Which place is cheaper, Gold Coast or Vang Vieng?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Vang Vieng or Gold Coast?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Gold Coast? 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 Gold Coast?
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.
Gold Coast
The Gold Coast is one of Australia's premier destinations. Famous for gorgeous beaches, warm weather, watersports, and plenty of activities for all ages, millions of tourists from Australia as well as everywhere in the world flock to this region every year. With beaches, national parks, theme parks, shopping and dining, nice resorts, boating, fishing, diving, theme parks and more, the Gold Coast offers something for everyone.
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 Food and Culinary Tours in Australia, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Australia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVang Vieng $14Gold Coast $98
The average daily cost (per person) in Vang Vieng is $14, while the average daily cost in Gold Coast is $98. 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 Gold Coast in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVang Vieng $4.34Gold Coast $55
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVang Vieng $8.68Gold Coast $110
Compare Hotels in Vang Vieng and Gold Coast
Looking for a hotel in Vang Vieng or Gold Coast? 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 $3.18Gold Coast $23
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gold Coast
Also for Gold Coast, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- From Tandem Skydive Byron Bay with Transfers: $240
- Tangalooma Snorkel the Wrecks Cruise Transfers: $154
- Tangalooma Desert Safari Day Cruise Transfers: $147
- Tangalooma Marine Discovery Day Cruise Transfers: $147
- Departure Private Transfer: Gold Coast to Airport OOL in Luxury Van: $127
- Gold Coast Airport Transfer: Gold Coast to Airport OOL in Luxury Car: $127
- Arrival Transfer: Airport OOL to Gold Coast by Luxury Van: $127
- Gold Coast Airport Transfer: Airport OOL to Gold Coast in Luxury Car: $127
- Gold Coast Airport Transfer: Gold Coast to Airport OOL in Luxury Van: $125
- Gold Coast Airport Transfer: Airport OOL to Gold Coast in Luxury Van: $125
- Tangalooma Beach Day Cruise with Bus Transfers: $114
- Australia Zoo Ticket and Roundtrip Transfer: $101
Is it cheaper to fly into Vang Vieng or Gold Coast?
Prices for flights to both Gold Coast 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 $6.31Gold Coast $27
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Gold Coast
For Gold Coast, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Australian Outback Spectacular Dinner & Show: $72
- Gold Coast Buffet Dinner Sightseeing Cruise: $79
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Vang Vieng $4.87Gold Coast $19
Tours and Activities in Vang Vieng
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Vang Vieng.
- Discover Vang Vieng Private Tour- Trekking, Kayaking and Caving: $102
- Full Day Private Kayaking, Zipline & Tubing In The Cave Tour: $156
- Half-Day Nam Song River Kayak Tour with Zipline or Tham None: $27
- One Day Guided Tour: Kayaking, Zipline & Tubing In The Cave from Vang Vieng : $50
- Train ticket Vang vieng to Luang prabang: $50
- Vang Vieng Bike Tour: $39
- Vang Vieng Kayaking Fun Rapid and Float Tour: $35
- Vang Vieng Tour A - Blue lagoon 3 with Caves and Zipline: $110
- Vang Vieng Tour B - Nam Xay Viewpoint Hike & Blue Lagoon 1 Tour: $55
- Blue Lagoon and Countryside Bike Tour with Lunch: $50
- Jungle & Caves Full-Day Private Trekking Tour: $120
Tours and Activities in Gold Coast
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Gold Coast.
