Which place is cheaper, Christchurch or Vang Vieng?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Vang Vieng or Christchurch?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Christchurch? 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 Christchurch?
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.
Christchurch
Christchurch is the largest city on the South Island of New Zealand, right beside the Canterbury Plains. Most people begin their South Island travels here. The city itself can be fascinating to explore so it is worth allowing yourself several days in town as an introduction to the region.
The River Avon flows through the city center, twisting through the old buildings. Christchurch is referred to in New Zealand as the Garden City and it is easy to see why. It's quite a nice city with trees spread throughout. The economy is centered around international tourism as well as foreign education. There is a high Asian student population here, giving the city a diverse feel.
Christchurch's climate is temperate and the city receives moderate rainfall. In January average high temperatures are around 73 degrees Fahrenheit with averages around 52 degrees Fahrenheit in July. There is a sea breeze during the summer months that keep temperatures pleasant. Temperatures can drop below freezing at night during the winter months. Snow may also fall several times a year.
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 Adventure Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Eco Tours in New Zealand.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVang Vieng $14Christchurch $95
The average daily cost (per person) in Vang Vieng is $14, while the average daily cost in Christchurch is $95. 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 Christchurch in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVang Vieng $4.34Christchurch $49
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVang Vieng $8.68Christchurch $98
Compare Hotels in Vang Vieng and Christchurch
Looking for a hotel in Vang Vieng or Christchurch? 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 Christchurch Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Vang Vieng $3.18Christchurch $14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Christchurch
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Christchurch:
- Christchurch Airport (CHC): Transfer to Christchurch hotels: $129
- Departure Private Transfers from Christchurch to Airport CHC in Luxury Van: $91
- Christchurch Airport Transfers : Christchurch to Airport CHC in Luxury Van: $91
- Christchurch City Hotels to Airport Transfer - Lowest price 1 to 9 Passengers: $78
- Christchurch Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer to Christchurch: $69
- Arrival Private Transfer from Airport CHC to Christchurch in Business Car: $66
- Christchurch Airport Transfers : Christchurch to Airport CHC in Business Car: $66
- Departure Private Transfers from Christchurch to Airport CHC in Business Car: $66
- Christchurch Hotels to Airport Transfer: $51
- Christchurch to Christchurch Airport(CHC)- Departure Transfer: $32
- Private Transfer from Lyttelton Port to Christchurch Airport CHC: $29
Is it cheaper to fly into Vang Vieng or Christchurch?
Prices for flights to both Christchurch 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 $6.31Christchurch $31
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Vang Vieng $4.87Christchurch $17
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 Christchurch
Here are a few actual costs in Christchurch for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Christchurch Gondola Ride Ticket: $25
- 8 Day Southern Secrets Small Group Tour: $950
- Akaroa Day Tour From Christchurch: $113
- Akaroa Full Day Sightseeing Tour from Christchurch: $151
- Arthur's Pass and TranzAlpine Train Day Tour from Christchurch: $250
- Arthur's Pass: TranzAlpine Train and Castle Hill Day Tour: $235
- Arthurs Pass Day Tour With TranzAlpine and Jet Boat Ride : $229
- Christchurch Gondola and Tram City Tour Combo: $42
- Christchurch International Antarctic Centre Entry Tickets: $35
- Christchurch Scenic Helicopter Tour: $190
- Christchurch Tram City Tour & Punting Combo: $46
- Christchurch Zipline Tour: $120
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVang Vieng $1.14Christchurch $11
Sample the Local Flavors in Christchurch
Also in Christchurch, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- From Full-Day Wine Tour with Lunch: $100
- All-Inclusive Waipara Region Wine Tour from Christchurch: $106
- From Guided Local Wine Tours in Waipara: $119
- Akaroa Craft Distillery HeliGin Experience: $532
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vang Vieng and Christchurch, we can see that Christchurch 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 Christchurch 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 Christchurch would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Christchurch 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 Christchurch Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Vang Vieng or Christchurch?
Christchurch has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Vang Vieng. When comparing the sizes of Vang Vieng and Christchurch, 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 Christchurch?
Christchurch 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 Christchurch in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Vang Vieng as well as Christchurch. Vang Vieng attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Christchurch this time of year.
In July, Vang Vieng is generally a little warmer than Christchurchin January. Daily temperatures in Vang Vieng average around 22°C (72°F), and Christchurch fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Christchurch. In the summer, Vang Vieng often gets less sunshine than Christchurchin January. Vang Vieng gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Christchurch receives 224 hours of full sun.
Vang Vieng usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Christchurchin January. Vang Vieng gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryVang Vieng 22°C (72°F)Christchurch 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Christchurch in the Autumn?
Both Christchurch 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. Also, many travelers come to Christchurch for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Vang Vieng is much warmer than Christchurch in the autumn. The daily temperature in Vang Vieng averages around 23°C (73°F) in October, and Christchurch fluctuates around 12°C (54°F)in April.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vang Vieng. Vang Vieng usually receives more sunshine than Christchurch during autumn. Vang Vieng gets 222 hours of sunny skies, while Christchurch receives 161 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Vang Vieng usually receives more rain than Christchurchin April. Vang Vieng gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilVang Vieng 23°C (73°F)Christchurch 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Christchurch in the Winter?
Both Christchurch 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. Furthermore, many visitors come to Christchurch in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Vang Vieng is much warmer than Christchurch. Typically, the winter temperatures in Vang Vieng in January average around 24°C (75°F), and Christchurch averages at about 6°C (43°F)in July.
It's quite sunny in Vang Vieng. In the winter, Vang Vieng often gets more sunshine than Christchurchin July. Vang Vieng gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Christchurch receives 122 hours of full sun.
Vang Vieng usually gets less rain in January than Christchurchin July. Vang Vieng gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyVang Vieng 24°C (75°F)Christchurch 6°C (43°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Christchurch in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Vang Vieng and Christchurch. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vang Vieng year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Christchurch for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.
In April, Vang Vieng is generally much warmer than Christchurchin October. Daily temperatures in Vang Vieng average around 23°C (73°F), and Christchurch fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Christchurch this time of the year. In Vang Vieng, it's very sunny this time of the year. Vang Vieng usually receives more sunshine than Christchurch during spring. Vang Vieng gets 230 hours of sunny skies, while Christchurch receives 204 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 Christchurchin October. Vang Vieng gets 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberVang Vieng 23°C (73°F)Christchurch 12°C (54°F)
Typical Weather for Christchurch and Vang Vieng
| Vang Vieng | Christchurch | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | 24°C (75°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Apr | 23°C (73°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| May | 23°C (73°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 6°C (44°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (72°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (72°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 45 mm (1.8 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.