Which place is cheaper, Brisbane or Vang Vieng?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Vang Vieng or Brisbane?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Brisbane? 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 Brisbane?
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.
Brisbane
Although Brisbane is often overlooked as a travel destination in Australia, it is the capital of the state of Queensland, and is the third largest city in Australia. It's a very young and vibrant city with an active nightlife and a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. It's a modern and economically thriving city and, if you do have time to visit, it actually has a lot to offer travelers. It has some beautiful scenery, a wonderful warm climate all year long, and is actually one of the fastest growing cities in Australia.
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 Luxury Tours to Australia, and The Best Adventure Tours to Australia.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVang Vieng $14Brisbane $131
The average daily cost (per person) in Vang Vieng is $14, while the average daily cost in Brisbane is $131. 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 Brisbane in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVang Vieng $4.34Brisbane $81
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVang Vieng $8.68Brisbane $162
Compare Hotels in Vang Vieng and Brisbane
Looking for a hotel in Vang Vieng or Brisbane? 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 Brisbane Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Vang Vieng $3.18Brisbane $17
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Brisbane
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Brisbane:
-
Airtrain to the City$9.73
-
Go Card$16
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Brisbane
Also for Brisbane, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer between Brisbane/BNE Airport -Gold Coast / OOL Airport(1-11Pax): $297
- NOOSA: Private Transfer to/fro Brisbane Airport (BNE): $252
- Private Transfer to Gold Coast /OOL Airport from Brisbane /BNE Airport (1-7 Pax): $228
- Brisbane Cruise Port: Private Transfer to Brisbane hotels: $206
- Brisbane Airport (BNE): Private Transfer to Brisbane Port: $206
- Brisbane Airport (BNE): Private Transfer to Brisbane hotels: $185
- Airport Transfer: Brisbane Airport BNE to Brisbane in Luxury Car: $145
- Sirromet Winery 3 Course Lunch, Tour, Tastings and Transfers: $132
- Tangalooma Snorkel the Wrecks Day Cruise Transfers: $127
- Private Transfer: Cruise Port to Brisbane Airport BNE or Brisbane City: $123
- Tangalooma Desert Safari Day Cruise Transfers: $121
- Tangalooma Marine Discovery Day Cruise Transfers: $121
Is it cheaper to fly into Vang Vieng or Brisbane?
Prices for flights to both Brisbane 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 $6.31Brisbane $31
Typical Food Prices in Brisbane
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Brisbane:
-
Hamburger Lunch$5.19
-
Cup of Coffee$1.95
-
Chinese Food Lunch$8.11
-
Ice cream$3.57
-
Japanese Meal$13
-
Smoothie$4.22
-
Japanese Soup$7.46
-
Coffee & Muffin$4.54
-
Morning Mint Tea$2.27
-
Veggie Burger & Chips$9.08
-
Bread$1.69
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Brisbane
For Brisbane, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Vertigo Dinner: Dining on the edge!: $163
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Vang Vieng $4.87Brisbane $24
Tours and Activities in Vang Vieng
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Vang Vieng.
- Discover Vang Vieng Private Tour- Trekking, Kayaking and Caving: $102
- Full Day Private Kayaking, Zipline & Tubing In The Cave Tour: $156
- Half-Day Nam Song River Kayak Tour with Zipline or Tham None: $27
- One Day Guided Tour: Kayaking, Zipline & Tubing In The Cave from Vang Vieng : $50
- Train ticket Vang vieng to Luang prabang: $50
- Vang Vieng Bike Tour: $39
- Vang Vieng Kayaking Fun Rapid and Float Tour: $35
- Vang Vieng Tour A - Blue lagoon 3 with Caves and Zipline: $110
- Vang Vieng Tour B - Nam Xay Viewpoint Hike & Blue Lagoon 1 Tour: $55
- Blue Lagoon and Countryside Bike Tour with Lunch: $50
- Jungle & Caves Full-Day Private Trekking Tour: $120
Typical Entertainment Prices in Brisbane
For Brisbane, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
-
Concert Tickets$13
Tours and Activities in Brisbane
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Brisbane.
