Which place is cheaper, Cuenca 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 Cuenca?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Cuenca? 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 Cuenca?
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.
Cuenca
Cuenca is a vibrant colonial city in southern Ecuador, the third largest in the country, and the capital of Azuay Province. Cuenca is considered as Ecuador's most important and beautiful colonial city after Quito. Dating from the 16th century, Cuenca's historic center, a Unesco World Heritage Site with its trademark skyline of massive rotundas and soaring steeples, is a magical sight in which you will feel like you are moving back in time. Cuenca is the center of many craft traditions, including ceramics, metalwork and the internationally famous panama hat. The nearby villages also offer many other handicrafts. Tourists enjoy wandering the ancient streets discovering picturesque alleys and hidden corners, where nuns march along cobblestone streets and kids in Catholic-school uniforms skip past historic churches. Fascinating historic monuments and fabulous views are found at every turn. Cuenca also has outstanding art museums and festivals. For a rewarding cultural experience, visit during Easter to attend the Festival of Religious Music.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Laos, The Best Budget Tours to Laos, The Best Wildlife Tours to Ecuador, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Ecuador.
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Vang Vieng Prices
Laos PricesCuenca Prices
Ecuador Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVang Vieng $19Cuenca $53
The average daily cost (per person) in Vang Vieng is $19, while the average daily cost in Cuenca is $53. 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 Cuenca in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVang Vieng $4.25Cuenca $13
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVang Vieng $8.50Cuenca $26
Compare Hotels in Vang Vieng and Cuenca
Looking for a hotel in Vang Vieng or Cuenca? 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 Cuenca Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Vang Vieng $3.11Cuenca $11
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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cuenca
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Cuenca:
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Taxi Ride$2.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cuenca
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cuenca:
- Cuenca to/from Guayaquil Private Transfer: $80
- Cuenca Airport Transfer: $13
Is it cheaper to fly into Vang Vieng or Cuenca?
Prices for flights to both Cuenca 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 $11Cuenca $26
Typical Food Prices in Cuenca
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Cuenca:
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Lunch$10
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Snacks$5.00
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Empanada$1.50
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Hot Dog$1.00
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cuenca
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cuenca.
- Street food Tour in Cuenca,Ecuador: $33
- Cooking Class & Market Tour in Cuenca: $55
- Experience Ecuador: Join an Andean Cooking Class in Cuenca: $85
- Private Cooking Class: $125
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Vang Vieng $4.76Cuenca $16
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
- Vangrong Full Day Tour: $45
- Vang Vieng Shared Tour with Kayaking in Nam Song River: $48
- Vang Vieng Bike Tour: $49
- One Day Guided Tour: Kayaking, Zipline & Tubing In The Cave from Vang Vieng : $50
- Kayaking&Zipline&Cave Tubing&cave tour: $51
- Vangrong One Day Shared Tour: $52
- Vang Vieng Tour B - Nam Xay Viewpoint Hike & Blue Lagoon 1 Tour: $55
- Laos: Jungle Zipline and Caving Tour: $58
Tours and Activities in Cuenca
Here are a few actual costs in Cuenca for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Cuenca-Ec- Highlights City Tour : $16
- Amazing Cajas National Park Tour from Cuenca: $47
- Azuay Cuenca Ecuador Tour: $1,300
- Biking Cuenca City Tour: $50
- Birdwatching Tour Cajas Park and Tamarindo Tropical Forest area from Cuenca: $130
- Birdwatching Tour in Cajas National Park from Cuenca: $100
- Birdwatching Tour, Via Gualaceo to the Eastern slope from Cuenca: $130
- Cajas National Park FULL-DAY Tour from Cuenca: $55
- Cajas National Park Half Day Tour from Cuenca: $39
- Cajas National Park Small-Group tour from Cuenca: $48
- Cajas National Park and Cuenca City private Tour: $110
- Complete excursion Ingapirca & Gualaceo Chordeleg Tour Archaeological Artisanal: $60
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVang Vieng $1.11Cuenca $14
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vang Vieng and Cuenca, we can see that Cuenca 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 Cuenca is in South America, 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 Cuenca would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cuenca 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 Cuenca Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Vang Vieng or Cuenca?
Cuenca has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Vang Vieng. When comparing the sizes of Vang Vieng and Cuenca, 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 Cuenca?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Cuenca in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Vang Vieng as well as Cuenca. Vang Vieng attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cuenca throughout the year.
Vang Vieng usually gets more rain in July than Cuenca. Vang Vieng gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
In July, Vang Vieng is generally around the same temperature as Cuenca. Daily temperatures in Vang Vieng average around 22°C (72°F), and Cuenca fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyVang Vieng 22°C (72°F)Cuenca 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Cuenca in the Autumn?
Both Cuenca 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. Plenty of visitors come to Cuenca because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In October, Vang Vieng usually receives more rain than Cuenca. Vang Vieng gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
Vang Vieng is much warmer than Cuenca in the autumn. The daily temperature in Vang Vieng averages around 23°C (73°F) in October, and Cuenca fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberVang Vieng 23°C (73°F)Cuenca 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Cuenca in the Winter?
Both Cuenca 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cuenca year-round.
Vang Vieng usually gets more rain in January than Cuenca. Vang Vieng gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Cuenca. In the winter, Vang Vieng is much warmer than Cuenca. Typically, the winter temperatures in Vang Vieng in January average around 24°C (75°F), and Cuenca averages at about 4°C (39°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryVang Vieng 24°C (75°F)Cuenca 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Cuenca in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Vang Vieng and Cuenca. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vang Vieng year-round. Cuenca attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Vang Vieng gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Vang Vieng usually receives more rain than Cuenca. Vang Vieng gets 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
In April, Vang Vieng is generally much warmer than Cuenca. Daily temperatures in Vang Vieng average around 23°C (73°F), and Cuenca fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilVang Vieng 23°C (73°F)Cuenca 10°C (50°F)
Typical Weather for Cuenca and Vang Vieng
| Vang Vieng | Cuenca | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Mar | 24°C (75°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Apr | 23°C (73°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| May | 23°C (73°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (72°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (72°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 15 mm (0.6 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.