Which place is cheaper, Vang Vieng or Khao Lak?
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 Khao Lak 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 Khao Lak 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: Khao Lak or Vang Vieng?
Khao Lak
Resiliency and relaxation. Those are the two words used to describe one of Thailand's most breathtaking cities. Khao Lak is located in southern Thailand, and when the tsunami of 2004 hit, this area saw the most damage. With more than 4,000 fatalities, 3,000 still unaccounted for and enormous structural damages, many thought Khao Lak would not be able to bounce back. They have proved everyone wrong with a strong and impressive recovery. Now it has returned to its status of vacation hotspot. Unlike neighboring Phuket, though, the resorts in Khao Lak are designed for families and some peace and quiet.
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 Family-Friendly Tours to Thailand, The Best Wildlife Tours to Thailand, The Best Adventure Tours to Laos, and The Best Budget Tours to Laos.
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Khao Lak Prices
Thailand PricesVang Vieng Prices
Laos Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKhao Lak $155Vang Vieng $19
The average daily cost (per person) in Khao Lak is $155, 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 Khao Lak and Vang Vieng in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKhao Lak $59Vang Vieng $4.25
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKhao Lak $118Vang Vieng $8.50
Compare Hotels in Khao Lak and Vang Vieng
Looking for a hotel in Khao Lak 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: Khao Lak Hotel Prices and Vang Vieng Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Khao Lak $60Vang Vieng $3.11
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Khao Lak
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Khao Lak:
- Private Transfer Between Ko Lanta and Khao Lak: $242
- Khao Lak any hotel to Koh Lanta any hotel Private transfer: $198
- Similan Island Snorkeling Adventure -Full-Day Tour with Transfers: $137
- Transfer Service from Khao Lak Hotel to Krabi / Aonang: $119
- Private Transfer from Khao Lak to Phuket (HKT) Airport: $110
- Carnival Magic Phuket Show Ticket with Transfer from Khao Lak: $97
- Khao Lak River Tubing with Music, Drink, and Transfer: $95
- Transfer from Khao Lak Hotel to Phuket Airport: $75
- 2-Hour Guided Eco-Tour & Transfer to Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary: $73
- Private Transfer from Phuket Airport to Khao Lak: $51
- 30-Minutes Guided Tour & Transfer to Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary: $48
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 Khao Lak or Vang Vieng?
Prices for flights to both Vang Vieng and Khao Lak 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 dayKhao Lak $61Vang Vieng $11
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Khao Lak
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Khao Lak.
- Thai Cooking Class in Khao Lak by Amazon Prime Series Chef: $59
- Riverside Thai Cooking Half Day Class: $65
- Khao Lak Thai Cooking Class with Market Tour & Your Own Menu: $89
- Authentic Thai Cooking in Khao Lak – Market Tour & Flexible Menu: $89
- Khao Sok Local Life Adventure & Traditional Cooking Class: $102
- ATV Quad Bike Excursion to Stunning Waterfalls with Dinner: $111
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Khao Lak $22Vang Vieng $4.76
Tours and Activities in Khao Lak
Here are a few actual costs in Khao Lak for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 1-Hour Guided Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary Observation Tour: $57
- 30 Minutes Khaolak ATV Quadbike & Waterfall Adventure: $80
- ATV Adventure: Khao Lak’s Best Off-Road Experience: $127
- Adventure Off Road Safari to Khao Lak National Park: $110
- Bamboo & Phi Phi Islands, Maya & Pileh Bay Day Tour From Khao Lak: $118
- Bamboo Rafting and Sea Turtle Conservation Center Half Day Tour From Khao Lak: $43
- Cheow Lan Lake with Nam Rad Emerald Pool Tour from Khao Lak: $138
- From Khao Lak : Phi Phi Islands Adventure Day Trip with Lunch: $118
- Full Day 3 Spiritual Temple Tour with Lunch from Khao Lak: $83
- Full Day Phang Nga Bay Highlights Tour: $93
- Full-Day Rescued Elephant Walk with Guide Tour in Khaolak: $156
- Full-Day Similan island Snorking Tour By Speed Boat from Khao Lak: $112
Tours and Activities in Vang Vieng
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Vang Vieng.
