Which place is cheaper, Vang Vieng or Krabi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Krabi or Vang Vieng?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Krabi and Vang Vieng can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Krabi or Vang Vieng?
Krabi
Thailand is covered in beaches, but if you're more interested in immersion in Thai culture than the salty ocean, consider a trip to Krabi, also known as "Krabi Town". Pronounced "Grabee," this small, but bustling city is just up the river from the coast, and is the gateway to the beaches in the surrounding Province of Krabi. Krabi Town is full of hotels, agencies and western restaurants, but if you look hard enough, you'll easily see the energy and life of Thailand. While there are no beaches in the town itself, there is plenty of Thai culture to 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 Thailand, The Best One Week (7-Day) 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 dayKrabi $55Vang Vieng $14
The average daily cost (per person) in Krabi is $55, 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 Krabi and Vang Vieng in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKrabi $36Vang Vieng $4.34
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKrabi $72Vang Vieng $8.68
Compare Hotels in Krabi and Vang Vieng
Looking for a hotel in Krabi 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: Krabi Hotel Prices and Vang Vieng Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Krabi $3.80Vang Vieng $3.18
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Krabi
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Krabi are as follows:
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Scooter Rental$8.18
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Short Tuk-Tuk Ride$2.73
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2 Bottles of Gasoline$2.18
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Longboat Taxi from Town$5.46
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Krabi
Also for Krabi, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private 4 Islands Krabi Boat Tour from Ao Nang with Transfer: $172
- From Krabi : One Way Private Transfer Phuket,Khaolak and More: $130
- Private Transfer Between Phuket Hotel to/from Krabi Hotel: $130
- Private Transfer between Phuket Airport and Krabi Hotels: $130
- Krabi Transfer to Khao Lak : $117
- Krabi airport to donsak pier Private transfer: $116
- Aonang any hotel to Donsak Pier Private transfer: $116
- From Ao Nang: Similan Islands Boat Trip with Transfer & Food: $101
- Ao Nang Krabi Thai Boxing Stadium Admission Ticket with Return Transfer: $97
- VAN PHUKET AIRPORT TRANSFER to KRABI AIRPORT: $97
- Krabi to Khao Lak and Phang Nga Town: Private City Transfers: $97
- Krabi Mangrove Kayak &Elephant Shelter with Private Transfer: $94
Is it cheaper to fly into Krabi or Vang Vieng?
Prices for flights to both Vang Vieng and Krabi 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 dayKrabi $13Vang Vieng $6.31
Typical Food Prices in Krabi
For Krabi, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$6.82
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Drinks on the Beach$6.55
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Sit Down Dinner (for Two)$17
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Nice Dinner (for Two)$30
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Mango Shake$1.36
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Pad Thai$2.73
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Fruit from the Market$1.64
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Pancakes$2.73
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Coffee & Cake$2.05
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Krabi
For Krabi, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Traditional Thai Cooking Class with Smart Cook: $36
- Snorkeling and Sunset Dinner Trip From Krabi: $37
- 7 Islands Sunset Tour with BBQ Dinner and Snorkeling: $37
- 7 Islands Sunset Tour with BBQ Dinner & Plankton: $37
- Evening Thai Cooking Class at Ya's Cookery: $39
- 4 Islands Sunset Longtail Boat Tour with BBQ Dinner: $41
- Seven Islands Snorkel Cruise with Dinner: $41
- Authentic Thai cooking class with market tour: $42
- Krabi Thai Cooking Class: $43
- Krabi 4 Islands Sunset Premium Service Trip by Speedboat + BBQ Dinner: $43
- 4 Island Sunset Tour by Luxury Longtail Boat with BBQ Dinner: $44
- Thai Charm Cooking School Krabi: $44
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Krabi $10Vang Vieng $4.87
Typical Entertainment Prices in Krabi
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Krabi's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Thai-English Book$9.00
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Thai Massages (for Two)$22
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Bikini & Sarong$16
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Yoga Class (1 Hour)$12
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Backgammon Set (travel size)$6.82
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Kayak Trip (for Two)$52
Tours and Activities in Krabi
For Krabi, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Full Day Guided Tour in Bor Thor Caves and Mangroves : $146
- Phi Phi Islands Tour with Bioluminescent Planktons from krabi: $78
- 1 Hour Horse Riding Tour On The Beach Krabi: $43
- 2 Hour Horse Riding Tour On The Beach Krabi: $60
- 2-Hour Clear Kayak Illuminated Night Tour in Krabi: $61
- 4 Island Joint Tour by Speed Boat from Krabi: $46
- 4 Island Speed Boat Adventure by Sea Eagle Tour from Krabi: $34
- 4 Island Sunset Snorkeling Cruise + bioluminescent Night Snorkel: $103
- 4 Islands Day Tour from Krabi with Tub, Chicken, Poda Island & Phra Nang Cave: $51
- 4 Islands Full-day Tour from Krabi with Tub, Chicken, Poda Island & Phra Nang: $54
- 4 Islands One Day Tour From Krabi: $28
- 4 Islands Snorkeling Tour by Longtail Boat from Krabi with Walk on Tombolo: $28
