Which place is cheaper, Vang Vieng or Mombasa?
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 Mombasa 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 Mombasa 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: Mombasa or Vang Vieng?
Mombasa
Mombasa is a beautiful, large city on the eastern coast of Kenya, bordering the Indian Ocean. The city is famous for its stunning beaches, friendly locals, and diverse marine life. Mombasa experiences a tropical climate year round, meaning temperatures rarely drop below 70° Fahrenheit. The rainiest months of the year are April and May and the driest months are January and February. Temperatures tend to be more mild from May through October, usually in the 70's and 80's. Temperatures get much warmer from November through April, with daily averages reaching the high 90's.
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 Kenya, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Kenya, The Best Adventure Tours to Laos, and The Best Budget Tours to Laos.
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Mombasa Prices
Kenya PricesVang Vieng Prices
Laos Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMombasa $80Vang Vieng $19
The average daily cost (per person) in Mombasa is $80, 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 Mombasa and Vang Vieng in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMombasa $26Vang Vieng $4.25
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMombasa $52Vang Vieng $8.50
Compare Hotels in Mombasa and Vang Vieng
Looking for a hotel in Mombasa 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: Mombasa Hotel Prices and Vang Vieng Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Mombasa $18Vang Vieng $3.11
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mombasa
Also for Mombasa, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Mombasa Airport Transfers to Mtwapa: $130
- Mombasa Airport Transfers : $129
- Mombasa Airport Private Transfer To Watamu Hotels: $114
- Private Day Tour of Mombasa City with Transfers: $104
- Mombasa Airport Private Transfers To Vipingo & Kilifi Hotels: $95
- Mombasa Airport Private Transfer to Diani Beach: $81
- Private Transfer from Mombasa City Hotels to Mombasa Cruise Port: $79
- Private Transfer from Mombasa Cruise Port to Mombasa City Hotels: $79
- Mombasa Airport (MBA) to Mombasa - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $74
- DianiBeach: Private Transfer from Airport or Railway Station: $70
- Private Transfer from Moi Airport Mombasa (MBA) to Mombasa City: $43
- Private Transfer from Mombasa City to Moi Airport Mombasa (MBA): $43
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 Mombasa or Vang Vieng?
Prices for flights to both Vang Vieng and Mombasa 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 dayMombasa $41Vang Vieng $11
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Mombasa $18Vang Vieng $4.76
Tours and Activities in Mombasa
For Mombasa, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Mombasa Getaway with Haller Park Tours: $150
- The Best Of Mombasa Walking Tour: $227
- Bus Tickets from Mombasa to Nairobi: $55
- Day Tour To Tsavo East National Park: $240
- Day Tour to Tsavo East National Park from Mombasa or Diani: $278
- Day tour to Shimba hills National Reserve from Mombasa/Diani: $336
- Diani: Full-day Guided Mombasa City Tour from Diani: $110
- Fort Jesus Museum Walking Tour in Mombasa: $35
- Full Day Group Joining Tour of Mombasa : $107
- Full Day Mombasa Excursion Tour : $110
- Full day tour in Mombasa: $93
- Full-Day Tour of Mombasa: $110
Tours and Activities in Vang Vieng
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Vang Vieng.
- 1 Day Guided Tour in Cave from Vang Vieng: $175
- Get Your Laos–China Train Ticket Fast – No Waiting, No Worries: $30
- Nam Xay Viewpoint Hike & Blue Lagoon 1 Tour in Vang Vieng: $180
- Nam Xay Viewpoint Hike and Blue Lagoon Tour: $79
- One Day Guided Tour: Kayaking, Zipline & Tubing In The Cave from Vang Vieng : $50
- Vang Vieng 1-Day Cave Exploration Tour with Guide: $175
- Vang Vieng Ballooning Adventures: $260
- Vang Vieng Bike Tour: $49
- Vang Vieng Hot Air Balloon Experience and Longtail Boat: $137
- Vang Vieng Hot Air Balloon Kayak Zipline,Blue lagoon1 Tour: $148
- Vang Vieng Jungle Day Tour: $58
- Vang Vieng Kayaking Fun Rapid and Float Tour: $65
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMombasa $8.79Vang Vieng $1.11
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mombasa and Vang Vieng, we can see that Mombasa is more expensive. And not only is Vang Vieng much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Mombasa is in Africa and Vang Vieng is in Asia, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Mombasa would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Mombasa 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 Mombasa Expensive? and Is Vang Vieng Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Mombasa or Vang Vieng?
Mombasa has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Vang Vieng. When comparing the sizes of Mombasa 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 Mombasa 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 Mombasa or Vang Vieng in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Mombasa and Vang Vieng. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Mombasa year-round. Vang Vieng attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In July, Mombasa usually receives more rain than Vang Vieng. Mombasa gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Vang Vieng receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
In Mombasa, it's very sunny this time of the year. Mombasa usually receives more sunshine than Vang Vieng during summer. Mombasa gets 216 hours of sunny skies, while Vang Vieng receives 141 hours of full sun in the summer.
In the summer, Mombasa is around the same temperature as Vang Vieng. Typically, the summer temperatures in Mombasa in July average around 24°C (75°F), and Vang Vieng averages at about 22°C (72°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMombasa 24°C (75°F)Vang Vieng 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Mombasa or Vang Vieng in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Mombasa as well as Vang Vieng. Mombasa attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vang Vieng throughout the year.
Mombasa receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Mombasa usually gets more rain in October than Vang Vieng. Mombasa gets 100 mm (3.9 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. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mombasa this time of the year. In the autumn, Mombasa often gets more sunshine than Vang Vieng. Mombasa gets 291 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vang Vieng receives 222 hours of full sun.
In October, Mombasa is generally a little warmer than Vang Vieng. Daily temperatures in Mombasa average around 26°C (79°F), and Vang Vieng fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMombasa 26°C (79°F)Vang Vieng 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Mombasa or Vang Vieng in the Winter?
Both Vang Vieng and Mombasa are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Mombasa throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Vang Vieng because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In January, Mombasa usually receives less rain than Vang Vieng. Mombasa gets 40 mm (1.6 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 Mombasa. Mombasa usually receives more sunshine than Vang Vieng during winter. Mombasa gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Vang Vieng receives 254 hours of full sun in the winter.
Mombasa is a little warmer than Vang Vieng in the winter. The daily temperature in Mombasa averages around 27°C (81°F) in January, and Vang Vieng fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMombasa 27°C (81°F)Vang Vieng 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Mombasa or Vang Vieng in the Spring?
Both Vang Vieng and Mombasa during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Mombasa 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 Mombasa. Mombasa usually gets less rain in April than Vang Vieng. Mombasa gets 150 mm (5.9 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 Mombasa. In the spring, Mombasa often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Vang Vieng. Mombasa gets 230 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vang Vieng receives 230 hours of full sun.
In the spring, Mombasa is a little warmer than Vang Vieng. Typically, the spring temperatures in Mombasa in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Vang Vieng averages at about 23°C (73°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMombasa 27°C (81°F)Vang Vieng 23°C (73°F)
Typical Weather for Vang Vieng and Mombasa
| Mombasa | Vang Vieng | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) |
| May | 26°C (79°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (75°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (75°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (77°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 100 mm (3.9 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.