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

Should you visit Vang Vieng or Hangzhou?

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

Should I visit Vang Vieng or Hangzhou? 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 Hangzhou?

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.

Hangzhou

Hangzhou is a city in Eastern China, about an hour by train from Shanghai, renowned for its historic relics and natural beauty. Each year it attracts more than 20 million tourists who come to see what the city has to offer. Set amongst the natural scenery of lakes and mountains, Hangzhou is modern city that coexists with the old. Historic pagodas and cultural sites built around the central lake sit like they belong amidst the skyscrapers and bustling markets of today.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Laos, The Best Budget Tours to Laos, The Best Adventure Tours to China, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in China.


Which place is cheaper, Hangzhou 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
    Hangzhou Prices
    China Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Vang Vieng $19
    Hangzhou $80

The average daily cost (per person) in Vang Vieng is $19, while the average daily cost in Hangzhou is $80. 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 Hangzhou in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Vang Vieng $4.25
    Hangzhou $24
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Vang Vieng $8.50
    Hangzhou $48
Compare Hotels in Vang Vieng and Hangzhou

Looking for a hotel in Vang Vieng or Hangzhou? 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 Hangzhou


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
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Vang Vieng $3.11
    Hangzhou $8.24

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 Hangzhou

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Hangzhou:


  • Local Bus for Two
    $0.56

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hangzhou

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hangzhou:

  • 2-Day Private Tour with Lunch and Airport Transfer: $459
  • 2-Day Putuo Mountain Self-Guided Tour from Hangzhou by Private Transfer: $282
  • Private Botique Tour: Essential Hangzhou Sightseeing with Hotel or Railway Station Transfer: $269
  • Hangzhou Private Transfer to Shanghai with stop-over at Wuzhen Water Town: $167
  • Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport TransferTo Shanghai Pudong Airport: $140
  • Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport Private Transfer to QianDao Lake : $131
  • Hangzhou Private Transfer to Shanghai with Drop-off Options : $131
  • Private Transfer to Shanghai Pudong Airport from Hangzhou: $129
  • Enduring Memories of Hangzhou West Lake Show VIP Ticket with Private Transfer: $128
  • Private Transfer to Suzhou City from Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport: $125
  • Private Transfer to Yiwu City from Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport: $125
  • Hangzhou West Lake Impression Ticket with Private Transfer: $122

Is it cheaper to fly into Vang Vieng or Hangzhou?

Prices for flights to both Hangzhou 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
    Hangzhou $31

Typical Food Prices in Hangzhou

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Hangzhou:


  • Breakfast Pastries
    $2.38
  • Pizza Hut Lunch
    $11

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hangzhou

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Hangzhou.

  • All Inclusive Night Tour with Impression West Lake Show VIP Ticket and Dinner: $117
  • Hangzhou One Day Local Food Tour: $124
  • Private Amazing Hangzhou Airport Layover Tour with Lunch or Dinner Option : $170
  • Xitang Water Town Private Night Tour from Hangzhou with Dinner: $203

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Vang Vieng $4.76
    Hangzhou $20

Tours and Activities in Vang Vieng

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Vang Vieng.

  • Nam Song River Kayak Tour: $18
  • Tham Nangfar and Tham Nam Day Tour with Kayaking: $24
  • Get Your Laos–China Train Ticket Fast – No Waiting, No Worries: $30
  • Blue Lagoon and Countryside Bike Tour with Lunch: $38
  • Vangrong Full Day Tour: $45
  • Vang Vieng Shared Tour with Kayaking in Nam Song River: $48
  • Vang Vieng Bike Tour: $49
  • One Day Guided Tour: Kayaking, Zipline & Tubing In The Cave from Vang Vieng : $50
  • Kayaking&Zipline&Cave Tubing&cave tour: $51
  • Vangrong One Day Shared Tour: $52
  • Vang Vieng Tour B - Nam Xay Viewpoint Hike & Blue Lagoon 1 Tour: $55
  • Laos: Jungle Zipline and Caving Tour: $58

