride with Transfers: $313
- Private Dubai Shopping Tour with Transfer: $300
- Jet Car Ride for 2 Pax with Optional Transfer: $299
- The Dubai Mall Tour with Private Transfers: $299
- Jet Car Experience with Private transfers: $286
- Dubai Jet Car and Self Drive Tour with Private Transfer: $285
- Floating Sky Dining with Hotel Transfers: $280
- Real Madrid World Dubai Admission Ticket with Hotel Transfers: $280
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
- Vang Vieng Private Transfer: Hotel - Railway Station - Vientiane: $11
Is it cheaper to fly into Dubai or Vang Vieng?
Prices for flights to both Vang Vieng and Dubai 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 dayDubai $96Vang Vieng $10
Typical Food Prices in Dubai
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Dubai:
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French bread$0.95
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Sumo salad in Dubai Mall + Juice$10
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Lemon Mint Tea$4.36
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Coffee & Cake$6.54
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Smoothie$5.45
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Shawarma$1.91
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dubai
For Dubai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Dubai Self Drive Desert Safari Experience with BBQ dinner: $10
- Dubai Red Dunes Desert Safari with Dinner, Camel, Shows & Pickup: $11
- Dune Bashing Red Dunes 4x4 Pick & Drop Shows Dinner Camel: $15
- VIP Red Dune Safari Dubai,Pick/Drop,Camel Ride, Quad & BBQ Dinner: $15
- VIP Red Dune Safari with Pick/Drop BBQ Dinner Camelride sandbord: $15
- Romantic Sightseeing Dhow Cruise Dinner: $15
- VIP Red Dune Safari with Pick/Drop BBQ/Dinner Camelride Sandbord: $15
- VIP Red Dune Safari, Pick/Drop, Camel Ride,BBQ Dinner & Quad Bike: $15
- Desert Safari Dubai with BBQ Buffet Dinner: $16
- Dhow Cruise with Dinner and Live Entertainment at Dubai Al Seef: $16
- Dubai Dhow Cruise Dinner in Creek with pickup drop option: $16
- Dubai:VIP Desert Safari with Pick/Drop, Camel Ride, Dinner & Show: $16
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Dubai $19Vang Vieng $4.57
Typical Entertainment Prices in Dubai
For Dubai, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Visit to the Dubai Museum$0.82
Tours and Activities in Dubai
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Dubai.
- "Discover Abu Dhabi: A Captivating 6-Hour Guided Tour": $69
- "Explore Dubai's Highlights: 6-Hour Guided City Tour: $41
- 05 Hours Dubai Night City Tour: $61
- 1 HR - Dubai Marina Luxury Yacht Tour: $20
- 1 Hour Burj Khalifa Ticket with Cafe Treat: $67
- 1 Hour Kayaking Experience in Dubai Ticket: $43
- 1-Hour Burj Al Arab Jet Ski Tour: $163
- 1-Hour Dune Buggy Self-Drive, Camel Ride & Sandboarding Adventure: $150
- 10 - 12 Seater Toyota Haice Tourist MiniVan Rental Dubai: $220
- 1001 Adventure Tour: $71
- 12 Minute Helicopter Ride Tour From Atlantis Dubai: $238
- 12 mins Helicopter Tour & The View at The Palm Observatory Deck: $282
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
- BBQ Lunch Cruise on Nam Ngum Lake: $50
- Get Your Laos–China Train Ticket Fast – No Waiting, No Worries: $30
- Laos: Jungle Zipline and Caving Tour: $58
- Nam Xay Viewpoint Hike and Blue Lagoon Tour: $79
- One Day Guided Tour: Kayaking, Zipline & Tubing In The Cave from Vang Vieng: $50
- Paramotor Experience in Vang Vieng Laos: $165
- Vang Vieng 1-Day Cave Exploration Tour with Guide: $175
- Vang Vieng 2 Day Shared Hot Air Balloon Tour: $269
- Vang Vieng Ballooning Adventures: $260
- Vang Vieng Day Tour - Longtail boat, Paragliding: $175
- Vang Vieng Day Tour: Zipline, Water Cave, Kayak & Blue Lagoon 3: $52
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDubai $23Vang Vieng $1.07
Typical Alcohol Prices in Dubai
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Dubai:
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A Couple Drinks$25
Sample the Local Flavors in Dubai
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Dubai:
- Pub Crawl Nightlife Tour: $62
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dubai and Vang Vieng, we can see that Dubai is more expensive. And not only is Vang Vieng much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dubai is in Middle East 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 Dubai would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dubai 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 Dubai Expensive? and Is Vang Vieng Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Dubai or Vang Vieng?
Dubai has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Vang Vieng. When comparing the sizes of Dubai 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 Dubai 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 Dubai or Vang Vieng in the Summer?
Both Vang Vieng and Dubai are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Dubai throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Vang Vieng because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The dry season in Dubai is June to August. In July, Dubai usually receives less rain than Vang Vieng. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Vang Vieng receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
It's very hot in Dubai this time of the year. Dubai is much warmer than Vang Vieng in the summer. The daily temperature in Dubai averages around 35°C (95°F) in July, and Vang Vieng fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyDubai 35°C (95°F)Vang Vieng 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Dubai or Vang Vieng in the Autumn?
Both Vang Vieng and Dubai during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Dubai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vang Vieng year-round.
Dubai usually gets less rain in October than Vang Vieng. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Vang Vieng receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the autumn, Dubai is a little warmer than Vang Vieng. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Dubai in October average around 29°C (84°F), and Vang Vieng averages at about 23°C (73°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberDubai 29°C (84°F)Vang Vieng 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Dubai or Vang Vieng in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Dubai and Vang Vieng. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dubai year-round. Vang Vieng attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Also, January to March is the rainy season in Dubai. In January, Dubai usually receives less rain than Vang Vieng. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Vang Vieng receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
In January, Dubai is generally cooler than Vang Vieng. Daily temperatures in Dubai average around 19°C (66°F), and Vang Vieng fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryDubai 19°C (66°F)Vang Vieng 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Dubai or Vang Vieng in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Dubai as well as Vang Vieng. Dubai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vang Vieng throughout the year.
Also, June to August in Dubai is the dry season. It's quite rainy in Vang Vieng. Dubai usually gets less rain in April than Vang Vieng. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Vang Vieng receives 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
Dubai is a little warmer than Vang Vieng in the spring. The daily temperature in Dubai averages around 26°C (79°F) in April, and Vang Vieng fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilDubai 26°C (79°F)Vang Vieng 23°C (73°F)
Typical Weather for Vang Vieng and Dubai
| Dubai | Vang Vieng | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Mar | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) |
| May | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Jun | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Jul | 35°C (95°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| Aug | 36°C (97°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| Sep | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°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.