Which place is cheaper, Beijing or Vang Vieng?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Vang Vieng or Beijing?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Beijing? 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 Beijing?
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.
Beijing
Beijing is the capital of China and, with 21.5 million people, it is the second most populated city in the world after Shanghai. It is a city that keeps pockets of its history hidden in old neighborhoods or back alleys, despite the constant change and modernization that goes on around it. As the capital city of China, there is plenty of history and culture. You can still get yourself lost in one of the last remaining hutongs, which are old neighborhoods that remain untouched by the city's modernization. The alleys that weave between the old homes are lined with drying clothes, corner markets, and people going about their daily lives the way they have for centuries. Surrounding these hutongs you'll find modern buildings and a booming economy, all threatening to destroying these last bits of Beijing's history. Beijing offers a glimpse into a microcosm that represents the entire country of China. Make sure you give yourself enough time in China to truly experience Beijing. You can pass a lot of time soaking up life in the city, which remains as diverse as the country it resides within.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Laos, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Laos, The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVang Vieng $14Beijing $77
The average daily cost (per person) in Vang Vieng is $14, while the average daily cost in Beijing is $77. 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 Beijing in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVang Vieng $4.34Beijing $39
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVang Vieng $8.68Beijing $78
Compare Hotels in Vang Vieng and Beijing
Looking for a hotel in Vang Vieng or Beijing? 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.Vang Vieng $3.18Beijing $7.63
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Beijing
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Beijing:
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Taxi$4.71
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Train from Airport for Two$6.90
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Taxi to Hotel$8.28
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2 Metro Passes$2.21
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Metro$0.55
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Beijing
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Beijing:
- Beijing Layover Tour with Hutong, Temple of Heaven and Airport Transfer: $296
- Beijing to Zun Hua Explore Qing Emperor's Tombs By Car Transfer : $285
- 1 Day Pass for Universal Beijing and Private Transfer Package: $265
- Private Transfer to Mutianyu Great Wall and Summer Palace with A Guide: $259
- Beijing Great Wall and Imperial Palace Private Tour with Airport Transfer: $256
- Private Transfer from Tianjin Cruise port to Mutianyu Great Wall of China : $221
- Private Transfer from Tianjin Cruise Port to Beijing with stop at Great Wall : $221
- Private Transfer between Beijing and Beidaihe: $208
- Beijing Universal Resort One Day Admission Tickets with Private Transfers: $207
- Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City Private Tour With Airport Transfer: $205
- Beijing Transfer Service: Jinshanling Great Wall and Chengde Summer Resort: $198
- Mutianyu Great Wall with transfer from and to Capital Airport: $194
Is it cheaper to fly into Vang Vieng or Beijing?
Prices for flights to both Beijing 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
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Food Meals for one dayVang Vieng $6.31Beijing $21
Typical Food Prices in Beijing
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Beijing:
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Popcorn$0.83
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Hot Pot Dinner$6.90
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Dumpling Breakfast for Two$2.76
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Watermelon$1.93
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Peking Duck Dinner for 2$16
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Two Popsicles$0.83
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Beijing
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Beijing.