- Whale Watching Australia Experience (3hours): $79
- 1.5 hr Jet Ski Safari tour to South Stradbroke Island!: $185
- 2 Hours Dolphin Kayaking & Snorkeling Tour on the Broadwater: $50
- 2.5-Hour Ultimate Learn to Surf Adventure: $43
- 2.5hr Gold Coast Kayaking & snorkelling tour: $52
- 3-Day Ticket: Dreamworld with WhiteWaterWorld & SkyPoint: $97
- Aquaduck Gold Coast 1 hour City and River Tour: $37
- Arro Jet Boating Experience, Surfers Paradise Gold Coast: $52
- Breakfast sailing cruise includes snacks & drinks: $79
- Brisbane: Winery Tour with Tastings and 2-Course Lunch: $150
- Broadwater Morning Cruise: $39
- Broadwater Morning Cruise with Spirit of Gold Coast: $39
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVang Vieng $1.14Gold Coast $5.19
Sample the Local Flavors in Gold Coast
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Gold Coast:
- Tamborine Mountain: Wine Tasting Tour with 2-Course Lunch: $124
- Full-Day Guided Wine Tour in Mt Tamborine From Gold Coast : $133
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vang Vieng and Gold Coast, we can see that Gold Coast 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 Gold Coast 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 Gold Coast would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Gold Coast 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 Gold Coast Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Vang Vieng or Gold Coast?
Gold Coast has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Vang Vieng. When comparing the sizes of Vang Vieng and Gold Coast, 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 Gold Coast?
Gold Coast 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 Gold Coast in the Summer?
Both Gold Coast 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, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Gold Coast this time of year.
Vang Vieng is cooler than Gold Coast in the summer. The daily temperature in Vang Vieng averages around 22°C (72°F) in July, and Gold Coast fluctuates around 25°C (77°F)in January.
It's quite sunny in Gold Coast. Vang Vieng usually receives less sunshine than Gold Coast during summer. Vang Vieng gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Gold Coast receives 256 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Gold Coast. In July, Vang Vieng usually receives less rain than Gold Coastin January. Vang Vieng gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryVang Vieng 22°C (72°F)Gold Coast 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Gold Coast in the Autumn?
Both Gold Coast 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 Gold Coast for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.
In the autumn, Vang Vieng is around the same temperature as Gold Coast. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Vang Vieng in October average around 23°C (73°F), and Gold Coast averages at about 22°C (71°F)in April.
In Gold Coast, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Vang Vieng. In the autumn, Vang Vieng often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Gold Coastin April. Vang Vieng gets 222 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gold Coast receives 214 hours of full sun.
Gold Coast gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Vang Vieng usually gets less rain in October than Gold Coastin April. Vang Vieng gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilVang Vieng 23°C (73°F)Gold Coast 22°C (71°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Gold Coast in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Vang Vieng and Gold Coast. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vang Vieng year-round. Also, many visitors come to Gold Coast in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In January, Vang Vieng is generally much warmer than Gold Coastin July. Daily temperatures in Vang Vieng average around 24°C (75°F), and Gold Coast fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gold Coast this time of the year. In Vang Vieng, it's very sunny this time of the year. Vang Vieng usually receives more sunshine than Gold Coast during winter. Vang Vieng gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Gold Coast receives 226 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Vang Vieng usually receives less rain than Gold Coastin July. Vang Vieng gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyVang Vieng 24°C (75°F)Gold Coast 15°C (59°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Gold Coast in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Vang Vieng as well as Gold Coast. Vang Vieng attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Gold Coast for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.
Vang Vieng is a little warmer than Gold Coast in the spring. The daily temperature in Vang Vieng averages around 23°C (73°F) in April, and Gold Coast fluctuates around 21°C (69°F)in October.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gold Coast. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vang Vieng this time of the year. In the spring, Vang Vieng often gets less sunshine than Gold Coastin October. Vang Vieng gets 230 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gold Coast receives 259 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Gold Coast. Vang Vieng receives a lot of rain in the spring. Vang Vieng usually gets more rain in April than Gold Coastin October. Vang Vieng gets 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberVang Vieng 23°C (73°F)Gold Coast 21°C (69°F)
Typical Weather for Gold Coast and Vang Vieng
| Vang Vieng | Gold Coast | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) |
| Mar | 24°C (75°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Apr | 23°C (73°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| May | 23°C (73°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (72°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (72°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 103 mm (4 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 129 mm (5.1 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.