A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Helsinki vs. Vang Vieng for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Helsinki 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 Helsinki 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: Helsinki or Vang Vieng?

Helsinki

Helsinki is the capital of Finland and dates back to 1550. Helsinki is an international metropolis with a diverse population, but also a small town vibe. The city itself has a population of just over 600,000 but the metropolitan area, including Espoo and Vantaa, has a population of more than 1.3 million. There are many outdoor bars and cafes that take advantage of the warmer summer months. During this time there are long days, and the population floods into the street after a long and cold winter, so visiting during the summer is a fun and lively experience.

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 10-Day Tours in Finland, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Finland, The Best Adventure Tours to Laos, and The Best Budget Tours to Laos.


Which place is cheaper, Vang Vieng or Helsinki?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Helsinki Prices
    Finland Prices
    Vang Vieng Prices
    Laos Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Helsinki 164
    Vang Vieng 16

The average daily cost (per person) in Helsinki is €164, while the average daily cost in Vang Vieng is €16. 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 Helsinki and Vang Vieng in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Helsinki 73
    Vang Vieng 3.60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Helsinki 146
    Vang Vieng 7.20
Compare Hotels in Helsinki and Vang Vieng

Looking for a hotel in Helsinki 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.

Hotels in Helsinki


Hotels in Vang Vieng


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: Helsinki Hotel Prices and Vang Vieng Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Helsinki 22
    Vang Vieng 2.64

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Helsinki

Also for Helsinki, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Helsinki Private Departure Airport Transfer: $213
  • Helsinki Private Arrival Airport Transfer: $213
  • VIP Transfer Helsinki : $210
  • VIP Transfer HELSINKI: $198
  • PRIVATE Helsinki VIP Transfer: $198
  • Private Transfer from Helsinki City Hotels to Kotka Cruise Port: $170
  • VIP Airport Transfer by new cars in Helsinki: $159
  • Private Transfer from Airport in Helsinki and Vice versa: $150
  • Departure Transfer: Helsinki to Airport HEL by Luxury Van: $114
  • Arrival Transfer: Helsinki Airport HEL to Helsinki by MB Van: $109
  • Airport Transfer: Helsinki Airport HEL to Helsinki by Luxury Van: $109
  • Airport Transfer Helsinki Center: $108

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 Helsinki or Vang Vieng?

Prices for flights to both Vang Vieng and Helsinki 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Helsinki 59
    Vang Vieng 9.06

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Helsinki

For Helsinki, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • FOOD Tour with Roof Top Bar in Helsinki: $119
  • Helsinki Food Tour: A Culinary Experience with a Local: $275

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Helsinki 27
    Vang Vieng 4.04

Tours and Activities in Helsinki

For Helsinki, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Helsinki Highlights Tour: the Top Sightseeing Spots: $156
  • Helsinki Premium Transportation Experience: $170
  • Helsinki and Porvoo Tour by Private Car with Personal Guide: $102
  • 3 Hours Helsinki Stopover Tour from Airport: $108
  • 4 Hour Helsinki Tour from Cruise Port: $96
  • A Finntastic Walking Tour in Helsinki: $24
  • Adventure Day: $48
  • Baltic Bites Tour of Nature and Food on a Helsinki Summer Island: $119
  • CITY Tour with Food Tasting in Helsinki: $191
  • Capital of Contrasts: A Self Guided Audio Tour in Helsinki: $15
  • City Sightseeing Helsinki Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $42
  • Day to Porvoo from Medieval Old Town Guided Tour: $95

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
  • 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 Hot Air Balloon Experience and Longtail Boat: $137
  • Vang Vieng Hot Air Balloon Kayak Zipline,Blue lagoon1 Tour: $148
  • Vang Vieng Jungle Day Tour: $58
  • Vang Vieng Kayaking Fun Rapid and Float Tour: $65

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Helsinki 16
    Vang Vieng 0.94


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Helsinki and Vang Vieng, we can see that Helsinki is more expensive. And not only is Vang Vieng much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Helsinki is in Europe 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 Helsinki would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Helsinki 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 Helsinki Expensive? and Is Vang Vieng Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Helsinki or Vang Vieng?