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: $156
- Half-Day Nam Song River Kayak Tour with Zipline or Tham None: $27
- 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
- Blue Lagoon and Countryside Bike Tour with Lunch: $50
- Jungle & Caves Full-Day Private Trekking Tour: $120
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKrabi $4.34Vang Vieng $1.14
Typical Alcohol Prices in Krabi
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Krabi are as follows:
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Beer$2.45
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Cocktails (for Two)$8.18
Sample the Local Flavors in Krabi
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Krabi:
- Railay Pub Crawl: $14
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Krabi and Vang Vieng, we can see that Krabi 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 Krabi would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Krabi 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 Krabi Expensive? and Is Vang Vieng Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Krabi or Vang Vieng?
Krabi has a larger population, and is about 25% larger than the population of Vang Vieng. When comparing the sizes of Krabi 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 Krabi or Vang Vieng?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Krabi or Vang Vieng in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Krabi and Vang Vieng. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Krabi year-round. Vang Vieng attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Also, August to October is the rainy season in Krabi. Krabi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Krabi usually receives more rain than Vang Vieng. Krabi gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Vang Vieng receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
In Krabi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Krabi usually receives more sunshine than Vang Vieng during summer. Krabi gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Vang Vieng receives 141 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Krabi is generally a little warmer than Vang Vieng. Daily temperatures in Krabi average around 28°C (82°F), and Vang Vieng fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKrabi 28°C (82°F)Vang Vieng 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Krabi or Vang Vieng in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Krabi as well as Vang Vieng. Krabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vang Vieng throughout the year.
Also, December to March in Krabi is the dry season. August to October in Krabi is the rainy season. Krabi receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Krabi usually gets more rain in October than Vang Vieng. Krabi gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Vang Vieng receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vang Vieng. In the autumn, Krabi often gets less sunshine than Vang Vieng. Krabi gets 181 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vang Vieng receives 222 hours of full sun.
Krabi is a little warmer than Vang Vieng in the autumn. The daily temperature in Krabi averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Vang Vieng fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKrabi 27°C (81°F)Vang Vieng 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Krabi or Vang Vieng in the Winter?
Both Vang Vieng and Krabi are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Krabi 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 Krabi is December to March. In January, Krabi usually receives less rain than Vang Vieng. Krabi gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Vang Vieng receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
It's quite sunny in Vang Vieng. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Krabi. Krabi usually receives more sunshine than Vang Vieng during winter. Krabi gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Vang Vieng receives 254 hours of full sun in the winter.
In the winter, Krabi is a little warmer than Vang Vieng. Typically, the winter temperatures in Krabi in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Vang Vieng averages at about 24°C (75°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKrabi 28°C (82°F)Vang Vieng 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Krabi or Vang Vieng in the Spring?
Both Vang Vieng and Krabi during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Krabi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vang Vieng year-round.
Vang Vieng gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Krabi. Krabi usually gets less rain in April than Vang Vieng. Krabi gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Vang Vieng receives 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Vang Vieng, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Krabi. In the spring, Krabi often gets more sunshine than Vang Vieng. Krabi gets 249 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vang Vieng receives 230 hours of full sun.
In April, Krabi is generally a little warmer than Vang Vieng. Daily temperatures in Krabi average around 29°C (84°F), and Vang Vieng fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKrabi 29°C (84°F)Vang Vieng 23°C (73°F)
Typical Weather for Vang Vieng and Krabi
| Krabi | Vang Vieng | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (83°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (84°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 318 mm (12.5 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 279 mm (11 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 262 mm (10.3 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 399 mm (15.7 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 304 mm (12 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 62 mm (2.4 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.