Which place is cheaper, Koh Pha Ngan or Vang Vieng?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Vang Vieng or Koh Pha Ngan?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Koh Pha Ngan? 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 Koh Pha Ngan?
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.
Koh Pha Ngan
Ko Phangan (or Pha Ngan) is best known for its full moon parties, attracting backpackers and budget travelers the world over for all-night parties on the beach. The clear, blue water, beautiful beaches, and tropical atmosphere bring the tourists to the island, and the low prices, diverse activities, and abundant amenities keep them here.
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 Budget Tours to Thailand, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Thailand.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVang Vieng $14Koh Pha Ngan $45
The average daily cost (per person) in Vang Vieng is $14, while the average daily cost in Koh Pha Ngan is $45. 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 Koh Pha Ngan in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVang Vieng $4.34Koh Pha Ngan $23
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVang Vieng $8.68Koh Pha Ngan $46
Compare Hotels in Vang Vieng and Koh Pha Ngan
Looking for a hotel in Vang Vieng or Koh Pha Ngan? 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 Koh Pha Ngan Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Vang Vieng $3.18Koh Pha Ngan $13
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Koh Pha Ngan
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Koh Pha Ngan are as follows:
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Scooter Rental$8.18
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Ferry Ride$14
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Gas for Scooter$3.00
Is it cheaper to fly into Vang Vieng or Koh Pha Ngan?
Prices for flights to both Koh Pha Ngan 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 $6.31Koh Pha Ngan $10
Typical Food Prices in Koh Pha Ngan
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Koh Pha Ngan:
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Noodle Lunch (for One)$1.09
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Sit Down Dinner (for Two)$11
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Smoothies (for Two)$1.09
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Ice Cream$0.55
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Juice$1.64
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3 Spring Rolls$0.82
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2 Pancakes$1.64
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Vang Vieng $4.87Koh Pha Ngan $17
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
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVang Vieng $1.14Koh Pha Ngan $9.89
Typical Alcohol Prices in Koh Pha Ngan
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Koh Pha Ngan are as follows:
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Drinks at Irish Pub (for Two)$7.09
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vang Vieng and Koh Pha Ngan, we can see that Koh Pha Ngan 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 Koh Pha Ngan would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Koh Pha Ngan 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 Koh Pha Ngan Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Vang Vieng or Koh Pha Ngan?
Vang Vieng has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Koh Pha Ngan. When comparing the sizes of Vang Vieng and Koh Pha Ngan, 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 Koh Pha Ngan?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Koh Pha Ngan in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Vang Vieng as well as Koh Pha Ngan. Vang Vieng attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Pha Ngan throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Koh Pha Ngan. Vang Vieng usually gets less rain in July than Koh Pha Ngan. Vang Vieng gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the summer, Vang Vieng is around the same temperature as Koh Pha Ngan. Typically, the summer temperatures in Vang Vieng in July average around 22°C (72°F), and Koh Pha Ngan averages at about 24°C (76°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyVang Vieng 22°C (72°F)Koh Pha Ngan 24°C (76°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Koh Pha Ngan in the Autumn?
Both Koh Pha Ngan 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. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Pha Ngan because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The dry season in Koh Pha Ngan is December to March. The rainy season in Koh Pha Ngan is October and November. It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Pha Ngan. In October, Vang Vieng usually receives less rain than Koh Pha Ngan. Vang Vieng gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
In October, Vang Vieng is generally around the same temperature as Koh Pha Ngan. Daily temperatures in Vang Vieng average around 23°C (73°F), and Koh Pha Ngan fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberVang Vieng 23°C (73°F)Koh Pha Ngan 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Koh Pha Ngan in the Winter?
Both Koh Pha Ngan 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Pha Ngan year-round.
December to March is the dry season in Koh Pha Ngan. Vang Vieng usually gets more rain in January than Koh Pha Ngan. Vang Vieng gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
Vang Vieng is around the same temperature as Koh Pha Ngan in the winter. The daily temperature in Vang Vieng averages around 24°C (75°F) in January, and Koh Pha Ngan fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryVang Vieng 24°C (75°F)Koh Pha Ngan 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Koh Pha Ngan in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Vang Vieng and Koh Pha Ngan. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vang Vieng year-round. Koh Pha Ngan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Vang Vieng gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Vang Vieng usually receives more rain than Koh Pha Ngan. Vang Vieng gets 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
In the spring, Vang Vieng is around the same temperature as Koh Pha Ngan. Typically, the spring temperatures in Vang Vieng in April average around 23°C (73°F), and Koh Pha Ngan averages at about 24°C (76°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilVang Vieng 23°C (73°F)Koh Pha Ngan 24°C (76°F)
Typical Weather for Koh Pha Ngan and Vang Vieng
| Vang Vieng | Koh Pha Ngan | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 24°C (75°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) |
| Apr | 23°C (73°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| May | 23°C (73°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (72°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (72°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 240 mm (9.5 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 335 mm (13.2 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 134 mm (5.3 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.