A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Vang Vieng vs. Cheju (Jeju) for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Vang Vieng or Cheju (Jeju)?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Vang Vieng or Cheju (Jeju)? 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 Cheju (Jeju)?

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.

Cheju (Jeju)

Cheju is an island located just off the southern coast of South Korea in the Korean Strait. It is known for its volcanic landscape full of craters and cave-like lava tubes, which many visitors venture to hike and explore. With the main industry invested in tourism, it is a popular vacation spot for Koreans and foreigners alike, and remains the top honeymoon destination for Korean newlyweds.

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 Cultural Tours in South Korea, and The Best Luxury Tours to South Korea.


Which place is cheaper, Cheju (Jeju) or Vang Vieng?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Vang Vieng is $14, while the average daily cost in Cheju (Jeju) is $72. 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 Cheju (Jeju) in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Vang Vieng $4.34
    Cheju (Jeju) $46
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Vang Vieng $8.68
    Cheju (Jeju) $92
Compare Hotels in Vang Vieng and Cheju (Jeju)

Looking for a hotel in Vang Vieng or Cheju (Jeju)? 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.

Hotels in Vang Vieng


Hotels in Cheju (Jeju)


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Vang Vieng $3.18
    Cheju (Jeju) $10

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cheju (Jeju)

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cheju (Jeju):

  • Private Sightseeing Tour to Jeju Island with Transfer Included: $190
  • jeju island Private Taxi Hallasan Hiking Trail Transfer - One way: $57
  • Private Taxi Transfer from Jeju City Downtown to Jeju Airport: $50
  • Private Transfer From Jeju Airport to in Seogwipo Jeju Island : $30
  • Private Transfer From Seogwipo to Jeju Airport in jeju island: $25
  • Jeju Airport Transfer: $20

Is it cheaper to fly into Vang Vieng or Cheju (Jeju)?

Prices for flights to both Cheju (Jeju) 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 day
    Vang Vieng $6.31
    Cheju (Jeju) $17

Typical Food Prices in Cheju (Jeju)

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Cheju (Jeju):


  • Burger
    $4.49
  • Donkatsu (Charles Restaurant)
    $7.24

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cheju (Jeju)

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cheju (Jeju).

  • Cooking Korean Cuisine and Dinner at Jeju Seaside Sunset Terrace: $108

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Vang Vieng $4.87
    Cheju (Jeju) $5.49

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

Tours and Activities in Cheju (Jeju)

Here are a few actual costs in Cheju (Jeju) for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Private 2days Jumbo Taxi Experienced Driver Tour in jeju island : $80
  • West Jeju Full Day Tour Package By Taxi: $184
  • 2 Day Private pictures of Nature Tour in jeju island: $150
  • 2 Days Private Taxi Tour - West and South of Jeju Island: $300
  • 2-Days JUMBO/MINI-VAN Tour in Jeju Island : $110
  • 3days Private Free Schedule Tour a lot of Experience Driver : $170
  • 9 hours tour with a taxi driver in jeju island: $70
  • Cherry Blossom East Day Tour in Jeju: $112
  • Customized private tour in Jeju island: $80
  • East of Jeju island Tour in Sky Water Circus -Package Tour: $140
  • East of jeju private Jumbo taxi tour with Mr.Ko (Suhong): $80
  • Full Day Essential Jeju Island Private tour for West Course: $270

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Vang Vieng $1.14
    Cheju (Jeju) $7.12


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vang Vieng and Cheju (Jeju), we can see that Cheju (Jeju) 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 Cheju (Jeju) would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cheju (Jeju) 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 Cheju (Jeju) Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Vang Vieng or Cheju (Jeju)?

Cheju (Jeju) has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Vang Vieng. When comparing the sizes of Vang Vieng and Cheju (Jeju), 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 Cheju (Jeju)?

Cheju (Jeju) 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 Cheju (Jeju) in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Vang Vieng as well as Cheju (Jeju). Vang Vieng attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the summer, Vang Vieng is cooler than Cheju (Jeju). Typically, the summer temperatures in Vang Vieng in July average around 22°C (72°F), and Cheju (Jeju) averages at about 26°C (79°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cheju (Jeju). In the summer, Vang Vieng often gets less sunshine than Cheju (Jeju). Vang Vieng gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 209 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Cheju (Jeju). Vang Vieng usually gets less rain in July than Cheju (Jeju). Vang Vieng gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 230 mm (9.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Vang Vieng 22°C (72°F) 
    Cheju (Jeju) 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Vang Vieng or Cheju (Jeju) in the Autumn?

Both Cheju (Jeju) and Vang Vieng are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vang Vieng throughout the year.

In October, Vang Vieng is generally a little warmer than Cheju (Jeju). Daily temperatures in Vang Vieng average around 23°C (73°F), and Cheju (Jeju) fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vang Vieng. Vang Vieng usually receives more sunshine than Cheju (Jeju) during autumn. Vang Vieng gets 222 hours of sunny skies, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 179 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Vang Vieng usually receives less rain than Cheju (Jeju). Vang Vieng gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Vang Vieng 23°C (73°F) 
    Cheju (Jeju) 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Vang Vieng or Cheju (Jeju) in the Winter?

Both Cheju (Jeju) and Vang Vieng during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Vang Vieng because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Vang Vieng is much warmer than Cheju (Jeju) in the winter. The daily temperature in Vang Vieng averages around 24°C (75°F) in January, and Cheju (Jeju) fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

It's quite sunny in Vang Vieng. In the winter, Vang Vieng often gets more sunshine than Cheju (Jeju). Vang Vieng gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 75 hours of full sun.

Vang Vieng usually gets less rain in January than Cheju (Jeju). Vang Vieng gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Vang Vieng 24°C (75°F) 
    Cheju (Jeju) 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Vang Vieng or Cheju (Jeju) in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Vang Vieng and Cheju (Jeju). Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vang Vieng year-round.

In the spring, Vang Vieng is much warmer than Cheju (Jeju). Typically, the spring temperatures in Vang Vieng in April average around 23°C (73°F), and Cheju (Jeju) averages at about 13°C (56°F).

In Vang Vieng, it's very sunny this time of the year. Vang Vieng usually receives more sunshine than Cheju (Jeju) during spring. Vang Vieng gets 230 hours of sunny skies, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 190 hours of full sun in the spring.

Vang Vieng gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Vang Vieng usually receives more rain than Cheju (Jeju). Vang Vieng gets 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Vang Vieng 23°C (73°F) 
    Cheju (Jeju) 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Cheju (Jeju) and Vang Vieng

Vang Vieng Cheju (Jeju)
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (75°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 5°C (41°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 24°C (75°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 6°C (42°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 24°C (75°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 9°C (47°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 23°C (73°F) 188 mm (7.4 in) 13°C (56°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
May 23°C (73°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 17°C (63°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 21°C (70°F) 184 mm (7.2 in)
Jul 22°C (72°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 26°C (79°F) 230 mm (9.1 in)
Aug 22°C (72°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 27°C (80°F) 241 mm (9.5 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 23°C (73°F) 179 mm (7 in)
Oct 23°C (73°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 18°C (64°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Nov 23°C (73°F) 113 mm (4.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Dec 23°C (73°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 8°C (46°F) 50 mm (2 in)