- Online Cooking Class Handmade Noodles by Sunflower Li: $20
- Online Cooking Class Orange Chicken by Sunflower Li: $20
- Nangong Hot Spring Water World with Dinner: $38
- Beijing Hutong Breakfast Food Tour: $55
- Temple of Heaven Private Tour w/Option Show &Dinner: $60
- 3 hours Morning or Afternoon Tea Tasting on Maliandao Street and Tea Restaurant Lunch or Dinner Tour: $69
- Mogolian Hot Pot Dinner with no limit soft drink and local beer .: $70
- Old Beijing Dinner Tour: $80
- Authentic Lunch or Dinner Tour in Beijing's Best Hidden Spots: $80
- Acrobatic Show with Peking Duck Dinner Private Tour: $80
- Discovery more local Beijing evening food Tour: $89
- 4-hour Evening Tour: Jingshan Hill, Beihai Park & Hutongs Street Food Tour: $105
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Vang Vieng $4.87Beijing $24
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Beijing
Here are a few typical costs in Beijing for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Entry to Summer Palace for Two$8.28
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Two Opera Tickets$59
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Temple of Heaven Park Entrance (for 2)$9.66
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Forbidden City (for 2)$17
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Forbidden City Tickets$17
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Audio Guides at Forbidden City$11
Tours and Activities in Beijing
Here are a few actual costs in Beijing for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- All Inclusive Mutianyu Great Wall & Summer Palace Private Tour: $188
- Beijing Art Tour: Seeing Fantastic Ming Murals at Fa Hai Temple : $220
- Classic One Day Beijing Tour: $240
- Forbidden City Tour : $110
- Mutianyu Great Wall And Ming Tomb Private One Day Tour: $205
- Mutianyu Great Wall and Ming Tomb Private Tour: $190
- Private Day to T-Square, Forbidden city, Temple of heaven, Summer palace Tour : $177
- Private Temple of Heaven Walking Tour w/ Options Nearby: $90
- The Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan) Entrance Ticket: $8.00
- 1 Day Romantic Tour in Oriental Provence Lavender Manor and Mutianyu Great Wall: $208
- 1 day Summer Palace+Yonghe Temple+Confucius Temple Private Tour: $280
- 1-Day Beijing Private tour: Mutianyu Great Wall and Summer Palace: $267
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVang Vieng $1.14Beijing $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Beijing
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Beijing:
- Evening Food Private Tour with Brewery Taproom Hopping at Slow Boat in Beijing: $110
- Private Tour-Drum Tower, Hutong Food Taste and Local Brewery Beer: $150
- 5-Hour Private Changyu Chateau Wine Tasting Tour from Beijing: $178
- Private Changyu Chateau Wine Tasting Tour and Mutianyu Great Wall Visit: $238
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vang Vieng and Beijing, we can see that Beijing 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 Beijing would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Beijing 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 Beijing Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Vang Vieng or Beijing?
Beijing has a larger population, and is about 300 times larger than the population of Vang Vieng. When comparing the sizes of Vang Vieng and Beijing, 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 Beijing?
Beijing 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 Beijing in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Vang Vieng as well as Beijing. Vang Vieng attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Beijing for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
Vang Vieng is cooler than Beijing in the summer. The daily temperature in Vang Vieng averages around 22°C (72°F) in July, and Beijing fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Beijing. In the summer, Vang Vieng often gets less sunshine than Beijing. Vang Vieng gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Beijing receives 224 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Beijing. Vang Vieng usually gets less rain in July than Beijing. Vang Vieng gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyVang Vieng 22°C (72°F)Beijing 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Beijing in the Autumn?
Both Beijing 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, the autumn months attract visitors to Beijing because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Vang Vieng is much warmer than Beijing. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Vang Vieng in October average around 23°C (73°F), and Beijing averages at about 14°C (56°F).
It's quite sunny in Beijing. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vang Vieng. Vang Vieng usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Beijing during autumn. Vang Vieng gets 222 hours of sunny skies, while Beijing receives 227 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Vang Vieng usually receives more rain than Beijing. Vang Vieng gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberVang Vieng 23°C (73°F)Beijing 14°C (56°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Beijing in the Winter?
Both Beijing 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. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Beijing this time of year.
It's quite cold in Beijing in the winter. In January, Vang Vieng is generally much warmer than Beijing. Daily temperatures in Vang Vieng average around 24°C (75°F), and Beijing fluctuates around -4°C (26°F).
In Beijing, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Vang Vieng. In the winter, Vang Vieng often gets more sunshine than Beijing. Vang Vieng gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Beijing receives 201 hours of full sun.
Vang Vieng usually gets more rain in January than Beijing. Vang Vieng gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryVang Vieng 24°C (75°F)Beijing -4°C (26°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Beijing in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Vang Vieng and Beijing. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vang Vieng year-round. Also, many travelers come to Beijing for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
Vang Vieng is much warmer than Beijing in the spring. The daily temperature in Vang Vieng averages around 23°C (73°F) in April, and Beijing fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Beijing this time of the year. In Vang Vieng, it's very sunny this time of the year. Vang Vieng usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Beijing during spring. Vang Vieng gets 230 hours of sunny skies, while Beijing receives 247 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 Beijing. Vang Vieng gets 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilVang Vieng 23°C (73°F)Beijing 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for Beijing and Vang Vieng
| Vang Vieng | Beijing | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | -4°C (26°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | -1°C (30°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Mar | 24°C (75°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 23°C (73°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| May | 23°C (73°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (72°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (72°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 182 mm (7.2 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 14°C (56°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | -1°C (29°F) | 2 mm (0.1 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.