Which place is cheaper, Bocas del Toro 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.
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Should you visit Vang Vieng or Bocas del Toro?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Bocas del Toro? 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 Bocas del Toro?
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.
Bocas del Toro
The capital of the Bocas del Toro province, this city of the same name sits in the Caribbean West region of Panama. Bocas del Toro, or Bocas Town, is in the district of Bocas del Toro, which also includes the towns of Bastimentos, Cauchero, Punta Laurel, and Tierra Oscura. The district has a population of about 17,000 and covers a total area of 433.2 square kilometers, and the town has a population of about 13,000. The area is a tourist destination for its beautiful beaches, excellent snorkeling and diving, and interesting culture.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Laos, The Best Budget Tours to Laos, The Best 2-Week Tours from Panama City, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Panama.
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Vang Vieng Prices
Laos PricesBocas del Toro Prices
Panama Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVang Vieng $19Bocas del Toro $96
The average daily cost (per person) in Vang Vieng is $19, while the average daily cost in Bocas del Toro is $96. 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 Bocas del Toro in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVang Vieng $4.25Bocas del Toro $33
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVang Vieng $8.50Bocas del Toro $66
Compare Hotels in Vang Vieng and Bocas del Toro
Looking for a hotel in Vang Vieng or Bocas del Toro? 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 Bocas del Toro Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Vang Vieng $3.11Bocas del Toro $10
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 Bocas del Toro
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Bocas del Toro:
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Water Taxi$3.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bocas del Toro
Also for Bocas del Toro, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer from Bocas del Toro to Puerto Viejo: $54
Is it cheaper to fly into Vang Vieng or Bocas del Toro?
Prices for flights to both Bocas del Toro 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 $11Bocas del Toro $47
Typical Food Prices in Bocas del Toro
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Bocas del Toro:
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Lunch$15
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Breakfast$14
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Vang Vieng $4.76Bocas del Toro $21
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bocas del Toro
For Bocas del Toro, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Island Boat Tour$25
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Starfish Island Boat Trip$20
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Yoga Class$4.99
Tours and Activities in Bocas del Toro
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Bocas del Toro.
- Bioluminescence Snorkeling and Boat Experience at Bocas del Toro: $50
- Bioluminescence Tour - Bocas del Toro: $49
- Bocas Biodiversity: A Birds & Wildlife EcoTour Experience: $76
- Bocas del Toro Island Hopping Day Tour in Zapatilla Beach: $51
- From Isla Colon: Bocas del Toro Archipelago Boat Tour: $56
- Full-Day Speedboat Tour, Wildlife, and Snorkeling in Bocas del Toro in Panama: $68
- Isla Colon Tour to Bird Island, Boca del Drago and Starfish Beach: $50
- Speed Boat tour to Mangrove Point -Starfish Beach -Bocas del Drago and Birds Island: $65
- Stand Up Paddle Board Experience in Bahia Honda Bocas del Toro: $60
- Zapatilla Island Hopping Day Tour: $49
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVang Vieng $1.11Bocas del Toro $12
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vang Vieng and Bocas del Toro, we can see that Bocas del Toro 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 Bocas del Toro is in Central America, 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 Bocas del Toro would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bocas del Toro 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 Bocas del Toro Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Vang Vieng or Bocas del Toro?
Vang Vieng has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Bocas del Toro. When comparing the sizes of Vang Vieng and Bocas del Toro, 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 Bocas del Toro?
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 Vang Vieng or Bocas del Toro in the Summer?
Both Bocas del Toro and Vang Vieng are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vang Vieng throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Bocas del Toro because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Bocas del Toro. In July, Vang Vieng usually receives less rain than Bocas del Toro. Vang Vieng gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
Vang Vieng usually receives more sunshine than Bocas del Toro during summer. Vang Vieng gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Bocas del Toro receives 124 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Vang Vieng is generally cooler than Bocas del Toro. Daily temperatures in Vang Vieng average around 22°C (72°F), and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyVang Vieng 22°C (72°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Bocas del Toro in the Autumn?
Both Bocas del Toro and Vang Vieng during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Vang Vieng because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bocas del Toro year-round.
Bocas del Toro gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Vang Vieng usually gets less rain in October than Bocas del Toro. Vang Vieng gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 198 mm (7.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
It's quite sunny in Vang Vieng. In the autumn, Vang Vieng often gets more sunshine than Bocas del Toro. Vang Vieng gets 222 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bocas del Toro receives 159 hours of full sun.
Vang Vieng is cooler than Bocas del Toro in the autumn. The daily temperature in Vang Vieng averages around 23°C (73°F) in October, and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberVang Vieng 23°C (73°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Bocas del Toro in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Vang Vieng and Bocas del Toro. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vang Vieng year-round. Bocas del Toro attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Bocas del Toro receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Vang Vieng usually receives less rain than Bocas del Toro. Vang Vieng gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 319 mm (12.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
In Vang Vieng, it's very sunny this time of the year. Vang Vieng usually receives more sunshine than Bocas del Toro during winter. Vang Vieng gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Bocas del Toro receives 159 hours of full sun in the winter.
In the winter, Vang Vieng is around the same temperature as Bocas del Toro. Typically, the winter temperatures in Vang Vieng in January average around 24°C (75°F), and Bocas del Toro averages at about 25°C (77°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryVang Vieng 24°C (75°F)Bocas del Toro 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Bocas del Toro in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Vang Vieng as well as Bocas del Toro. Vang Vieng attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bocas del Toro throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Bocas del Toro. Vang Vieng receives a lot of rain in the spring. Vang Vieng usually gets less rain in April than Bocas del Toro. Vang Vieng gets 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vang Vieng this time of the year. In the spring, Vang Vieng often gets more sunshine than Bocas del Toro. Vang Vieng gets 230 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bocas del Toro receives 172 hours of full sun.
In April, Vang Vieng is generally cooler than Bocas del Toro. Daily temperatures in Vang Vieng average around 23°C (73°F), and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilVang Vieng 23°C (73°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for Bocas del Toro and Vang Vieng
| Vang Vieng | Bocas del Toro | |||
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| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 319 mm (12.6 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 201 mm (7.9 in) |
| Mar | 24°C (75°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 193 mm (7.6 in) |
| Apr | 23°C (73°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) |
| May | 23°C (73°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 281 mm (11.1 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 276 mm (10.9 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (72°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (72°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 255 mm (10 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 367 mm (14.4 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 402 mm (15.8 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.