Which place is cheaper, Byron Bay or Vang Vieng?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Vang Vieng or Byron Bay?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Byron Bay? 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 Byron Bay?
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.
Byron Bay
South of Brisbane, off the Pacific Highway, is the coastal town of Byron Bay. It is close to Cape Byron, which is the easternmost point in mainland Australia. Byron Bay makes its way onto most traveler's itineraries because of its wonderful beach activities. The area is world famous for its waves, making it popular with surfers, but it also has incredible scuba diving, whale watching, and a generally relaxed atmosphere. The area continues to rise in popularity with travelers and as such, amenities and facilities are popping up everywhere.
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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Australia, and The Best Contiki Tours to Australia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVang Vieng $14Byron Bay $139
The average daily cost (per person) in Vang Vieng is $14, while the average daily cost in Byron Bay is $139. 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 Byron Bay in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVang Vieng $4.34Byron Bay $66
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVang Vieng $8.68Byron Bay $132
Compare Hotels in Vang Vieng and Byron Bay
Looking for a hotel in Vang Vieng or Byron Bay? 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 Byron Bay Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Vang Vieng $3.18Byron Bay $32
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Byron Bay
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Byron Bay:
- Byron Bay Tandem Skydive with Transfer Options: $240
Is it cheaper to fly into Vang Vieng or Byron Bay?
Prices for flights to both Byron Bay 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 $6.31Byron Bay $47
Typical Food Prices in Byron Bay
Some typical examples of dining costs in Byron Bay are as follows:
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Dinner at Olivo (for 2)$58
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Vang Vieng $4.87Byron Bay $35
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 Byron Bay
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Byron Bay are as follows:
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Buddha Gardens Spa (for 2)$123
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Surf Lesson$42
Tours and Activities in Byron Bay
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Byron Bay are as follows:
- 3-Hour Small-Group Byron Bay Tour: $66
- Beyond Byron Hinterland Tour: $132
- Broken Head Aboriginal Tour: $46
- Broken Head Aboriginal Tour: $45
- Brunswick River: Byron Sunset Eco Rainforest River Cruise: $62
- Byron Bay Half-Day Tour: $65
- Byron Bay Hinterland Tour Including Rainforest Walk to Minyon Falls: $112
- Byron Bay Hinterland: National Park and Waterfalls Tour: $110
- Byron Bay Lighthouse and Hinterland Tour: $66
- Byron Bay and Beyond Tour Including Cape Bryon Lighthouse Crystal Castle and Bangalow: $125
- Brunswick Heads Sunset Rainforest Eco-Cruise: $63
- Brunswick River Scenic Kayak Tour: $39
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVang Vieng $1.14Byron Bay $14
Sample the Local Flavors in Byron Bay
Also in Byron Bay, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Arvo Session Brewery and Distillery Tour: $97
- Afternoon Brewery and Distillery session : $99
- Full-Day Brewery and Distillery Tour with Lunch: $127
- Full Barrel Brewery and Distillery tour: $129
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vang Vieng and Byron Bay, we can see that Byron Bay 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 Byron Bay 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 Byron Bay would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Byron Bay 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 Byron Bay Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Vang Vieng or Byron Bay?
Vang Vieng has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Byron Bay. When comparing the sizes of Vang Vieng and Byron Bay, 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 Byron Bay?
Byron Bay 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 Byron Bay in the Summer?
Both Byron Bay 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. Also, most visitors come to Byron Bay for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In July, Vang Vieng is generally around the same temperature as Byron Bayin January. Daily temperatures in Vang Vieng average around 22°C (72°F), and Byron Bay fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).
Byron Bay gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Vang Vieng usually gets less rain in July than Byron Bayin January. Vang Vieng gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Byron Bay receives 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryVang Vieng 22°C (72°F)Byron Bay 23°C (74°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Byron Bay in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Vang Vieng and Byron Bay. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vang Vieng year-round. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Byron Bay because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.
Vang Vieng is a little warmer than Byron Bay in the autumn. The daily temperature in Vang Vieng averages around 23°C (73°F) in October, and Byron Bay fluctuates around 20°C (69°F)in April.
Byron Bay receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Vang Vieng usually receives less rain than Byron Bayin April. Vang Vieng gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Byron Bay receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilVang Vieng 23°C (73°F)Byron Bay 20°C (69°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Byron Bay in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Vang Vieng as well as Byron Bay. Vang Vieng attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Byron Bay this time of year.
In the winter, Vang Vieng is much warmer than Byron Bay. Typically, the winter temperatures in Vang Vieng in January average around 24°C (75°F), and Byron Bay averages at about 14°C (58°F)in July.
Vang Vieng usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Byron Bayin July. Vang Vieng gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Byron Bay receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyVang Vieng 24°C (75°F)Byron Bay 14°C (58°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Byron Bay in the Spring?
Both Byron Bay 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. Also, many travelers come to Byron Bay for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.
In April, Vang Vieng is generally a little warmer than Byron Bayin October. Daily temperatures in Vang Vieng average around 23°C (73°F), and Byron Bay fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).
It's quite rainy in Vang Vieng. In April, Vang Vieng usually receives more rain than Byron Bayin October. Vang Vieng gets 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain, while Byron Bay receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberVang Vieng 23°C (73°F)Byron Bay 19°C (67°F)
Typical Weather for Byron Bay and Vang Vieng
| Vang Vieng | Byron Bay | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) |
| Mar | 24°C (75°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Apr | 23°C (73°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) |
| May | 23°C (73°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (72°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (72°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 32 mm (1.2 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 118 mm (4.6 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.