Which place is cheaper, Vang Vieng or Surat Thani?
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 Surat Thani 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 Surat Thani 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: Surat Thani or Vang Vieng?
Surat Thani
The best way to see the real culture of a country is to go where the tourists are not. If you are itching to experience real Thai culture, you may want to visit the city of Surat Thani. Located on the central gulf coast of southern Thailand, this city is usually the gateway to other Thai islands – meaning visitors run through it without stopping. Stay a while and get to know Surat Thani – known to the locals as the "City of Good People."
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 Yoga Tours and Retreats in Thailand, The Best Honeymoon Tours in Thailand, The Best Adventure Tours to Laos, and The Best Budget Tours to Laos.
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Surat Thani Prices
Thailand PricesVang Vieng Prices
Laos Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySurat Thani $71Vang Vieng $19
The average daily cost (per person) in Surat Thani is $71, 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 Surat Thani and Vang Vieng in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSurat Thani $27Vang Vieng $4.25
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSurat Thani $54Vang Vieng $8.50
Compare Hotels in Surat Thani and Vang Vieng
Looking for a hotel in Surat Thani 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: Vang Vieng Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Surat Thani $27Vang Vieng $3.11
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Surat Thani
Also for Surat Thani, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer Surat Thani Airport (URT) to / from Surat Thani: $196
- Donsak pier to Krabi,Phuket,Koh Lanta any hotel Private transfer: $127
- Surat Thani Airport: Private Transfer to/from Khao Sok: $90
- Surat Thani Airport to/From Ratchaprapa Dam Private Transfer: $81
- Transfer to Don Sak Pier: $78
- Koh Samui: Zipline Adventure with Hotel Transfer: $62
- Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Bo Phut: $39
- Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Chaweng: $39
- Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Choeng Mon Beach: $39
- Samui Airport Transfer: $33
- Private Transfer Koh Samui Airport to The Ritz Carlton Koh Samui: $22
- Private Arrival Transfer : Koh Samui Airport to Koh Samui Hotel (SHA Plus): $16
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 Surat Thani or Vang Vieng?
Prices for flights to both Vang Vieng and Surat Thani 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 daySurat Thani $28Vang Vieng $11
Typical Food Prices in Surat Thani
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Surat Thani:
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Dinner$4.71
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Surat Thani
For Surat Thani, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Koh Samui: Evening Thai Cooking Class with Organic Garden: $121
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Surat Thani $5.72Vang Vieng $4.76
Tours and Activities in Surat Thani
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Surat Thani.
- A Walking Tour of Surat Thani's Most Beautiful and Historic Sites: $174
- Adventure trip in koh Phangan: $127
- Blue Stars Kayaking Adventure in Angthong Marine Park: $80
- Dolphin Watching Tan and Pig Island Tour from Koh Samui : $66
- From Ko Pha Ngan: Angthong Marine Park Speedboat Adventure: $81
- Full-Day Speedboat Tour to Koh Tao & Koh Nangyuan with Lunch: $69
- Khao Sok ATV Jungle Trail Adventure Experience: $57
- Ko Pha Ngan: Koh Tao & Koh Nangyuan Snorkeling Adventure: $81
- Koh Phangan: Quad ATV Jungle Adventure with Scenic Views: $73
- Koh Samui Island Hopping Adventure in Coral and Pig Island: $53
- Koh Samui: Feed & Shower with Elephants Experience: $65
- Koh Samui: Surron Electric Dirt Bike Jungle Adventure 2H: $93
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
- Laos: Jungle Zipline and Caving Tour: $58
- 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 Day Tour - Longtail boat, Paragliding: $175
- Vang Vieng Hot Air Balloon Experience and Longtail Boat: $137
- Vang Vieng Hot Air Balloon Kayak Zipline,Blue lagoon1 Tour: $148
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySurat Thani $5.71Vang Vieng $1.11
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Surat Thani and Vang Vieng, we can see that Surat Thani 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 Surat Thani would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Surat Thani 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 Surat Thani Expensive? and Is Vang Vieng Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Surat Thani or Vang Vieng?
Vang Vieng has a larger population, and is about 25000 times larger than the population of Surat Thani. When comparing the sizes of Surat Thani 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 Surat Thani 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 Surat Thani or Vang Vieng in the Summer?
Both Vang Vieng and Surat Thani are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Surat Thani throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Vang Vieng because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Surat Thani. In July, Surat Thani usually receives more rain than Vang Vieng. Surat Thani gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Vang Vieng receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
In July, Surat Thani is generally a little warmer than Vang Vieng. Daily temperatures in Surat Thani average around 28°C (82°F), and Vang Vieng fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySurat Thani 28°C (82°F)Vang Vieng 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Vang Vieng in the Autumn?
Both Vang Vieng and Surat Thani during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Surat Thani 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 Surat Thani. Surat Thani usually gets more rain in October than Vang Vieng. Surat Thani gets 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Vang Vieng receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
Surat Thani is a little warmer than Vang Vieng in the autumn. The daily temperature in Surat Thani averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Vang Vieng fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSurat Thani 27°C (81°F)Vang Vieng 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Vang Vieng in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Surat Thani and Vang Vieng. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Surat Thani year-round. Vang Vieng attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Surat Thani usually receives less rain than Vang Vieng. Surat Thani gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Vang Vieng receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
In the winter, Surat Thani is around the same temperature as Vang Vieng. Typically, the winter temperatures in Surat Thani in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Vang Vieng averages at about 24°C (75°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySurat Thani 25°C (77°F)Vang Vieng 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Vang Vieng in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Surat Thani as well as Vang Vieng. Surat Thani 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. Surat Thani usually gets less rain in April than Vang Vieng. Surat Thani gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Vang Vieng receives 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
In April, Surat Thani is generally a little warmer than Vang Vieng. Daily temperatures in Surat Thani average around 29°C (83°F), and Vang Vieng fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSurat Thani 29°C (83°F)Vang Vieng 23°C (73°F)
Typical Weather for Vang Vieng and Surat Thani
| Surat Thani | Vang Vieng | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (83°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (83°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 240 mm (9.5 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 335 mm (13.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (78°F) | 134 mm (5.3 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.