Which place is cheaper, Vang Vieng or Petra?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Petra 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 Petra and Vang Vieng can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Petra or Vang Vieng?
Petra
Whether you're checking off the Seven Wonders of the World, or you're just a huge Indiana Jones fan, the city of Petra must be on your bucket list. The "rose red city, half as old as time," was the capital of the Nabataean kingdom in the 6th century BC. It was the center for trade and commerce until an earthquake took out buildings and destroyed their water management system. After this destruction, the city of Petra seemed to be lost to western civilization.
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 Historical Tours in Jordan, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Jordan, 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 dayPetra $125Vang Vieng $14
The average daily cost (per person) in Petra is $125, 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 Petra and Vang Vieng in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPetra $59Vang Vieng $4.34
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPetra $118Vang Vieng $8.68
Compare Hotels in Petra and Vang Vieng
Looking for a hotel in Petra 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: Petra Hotel Prices and Vang Vieng Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Petra $23Vang Vieng $3.18
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Petra
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Petra:
- Petra to Sheikh Hussein Crossing Border Private Transfer: $180
- Petra to Madaba Private Transfer: $140
- Private Transfer Petra to/from Wadi Rum: $135
- Private Transfer Amman Airport to Petra or vice versa via the King's Highway: $120
- Private transfer Petra to/from Wadi Rum: $118
- Petra to Aqaba South Beach Hotels Private Transfer: $110
- Petra Private Transfer to or from Aqaba: $105
- Private Transfer From Petra to Amman or Airport With Optional : $99
- Private Departure Transfer: Petra Hotels to Amman Airport: $93
- Private Transfer from Petra City Hotels to Aqaba Airport: $93
- Petra to Wadi Rum Private Transfer: $80
- Private Transfer Amman Airport to Ma'in Hotel and vice versa: $73
Is it cheaper to fly into Petra or Vang Vieng?
Prices for flights to both Vang Vieng and Petra 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 dayPetra $38Vang Vieng $6.31
Typical Food Prices in Petra
Some typical examples of dining costs in Petra are as follows:
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Dinner for Two$12
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Juice$1.76
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Petra
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Petra.
- Cooking outside in little Petra between the Mountains. : $45
- Private Outdoor bedouin Dinner in Petra: $300
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Petra $47Vang Vieng $4.87
Typical Entertainment Prices in Petra
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Petra are as follows:
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Entry to Petra for One$71
Tours and Activities in Petra
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Petra are as follows:
- 3 Hour Horse Riding Adventure around the Petra Area: $145
- 3-hour Private Guided Tour In Petra with hotel pick up.: $75
- Petra Back Entrance Private Walking Tour: $215
- Private Back Trail Tour of Petra starting from the Monastery : $276
- Private Full-Day Tour to Petra and Wadi Rum from Dead Sea: $269
- Private Half-Day Tour of Petra with Lunch: $120
- Private Indiana-Jones Archeological Trail Tour: $90
- Private Petra Back Entrance Tour with Guide .: $140
- Wadi Rum Day Tour from Petra ending in Aqaba: $138
- Wadi Rum Private Tour from Petra with Martian and Star Wars Film Site: $173
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 dayPetra $15Vang Vieng $1.14
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Petra and Vang Vieng, we can see that Petra is more expensive. And not only is Vang Vieng much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Petra is in Middle East 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 Petra would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Petra 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 Petra Expensive? and Is Vang Vieng Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Petra or Vang Vieng?
Vang Vieng has a larger population, and is about 79% larger than the population of Petra. When comparing the sizes of Petra 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 Petra 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 Petra or Vang Vieng in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Petra as well as Vang Vieng. Petra attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vang Vieng throughout the year.
Petra usually gets less rain in July than Vang Vieng. Petra gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Vang Vieng receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Petra this time of the year. In the summer, Petra often gets more sunshine than Vang Vieng. Petra gets 384 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vang Vieng receives 141 hours of full sun.
It's very hot in Petra this time of the year. Petra is a little warmer than Vang Vieng in the summer. The daily temperature in Petra averages around 33°C (91°F) in July, and Vang Vieng fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPetra 33°C (91°F)Vang Vieng 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Petra or Vang Vieng in the Autumn?
Both Vang Vieng and Petra are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Petra throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Vang Vieng because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In October, Petra usually receives less rain than Vang Vieng. Petra gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Vang Vieng receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
It's quite sunny in Vang Vieng. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Petra. Petra usually receives more sunshine than Vang Vieng during autumn. Petra gets 295 hours of sunny skies, while Vang Vieng receives 222 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In the autumn, Petra is a little warmer than Vang Vieng. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Petra in October average around 27°C (80°F), and Vang Vieng averages at about 23°C (73°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPetra 27°C (80°F)Vang Vieng 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Petra or Vang Vieng in the Winter?
Both Vang Vieng and Petra during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Petra because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vang Vieng year-round.
Petra usually gets less rain in January than Vang Vieng. Petra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Vang Vieng receives 57 mm (2.2 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 Petra. In the winter, Petra often gets less sunshine than Vang Vieng. Petra gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vang Vieng receives 254 hours of full sun.
In January, Petra is generally much colder than Vang Vieng. Daily temperatures in Petra average around 15°C (59°F), and Vang Vieng fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPetra 15°C (59°F)Vang Vieng 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Petra or Vang Vieng in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Petra and Vang Vieng. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Petra year-round. Vang Vieng attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Vang Vieng receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Petra usually receives less rain than Vang Vieng. Petra gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Vang Vieng receives 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vang Vieng this time of the year. In Petra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Petra usually receives more sunshine than Vang Vieng during spring. Petra gets 282 hours of sunny skies, while Vang Vieng receives 230 hours of full sun in the spring.
Petra is around the same temperature as Vang Vieng in the spring. The daily temperature in Petra averages around 25°C (76°F) in April, and Vang Vieng fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPetra 25°C (76°F)Vang Vieng 23°C (73°F)
Typical Weather for Vang Vieng and Petra
| Petra | Vang Vieng | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 15°C (59°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Feb | 17°C (62°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Mar | 20°C (68°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Apr | 25°C (76°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Jun | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Jul | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| Aug | 32°C (90°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| Sep | 30°C (87°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (80°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) |
| Dec | 16°C (62°F) | 41 mm (1.6 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.