Which place is cheaper, Vang Vieng or Hanoi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Hanoi 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 Hanoi 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: Hanoi or Vang Vieng?
Hanoi
Hanoi is the chaotic capital of Vietnam, and it serves as a great introduction to the country for many travelers. It's the second largest city in the country after Saigon and is an interesting combination of East meets West. There's traditional Vietnamese culture with subtle influences brought by the French. The city continues to grow and change rapidly and it's easy to get lost amidst the chaos.
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 Adventure Tours to Vietnam, The Best Eco Tours in Vietnam, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Laos, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Laos.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHanoi $49Vang Vieng $14
The average daily cost (per person) in Hanoi 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 Hanoi and Vang Vieng in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHanoi $25Vang Vieng $4.34
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHanoi $50Vang Vieng $8.68
Compare Hotels in Hanoi and Vang Vieng
Looking for a hotel in Hanoi 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: Hanoi Hotel Prices and Vang Vieng Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Hanoi $6.89Vang Vieng $3.18
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hanoi
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Hanoi:
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Taxi to Bus Station$1.20
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Shuttle Bus From Airport (for Two)$3.20
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Local Bus Ride (for Two)$0.40
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Short Taxi Ride$1.36
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Short Motorbike Ride (10 Minutes)$0.80
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hanoi
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hanoi:
- Halong Bay: 3-Day 2-Night 4-Star Cruise with Transfer: $450
- Private Transfer to/from Sapa: $352
- Transfer to Sapa Private car: $300
- Luxury Halong Bay Cruise 2 Days-1 Night with 5 Star included transfer & pick up: $290
- 3-Day Halong Bay Cruise with Round-trip Transfer From Hanoi: $285
- 3-Day Hanoi - Ninh Binh - Halong Bay 5-Star Cruise & Transfer: $280
- Hanoi Private Transfer from Hanoi (HAN) Airport to Vinh City: $258
- Overnight Halong Bay Cruise Including Transfer Service and Kayaking or Bamboo Boat Activities: $250
- Peony Cruise 5* Lan Hạ Bay 2 days 1 night with 2 ways transfer: $229
- Hanoi - Sapa One Way Private Transfer: $210
- 2-Day Ninh Binh & Halong Bay With Transfer: $210
- Halong Bay Seaplane Tour with Transfer from Hanoi by expressway: $205
Is it cheaper to fly into Hanoi or Vang Vieng?
Prices for flights to both Vang Vieng and Hanoi 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 dayHanoi $13Vang Vieng $6.31
Typical Food Prices in Hanoi
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Hanoi:
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High End Dinner (for Two)$12
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$4.39
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Bowl of Pho$0.80
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Italian Dinner (for Food)$6.19
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hanoi
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Hanoi.
- Street Food Tour (Group/Individual): $5.13
- (Group/Individual) HANOI STREET FOOD TOUR : $5.13
- Hanoi Street Food Tour Visit Train Street Add Old Quarter: $19
- Hanoi Walking Street Food Tour: $20
- Hanoi Street Food Tour: $22
- Hanoi Street Food Tour: $23
- Ngon ngon & Authentic Hanoi Food Tour: $23
- Mad Monkey Hoi An Cooking Class & Bamboo Boats: $23
- Vietnamese Street Food Tour with a Local Guide: $24
- Vietnamese Street Food Tour with Local Guide: $24
- Walking Street Food Tour Small Group with Local Guide: $24
- Guided Half-Day Hanoi Street Food Tour: $25
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Hanoi $8.51Vang Vieng $4.87
Typical Entertainment Prices in Hanoi
Here are a few typical costs in Hanoi for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Puppet Theater$1.60
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The Hanoi Hilton Entrance$1.60
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National History Museum$1.60
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Puppet Theater Ticket$2.80
Tours and Activities in Hanoi
Here are a few actual costs in Hanoi for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 1 Day Luxury Arcady Cruise Tour from Hanoi by Express Limousine: $75
- 2 Day Golden Bay Cruise Explore Halong Bay from Hanoi: $220
- 2 Day Private Guided Tour in Pu Luong Nature Hanoi: $169
- 4 Days 3 Nights Ha Giang Loop Tour from Hanoi by Sleeper Bus: $235
- 4 Hours and 30 Minutes Historical Hanoi Army Jeep Tour: $58
- 5 Days Motorbike Tour in Ha Giang Loop From Hanoi: $265
- Beautiful Female Riders Vespa Red River Countryside Tour 5 Hours: $65
- From Halong Bay by Scenic Seaplane and Luxury Day Cruise: $230
- Full Day Tour in Hanoi City: $35
- Ha Long Bay Cruise Day Tour-Cave, Kayaking,Ti top island & Lunch: $41
- Ha Noi Private city tour and water puppet private tour: $59
- Ha Noi private city tour full day and cyclo: $69
Tours and Activities in Vang Vieng
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Vang Vieng.
