Which place is cheaper, Bruges 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 Bruges?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Bruges? 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 Bruges?
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.
Bruges
Located in the northern part of Belgium, in Flanders, Bruges is one of the most charming and well preserved cities in Europe. With its stone streets and charming shops, it is a postcard perfect city that seems to have jumped out of the pages of a Disney fairytale. The city itself is quite compact, adding to the charm and making it easily walkable. Even given its old world charm, it manages to present a cosmopolitan air as well. There's an active nightlife, but during the day the historical city center is best enjoyed at a leisurely pace. You can take a carriage ride through the cobblestone streets or you can wander around on your own. Be sure to swing into some of the museums, cathedrals, and churches you'll see along the way. There are now shops everywhere that are designed to appeal to tourists. While some may be easy to walk by, it takes the strongest souls to ignore the chocolate shops you'll see on your way.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Laos, The Best Budget Tours to Laos, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Belgium, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Belgium.
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Vang Vieng Prices
Laos PricesBruges Prices
Belgium Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVang Vieng $19Bruges $189
The average daily cost (per person) in Vang Vieng is $19, while the average daily cost in Bruges is $189. 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 Bruges in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVang Vieng $4.25Bruges $69
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVang Vieng $8.50Bruges $138
Compare Hotels in Vang Vieng and Bruges
Looking for a hotel in Vang Vieng or Bruges? 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 Bruges Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Vang Vieng $3.11Bruges $19
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 Bruges
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Bruges:
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Five Day Bus Pass$18
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Bike Rental for Day$9.39
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bruges
Also for Bruges, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private direct transfer from Bruges to The Hague: $293
- Private direct transfer from Bruges to Amsterdam: $262
- PrivateTransfer from Zeebrugge Port to Ostend Bruges Airport(OST): $240
- Private Transfer from Ostend Bruges Airport OST to Zeebrugge Port: $240
- Private Transfert from Bruges to Brussels Airport By Business car: $238
- Private transfer from Bruges to Brussels, 2h Stop in Ghent: $216
- Private direct transfer from Cruise Port Zeebrugge to Brussels: $192
- Private direct transfer from Bruges to Brussels: $154
- Private transfer from Bruges to Lille, English-speaking driver: $150
- Ostend Airport (OST) to Bruges hotel - RoundTrip Private Transfer: $144
- Private Transfer from Zeebrugge Cruise Port to Bruges hotels: $75
- Private Transfer from Bruges City Hotels to Zeebrugge Cruise Port: $75
Is it cheaper to fly into Vang Vieng or Bruges?
Prices for flights to both Bruges 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 $11Bruges $105
Typical Food Prices in Bruges
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Bruges:
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Cup of Tea$2.35
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Sandwich for Lunch$3.81
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bruges
For Bruges, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- The 10 Tastings of Bruges With Locals: Private Food Tour : $161
- Bruges Food Tour with Full Meal & Drinks by Do Eat Better: $165
- Bruges Food Tour: 8 Tastings of Local Delicacies: $184
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Vang Vieng $4.76Bruges $18
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
- 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 Hot Air Balloon Experience and Longtail Boat: $137
- Vang Vieng Hot Air Balloon Kayak Zipline,Blue lagoon1 Tour: $148
- Vang Vieng Jungle Day Tour: $58
- Vang Vieng Kayaking Fun Rapid and Float Tour: $65
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bruges
For Bruges, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Groeninge Museum Entrance$9.39
Tours and Activities in Bruges
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Bruges.
- "Hidden Brugge" Photo Tour - 2hr open city tour & workshop: $83
- "Shades of Brugge" Photo Tour - 3hr private city tour & workshop: $298
- 2-Hour Historical Walking Tour in Bruges with Praline Included: $3.59
- 6 Hour Bruges Shore Excursion from Zeebrugge Cruise Port: $81
- Authentic Medieval Bruges Private Tour with Local Guide: $96
- BRYGGJA ROMANTICA - 3 Hour Romantic Tour in Bruges: $54
- Best Bruges Cruise-Friendly Tour including Canal Boat Ride: $65
- Best Bruges Shore Excursion from Your Ship with Canal Cruise : $75
- Best Bruges Shore Excursion including Deluxe Canal Cruise: $79
- Best of History, Chocolate & Beer Tour: $66
- BikeTour Bruges & Damme in Spanish and English: $143
- Breathtaking Bruges - Private Walking Tour: $228
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVang Vieng $1.11Bruges $13
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vang Vieng and Bruges, we can see that Bruges 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 Bruges 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 Bruges would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bruges 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 Bruges Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Vang Vieng or Bruges?
Bruges has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Vang Vieng. When comparing the sizes of Vang Vieng and Bruges, 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 Bruges?
Bruges 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 Bruges in the Summer?
Both Bruges 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, the summer months attract visitors to Bruges because of the family-friendly experiences.
Vang Vieng is a little warmer than Bruges in the summer. The daily temperature in Vang Vieng averages around 22°C (72°F) in July, and Bruges fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).
It's quite sunny in Bruges. Vang Vieng usually receives less sunshine than Bruges during summer. Vang Vieng gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Bruges receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Vang Vieng usually receives less rain than Bruges. Vang Vieng gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyVang Vieng 22°C (72°F)Bruges 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Bruges in the Autumn?
Both Bruges 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, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Bruges this time of year.
In the autumn, Vang Vieng is much warmer than Bruges. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Vang Vieng in October average around 23°C (73°F), and Bruges averages at about 12°C (54°F).
It's quite sunny in Vang Vieng. In the autumn, Vang Vieng often gets more sunshine than Bruges. Vang Vieng gets 222 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bruges receives 105 hours of full sun.
Vang Vieng usually gets less rain in October than Bruges. Vang Vieng gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberVang Vieng 23°C (73°F)Bruges 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Bruges in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Vang Vieng and Bruges. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vang Vieng year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bruges for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Bruges. In January, Vang Vieng is generally much warmer than Bruges. Daily temperatures in Vang Vieng average around 24°C (75°F), and Bruges fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).
In Vang Vieng, it's very sunny this time of the year. Vang Vieng usually receives more sunshine than Bruges during winter. Vang Vieng gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Bruges receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Vang Vieng usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bruges. Vang Vieng gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryVang Vieng 24°C (75°F)Bruges 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Bruges in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Vang Vieng as well as Bruges. Vang Vieng attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Bruges in the spring for the natural beauty.
Vang Vieng is much warmer than Bruges in the spring. The daily temperature in Vang Vieng averages around 23°C (73°F) in April, and Bruges fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).
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 Bruges. Vang Vieng gets 230 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bruges receives 158 hours of full sun.
Vang Vieng receives a lot of rain in the spring. Vang Vieng usually gets more rain in April than Bruges. Vang Vieng gets 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilVang Vieng 23°C (73°F)Bruges 8°C (47°F)
Typical Weather for Bruges and Vang Vieng
| Vang Vieng | Bruges | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | 24°C (75°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Apr | 23°C (73°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| May | 23°C (73°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (72°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (72°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 75 mm (2.9 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 71 mm (2.8 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.