Which place is cheaper, Dubrovnik 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 Dubrovnik?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Dubrovnik? 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 Dubrovnik?
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.
Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik, the "Pearl of the Adriatic", is a beautiful walled city in southern Croatia that sits on the edge of the Adriatic Sea. It's a small city, with only about 40,000 residents, but it's become one of the most significant tourist destinations in the Mediterranean. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The city was historically built on maritime trade, which is not surprising given its location near major Italian and Greek ports such as Venice, Bari, Corfu, and Trieste. It was a center of language and literature and was the home of many important poets, playwrights, painters, and scientists during the 15th and 16th centuries. Today its economy is dependent on tourism and it is one of the most popular destinations in the region. People visit the city for its impressive history, beautiful setting, great weather, and interesting architecture.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Laos, The Best Budget Tours to Laos, The Best 2-Week Tours from Split, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Croatia.
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Vang Vieng Prices
Laos PricesDubrovnik Prices
Croatia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVang Vieng $19Dubrovnik $142
The average daily cost (per person) in Vang Vieng is $19, while the average daily cost in Dubrovnik is $142. 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 Dubrovnik in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVang Vieng $4.25Dubrovnik $59
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVang Vieng $8.50Dubrovnik $118
Compare Hotels in Vang Vieng and Dubrovnik
Looking for a hotel in Vang Vieng or Dubrovnik? 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 Dubrovnik Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Vang Vieng $3.11Dubrovnik $15
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 Dubrovnik
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Dubrovnik:
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Bus Around Town$1.67
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dubrovnik
Also for Dubrovnik, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Split to Dubrovnik transfer with Mostar tour & Wine: $1,006
- Zagreb to VIP Transfer with Your Choice of Tours: $848
- Private Transfer from Dubrovnik to Podgorica: $702
- From Split or Trogir: Private Transfer to Dubrovnik City: $644
- Private Transfer from Dubrovnik to Sarajevo: $611
- Private Transfer to Split with Oyster Tasting: $585
- Private Transfer to Dubrovnik from Split with stop options: $579
- Private Transfer from Dubrovnik to Mostar: $527
- One Way Private Transfer from Dubrovnik to Split: $501
- Dubrovnik to Split 1-Way Private Transfer: $494
- Private Transfer from Dubrovnik to Budva: $468
- Private transfer from Split to Dubrovnik - door to door: $468
Is it cheaper to fly into Vang Vieng or Dubrovnik?
Prices for flights to both Dubrovnik 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 $11Dubrovnik $67
Typical Food Prices in Dubrovnik
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Dubrovnik:
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Seafood Dinner (for 2)$34
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dubrovnik
For Dubrovnik, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Sunset Dinner Cruise around the Old Town: $82
- Gastro Cruise | Dinner and Boat ride around Dubrovnik Old Town: $93
- Dinner in the Sky Dubrovnik - Dine 50m above ground: $101
- Dinner in the Sky Dubrovnik: $114
- Secret Food Tours in Dubrovnik: $118
- Croatian Traditional Cuisine: Peka Cooking Lesson: $144
- Old Town Food Tour: $157
- Dubrovnik Old Town Food Tour: Small-Group Experience: $168
- Eat Like A Local On A Food Tour: $180
- Konavle Wine& History&food Tour: $226
- Traditional Dalmatian Cooking Class from Dubrovnik: $234
- Pelješac Full-Day Wine and Food Tour from Dubrovnik: $246
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Vang Vieng $4.76Dubrovnik $22
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Dubrovnik
For Dubrovnik, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Boat to Lokrum Island (for 2)$16
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Dubrovnik City Wall Tour (for 2)$62
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Dubrovnik Cable Car (for 2)$53
Tours and Activities in Dubrovnik
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Dubrovnik.
