Which place is cheaper, Vang Vieng or Pattaya?
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 Pattaya 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 Pattaya 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: Pattaya or Vang Vieng?
Pattaya
Go where the locals go. If that is your vacation motto, you will want to take a look at the popular weekend getaway of Pattaya, Thailand. This seaside resort on the Eastern Gulf Coast of Thailand is just outside of Bangkok, and full of resorts, beer bars and beaches.
Hosting more than five million visitors a year, Pattaya is easily accessed from the capital and the airport. Keep in mind, the sex tourism industry is still a large money earner for this city, but efforts by local authorities have created resorts and attractions for families and vacationers from all around the world.
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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bangkok, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Phuket, The Best Adventure Tours to Laos, and The Best Budget Tours to Laos.
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Pattaya Prices
Thailand PricesVang Vieng Prices
Laos Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPattaya $93Vang Vieng $19
The average daily cost (per person) in Pattaya is $93, 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 Pattaya and Vang Vieng in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPattaya $27Vang Vieng $4.25
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPattaya $54Vang Vieng $8.50
Compare Hotels in Pattaya and Vang Vieng
Looking for a hotel in Pattaya 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: Pattaya Hotel Prices and Vang Vieng Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Pattaya $13Vang Vieng $3.11
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pattaya
Also for Pattaya, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Paramotor Experience in Pattaya Include Pickup Transfer: $216
- Private Transfer from Rayong to Suvarnabhumi (BKK) Airport: $206
- Full-Day Enduro Adventure in Pattaya with Hotel Transfers: $205
- Private Transfer from Laem Chabang Cruise Port to Bangkok hotels: $155
- Private Transfer from Pattaya to Don Mueang (DMK) Airport: $155
- Private Transfer from Laem Chabang Port to D.Mueang Airport (DMK): $155
- Private Transfer from Laem Chabang Cruise Port to Bangkok City : $140
- Private Transfer from Laem Chabang Port to D. Mueang Airport(DMK): $140
- Half-Day Enduro Adventure in Pattaya with Hotel Transfers: $139
- Private Transfer from Rayong to Don Mueang (DMK) Airport: $131
- Private Transfer from Laem Chabang to Don Mueang (DMK) Airport: $124
- Bangkok Private Transfer from Pattaya city to Bangkok (BKK) Airport: $124
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 Pattaya or Vang Vieng?
Prices for flights to both Vang Vieng and Pattaya 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 dayPattaya $43Vang Vieng $11
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Pattaya
For Pattaya, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- All Star Dinner Cruise with Cabaret Show in Pattaya: $45
- Ocean Sky Pattaya Dinner Cruise with Live Entertainment : $54
- Pattaya Night Guided Tour with Dinner: $54
- Ocean Sky Dinner Cruise with Live Cabaret Show in Pattaya: $60
- All Star Dinner Cruise Pattaya with Private Hotel Transfer: $73
- Thai Cooking Class in Pattaya: $76
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Pattaya $24Vang Vieng $4.76
Tours and Activities in Pattaya
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Pattaya.
- Andamanda Waterpark Phuket Ticketed Fun: $53
- Private Wachira Benchathat Tour with Transportation: $287
- 1 Hour ATV Off Road Adventure In Pattaya: $72
- 6 Hour Private Selfie City Tour in the Landmark of Pattaya: $102
- Admission Ticket to Ramayana Water Park in Pattaya: $39
- Alcazar Cabaret Show Pattaya Admission Ticket: $50
- Alcazar Cabaret Show Tickets: $50
- All Star Cabaret Cruise Pattaya with Indian Buffet Lunch: $49
- Art In Paradise Pattaya Admission Ticket: $12
- Art in Paradise 3D Art Museum Entry Ticket in Pattaya: $9.34
- Art in Paradise Pattaya 3D Illusion Museum Ticket : $13
- Art in Paradise Pattaya Entrance (Ticket Only): $8.51
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 dayPattaya $9.42Vang Vieng $1.11
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Pattaya and Vang Vieng, we can see that Pattaya 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 Pattaya would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Pattaya 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 Pattaya Expensive? and Is Vang Vieng Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Pattaya or Vang Vieng?
Pattaya has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Vang Vieng. When comparing the sizes of Pattaya 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 Pattaya 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 Pattaya or Vang Vieng in the Summer?
Both Vang Vieng and Pattaya are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Pattaya throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Vang Vieng because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In July, Pattaya usually receives more rain than Vang Vieng. Pattaya gets 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Vang Vieng receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
Pattaya usually receives more sunshine than Vang Vieng during summer. Pattaya gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Vang Vieng receives 141 hours of full sun in the summer.
In the summer, Pattaya is a little warmer than Vang Vieng. Typically, the summer temperatures in Pattaya in July average around 29°C (84°F), and Vang Vieng averages at about 22°C (72°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPattaya 29°C (84°F)Vang Vieng 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Pattaya or Vang Vieng in the Autumn?
Both Vang Vieng and Pattaya during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Pattaya because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vang Vieng year-round.
December to April is the dry season in Pattaya. June to October is the rainy season in Pattaya. It rains a lot this time of the year in Pattaya. Pattaya usually gets more rain in October than Vang Vieng. Pattaya gets 258 mm (10.2 in) of rain, while Vang Vieng receives 63 mm (2.5 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 Pattaya. In the autumn, Pattaya often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Vang Vieng. Pattaya gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vang Vieng receives 222 hours of full sun.
In October, Pattaya is generally a little warmer than Vang Vieng. Daily temperatures in Pattaya average around 28°C (82°F), and Vang Vieng fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPattaya 28°C (82°F)Vang Vieng 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Pattaya or Vang Vieng in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Pattaya and Vang Vieng. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Pattaya year-round. Vang Vieng attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Pattaya usually receives less rain than Vang Vieng. Pattaya gets 23 mm (0.9 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. In Pattaya, it's very sunny this time of the year. Pattaya usually receives more sunshine than Vang Vieng during winter. Pattaya gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while Vang Vieng receives 254 hours of full sun in the winter.
Pattaya is a little warmer than Vang Vieng in the winter. The daily temperature in Pattaya averages around 27°C (80°F) in January, and Vang Vieng fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPattaya 27°C (80°F)Vang Vieng 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Pattaya or Vang Vieng in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Pattaya as well as Vang Vieng. Pattaya 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 April in Pattaya is the dry season. June to October in Pattaya is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Vang Vieng. Pattaya usually gets less rain in April than Vang Vieng. Pattaya gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Vang Vieng receives 188 mm (7.4 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 Pattaya this time of the year. In the spring, Pattaya often gets more sunshine than Vang Vieng. Pattaya gets 262 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vang Vieng receives 230 hours of full sun.
In the spring, Pattaya is a little warmer than Vang Vieng. Typically, the spring temperatures in Pattaya in April average around 30°C (86°F), and Vang Vieng averages at about 23°C (73°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPattaya 30°C (86°F)Vang Vieng 23°C (73°F)
Typical Weather for Vang Vieng and Pattaya
| Pattaya | Vang Vieng | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (80°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (85°F) | 62 mm (2.5 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Apr | 30°C (86°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) |
| May | 30°C (85°F) | 202 mm (7.9 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (85°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (84°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 232 mm (9.1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 16 mm (0.6 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.