Which place is cheaper, Amsterdam 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.
Jump to 
Should you visit Vang Vieng or Amsterdam?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Amsterdam? 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 Amsterdam?
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.
Amsterdam
Amsterdam is the capital and most popular tourist destination in the Netherlands. Amsterdam is most famous for its canals that cross and weave around the city, but it also has a rich history, interesting culture, and liberal vibe that appeal to all types of travelers. The historical architecture, scenic bridges, and energetic cycling culture help this metropolitan area maintain its small town vibe, despite being the largest city in the country as well as the financial center.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Laos, The Best Budget Tours to Laos, The Best 10-Day Tours from Amsterdam, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Amsterdam.
-
Vang Vieng Prices
Laos PricesAmsterdam Prices
Netherlands Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVang Vieng $18Amsterdam $244
The average daily cost (per person) in Vang Vieng is $18, while the average daily cost in Amsterdam is $244. 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 Amsterdam in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVang Vieng $4.19Amsterdam $118
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVang Vieng $8.38Amsterdam $236
Compare Hotels in Vang Vieng and Amsterdam
Looking for a hotel in Vang Vieng or Amsterdam? 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 and Amsterdam Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Vang Vieng $3.07Amsterdam $23
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vang Vieng
Also for Vang Vieng, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Vang Vieng Private Transfer: Hotel - Railway Station - Vientiane: $11
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Amsterdam
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Amsterdam:
-
Ride on Tram$3.71
-
Renting a Bike$17
-
One Hour Canal Cruise$12
-
Single Day Transit Pass$3.02
-
Transit Pass to Amsterdam Airport$3.95
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Amsterdam
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Amsterdam:
- From Private Transfer to Efteling Theme Park: $465
- Rotterdam: Private transfer to/from Schiphol Airport: $337
- Amsterdam Keukenhof Gardens Round-Trip Transfer from Amsterdam: $295
- Schiphol Airport Taxi Transfer | Amsterdam: $295
- 1-15 persons Taxi or Bus Transfer Airport Amsterdam to Den Haag: $295
- Private transfer from Amsterdam to Rotterdam, 2h Stop in Haarlem: $283
- Private taxi transfer from Amsterdam to Giethoorn: $276
- Private transfer: Amsterdam to Rotterdam with 2h Sightseeing stop: $274
- Private transfer: Amsterdam>Rotterdam, 2h stop at De Haar Castle: $272
- Private Car Round-trip Transfer Amsterdam to Keukenhof Tulips: $265
- 1-15 persons Taxi or Bus Transfer Amsterdam Airport to Utrecht: $265
- Private transfer from Amsterdam to Rotterdam, 2h Stop in Delft: $263
Is it cheaper to fly into Vang Vieng or Amsterdam?
Prices for flights to both Amsterdam 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 dayVang Vieng $11Amsterdam $93
Typical Food Prices in Amsterdam
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Amsterdam:
-
Afternoon Tea$6.96
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Amsterdam
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Amsterdam.
- Romantic Dinner in the Dark Amsterdam: $50
- Self Guided Food Tour in De Pijp District of Amsterdam: $59
- Amsterdam Nightlife Ticket & VIP Dinner at Hard Rock Café: $60
- Taste Your Way Around Amsterdam Food Tour: $60
- 3-course dinner party at a secret pop-up restaurant: $71
- Amsterdam : Guided Cultural Food Tour: $83
- Amsterdam Food Tour: +10 Tastes, Culture and Canals with Sherpa: $88
- Top 10 Tastes of Guided Walking Food Tour: $91
- 10 Tastes of Food Tour by UNESCO Canals and Jordaan: $105
- Jordaan Food Tour: Special 10 Year Anniversary Edition: $107
- Private Dutch Pancake Cooking Class in an Amsterdam Canal Home: $109
- Private Amsterdam Red Light District and Food Tour (TOP RATED): $120
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Vang Vieng $4.70Amsterdam $42
Tours and Activities in Vang Vieng
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Vang Vieng.
