Which place is cheaper, Vang Vieng or Lombok?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Lombok or Vang Vieng?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Lombok and Vang Vieng. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Lombok or Vang Vieng?
Lombok
Lombok is an island east of the well-tread Bali and west of lesser-developed Sumbawa. While Lombok is not as popular as its neighbor to the west, it is a great place to visit for that very reason. Less popularity means lower prices for accommodations, food, activities, and less-inundated tourist spots. Nonetheless, Lombok is rapidly developing in tourism, and the government is naming it and Sumbawa the number two tourism spots, following Bali.
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 Wildlife Tours to Indonesia, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Indonesia, 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 dayLombok $52Vang Vieng $14
The average daily cost (per person) in Lombok is $52, 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 Lombok and Vang Vieng in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLombok $29Vang Vieng $4.34
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLombok $58Vang Vieng $8.68
Compare Hotels in Lombok and Vang Vieng
Looking for a hotel in Lombok 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: Lombok Hotel Prices and Vang Vieng Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Lombok $11Vang Vieng $3.18
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lombok
Also for Lombok, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Sumbawa Besar Airport (SWQ) to Wisata Alam Semongkat: $210
- Private Transfer from Sumbawa Besar Airport (SWQ) to Lopok: $152
- Private Transfer from Dusun Setangi to Lombok Airport (LOP): $93
- Airport transfer from lombok airport to Senaru rinjiani area: $76
- Lombok Airport Private Transfer by Car: $75
- Lombok Airport to Gili Islands - Private Shuttle & Transfer: $59
- Lombok Int Airport (LOP) to Lombok - Round Trip Private Transfer: $59
- Eka Jaya Boat Transfer from Lombok to Padang Bai: $58
- Private Transfer from Lombok Airport (LOP) to Batu Bolong: $50
- Private Transfer from Bangsal to Lombok Airport (LOP): $50
- Private Transfer from Lombok Airport (LOP) to Sigar Penjalin: $50
- Private Transfer from Sigar Penjalin to Lombok Airport (LOP): $50
Is it cheaper to fly into Lombok or Vang Vieng?
Prices for flights to both Vang Vieng and Lombok 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 dayLombok $12Vang Vieng $6.31
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lombok
For Lombok, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Anggrek Putih Cooking Class & Garden Tour: $38
- Love and Legends: The Ultimate Romantic Dinner on the beach : $47
- Babah Peranakan Chinese Cuisine Dinner in Lombok: $60
- Kids Cooking Class at Tugu Hotel Lombok: $63
- Exquisite Dinner with Spectacular View at Tugu Hotel Lombok: $64
- Traditional Cooking Class Experience With Recipes From The Past Generations: $67
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Lombok $10Vang Vieng $4.87
Tours and Activities in Lombok
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Lombok.
- 2 Days Private Tetebatu and Rinjani Nature Tour in Lombok: $169
- 2D/1N (Hostel) Backpacker Lombok Tour Package: $205
- 3 Days Mount Rinjani Complete Tour @All In One Price: $221
- 3 Days Tour in Mount Rinjani Summit with Lake Hiking : $269
- 3D 2N Mount Rinjani Trekking Tour To Summit And Lake: $185
- Beach Tour in Lombok Indonesia: $51
- Benang Kelambu Waterfall And Culture Full Day Tour : $75
- Best Lombok Rice Terrace Walking Tour With Waterfall & Monkey: $60
- Camping Tour in Sasak Mountain Lombok Island: $89
- Complete your Lombok Holiday with Lombok Instagram Tour: $50
- Cultural Tour of Lombok with English Speaking Guide: $63
- Daily Tour: $70
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 dayLombok $8.15Vang Vieng $1.14
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lombok and Vang Vieng, we can see that Lombok 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 Lombok would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lombok 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 Lombok Expensive? and Is Vang Vieng Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Lombok 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 Lombok or Vang Vieng in the Summer?
Both Vang Vieng and Lombok are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Lombok throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Vang Vieng because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In July, Lombok usually receives less rain than Vang Vieng. Lombok gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Vang Vieng receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
In the summer, Lombok is a little warmer than Vang Vieng. Typically, the summer temperatures in Lombok in July average around 26°C (79°F), and Vang Vieng averages at about 22°C (72°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyLombok 26°C (79°F)Vang Vieng 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Lombok or Vang Vieng in the Autumn?
Both Vang Vieng and Lombok during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Lombok 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 Lombok. Lombok usually gets more rain in October than Vang Vieng. Lombok gets 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Vang Vieng receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
In October, Lombok is generally a little warmer than Vang Vieng. Daily temperatures in Lombok average around 28°C (82°F), and Vang Vieng fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLombok 28°C (82°F)Vang Vieng 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Lombok or Vang Vieng in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Lombok and Vang Vieng. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Lombok year-round. Vang Vieng attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Lombok usually receives more rain than Vang Vieng. Lombok gets 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Vang Vieng receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vang Vieng this time of the year. Lombok usually receives less sunshine than Vang Vieng during winter. Lombok gets 188 hours of sunny skies, while Vang Vieng receives 254 hours of full sun in the winter.
Lombok is a little warmer than Vang Vieng in the winter. The daily temperature in Lombok averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Vang Vieng fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLombok 28°C (82°F)Vang Vieng 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Lombok or Vang Vieng in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Lombok as well as Vang Vieng. Lombok attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vang Vieng throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Vang Vieng. Lombok usually gets less rain in April than Vang Vieng. Lombok gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Vang Vieng receives 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the spring, Lombok is a little warmer than Vang Vieng. Typically, the spring temperatures in Lombok in April average around 28°C (82°F), and Vang Vieng averages at about 23°C (73°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilLombok 28°C (82°F)Vang Vieng 23°C (73°F)
Typical Weather for Vang Vieng and Lombok
| Lombok | Vang Vieng | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Jul | 26°C (79°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| Aug | 26°C (79°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 109 mm (4.3 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 216 mm (8.5 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) |
| Dec | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 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.