Which place is cheaper, Dalian 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 Dalian?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Dalian? 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 Dalian?
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.
Dalian
Dalian, China is a very large peninsula city located in the southernmost part of the Liaoning Province in northeast China. The area has a wealth of history, with roots in Russian and Japanese rule, resulting in unique architecture and many universities that attract foreign students and teachers. Dalian is also known for their beautiful green spaces and relaxing beaches which juxtapose a lot of the more industrial cities found throughout other areas of northern China.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Laos, The Best Budget Tours to Laos, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in China.
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Vang Vieng Prices
Laos PricesDalian Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVang Vieng $19Dalian $124
The average daily cost (per person) in Vang Vieng is $19, while the average daily cost in Dalian is $124. 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 Dalian in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVang Vieng $4.25Dalian $55
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVang Vieng $8.50Dalian $110
Compare Hotels in Vang Vieng and Dalian
Looking for a hotel in Vang Vieng or Dalian? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Vang Vieng $3.11Dalian $41
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 Dalian
Also for Dalian, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport Chauffeur Service , to Dalian Transfer: $40
- Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport Chauffeur Service , to Dalian Transfer: $27
Is it cheaper to fly into Vang Vieng or Dalian?
Prices for flights to both Dalian 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 $11Dalian $48
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Vang Vieng $4.76Dalian $4.86
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
- 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 Hot Air Balloon Experience and Longtail Boat: $137
- Vang Vieng Hot Air Balloon Kayak Zipline,Blue lagoon1 Tour: $148
- Vang Vieng Jungle Day Tour: $58
- Vang Vieng Kayaking Fun Rapid and Float Tour: $65
Tours and Activities in Dalian
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Dalian.
- Dalian City Private Day Tour in Your Way: $250
- Seaside and Skyline A Scenic Walking Tour of Dalian: $150
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVang Vieng $1.11Dalian $6.41
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vang Vieng and Dalian, we can see that Dalian 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 Dalian would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dalian 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 Dalian Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Vang Vieng or Dalian?
Dalian has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Vang Vieng. When comparing the sizes of Vang Vieng and Dalian, 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 Dalian?
Dalian 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 Dalian in the Summer?
Both Dalian and Vang Vieng are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vang Vieng throughout the year.
Vang Vieng is around the same temperature as Dalian in the summer. The daily temperature in Vang Vieng averages around 22°C (72°F) in July, and Dalian fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Dalian. In July, Vang Vieng usually receives less rain than Dalian. Vang Vieng gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Dalian receives 202 mm (8 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyVang Vieng 22°C (72°F)Dalian 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Dalian in the Autumn?
Both Dalian and Vang Vieng during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Vang Vieng because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the autumn, Vang Vieng is much warmer than Dalian. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Vang Vieng in October average around 23°C (73°F), and Dalian averages at about 15°C (58°F).
Vang Vieng usually gets more rain in October than Dalian. Vang Vieng gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Dalian receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberVang Vieng 23°C (73°F)Dalian 15°C (58°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Dalian in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Vang Vieng and Dalian. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vang Vieng year-round.
Dalian can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Vang Vieng is generally much warmer than Dalian. Daily temperatures in Vang Vieng average around 24°C (75°F), and Dalian fluctuates around -4°C (25°F).
In January, Vang Vieng usually receives more rain than Dalian. Vang Vieng gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Dalian receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryVang Vieng 24°C (75°F)Dalian -4°C (25°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Dalian in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Vang Vieng as well as Dalian. Vang Vieng attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Vang Vieng is much warmer than Dalian in the spring. The daily temperature in Vang Vieng averages around 23°C (73°F) in April, and Dalian fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
Vang Vieng receives a lot of rain in the spring. Vang Vieng usually gets more rain in April than Dalian. Vang Vieng gets 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain, while Dalian receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilVang Vieng 23°C (73°F)Dalian 11°C (51°F)
Typical Weather for Dalian and Vang Vieng
| Vang Vieng | Dalian | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | -4°C (25°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | -2°C (28°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Mar | 24°C (75°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 4°C (38°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Apr | 23°C (73°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| May | 23°C (73°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (72°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 202 mm (8 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (72°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | -0°C (32°F) | 6 mm (0.2 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.