Which place is cheaper, Vang Vieng or Koh Lanta?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Koh Lanta 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 Koh Lanta 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: Koh Lanta or Vang Vieng?
Koh Lanta
Located on the southern coast of Thailand is a place populated by long beaches and diving hotspots. Consisting of several islands, Koh Lanta is a large island with nine beaches along the coast. The beautiful scenery makes this a quiet and relaxing spot for tourists. The crowds on this island tend to be older than the party-seekers on Ko Phi Phi so you'll find more activities like serene walks on the beach or travelers catching a sunset.
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 Eco Tours in Thailand, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Thailand, 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 dayKoh Lanta $48Vang Vieng $14
The average daily cost (per person) in Koh Lanta is $48, 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 Koh Lanta and Vang Vieng in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKoh Lanta $24Vang Vieng $4.34
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKoh Lanta $48Vang Vieng $8.68
Compare Hotels in Koh Lanta and Vang Vieng
Looking for a hotel in Koh Lanta 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: Koh Lanta Hotel Prices and Vang Vieng Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Koh Lanta $5.66Vang Vieng $3.18
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Koh Lanta
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Koh Lanta:
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Ferry from Koh Phi Phi to Koh Lanta$16
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Koh Lanta
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Koh Lanta:
- Koh lanta to phuket any hotel Private transfer: $171
- Koh Lanta :Krabi Airport Private Transfer:From Airport or Hotel: $111
- Pravate Transfer Lanta Island to Krabi Airport, Krabi Town, Ao nang: $74
- One-Way Transfer from Koh Lanta to Krabi Town or Airport by Minivan: $11
Is it cheaper to fly into Koh Lanta or Vang Vieng?
Prices for flights to both Vang Vieng and Koh Lanta 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 dayKoh Lanta $11Vang Vieng $6.31
Typical Food Prices in Koh Lanta
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Koh Lanta:
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Casual Breakfast$4.36
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Casual Lunch$7.36
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Casual Dinner$12
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Fancy Dinner (for Two)$46
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Koh Lanta
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Koh Lanta.
- Cooking Experience at Lanta Thai Cookery School From Koh Lanta: $48
- Sukho Cuisine Thai Cooking School From Koh Lanta: $52
- Cooking Class and Market Tour at Lanta Thai Cookery School on Koh Lanta: $53
- Cooking Class & Market Tour with Thai Master Chef at Sukho Cuisine, Lanta: $62
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Koh Lanta $31Vang Vieng $4.87
Typical Entertainment Prices in Koh Lanta
Here are a few typical costs in Koh Lanta for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Emerald Cave Tour$19
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Yoga Session (1 Hour)$9.55
Tours and Activities in Koh Lanta
Here are a few actual costs in Koh Lanta for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 4 Island Tour to Emerald Cave by Longtail Boat from Koh Lanta: $28
- 4 Islands Day Tour By Opal Travel Speedboat: $42
- Full Day Sea Cave and Mangrove Kayaking Tour From Koh Lanta: $52
- Half Day 2 Caves Ko Skull Tour Ko Lanta and Kayaking Ko Talabeng: $25
- Half Day Mangrove Forest Kayaking Tour From Koh Lanta: $29
- Koh Ha Koh Rok Day Tour by Opal Travel Speed boat: $47
- Koh Ngai, Koh Muk + Emerald Cave Snorkeling Tour by Classic Longtail Boat: $32
- Koh Phi Phi Day Tour by Opal Travel Speedboat: $42
- Lanta 4 Islands + Emerald Cave Snorkeling Tour: $26
- Lanta 4 Islands tour (Longtail boat): $26
- Lanta Mangrove Tour with Sea Cave Kayaking at Koh Talabeng: $30
- Lanta Old Town and Mangrove Forest Sightseeing Tour: $40
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 dayKoh Lanta $3.79Vang Vieng $1.14
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Koh Lanta and Vang Vieng, we can see that Koh Lanta 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 Koh Lanta would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Koh Lanta 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 Koh Lanta Expensive? and Is Vang Vieng Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Koh Lanta or Vang Vieng?
Vang Vieng has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Koh Lanta. When comparing the sizes of Koh Lanta 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 Koh Lanta 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 Koh Lanta or Vang Vieng in the Summer?
Both Vang Vieng and Koh Lanta during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Lanta because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vang Vieng year-round.
June to September is the rainy season in Koh Lanta. It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Lanta. Koh Lanta usually gets more rain in July than Vang Vieng. Koh Lanta gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Vang Vieng receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
It's quite sunny in Koh Lanta. In the summer, Koh Lanta often gets more sunshine than Vang Vieng. Koh Lanta gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vang Vieng receives 141 hours of full sun.
In the summer, Koh Lanta is a little warmer than Vang Vieng. Typically, the summer temperatures in Koh Lanta in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Vang Vieng averages at about 22°C (72°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKoh Lanta 27°C (81°F)Vang Vieng 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Koh Lanta or Vang Vieng in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Lanta and Vang Vieng. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Lanta year-round. Vang Vieng attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Koh Lanta gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Koh Lanta usually receives more rain than Vang Vieng. Koh Lanta gets 281 mm (11.1 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. Koh Lanta usually receives less sunshine than Vang Vieng during autumn. Koh Lanta gets 181 hours of sunny skies, while Vang Vieng receives 222 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Koh Lanta is generally a little warmer than Vang Vieng. Daily temperatures in Koh Lanta average around 27°C (81°F), and Vang Vieng fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKoh Lanta 27°C (81°F)Vang Vieng 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Koh Lanta or Vang Vieng in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Koh Lanta as well as Vang Vieng. Koh Lanta attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vang Vieng throughout the year.
Also, January to April in Koh Lanta is the dry season. Koh Lanta usually gets less rain in January than Vang Vieng. Koh Lanta gets 50 mm (2 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 Koh Lanta this time of the year. In the winter, Koh Lanta often gets more sunshine than Vang Vieng. Koh Lanta gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vang Vieng receives 254 hours of full sun.
Koh Lanta is a little warmer than Vang Vieng in the winter. The daily temperature in Koh Lanta averages around 27°C (80°F) in January, and Vang Vieng fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKoh Lanta 27°C (80°F)Vang Vieng 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Koh Lanta or Vang Vieng in the Spring?
Both Vang Vieng and Koh Lanta are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Lanta 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 Koh Lanta is January to April. The rainy season in Koh Lanta is June to September. It rains a lot this time of the year in Vang Vieng. It's quite rainy in Koh Lanta. In April, Koh Lanta usually receives less rain than Vang Vieng. Koh Lanta gets 124 mm (4.9 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 Koh Lanta. Koh Lanta usually receives more sunshine than Vang Vieng during spring. Koh Lanta gets 249 hours of sunny skies, while Vang Vieng receives 230 hours of full sun in the spring.
In the spring, Koh Lanta is a little warmer than Vang Vieng. Typically, the spring temperatures in Koh Lanta in April average around 29°C (85°F), and Vang Vieng averages at about 23°C (73°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKoh Lanta 29°C (85°F)Vang Vieng 23°C (73°F)
Typical Weather for Vang Vieng and Koh Lanta
| Koh Lanta | Vang Vieng | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (80°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (84°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (85°F) | 124 mm (4.9 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 244 mm (9.6 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 224 mm (8.8 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 269 mm (10.6 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 262 mm (10.3 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 355 mm (14 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 281 mm (11.1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 204 mm (8 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 116 mm (4.6 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.