Which place is cheaper, Canberra 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 Canberra?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Canberra? 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 Canberra?
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.
Canberra
There is something special about the capital city of Australia. Canberra's not just a wonderful spot for outdoor adventures. It's a city completely designed and built up around the coast of an artificial lake. When architects Walter Burley and Marion Mahony Griffin proposed their plans for Canberra it was met with a lot of criticism. Many people thought it would be a "waste of a good sheep pasture."
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Laos, The Best Budget Tours to Laos, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Melbourne, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Australia.
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Vang Vieng Prices
Laos PricesCanberra Prices
Australia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVang Vieng $19Canberra $159
The average daily cost (per person) in Vang Vieng is $19, while the average daily cost in Canberra is $159. 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 Canberra in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVang Vieng $4.25Canberra $83
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVang Vieng $8.50Canberra $166
Compare Hotels in Vang Vieng and Canberra
Looking for a hotel in Vang Vieng or Canberra? 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 Canberra Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Vang Vieng $3.11Canberra $24
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Canberra
Also for Canberra, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Canberra Airport (CBR) to Canberra - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $134
- Guided Tour of Floriade Festival with Transfers: $125
- Canberra to Canberra Airport (CBR) - Departure Private Transfer: $67
- Canberra Int'l Airport (CBR) to Canberra Arrival Private Transfer: $67
Is it cheaper to fly into Vang Vieng or Canberra?
Prices for flights to both Canberra 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 $11Canberra $60
Typical Food Prices in Canberra
For Canberra, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Lunch$16
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Vang Vieng $4.76Canberra $17
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
Tours and Activities in Canberra
For Canberra, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Personalised Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing in Canberra, with John: $40
- Australian Institute of Sport: The AIS Tour: $14
- Building + Architecture Tour | 10am Daily: $13
- Canberra Floriade Tour: $127
- Canberra Glassblowing Experience: Make Your Own Bird: $79
- Canberra One Day Tour: $244
- Canberra Small Group Winery Tour: $151
- Beer, Wine, and Spirits Tasting Tour: $112
- City Highlights Day Tour with Entrance Fees: $125
- Kangaroos and Koala Experience Tour: $89
- National Portrait Gallery Guided Tour: $9.92
- Private Wine Discovery Tour with Lunch: $397
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVang Vieng $1.11Canberra $16
Typical Alcohol Prices in Canberra
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Canberra from other travelers:
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Drinks at a Bar$9.16
Sample the Local Flavors in Canberra
Also in Canberra, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Canberra Bar Crawl Can I Get a Drink Canberra: $15
- Wine Tour From Canberra to Murrumbateman - Hop on Hop Off: $60
- 2 People - Indulgence Wine Tasting with Matched Elements Canberra: $87
- Canberra Brewery Winery and Distillery Tour: $114
- From Winery, Distillery, & Tasting Tour with Lunch: $149
- Canberra Wine Tour: $161
- Full-Day Canberra Brewery, Wineries & Distillery tour /w lunch: $174
- 2 People - Premium Wine Tasting Experience and 2-Course Lunch: $181
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vang Vieng and Canberra, we can see that Canberra 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 Canberra 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 Canberra would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Canberra 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 Canberra Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Vang Vieng or Canberra?
Canberra has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Vang Vieng. When comparing the sizes of Vang Vieng and Canberra, 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 Canberra?
Canberra 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 Canberra in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Vang Vieng and Canberra. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vang Vieng year-round. Furthermore, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Canberra this time of year.
In July, Vang Vieng is generally a little warmer than Canberrain January. Daily temperatures in Vang Vieng average around 22°C (72°F), and Canberra fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).
In July, Vang Vieng usually receives less rain than Canberrain January. Vang Vieng gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryVang Vieng 22°C (72°F)Canberra 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Canberra in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Vang Vieng as well as Canberra. Vang Vieng attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Canberra for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.
Vang Vieng is a little warmer than Canberra in the autumn. The daily temperature in Vang Vieng averages around 23°C (73°F) in October, and Canberra fluctuates around 17°C (63°F)in April.
It's quite rainy in Canberra. Vang Vieng usually gets less rain in October than Canberrain April. Vang Vieng gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilVang Vieng 23°C (73°F)Canberra 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Canberra in the Winter?
Both Canberra and Vang Vieng are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vang Vieng throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Canberra in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Vang Vieng is much warmer than Canberra. Typically, the winter temperatures in Vang Vieng in January average around 24°C (75°F), and Canberra averages at about 11°C (52°F)in July.
In January, Vang Vieng usually receives more rain than Canberrain July. Vang Vieng gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyVang Vieng 24°C (75°F)Canberra 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Canberra in the Spring?
Both Canberra and Vang Vieng during the spring 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 Canberra for the activities around the city during these months.
In April, Vang Vieng is generally a little warmer than Canberrain October. Daily temperatures in Vang Vieng average around 23°C (73°F), and Canberra fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Vang Vieng. Vang Vieng usually gets more rain in April than Canberrain October. Vang Vieng gets 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberVang Vieng 23°C (73°F)Canberra 15°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Canberra and Vang Vieng
| Vang Vieng | Canberra | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) |
| Mar | 24°C (75°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) |
| Apr | 23°C (73°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| May | 23°C (73°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (72°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (72°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 14°C (56°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 79 mm (3.1 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.