Which place is cheaper, Darwin or Vang Vieng?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Vang Vieng or Darwin?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Darwin? 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 Darwin?
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.
Darwin
Darwin is a tropical city set against the Timor Sea in north central Australia. It is also the capital city of the Northern Territory. Despite being a relatively small city, Darwin is very diverse with residents from all over the world. The city itself has a very relaxed vibe with plenty to do. Visitors can enjoy everything from traditionally Asian style markets to culturally diverse events such as concerts, festivals or art shows.
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 Walking Tours in Australia, and The Best Eco Tours in Australia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVang Vieng $14Darwin $111
The average daily cost (per person) in Vang Vieng is $14, while the average daily cost in Darwin is $111. 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 Darwin in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVang Vieng $4.34Darwin $62
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVang Vieng $8.68Darwin $124
Compare Hotels in Vang Vieng and Darwin
Looking for a hotel in Vang Vieng or Darwin? 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 Darwin Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Vang Vieng $3.18Darwin $12
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Darwin
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Darwin:
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Shuttle to Train Station$9.73
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Darwin
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Darwin:
- Darwin Int Airport (DRW) to Darwin - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $142
- Crocodile Jumping Boat Cruise with Transfer from Darwin: $92
- Darwin to Darwin Int Airport (DRW) - Departure Private Transfer: $71
- Private Transfer from Darwin City Hotels to Darwin Cruise Port: $59
- Private Transfer from Darwin Cruise Port to Darwin Airport (DRW): $59
- Private Transfer from Darwin Airport (DRW) to Darwin Cruise Port: $59
Is it cheaper to fly into Vang Vieng or Darwin?
Prices for flights to both Darwin 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 $6.31Darwin $37
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Darwin
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Darwin.
- Sunset Harbour Cruise with Fish and Chips Dinner: $71
- Darwin Harbor Sunset Cruise with Buffet Dinner: $85
- Charles Darwin Dinner Cruise: $90
- Darwin Sunset Dinner Cruise on Cape Adieu: $96
- Sunset 3-Hour Cruise from Darwin with Dinner and Sparkling Wine: $112
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Vang Vieng $4.87Darwin $15
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 Darwin
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Darwin are as follows:
- 1 Day Corroboree Billabong Wetland Experience including 2.5 hour cruise + lunch: $139
- 1 Hour Adelaide River Queen Jumping Crocodile Cruise: $26
- 1 Hour Jumping Crocodile Cruise on the Adelaide River: $30
- 4 Hour Self Guided Gourmet Lunch and Aboriginal Art Tours: $138
- 4-Hour Outback Gourmet Food & Aboriginal Art Tour: $164
- 4x4 Litchfield Park Adventures : $238
- Bombing of Darwin WWII Heritage Tours: $89
- Bombing of Darwin World War II Tour with Harbour Cruise: $98
- Corroboree Billabong Wetland Cruises - 1.5 hour Morning cruise: $50
- Crocosaurus Cove General Admission Ticket: $26
- Darwin City Explorer Tour: $102
- Darwin City Sightseeing Tour: $65
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVang Vieng $1.14Darwin $13
Typical Alcohol Prices in Darwin
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Darwin from other travelers:
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Evening at a Bar$16
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Glass of Wine$4.54
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vang Vieng and Darwin, we can see that Darwin 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 Darwin 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 Darwin would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Darwin 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 Darwin Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Vang Vieng or Darwin?
Darwin has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Vang Vieng. When comparing the sizes of Vang Vieng and Darwin, 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 Darwin?
Darwin 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 Darwin in the Summer?
Both Darwin and Vang Vieng during the summer 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 Darwin in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Vang Vieng is generally cooler than Darwinin January. Daily temperatures in Vang Vieng average around 22°C (72°F), and Darwin fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).
In the summer, Vang Vieng often gets less sunshine than Darwinin January. Vang Vieng gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Darwin receives 173 hours of full sun.
Darwin gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Vang Vieng usually gets less rain in July than Darwinin January. Vang Vieng gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Darwin receives 437 mm (17.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryVang Vieng 22°C (72°F)Darwin 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Darwin in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Vang Vieng and Darwin. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vang Vieng year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Darwin for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months.
Vang Vieng is cooler than Darwin in the autumn. The daily temperature in Vang Vieng averages around 23°C (73°F) in October, and Darwin fluctuates around 29°C (84°F)in April.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Darwin this time of the year. In Vang Vieng, it's very sunny this time of the year. Vang Vieng usually receives less sunshine than Darwin during autumn. Vang Vieng gets 222 hours of sunny skies, while Darwin receives 267 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Vang Vieng usually receives less rain than Darwinin April. Vang Vieng gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Darwin receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilVang Vieng 23°C (73°F)Darwin 29°C (84°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Darwin in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Vang Vieng as well as Darwin. Vang Vieng attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Darwin because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Vang Vieng is around the same temperature as Darwin. Typically, the winter temperatures in Vang Vieng in January average around 24°C (75°F), and Darwin averages at about 25°C (77°F)in July.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Darwin. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vang Vieng this time of the year. In the winter, Vang Vieng often gets less sunshine than Darwinin July. Vang Vieng gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Darwin receives 312 hours of full sun.
Vang Vieng usually gets more rain in January than Darwinin July. Vang Vieng gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Darwin receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyVang Vieng 24°C (75°F)Darwin 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Darwin in the Spring?
Both Darwin and Vang Vieng are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vang Vieng throughout the year. Also, the beaches are the main draw to Darwin this time of year.
In April, Vang Vieng is generally cooler than Darwinin October. Daily temperatures in Vang Vieng average around 23°C (73°F), and Darwin fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).
It's quite sunny in Darwin. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vang Vieng. Vang Vieng usually receives less sunshine than Darwin during spring. Vang Vieng gets 230 hours of sunny skies, while Darwin receives 291 hours of full sun in the spring.
It's quite rainy in Vang Vieng. In April, Vang Vieng usually receives more rain than Darwinin October. Vang Vieng gets 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain, while Darwin receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberVang Vieng 23°C (73°F)Darwin 29°C (85°F)
Typical Weather for Darwin and Vang Vieng
| Vang Vieng | Darwin | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 437 mm (17.2 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 343 mm (13.5 in) |
| Mar | 24°C (75°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 342 mm (13.5 in) |
| Apr | 23°C (73°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) |
| May | 23°C (73°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (72°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (72°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) | 30°C (85°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 234 mm (9.2 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.