Which place is cheaper, Guangzhou or Vang Vieng?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Vang Vieng or Guangzhou?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Guangzhou? 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 Guangzhou?
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.
Guangzhou
With a population of more than 12 million, Guangzhou is the third largest city in China after Beijing and Shanghai. Though it has a long history, founded in 214 BC, the city has also many modern attractions, a mix of the old and new with temples and parks as well as skyscrapers and shopping centers. Its location on the Pearl River has contributed to this growth, making Guangzhou a major port and commercial hub.
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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in China, and The Best 2-Week Tours in China.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVang Vieng $14Guangzhou $89
The average daily cost (per person) in Vang Vieng is $14, while the average daily cost in Guangzhou is $89. 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 Guangzhou in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVang Vieng $4.34Guangzhou $57
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVang Vieng $8.68Guangzhou $114
Compare Hotels in Vang Vieng and Guangzhou
Looking for a hotel in Vang Vieng or Guangzhou? 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 $3.18Guangzhou $14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guangzhou
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Guangzhou:
- Guangzhou Airport to Hotel: Private Transfer for up to 15 Pax: $170
- Pearl River Night Cruise with Private Transfers in Guangzhou: $129
- Guangzhou Baiyun Airport Chauffeur Service, To Dongguan Transfer: $120
- Guangzhou Airport to Hotel: Private Transfer for up to 5 pax: $120
- Private Guided Guangzhou Pearl River Cruise Tour With Hotel Transfer: $109
- Zhuhai City Private Arrival Transfer from Guangzhou Baiyun Int'l Airport : $108
- Private Transfer between Guangzhou and Shenzhen City Area: $104
- Private Arrival Transfer in English-speaking: Airport to Hotel: $99
- Guangzhou Night Pearl River Cruise VIP Seating with Private Transfer: $96
- Private Transfer from Guangzhou Baiyun Airport to Guangzhou Hotel: $88
- Guangzhou Private Transfer from Guangzhou central to Guangzhou Airport (CAN): $86
- Guangzhou Private Transfer from Guangzhou Airport (CAN) to central Guangzhou: $86
Is it cheaper to fly into Vang Vieng or Guangzhou?
Prices for flights to both Guangzhou 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 $6.31Guangzhou $19
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Guangzhou
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Guangzhou.
- Guangzhou Evening Food Tour Through Local Neighborhood: $65
- Guangzhou Night View Cruise Tour with Dinner: $90
- Private Guangzhou Night Tour VIP Cruise and Dim-Sum Dinner Option: $146
- 3-Hour Guangzhou Private Cooking Class with Local Market Visit : $165
- Private Guangzhou Night Tour with Canton Tower and Dim-Sum Dinner: $176
- Private Guangzhou Food Tour Michelin Restaurant&Local Food Market: $180
- Private Guangzhou Food Tour Yumcha and Local Food Market Explore: $180
- Guangzhou Private Night Tour: Lychee Bay, Beijing Road, Cruise, Dinner: $204
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Vang Vieng $4.87Guangzhou $18
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 Guangzhou
Here are a few actual costs in Guangzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Guangzhou Self-Guided Tour with Private Car and Driver Service: $75
- Liuxihe National Forest Park Private Day Tour from Guangzhou: $266
- Private Tour of Foshan: The Ancestral Temple and Other Options from Guangzhou : $167
- 1 Day Historical Guangzhou Layover Tour from Airport: $260
- 4 Hours Half Day Guangzhou Airport Layover Visa-Free Private Tour: $180
- 4-Hour Baiyun Mountain Yuntai Garden Private Guangzhou City Tour: $180
- 5-Hour Sai Kwan Walking Tour with Unique Food Tasting: $72
- AAAAA Top National Natural Preserve Dinghu Mountain Private Tour: $300
- All Inclusive Private Day Tour to Lotus Hill and Shawan Old Town from Guangzhou: $229
- Ancient Foshan Day Tour from Guangzhou: $201
- Best of Guangzhou City Sightseeing: $110
- Big Buddha Mountain Martial Art Culture Countryside Private Tour: $220
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVang Vieng $1.14Guangzhou $14
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vang Vieng and Guangzhou, we can see that Guangzhou 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 Guangzhou would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Guangzhou 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 Guangzhou Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Vang Vieng or Guangzhou?
Guangzhou has a larger population, and is about 130 times larger than the population of Vang Vieng. When comparing the sizes of Vang Vieng and Guangzhou, 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 Guangzhou?
Guangzhou 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 Guangzhou in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Vang Vieng as well as Guangzhou. Vang Vieng attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the summer, Vang Vieng is cooler than Guangzhou. Typically, the summer temperatures in Vang Vieng in July average around 22°C (72°F), and Guangzhou averages at about 29°C (84°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Guangzhou. In the summer, Vang Vieng often gets less sunshine than Guangzhou. Vang Vieng gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Guangzhou receives 220 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Guangzhou. Vang Vieng usually gets less rain in July than Guangzhou. Vang Vieng gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Guangzhou receives 228 mm (9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyVang Vieng 22°C (72°F)Guangzhou 29°C (84°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Guangzhou in the Autumn?
Both Guangzhou and Vang Vieng are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vang Vieng throughout the year.
In October, Vang Vieng is generally around the same temperature as Guangzhou. Daily temperatures in Vang Vieng average around 23°C (73°F), and Guangzhou fluctuates around 25°C (76°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vang Vieng. Vang Vieng usually receives more sunshine than Guangzhou during autumn. Vang Vieng gets 222 hours of sunny skies, while Guangzhou receives 192 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Vang Vieng usually receives less rain than Guangzhou. Vang Vieng gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Guangzhou receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberVang Vieng 23°C (73°F)Guangzhou 25°C (76°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Guangzhou in the Winter?
Both Guangzhou and Vang Vieng during the winter 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 Guangzhou in the winter. The daily temperature in Vang Vieng averages around 24°C (75°F) in January, and Guangzhou fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).
It's quite sunny in Vang Vieng. In the winter, Vang Vieng often gets more sunshine than Guangzhou. Vang Vieng gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Guangzhou receives 133 hours of full sun.
Vang Vieng usually gets more rain in January than Guangzhou. Vang Vieng gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Guangzhou receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryVang Vieng 24°C (75°F)Guangzhou 14°C (58°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Guangzhou in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Vang Vieng and Guangzhou. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vang Vieng year-round.
In the spring, Vang Vieng is around the same temperature as Guangzhou. Typically, the spring temperatures in Vang Vieng in April average around 23°C (73°F), and Guangzhou averages at about 22°C (72°F).
In Vang Vieng, it's very sunny this time of the year. Vang Vieng usually receives more sunshine than Guangzhou during spring. Vang Vieng gets 230 hours of sunny skies, while Guangzhou receives 78 hours of full sun in the spring.
Guangzhou receives a lot of rain in the spring. Vang Vieng gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Vang Vieng usually receives around the same amount of rain as Guangzhou. Vang Vieng gets 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain, while Guangzhou receives 182 mm (7.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilVang Vieng 23°C (73°F)Guangzhou 22°C (72°F)
Typical Weather for Guangzhou and Vang Vieng
| Vang Vieng | Guangzhou | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Mar | 24°C (75°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 85 mm (3.4 in) |
| Apr | 23°C (73°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 182 mm (7.2 in) |
| May | 23°C (73°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 284 mm (11.2 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.1 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (72°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 228 mm (9 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (72°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 221 mm (8.7 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 172 mm (6.8 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 24 mm (0.9 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.