- 1hr Animal Tour: $43
- 2hr Animal Tour: $73
- 3-Hour Walking Tour in Brisbane: $56
- 45-Minute Behind-the-Tanks Tour on North Stradbroke Island: $32
- 90min Brisbane River Cruise/Tour: $35
- Adventure Moreton Island Day Pass: $85
- All-Inclusive Dolphin & Tangalooma Wrecks Day Cruise Brisbane: $131
- Barefoot Luxury Mount Tamborine Winery Tour from Brisbane: $178
- Bellthorpe Rainforest Private Tour: $132
- Brisbane : Must See Attractions Private Walking Tour: $87
- Brisbane City Botanic Gardens Audio Tour FREE Ticket: $15
- Brisbane City Highlights Sightseeing Tour: $116
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayVang Vieng $1.14Brisbane $50
Typical Alcohol Prices in Brisbane
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Brisbane:
-
Evening at the Bar$9.73
-
Sixpack of Beer$9.08
-
Guiness Beer$5.51
-
Sixpack of Beer$8.43
Sample the Local Flavors in Brisbane
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Brisbane:
- XXXX Beer Brewery Tour & Beer Tasting: $24
- XXXX Brewery Tour: $24
- Artisinal Wine Tasting and Local 2-Course Meal: $49
- City Winery Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch: $50
- Wine tasting tour to Tamborine Mountain: $102
- Tamborine Wine & Distillery Tour + 2 Course Lunch: $124
- From Mount Tamborine Wine Tour with Gourmet Lunch: $131
- Brisbane Brewery Full Day Tour with Lunch: $131
- Mount Tamborine Wine Tasting Tour from Brisbane or the Gold Coast: $132
- Deluxe Wine Tour to Tamborine Mountain, includes two course lunch: $142
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vang Vieng and Brisbane, we can see that Brisbane 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 Brisbane 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 Brisbane would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Brisbane 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 Brisbane Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Vang Vieng or Brisbane?
Brisbane has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Vang Vieng. When comparing the sizes of Vang Vieng and Brisbane, 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 Brisbane?
Brisbane 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 Brisbane in the Summer?
Both Brisbane 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. Also, many travelers come to Brisbane for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
Vang Vieng is cooler than Brisbane in the summer. The daily temperature in Vang Vieng averages around 22°C (72°F) in July, and Brisbane fluctuates around 25°C (77°F)in January.
It's quite sunny in Brisbane. Vang Vieng usually receives less sunshine than Brisbane during summer. Vang Vieng gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Brisbane receives 256 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Brisbane. In July, Vang Vieng usually receives less rain than Brisbanein January. Vang Vieng gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 169 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryVang Vieng 22°C (72°F)Brisbane 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Brisbane in the Autumn?
Both Brisbane 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. Furthermore, many visitors come to Brisbane in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.
In the autumn, Vang Vieng is around the same temperature as Brisbane. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Vang Vieng in October average around 23°C (73°F), and Brisbane averages at about 22°C (71°F)in April.
In Brisbane, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Vang Vieng. In the autumn, Vang Vieng often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Brisbanein April. Vang Vieng gets 222 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brisbane receives 214 hours of full sun.
Brisbane gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Vang Vieng usually gets less rain in October than Brisbanein April. Vang Vieng gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilVang Vieng 23°C (73°F)Brisbane 22°C (71°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Brisbane in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Vang Vieng and Brisbane. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vang Vieng year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Brisbane for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
In January, Vang Vieng is generally much warmer than Brisbanein July. Daily temperatures in Vang Vieng average around 24°C (75°F), and Brisbane fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Brisbane this time of the year. In Vang Vieng, it's very sunny this time of the year. Vang Vieng usually receives more sunshine than Brisbane during winter. Vang Vieng gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Brisbane receives 226 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Vang Vieng usually receives less rain than Brisbanein July. Vang Vieng gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyVang Vieng 24°C (75°F)Brisbane 15°C (59°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Brisbane in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Vang Vieng as well as Brisbane. Vang Vieng attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Brisbane because of the beaches and the activities around the city.
Vang Vieng is a little warmer than Brisbane in the spring. The daily temperature in Vang Vieng averages around 23°C (73°F) in April, and Brisbane fluctuates around 21°C (69°F)in October.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Brisbane. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vang Vieng this time of the year. In the spring, Vang Vieng often gets less sunshine than Brisbanein October. Vang Vieng gets 230 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brisbane receives 259 hours of full sun.
Vang Vieng receives a lot of rain in the spring. Vang Vieng usually gets more rain in April than Brisbanein October. Vang Vieng gets 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberVang Vieng 23°C (73°F)Brisbane 21°C (69°F)
Typical Weather for Brisbane and Vang Vieng
| Vang Vieng | Brisbane | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 169 mm (6.7 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Mar | 24°C (75°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Apr | 23°C (73°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) |
| May | 23°C (73°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (72°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (72°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 127 mm (5 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.