- Half-Day Nam Song River Kayak Tour with Zipline or Tham None: $27
- Vang Vieng Kayaking Fun Rapid and Float Tour: $35
- Vang Vieng Bike Tour: $39
- One Day Guided Tour: Kayaking, Zipline & Tubing In The Cave from Vang Vieng : $50
- Train ticket Vang vieng to Luang prabang: $50
- Blue Lagoon and Countryside Bike Tour with Lunch: $50
- Vang Vieng Tour B - Nam Xay Viewpoint Hike & Blue Lagoon 1 Tour: $55
- Discover Vang Vieng Private Tour- Trekking, Kayaking and Caving: $102
- Vang Vieng Tour A - Blue lagoon 3 with Caves and Zipline: $110
- Jungle & Caves Full-Day Private Trekking Tour: $120
- Full Day Private Kayaking, Zipline & Tubing In The Cave Tour: $156
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHanoi $7.70Vang Vieng $1.14
Sample the Local Flavors in Hanoi
Also in Hanoi, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Hanoi Beer and Brewery Tour: $48
- Half-Day Guided Tour Australian Beef with Wine Tasting & Rickshaw in Hanoi: $106
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hanoi and Vang Vieng, we can see that Hanoi 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 Hanoi would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hanoi 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 Hanoi Expensive? and Is Vang Vieng Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Hanoi or Vang Vieng?
Hanoi has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Vang Vieng. When comparing the sizes of Hanoi 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 Hanoi 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 Hanoi or Vang Vieng in the Summer?
Both Vang Vieng and Hanoi during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Hanoi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vang Vieng year-round.
May to September is the rainy season in Hanoi. It rains a lot this time of the year in Hanoi. Hanoi usually gets more rain in July than Vang Vieng. Hanoi gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Vang Vieng receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the summer, Hanoi is a little warmer than Vang Vieng. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hanoi in July average around 29°C (84°F), and Vang Vieng averages at about 22°C (72°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyHanoi 29°C (84°F)Vang Vieng 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Hanoi or Vang Vieng in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Hanoi and Vang Vieng. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hanoi year-round. Vang Vieng attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
November to April in Hanoi is the dry season. Hanoi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Hanoi usually receives more rain than Vang Vieng. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Vang Vieng receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
In October, Hanoi is generally around the same temperature as Vang Vieng. Daily temperatures in Hanoi average around 25°C (77°F), and Vang Vieng fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHanoi 25°C (77°F)Vang Vieng 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Hanoi or Vang Vieng in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Hanoi as well as Vang Vieng. Hanoi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vang Vieng throughout the year.
Hanoi usually gets less rain in January than Vang Vieng. Hanoi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Vang Vieng receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
Hanoi is cooler than Vang Vieng in the winter. The daily temperature in Hanoi averages around 17°C (63°F) in January, and Vang Vieng fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHanoi 17°C (63°F)Vang Vieng 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Hanoi or Vang Vieng in the Spring?
Both Vang Vieng and Hanoi are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hanoi 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 Hanoi is November to April. The rainy season in Hanoi is May to September. It rains a lot this time of the year in Vang Vieng. It's quite rainy in Hanoi. In April, Hanoi usually receives less rain than Vang Vieng. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Vang Vieng receives 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
In the spring, Hanoi is around the same temperature as Vang Vieng. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hanoi in April average around 24°C (75°F), and Vang Vieng averages at about 23°C (73°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilHanoi 24°C (75°F)Vang Vieng 23°C (73°F)
Typical Weather for Vang Vieng and Hanoi
| Hanoi | Vang Vieng | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 17°C (63°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Feb | 17°C (63°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Mar | 21°C (70°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Apr | 24°C (75°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (84°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (84°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 200 mm (7.9 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (77°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Nov | 22°C (72°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) |
| Dec | 18°C (64°F) | 30 mm (1.2 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.