- 1H Sunset cruise around the Old Town Dubrovnik: $30
- Brand New Mercan Excursion 34 Private Tour From Dubrovnik Cavtat: $275
- Montenegro Bay Cruise with Lunch on the Boat from Koločep: $132
- 1.5-Hour Walking Tour of Dubrovnik's Old Town: $27
- 2-Hour Guided Walking Tour in Mlini: $60
- 3-Hour Dubrovnik Countryside ATV/Quad Safari Adventure Tour: $132
- 3-Hour Private Fort Lovrijenac and City Walls Tour with a Local Guide: $78
- 4 Hours Caves, Snorkeling and Swimming Tour in Dubrovnik: $93
- 4 Hours Private Boat Blue cave and Elaphiti Island Tour: $233
- 4 Hours Speed Boat Group Tour of Blue Cave, Lopud, and Kolocep : $93
- 50-minute Panoramic Cruise of Dubrovnik with English Audio Guide: $24
- 8 hours of Pure Bliss - Private Speedboat Experience: $386
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVang Vieng $1.11Dubrovnik $16
Sample the Local Flavors in Dubrovnik
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Dubrovnik:
- Dubrovnik Sunset Tour with Wine Tasting : $42
- Panoramic Dubrovnik Tour Golden Hour Sunset and Wine Tasting: $46
- Sunset and Wine / Dubrovnik Sunset Tour and Premium Wine Tasting : $54
- Brewery Tour with Food included: $66
- Columbo Pub Crawl Dubrovnik: $70
- Columbo Pub Crawl Dubrovnik: $72
- Sunset Wine Tasting At Panorama Point: $74
- Pub Crawl Nightlife Xperience: $80
- Ston and Korcula Island Day Trip from Dubrovnik with Wine Tasting: $83
- Day Tour of Korcula Island from Dubrovnik with Wine Tasting: $83
- Wine Tour - Get to know local grapes: $84
- From Korcula Island Tour with Wine Tasting: $88
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vang Vieng and Dubrovnik, we can see that Dubrovnik 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 Dubrovnik is in Europe, 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 Dubrovnik would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dubrovnik 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 Dubrovnik Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Vang Vieng or Dubrovnik?
Dubrovnik has a larger population, and is about 14% larger than the population of Vang Vieng. When comparing the sizes of Vang Vieng and Dubrovnik, 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 Dubrovnik?
Dubrovnik 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 Dubrovnik in the Summer?
Both Dubrovnik 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. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Dubrovnik this time of year.
Vang Vieng is cooler than Dubrovnik in the summer. The daily temperature in Vang Vieng averages around 22°C (72°F) in July, and Dubrovnik fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
In July, Vang Vieng usually receives more rain than Dubrovnik. Vang Vieng gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyVang Vieng 22°C (72°F)Dubrovnik 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Dubrovnik in the Autumn?
Both Dubrovnik 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. Also, many travelers come to Dubrovnik for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Vang Vieng is a little warmer than Dubrovnik. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Vang Vieng in October average around 23°C (73°F), and Dubrovnik averages at about 18°C (64°F).
Dubrovnik gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Vang Vieng usually gets less rain in October than Dubrovnik. Vang Vieng gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 162 mm (6.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberVang Vieng 23°C (73°F)Dubrovnik 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Dubrovnik in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Vang Vieng and Dubrovnik. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vang Vieng year-round. Also, many visitors come to Dubrovnik in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In January, Vang Vieng is generally much warmer than Dubrovnik. Daily temperatures in Vang Vieng average around 24°C (75°F), and Dubrovnik fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).
Dubrovnik receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Vang Vieng usually receives less rain than Dubrovnik. Vang Vieng gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 139 mm (5.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryVang Vieng 24°C (75°F)Dubrovnik 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Dubrovnik in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Vang Vieng as well as Dubrovnik. Vang Vieng attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Dubrovnik for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.
Vang Vieng is much warmer than Dubrovnik in the spring. The daily temperature in Vang Vieng averages around 23°C (73°F) in April, and Dubrovnik fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).
It's quite rainy in Dubrovnik. Vang Vieng receives a lot of rain in the spring. Vang Vieng usually gets more rain in April than Dubrovnik. Vang Vieng gets 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilVang Vieng 23°C (73°F)Dubrovnik 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for Dubrovnik and Vang Vieng
| Vang Vieng | Dubrovnik | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 139 mm (5.5 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) |
| Mar | 24°C (75°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| Apr | 23°C (73°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| May | 23°C (73°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (72°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (72°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 162 mm (6.4 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 178 mm (7 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.