Helsinki has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Vang Vieng. When comparing the sizes of Helsinki 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 Helsinki or Vang Vieng?

Helsinki has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Vang Vieng experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Helsinki or Vang Vieng in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Helsinki and Vang Vieng. Many travelers come to Helsinki for the family-friendly experiences. Vang Vieng attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the summer, Helsinki is cooler than Vang Vieng. Typically, the summer temperatures in Helsinki in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Vang Vieng averages at about 22°C (72°F).

In Helsinki, it's very sunny this time of the year. Helsinki usually receives more sunshine than Vang Vieng during summer. Helsinki gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Vang Vieng receives 141 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Helsinki usually receives more rain than Vang Vieng. Helsinki gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Vang Vieng receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Helsinki 17°C (62°F) 
    Vang Vieng 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Helsinki or Vang Vieng in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Helsinki as well as Vang Vieng. Many visitors come to Helsinki in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vang Vieng throughout the year.

In October, Helsinki is generally much colder than Vang Vieng. Daily temperatures in Helsinki average around 6°C (42°F), and Vang Vieng fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vang Vieng. In the autumn, Helsinki often gets less sunshine than Vang Vieng. Helsinki gets 90 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vang Vieng receives 222 hours of full sun.

Helsinki usually gets more rain in October than Vang Vieng. Helsinki gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Vang Vieng receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Helsinki 6°C (42°F) 
    Vang Vieng 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Helsinki or Vang Vieng in the Winter?

Both Vang Vieng and Helsinki are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Helsinki for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Plenty of visitors come to Vang Vieng because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Helsinki can be very cold during winter. Helsinki is much colder than Vang Vieng in the winter. The daily temperature in Helsinki averages around -6°C (21°F) in January, and Vang Vieng fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Vang Vieng. Helsinki usually receives less sunshine than Vang Vieng during winter. Helsinki gets 39 hours of sunny skies, while Vang Vieng receives 254 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Helsinki usually receives less rain than Vang Vieng. Helsinki gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Vang Vieng receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Helsinki -6°C (21°F) 
    Vang Vieng 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Helsinki or Vang Vieng in the Spring?

Both Vang Vieng and Helsinki during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Helsinki because of the natural beauty. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vang Vieng year-round.

The weather in Helsinki can be very cold. In the spring, Helsinki is much colder than Vang Vieng. Typically, the spring temperatures in Helsinki in April average around 3°C (37°F), and Vang Vieng averages at about 23°C (73°F).

In Vang Vieng, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Helsinki often gets less sunshine than Vang Vieng. Helsinki gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vang Vieng receives 230 hours of full sun.

Vang Vieng gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Helsinki usually gets less rain in April than Vang Vieng. Helsinki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Vang Vieng receives 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Helsinki 3°C (37°F) 
    Vang Vieng 23°C (73°F)

Typical Weather for Vang Vieng and Helsinki

Helsinki Vang Vieng
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -6°C (21°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 24°C (75°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Feb -7°C (20°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 24°C (75°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Mar -3°C (27°F) 34 mm (1.4 in) 24°C (75°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Apr 3°C (37°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 23°C (73°F) 188 mm (7.4 in)
May 9°C (49°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 116 mm (4.6 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 22°C (72°F) 23 mm (0.9 in)
Jul 17°C (62°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 22°C (72°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Aug 16°C (60°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 22°C (72°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Sep 11°C (51°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 23°C (73°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Oct 6°C (42°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 23°C (73°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Nov 1°C (33°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 23°C (73°F) 113 mm (4.4 in)
Dec -4°C (26°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 23°C (73°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)