- Nam Song River Kayak Tour: $18
- Tham Nangfar and Tham Nam Day Tour with Kayaking: $24
- Get Your Laos–China Train Ticket Fast – No Waiting, No Worries: $30
- Blue Lagoon and Countryside Bike Tour with Lunch: $38
- One Day Guided Tour: Kayaking, Zipline & Tubing In The Cave from Vang Vieng: $50
- Vang Vieng Zipline & Kayaking Cave Adventure: $50
- BBQ Lunch Cruise on Nam Ngum Lake: $50
- Kayaking&Zipline&Cave Tubing&cave tour: $51
- Vang Vieng Day Tour: Zipline, Water Cave, Kayak & Blue Lagoon 3: $52
- Vang Vieng Tour B - Nam Xay Viewpoint Hike & Blue Lagoon 1 Tour: $55
- Vang Vieng Jungle Day Tour: $58
- Laos: Jungle Zipline and Caving Tour: $58
Typical Entertainment Prices in Amsterdam
Here are a few typical costs in Amsterdam for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
-
Two tickets to the Houseboat Museum$6.96
-
Entry for two to the Anne Frank House$20
Tours and Activities in Amsterdam
Here are a few actual costs in Amsterdam for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 1 Hour Iconic Canal Belt Cruise: $62
- 1 Hour Private Amsterdam Rickshaw Tour: $118
- 1 hour Amsterdam City Tour in Pedicab: $118
- 1,5 hours Amsterdam Rickshaw Tour: $177
- 2 Hours Amsterdam Private Walking Tour: $136
- 2 hour food tasting Tour in Amsterdam Group Tour: $106
- 2 hours Amsterdam City Tour in Pedicab: $236
- 2-hour Red Light District and Old Town Walking Tour in Amsterdam: $52
- 2.5 hours Amsterdam Pedicab Tour: $283
- 420 Official Smoking Boat Tour in Amsterdam: $24
- 4Hrs with a Local in Full Private & Personalized Tour.: $283
- 75 minute Blue Boat Company City Canal Cruise and Maritime Museum: $47
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayVang Vieng $1.10Amsterdam $28
Sample the Local Flavors in Amsterdam
Also in Amsterdam, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Original Amsterdam Pub Crawl: $28
- Amsterdam Craft Beer Brewery Tour by Bus with Tastings: $77
- Halloween Bar Crawl in Central Amsterdam: $100
- Private Amsterdam Red Light District and Pub Tour including drink: $103
- Dutch Wine Tasting Experience: $140
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vang Vieng and Amsterdam, we can see that Amsterdam 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 Amsterdam is in Europe, 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 Amsterdam would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Amsterdam 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 Amsterdam Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Vang Vieng or Amsterdam?
Amsterdam has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Vang Vieng. When comparing the sizes of Vang Vieng and Amsterdam, 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 Amsterdam?
Amsterdam 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 Amsterdam in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Vang Vieng as well as Amsterdam. Vang Vieng attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Amsterdam in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Vang Vieng is generally a little warmer than Amsterdam. Daily temperatures in Vang Vieng average around 22°C (72°F), and Amsterdam fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Amsterdam. In the summer, Vang Vieng often gets less sunshine than Amsterdam. Vang Vieng gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amsterdam receives 204 hours of full sun.
Vang Vieng usually gets less rain in July than Amsterdam. Vang Vieng gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyVang Vieng 22°C (72°F)Amsterdam 17°C (62°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Amsterdam in the Autumn?
Both Amsterdam and Vang Vieng are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vang Vieng throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Amsterdam for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
Vang Vieng is much warmer than Amsterdam in the autumn. The daily temperature in Vang Vieng averages around 23°C (73°F) in October, and Amsterdam fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vang Vieng. Vang Vieng usually receives more sunshine than Amsterdam during autumn. Vang Vieng gets 222 hours of sunny skies, while Amsterdam receives 99 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Vang Vieng usually receives less rain than Amsterdam. Vang Vieng gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberVang Vieng 23°C (73°F)Amsterdam 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Amsterdam in the Winter?
Both Amsterdam and Vang Vieng during the winter 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, the winter months attract visitors to Amsterdam because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
The weather in Amsterdam can be very cold. In the winter, Vang Vieng is much warmer than Amsterdam. Typically, the winter temperatures in Vang Vieng in January average around 24°C (75°F), and Amsterdam averages at about 2°C (36°F).
It's quite sunny in Vang Vieng. In the winter, Vang Vieng often gets more sunshine than Amsterdam. Vang Vieng gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amsterdam receives 46 hours of full sun.
Vang Vieng usually gets less rain in January than Amsterdam. Vang Vieng gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryVang Vieng 24°C (75°F)Amsterdam 2°C (36°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Amsterdam in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Vang Vieng and Amsterdam. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vang Vieng year-round. Furthermore, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Amsterdam this time of year.
In April, Vang Vieng is generally much warmer than Amsterdam. Daily temperatures in Vang Vieng average around 23°C (73°F), and Amsterdam fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).
In Vang Vieng, it's very sunny this time of the year. Vang Vieng usually receives more sunshine than Amsterdam during spring. Vang Vieng gets 230 hours of sunny skies, while Amsterdam receives 166 hours of full sun in the spring.
Vang Vieng gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Vang Vieng usually receives more rain than Amsterdam. Vang Vieng gets 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilVang Vieng 23°C (73°F)Amsterdam 8°C (46°F)
Typical Weather for Amsterdam and Vang Vieng
| Vang Vieng | Amsterdam | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Mar | 24°C (75°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Apr | 23°C (73°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| May | 23°C (73°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (72°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (72°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 80 mm (3.1 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.