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

Should you visit Jaisalmer or Vang Vieng?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Jaisalmer or Vang Vieng? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Jaisalmer or Vang Vieng?

Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer is located in western part of the Rajasthan state of India. The city is known as the "Golden City" for its Sonar Qila, or 'Golden Fort'. This fort is different than other forts in India in that it is a living fort, meaning that it contains many hotels, homes, and shops for locals and visitors. The city is very close to the Thar Desert, to which excursions can be made.

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 India, The Best Sightseeing Tours in India, The Best Adventure Tours to Laos, and The Best Budget Tours to Laos.


Which place is cheaper, Vang Vieng or Jaisalmer?

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

  • Jaisalmer Prices
    India Prices
    Vang Vieng Prices
    Laos Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Jaisalmer $47
    Vang Vieng $18

The average daily cost (per person) in Jaisalmer is $47, 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 Jaisalmer and Vang Vieng in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Jaisalmer $13
    Vang Vieng $4.21
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Jaisalmer $26
    Vang Vieng $8.42
Compare Hotels in Jaisalmer and Vang Vieng

Looking for a hotel in Jaisalmer 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 Jaisalmer


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: Jaisalmer Hotel Prices and Vang Vieng Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Jaisalmer $12
    Vang Vieng $3.08

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jaisalmer

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

  • Private Transfer From Jaisalmer To Delhi: $197
  • Private Transfer From Jaisalmer To Agra: $181
  • Jaipur to Jaisalmer Transfer: $170
  • Private transfer from Jaisalmer to Bikaner: $120
  • Private Transfer From Jaisalmer To Jaipur: $117
  • Private Transfer From Jaisalmer To Jaipur: $117
  • Bada Bagh Sunset Tour with Private Transfer: $97
  • Transfer From Jaisalmer To Udaipur Via Ranakpur Jain Temple: $90
  • Private Transfer From Jaisalmer To Pushkar: $85
  • Private Transfer From Jaisalmer To Bikaner: $65
  • Private Transfer From Jaisalmer To Bikaner : $62
  • From Bikaner : Private Transfer To Jaisalmer: $60

Is it cheaper to fly into Jaisalmer or Vang Vieng?

Prices for flights to both Vang Vieng and Jaisalmer 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
    Jaisalmer $23
    Vang Vieng $11
Typical Food Prices in Jaisalmer

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Jaisalmer:


  • Dinner
    $4.76

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jaisalmer

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

  • Jaisalmer Food Tour: Taste the Flavors of the Golden City!: $14
  • Half Day Camel Safari Sunset with Dinner by Wanderlust: $28
  • Jaisalmer Heritage & Cultural Walking & Street Food Tour: $30
  • Desert camel safari with dinner in osian hotel pick and drop: $30
  • Half Day Camel Safari Sunset with Dinner Tour (Non Touristic): $30
  • Pleasant Sunset Safari With Dinner On Dunes (From 2:00 PM to Approx. 10:00 PM): $35
  • Peaceful Non -Touristic Sunset Camel Safari With Dinner : $35
  • Sunset Safari With Dinner: $37
  • Experience Camel Safari With Folk Dance & Dinner: $37
  • Thar Desert Sunset Camel Ride with Dinner & Show: $38
  • 8 Hours Private Tour in Thar Desert with Dinner: $41
  • Half Day Desert Safari with Camel ride & dinner: $42

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Jaisalmer $12
    Vang Vieng $4.72
Typical Entertainment Prices in Jaisalmer

For Jaisalmer, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Sam Sand Dunes for Two
    $3.57

Tours and Activities in Jaisalmer

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Jaisalmer.

  • Private Full-Day Tour of Jaisalmer with Guide: $33
  • 1 Night Desert Experience Sleeping Under Star Near Jodhpur: $55
  • 2 Days Non-Touristic Overnight Thar Desert Camel Safari Tour: $30
  • 2 Days Sharing Group Non Touristic Camel & Desert Safari: $37
  • 2 Days-1 Night Camel Tour: $106
  • 2 Night 3 Day Jaisalmer Tour with Non-Touristic Camel Safari: $125
  • 3 Days Jaisalmer Private Tour: $180
  • 3 Days Jaisalmer Tour From Jodhpur: $270
  • 3 Days Private Jaisalmer Tour: $180
  • 3 days Jaisalmer Private Tour with Desert Safari, Sightseeing and Accommodation: $201
  • 4 - Days Jaisalmer Sightseeing Tour: $167
  • 5 Days Udaipur Jodhpur & Jaisalmer Tour: $357

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: $159
  • 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
  • 1-Day Adventure Wander w/ Hike, Kayaking & Lunch: $82
  • Blue Lagoon and Countryside Bike Tour with Lunch: $50
  • Jungle & Caves Full-Day Private Trekking Tour: $120
  • Nam Song River Kayak Tour: $27

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Jaisalmer $9.18
    Vang Vieng $1.10


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Jaisalmer and Vang Vieng, we can see that Jaisalmer 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 Jaisalmer would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Jaisalmer 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 Jaisalmer Expensive? and Is Vang Vieng Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Jaisalmer or Vang Vieng?

Jaisalmer has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Vang Vieng. When comparing the sizes of Jaisalmer 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.

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