Which place is cheaper, Busan (Pusan) 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 Busan (Pusan)?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Busan (Pusan)? 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 Busan (Pusan)?
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.
Busan (Pusan)
An important port city in South Korea, Busan is known for its beaches, mountains, and temples. With a thriving harbor, the city's main revenue comes from international shipping, although the area is quite popular with tourists from all over the globe, too. The place is bustling with sailors from around the world as well as tourists who come to enjoy the culture of this modern and dynamic city.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Laos, The Best Budget Tours to Laos, The Best Tours for Seniors to South Korea, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Seoul.
-
Vang Vieng Prices
Laos PricesBusan (Pusan) Prices
South Korea Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVang Vieng $18Busan (Pusan) $96
The average daily cost (per person) in Vang Vieng is $18, while the average daily cost in Busan (Pusan) 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 Busan (Pusan) in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVang Vieng $4.19Busan (Pusan) $36
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVang Vieng $8.38Busan (Pusan) $72
Compare Hotels in Vang Vieng and Busan (Pusan)
Looking for a hotel in Vang Vieng or Busan (Pusan)? 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 Busan (Pusan) Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Vang Vieng $3.07Busan (Pusan) $19
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Busan (Pusan)
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Busan (Pusan):
- Private Transfer Gaimhae Airport to Busan City: $85
- Private Airport, Train Station & Hotel Transfer Service in Busan: $80
- Busan Private Transfer: Airport & KTX Stn. to/from Hotel in Busan: $79
- Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan Hotels: $65
- Private Transfer from Busan Int Airport(PUS) to Busan Cruise Port: $65
- Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan city hotels: $65
Is it cheaper to fly into Vang Vieng or Busan (Pusan)?
Prices for flights to both Busan (Pusan) 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 $11Busan (Pusan) $41
Typical Food Prices in Busan (Pusan)
Some typical examples of dining costs in Busan (Pusan) are as follows:
-
McDonald's$4.10
-
Carp Bread$0.66
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Busan (Pusan)
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Busan (Pusan).
- Busan Traditional Market Food Tour: $47
- Busan history and market food tour with local chef: $48
- Kimchi Kitchens Busan Food Tour with 10+ Tastings: $88
- Busan Tailored Korean cooking class (Vegan OK)with market tour: $100
- Korean cooking class in Haeundae, Busan: $104
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Vang Vieng $4.70Busan (Pusan) $18
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
Tours and Activities in Busan (Pusan)
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Busan (Pusan) are as follows:
- (Guaranteed Return) Busan Shore Excursion for Cruise Guests: $66
- (On-Time Return) Busan Cruise Shore Excursion for Small Group: $89
- (Return Assurance) Busan Small Group Cruise Shore Excursion: $85
- 1 Day Private Busan Guided Tour: $300
- Authentic Busan Full-Day City Highlights Tour: $31
- Busan 9 Highlights Tour: $40
- Busan City Top Attractions Tour with Haeundae Blueline Park: $31
- Busan City Tour Including Haedong Yonggungsa Temple And APEC House: $290
- Busan Coastal Views or Bamboo Forest with Local Markets Day Tour: $36
- Busan Cruise Port – Premium Small Group Tour (Max 6 Guests): $99
- Busan Cruise Shore Excursion: City Highlights and Food Taste Tour: $73
- Busan Day Tour with Pickup at the KTX Station-Family Couple Alone: $76
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayVang Vieng $1.10Busan (Pusan) $11
Sample the Local Flavors in Busan (Pusan)
Also in Busan (Pusan), these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Busan Pub Crawl with Traditional Korean Pub Experience: $23
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vang Vieng and Busan (Pusan), we can see that Busan (Pusan) 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 Busan (Pusan) would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Busan (Pusan) 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 Busan (Pusan) Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Vang Vieng or Busan (Pusan)?
Busan (Pusan) has a larger population, and is about 150 times larger than the population of Vang Vieng. When comparing the sizes of Vang Vieng and Busan (Pusan), 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 Busan (Pusan)?
Busan (Pusan) 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 Busan (Pusan) in the Summer?
Both Busan (Pusan) and Vang Vieng during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Vang Vieng because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In July, Vang Vieng is generally cooler than Busan (Pusan). Daily temperatures in Vang Vieng average around 22°C (72°F), and Busan (Pusan) fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
In the summer, Vang Vieng often gets less sunshine than Busan (Pusan). Vang Vieng gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Busan (Pusan) receives 166 hours of full sun.
Busan (Pusan) gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Vang Vieng usually gets less rain in July than Busan (Pusan). Vang Vieng gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 257 mm (10.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyVang Vieng 22°C (72°F)Busan (Pusan) 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Busan (Pusan) in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Vang Vieng and Busan (Pusan). Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vang Vieng year-round.
Vang Vieng is a little warmer than Busan (Pusan) in the autumn. The daily temperature in Vang Vieng averages around 23°C (73°F) in October, and Busan (Pusan) fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Busan (Pusan) this time of the year. In Vang Vieng, it's very sunny this time of the year. Vang Vieng usually receives more sunshine than Busan (Pusan) during autumn. Vang Vieng gets 222 hours of sunny skies, while Busan (Pusan) receives 202 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Vang Vieng usually receives around the same amount of rain as Busan (Pusan). Vang Vieng gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberVang Vieng 23°C (73°F)Busan (Pusan) 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Busan (Pusan) in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Vang Vieng as well as Busan (Pusan). Vang Vieng attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
The weather in Busan (Pusan) can be very cold. In the winter, Vang Vieng is much warmer than Busan (Pusan). Typically, the winter temperatures in Vang Vieng in January average around 24°C (75°F), and Busan (Pusan) averages at about 3°C (38°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Busan (Pusan). People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vang Vieng this time of the year. In the winter, Vang Vieng often gets more sunshine than Busan (Pusan). Vang Vieng gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Busan (Pusan) receives 200 hours of full sun.
Vang Vieng usually gets more rain in January than Busan (Pusan). Vang Vieng gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryVang Vieng 24°C (75°F)Busan (Pusan) 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Busan (Pusan) in the Spring?
Both Busan (Pusan) and Vang Vieng are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vang Vieng throughout the year.
In April, Vang Vieng is generally much warmer than Busan (Pusan). Daily temperatures in Vang Vieng average around 23°C (73°F), and Busan (Pusan) fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vang Vieng. Vang Vieng usually receives more sunshine than Busan (Pusan) during spring. Vang Vieng gets 230 hours of sunny skies, while Busan (Pusan) receives 196 hours of full sun in the spring.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Busan (Pusan). It's quite rainy in Vang Vieng. In April, Vang Vieng usually receives more rain than Busan (Pusan). Vang Vieng gets 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilVang Vieng 23°C (73°F)Busan (Pusan) 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for Busan (Pusan) and Vang Vieng
| Vang Vieng | Busan (Pusan) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | 24°C (75°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Apr | 23°C (73°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| May | 23°C (73°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 224 mm (8.8 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (72°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 257 mm (10.1 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (72°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 204 mm (8 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 187 mm (7.4 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 24 mm (0.9 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.