Tours and Activities in Hangzhou

Here are a few actual costs in Hangzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • West Lake Private Tour with Boat Ride and Enduring Memories Night Show VIP Seat: $242
  • 1-day Village Tea Picking, Roasting & Serving Guided Private Tour from Hangzhou : $244
  • 2-Day Huangshan Mountain Sunset Climb & Sunrise Camp Guided Tour from Hangzhou : $162
  • 4-Hour Hangzhou City Private Customized Tour with Options: $113
  • 4-Hour Hangzhou Highlights Tour of Lingyin Temple and West Lake: $188
  • 4-Hour Hangzhou Summit and Former Residence of Xueyan Hu Private Tour: $141
  • 7 hours Hangzhou Tour Itinerary: $219
  • All Inclusive Tour of Lingyin Temple and Pagoda of Six Harmonies: $199
  • Amazing Landmarks Hangzhou Private Day Tour: $225
  • Authentic Hangzhou Longjing Tea Culture Experience Tour : $53
  • Best Price: Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $59
  • Best of A Comprehensive Tour of the City's Top Sights: $153

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Vang Vieng $1.11
    Hangzhou $10


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


Which is Bigger, Vang Vieng or Hangzhou?

Hangzhou has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Vang Vieng. When comparing the sizes of Vang Vieng and Hangzhou, 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 Hangzhou?

Hangzhou 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 Hangzhou in the Summer?

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

In July, Vang Vieng is generally cooler than Hangzhou. Daily temperatures in Vang Vieng average around 22°C (72°F), and Hangzhou fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).

It's quite rainy in Hangzhou. Vang Vieng usually gets less rain in July than Hangzhou. Vang Vieng gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Hangzhou receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Vang Vieng 22°C (72°F) 
    Hangzhou 29°C (85°F)

Should I visit Vang Vieng or Hangzhou in the Autumn?

Both Hangzhou 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.

Vang Vieng is a little warmer than Hangzhou in the autumn. The daily temperature in Vang Vieng averages around 23°C (73°F) in October, and Hangzhou fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

In October, Vang Vieng usually receives less rain than Hangzhou. Vang Vieng gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Hangzhou receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Vang Vieng 23°C (73°F) 
    Hangzhou 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Vang Vieng or Hangzhou in the Winter?

Both Hangzhou 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.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Hangzhou. In the winter, Vang Vieng is much warmer than Hangzhou. Typically, the winter temperatures in Vang Vieng in January average around 24°C (75°F), and Hangzhou averages at about 5°C (41°F).

Vang Vieng usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Hangzhou. Vang Vieng gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Hangzhou receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Vang Vieng 24°C (75°F) 
    Hangzhou 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Vang Vieng or Hangzhou in the Spring?

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

In April, Vang Vieng is generally a little warmer than Hangzhou. Daily temperatures in Vang Vieng average around 23°C (73°F), and Hangzhou fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Hangzhou 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 more rain than Hangzhou. Vang Vieng gets 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain, while Hangzhou receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Vang Vieng 23°C (73°F) 
    Hangzhou 16°C (61°F)

Typical Weather for Hangzhou and Vang Vieng

Vang Vieng Hangzhou
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (75°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 5°C (41°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Feb 24°C (75°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 6°C (42°F) 88 mm (3.4 in)
Mar 24°C (75°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 10°C (50°F) 115 mm (4.5 in)
Apr 23°C (73°F) 188 mm (7.4 in) 16°C (61°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
May 23°C (73°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 21°C (70°F) 159 mm (6.3 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 25°C (77°F) 185 mm (7.3 in)
Jul 22°C (72°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 29°C (85°F) 129 mm (5.1 in)
Aug 22°C (72°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 29°C (84°F) 145 mm (5.7 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 24°C (76°F) 171 mm (6.7 in)
Oct 23°C (73°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 19°C (66°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Nov 23°C (73°F) 113 mm (4.4 in) 13°C (56°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 23°C (73°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 7°C (45°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)