A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Vang Vieng vs. Gothenburg for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Vang Vieng or Gothenburg?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Vang Vieng or Gothenburg? 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 Gothenburg?

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.

Gothenburg

Gothenburg is the second largest city in Sweden with a population of about 500,000. It is located on the western coast at the edge of the Gota River. It's a very friendly and welcoming city with a great vibe. Part of its energy comes from the Gothenburg University, which, with over 60,000 students, is the largest university in the country. Historically, Gothenburg has working class roots which are still apparent today, particularly in the city's harbour area. Recently there has been a growing number of expensive restaurants and cafes, showing that the demographic continues to evolve.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Laos, The Best Budget Tours to Laos, The Best 10-Day Tours in Sweden, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Sweden.


Which place is cheaper, Gothenburg 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.

  • Vang Vieng Prices
    Laos Prices
    Gothenburg Prices
    Sweden Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Vang Vieng $18
    Gothenburg $142

The average daily cost (per person) in Vang Vieng is $18, while the average daily cost in Gothenburg 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 Gothenburg in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Vang Vieng $4.17
    Gothenburg $45
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Vang Vieng $8.34
    Gothenburg $90
Compare Hotels in Vang Vieng and Gothenburg

Looking for a hotel in Vang Vieng or Gothenburg? 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.

Hotels in Vang Vieng


Hotels in Gothenburg


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 Gothenburg Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Vang Vieng $3.06
    Gothenburg $21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vang Vieng

Also for Vang Vieng, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Vang Vieng Private Transfer: Hotel - Railway Station - Vientiane: $11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gothenburg

Also for Gothenburg, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Goteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT) to Goteborg City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $209
  • Private Transfer Gothenburg Airport GOT to Gothenburg by Sedan: $166
  • City Highlights Bike Tour with Transfer: $130
  • Airport Transfer: Gothenburg to Airport GOT by Business Car: $127
  • Ostersund Private Transfer from Ostersund (OSD) airport to central Ostersund: $112
  • Private Transfer From Gothenburg Landvetter Airport to Gothenburg Hotels: $110
  • Goteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT) to Goteborg City - Arrival Private Transfer: $104
  • Gothenburg Private Transfer from Central Gothenburg to Gothenburg Airport: $78
  • Gothenburg Airport: Transfer to City center of Gothenburg: $76
  • Landvetter Airport Bus Transfer Departure: $16
  • Landvetter Airport Bus Transfer Arrival: $16

Is it cheaper to fly into Vang Vieng or Gothenburg?

Prices for flights to both Gothenburg 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Vang Vieng $11
    Gothenburg $75

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Vang Vieng $4.68
    Gothenburg $18

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
  • Laos: Jungle Zipline and Caving Tour: $58
  • 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
  • Paramotor Experience in Vang Vieng Laos: $165
  • Ultimate Kayak, Zipline and Tube Adventure in Vang Vieng: $113
  • Vang Vieng 1-Day Cave Exploration Tour with Guide: $175
  • Vang Vieng 2 Day Shared Hot Air Balloon Tour: $269
  • Vang Vieng Adventure Day Tour: Kayaking, Zipline & Cave Tubing: $75
  • Vang Vieng Ballooning Adventures: $260

Tours and Activities in Gothenburg

For Gothenburg, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 24h Gothenburg Hop-On Hop-Off Boat Tour: $36
  • 24h Gothenburg Hop-On Hop-Off Tour by Bus and Boat: $53
  • Archipelago Tour with guide Gothenburg: $45
  • Best of Private Walking Tour with a Local: $48
  • Bike Tour Gothenburg, Guided Bicycle Tours: $63
  • City Kayak Tour: $60
  • City Sightseeing Gothenburg Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $37
  • Entry Ticket To Gothenburg Museum of art with pickup: $76
  • Entry Ticket To Gothenburg Museum of art with pickup: $70
  • Gothenburg - Private guided tour: $581
  • Gothenburg 24-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Ticket: $37
  • Gothenburg : Must-See Attractions Walking Tour: $122

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Vang Vieng $1.09
    Gothenburg $23


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vang Vieng and Gothenburg, we can see that Gothenburg 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 Gothenburg 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 Gothenburg would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Gothenburg 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 Gothenburg Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Vang Vieng or Gothenburg?

Gothenburg has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Vang Vieng. When comparing the sizes of Vang Vieng and Gothenburg, 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 Gothenburg?

Gothenburg 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 Gothenburg in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Vang Vieng and Gothenburg. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vang Vieng year-round.

Vang Vieng is a little warmer than Gothenburg in the summer. The daily temperature in Vang Vieng averages around 22°C (72°F) in July, and Gothenburg fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gothenburg this time of the year. Vang Vieng usually receives less sunshine than Gothenburg during summer. Vang Vieng gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Gothenburg receives 243 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Vang Vieng usually receives less rain than Gothenburg. Vang Vieng gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Gothenburg receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Vang Vieng 22°C (72°F) 
    Gothenburg 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Vang Vieng or Gothenburg in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Vang Vieng as well as Gothenburg. Vang Vieng attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the autumn, Vang Vieng is much warmer than Gothenburg. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Vang Vieng in October average around 23°C (73°F), and Gothenburg averages at about 9°C (47°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vang Vieng this time of the year. In the autumn, Vang Vieng often gets more sunshine than Gothenburg. Vang Vieng gets 222 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gothenburg receives 94 hours of full sun.

Vang Vieng usually gets less rain in October than Gothenburg. Vang Vieng gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Gothenburg receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Vang Vieng 23°C (73°F) 
    Gothenburg 9°C (47°F)

Should I visit Vang Vieng or Gothenburg in the Winter?

Both Gothenburg and Vang Vieng are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vang Vieng throughout the year.

Gothenburg can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Vang Vieng is generally much warmer than Gothenburg. Daily temperatures in Vang Vieng average around 24°C (75°F), and Gothenburg fluctuates around -2°C (29°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vang Vieng. Vang Vieng usually receives more sunshine than Gothenburg during winter. Vang Vieng gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Gothenburg receives 40 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Vang Vieng usually receives around the same amount of rain as Gothenburg. Vang Vieng gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Gothenburg receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Vang Vieng 24°C (75°F) 
    Gothenburg -2°C (29°F)

Should I visit Vang Vieng or Gothenburg in the Spring?

Both Gothenburg and Vang Vieng during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Vang Vieng because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Vang Vieng is much warmer than Gothenburg in the spring. The daily temperature in Vang Vieng averages around 23°C (73°F) in April, and Gothenburg fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

It's quite sunny in Vang Vieng. In the spring, Vang Vieng often gets more sunshine than Gothenburg. Vang Vieng gets 230 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gothenburg receives 182 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Vang Vieng. Vang Vieng usually gets more rain in April than Gothenburg. Vang Vieng gets 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain, while Gothenburg receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Vang Vieng 23°C (73°F) 
    Gothenburg 5°C (41°F)

Typical Weather for Gothenburg and Vang Vieng

Vang Vieng Gothenburg
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (75°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) -2°C (29°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 24°C (75°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) -2°C (29°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 24°C (75°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 1°C (34°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Apr 23°C (73°F) 188 mm (7.4 in) 5°C (41°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
May 23°C (73°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 11°C (51°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 15°C (59°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 22°C (72°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 16°C (61°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Aug 22°C (72°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 16°C (60°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 12°C (54°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Oct 23°C (73°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 9°C (47°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Nov 23°C (73°F) 113 mm (4.4 in) 4°C (38°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Dec 23°C (73°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 0°C (32°F) 75 mm (3 in)