A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Vang Vieng vs. Adelaide for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Vang Vieng or Adelaide?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Vang Vieng or Adelaide? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Vang Vieng or Adelaide?

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.

Adelaide

Adelaide is the often overlooked capital city of the State of South Australia. It's also the fifth largest city in the country. Despite being skipped by most travelers, Adelaide is an interesting city to explore and has a decent amount to offer open minded travelers. It has some fascinating architecture, unique shopping, and wonderful cafes and restaurants. Part of the appeal of Adelaide is its location in the midst of Australia's wine regions, including McLaren Vale, Barossa Valley, and Clare Valley. Any of these destinations could be visited as a day trip from Adelaide.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Laos, The Best Budget Tours to Laos, The Best Adventure Tours to Australia, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Adelaide or Vang Vieng?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Vang Vieng is $19, while the average daily cost in Adelaide is $133. 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 Vang Vieng and Adelaide in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Vang Vieng $4.25
    Adelaide $65
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Vang Vieng $8.50
    Adelaide $130
Compare Hotels in Vang Vieng and Adelaide

Looking for a hotel in Vang Vieng or Adelaide? 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.

Hotels in Vang Vieng


Hotels in Adelaide


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 and Adelaide Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Vang Vieng $3.11
    Adelaide $18

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

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Adelaide

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Adelaide are as follows:


  • Shuttle from the Train Station
    $3.60

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Adelaide

Also for Adelaide, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Airport & Houseboat Transfers Adelaide Bus: $298
  • ADL Airport to City Centre | Port Private Transfer: $35

Is it cheaper to fly into Vang Vieng or Adelaide?

Prices for flights to both Adelaide and Vang Vieng 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Vang Vieng $11
    Adelaide $54

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Adelaide

For Adelaide, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • HandleBar Bike Tour with Pub Stops & Dinner Option: $30
  • Local Food Tour and Tastings with Guide: $65

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Vang Vieng $4.76
    Adelaide $14

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

Tours and Activities in Adelaide

For Adelaide, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • "Barossa Tour from 4 Tastings & Lunch Included": $109
  • 90 Minute Port River Dolphin & Ships Graveyard Cruise: $59
  • Adelaide Central Market Tour with Lunch: $122
  • Adelaide Central Markets: Food Walking Tour: $46
  • Adelaide City Highlights Full-Day Tour: $152
  • Adelaide City Highlights Tour: $58
  • Adelaide City Highlights via Hahndorf Half-Day Tour: $107
  • Adelaide City Highlights- Hahndorf and Mt. Lofty Half-Day Tour: $87
  • Adelaide City and First Nations Cultural tour: $99
  • Adelaide City and Hahndorf Full Day Tour: $127
  • Adelaide Cruise Ship Tours: $208
  • Adelaide Cruise Ship Tours to Hahndorf & Hills Wildlife Wonders: $245

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Vang Vieng $1.11
    Adelaide $22

Sample the Local Flavors in Adelaide

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Adelaide:

  • Half-day McLaren Vale & Glenelg Wine Tasting Tour: $59
  • McLaren Vale and Glenelg Wine Tasting and Sightseeing (Half-day Afternoon): $60
  • Highlights, Hahndorf & McLaren Vale Wine Tasting: $89
  • Adelaide Highlights, Hahndorf & McLaren Vale Wine Tasting and Sightseeing Tour: $91
  • Adelaide Food Odyssey: Food Walking Tour with Wine Tasting: $105
  • Barossa Day Out: Wines, Brewery, Chocolate & Lunch: $105
  • Discover Barossa: 4 Wine Tastings, Gourmet Lunch, and Hidden Gems: $111
  • Barossa Premium Wine Tasting tour & Winery Lunch: $118
  • From Barossa Valley Food and Wine Tour: $118
  • From Barossa Valley Full-Day Wine Tasting Tour: $118
  • Barossa Premium Wine Tasting Tour & lunch Departs 7 days a week : $120
  • Barossa Valley Full-Day Wine Tasting & Maggie Beers Farm Join Us: $120


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vang Vieng and Adelaide, we can see that Adelaide is more expensive. And not only is Vang Vieng much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Vang Vieng is in Asia and Adelaide is in Pacific, 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 Adelaide would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Adelaide 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 Vang Vieng Expensive? and Is Adelaide Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Vang Vieng or Adelaide?