- Get Your Laos–China Train Ticket Fast – No Waiting, No Worries: $30
- Vangrong Full Day Tour: $45
- Vang Vieng Shared Tour with Kayaking in Nam Song River: $48
- Vang Vieng Bike Tour: $49
- One Day Guided Tour: Kayaking, Zipline & Tubing In The Cave from Vang Vieng : $50
- Vangrong One Day Shared Tour: $52
- Vang Vieng Tour B - Nam Xay Viewpoint Hike & Blue Lagoon 1 Tour: $55
- Vang Vieng Jungle Day Tour: $58
- Vang Vieng Kayaking Fun Rapid and Float Tour: $65
- Vang Vieng Kayaking Fun Rapid and Float Tour: $65
- Vang Vieng River Kayaking Rapid and Float Tour: $65
- Nam Xay Viewpoint Hike and Blue Lagoon Tour: $79
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKhao Lak $15Vang Vieng $1.11
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Khao Lak and Vang Vieng, we can see that Khao Lak 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 Khao Lak would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Khao Lak 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 Khao Lak Expensive? and Is Vang Vieng Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Khao Lak or Vang Vieng?
Vang Vieng has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Khao Lak. When comparing the sizes of Khao Lak 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 Khao Lak 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 Khao Lak or Vang Vieng in the Summer?
Both Vang Vieng and Khao Lak during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Khao Lak because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vang Vieng year-round.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Khao Lak. Khao Lak usually gets more rain in July than Vang Vieng. Khao Lak gets 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain, while Vang Vieng receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
It's quite sunny in Khao Lak. In the summer, Khao Lak often gets more sunshine than Vang Vieng. Khao Lak gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vang Vieng receives 141 hours of full sun.
In July, Khao Lak is generally a little warmer than Vang Vieng. Daily temperatures in Khao Lak average around 28°C (82°F), and Vang Vieng fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKhao Lak 28°C (82°F)Vang Vieng 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Khao Lak or Vang Vieng in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Khao Lak and Vang Vieng. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Khao Lak year-round. Vang Vieng attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
November to April in Khao Lak is the dry season. Also, May to October is the rainy season in Khao Lak. Khao Lak gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Khao Lak usually receives more rain than Vang Vieng. Khao Lak gets 351 mm (13.8 in) of rain, while Vang Vieng receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vang Vieng this time of the year. Khao Lak usually receives less sunshine than Vang Vieng during autumn. Khao Lak gets 181 hours of sunny skies, while Vang Vieng receives 222 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Khao Lak is a little warmer than Vang Vieng in the autumn. The daily temperature in Khao Lak averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Vang Vieng fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKhao Lak 27°C (81°F)Vang Vieng 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Khao Lak or Vang Vieng in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Khao Lak as well as Vang Vieng. Khao Lak attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vang Vieng throughout the year.
Khao Lak usually gets less rain in January than Vang Vieng. Khao Lak gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Vang Vieng receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vang Vieng. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Khao Lak this time of the year. In the winter, Khao Lak often gets more sunshine than Vang Vieng. Khao Lak gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vang Vieng receives 254 hours of full sun.
In the winter, Khao Lak is a little warmer than Vang Vieng. Typically, the winter temperatures in Khao Lak in January average around 27°C (80°F), and Vang Vieng averages at about 24°C (75°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKhao Lak 27°C (80°F)Vang Vieng 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Khao Lak or Vang Vieng in the Spring?
Both Vang Vieng and Khao Lak are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Khao Lak 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 Khao Lak is November to April. The rainy season in Khao Lak is May to October. It rains a lot this time of the year in Vang Vieng. It's quite rainy in Khao Lak. In April, Khao Lak usually receives less rain than Vang Vieng. Khao Lak gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Vang Vieng receives 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
It's quite sunny in Vang Vieng. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Khao Lak. Khao Lak usually receives more sunshine than Vang Vieng during spring. Khao Lak gets 249 hours of sunny skies, while Vang Vieng receives 230 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Khao Lak is generally a little warmer than Vang Vieng. Daily temperatures in Khao Lak average around 29°C (83°F), and Vang Vieng fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKhao Lak 29°C (83°F)Vang Vieng 23°C (73°F)
Typical Weather for Vang Vieng and Khao Lak
| Khao Lak | Vang Vieng | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (80°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (83°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 345 mm (13.6 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 286 mm (11.3 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 284 mm (11.2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 272 mm (10.7 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 417 mm (16.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 351 mm (13.8 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 71 mm (2.8 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.