Adelaide has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Vang Vieng. When comparing the sizes of Vang Vieng and Adelaide, 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 Vang Vieng or Adelaide?

Adelaide has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Vang Vieng experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Vang Vieng or Adelaide in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Vang Vieng and Adelaide. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vang Vieng year-round. Also, most visitors come to Adelaide for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Vang Vieng is around the same temperature as Adelaide. Typically, the summer temperatures in Vang Vieng in July average around 22°C (72°F), and Adelaide averages at about 22°C (72°F)in January.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Adelaide this time of the year. Vang Vieng usually receives less sunshine than Adelaide during summer. Vang Vieng gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Adelaide receives 330 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Vang Vieng usually receives more rain than Adelaidein January. Vang Vieng gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Adelaide receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Vang Vieng 22°C (72°F) 
    Adelaide 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Vang Vieng or Adelaide in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Vang Vieng as well as Adelaide. Vang Vieng attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Adelaide because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In October, Vang Vieng is generally a little warmer than Adelaidein April. Daily temperatures in Vang Vieng average around 23°C (73°F), and Adelaide fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Adelaide. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vang Vieng this time of the year. In the autumn, Vang Vieng often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Adelaidein April. Vang Vieng gets 222 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Adelaide receives 215 hours of full sun.

Vang Vieng usually gets more rain in October than Adelaidein April. Vang Vieng gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Adelaide receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Vang Vieng 23°C (73°F) 
    Adelaide 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Vang Vieng or Adelaide in the Winter?

Both Adelaide and Vang Vieng are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vang Vieng throughout the year. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Adelaide this time of year.

Vang Vieng is much warmer than Adelaide in the winter. The daily temperature in Vang Vieng averages around 24°C (75°F) in January, and Adelaide fluctuates around 11°C (52°F)in July.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vang Vieng. Vang Vieng usually receives more sunshine than Adelaide during winter. Vang Vieng gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Adelaide receives 159 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Vang Vieng usually receives less rain than Adelaidein July. Vang Vieng gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Adelaide receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Vang Vieng 24°C (75°F) 
    Adelaide 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Vang Vieng or Adelaide in the Spring?

Both Adelaide and Vang Vieng during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Vang Vieng because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Adelaide for the beaches.

In the spring, Vang Vieng is a little warmer than Adelaide. Typically, the spring temperatures in Vang Vieng in April average around 23°C (73°F), and Adelaide averages at about 16°C (61°F)in October.

In Adelaide, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Vang Vieng. In the spring, Vang Vieng often gets less sunshine than Adelaidein October. Vang Vieng gets 230 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Adelaide receives 256 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Vang Vieng. Vang Vieng usually gets more rain in April than Adelaidein October. Vang Vieng gets 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain, while Adelaide receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Vang Vieng 23°C (73°F) 
    Adelaide 16°C (61°F)

Typical Weather for Adelaide and Vang Vieng

Vang Vieng Adelaide
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (75°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 22°C (72°F) 19 mm (0.7 in)
Feb 24°C (75°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 23°C (73°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Mar 24°C (75°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 21°C (69°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Apr 23°C (73°F) 188 mm (7.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
May 23°C (73°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 15°C (58°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 12°C (54°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jul 22°C (72°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 11°C (52°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Aug 22°C (72°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 12°C (54°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 13°C (56°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Oct 23°C (73°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 16°C (61°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Nov 23°C (73°F) 113 mm (4.4 in) 18°C (65°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Dec 23°C (73°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 21°C (69°F) 25 mm (1 in)