Which place is cheaper, Koh Phi Phi or Vang Vieng?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Vang Vieng or Koh Phi Phi?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Koh Phi Phi? 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 Phi Phi?
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 Phi Phi
The islands of Koh Phi Phi, off the coast of southwestern Thailand, are very popular with travelers because of their unrivaled tropical scenery, clear blue waters, relaxing atmosphere, and undersea attractions. However, in the last decade, Koh Phi Phi has seen a huge surge in tourism, adding to the crowds and pollution of the main (and only populated) island, known as Koh Phi Phi Don.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Laos, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Laos, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Thailand, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Thailand.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVang Vieng $14Koh Phi Phi $72
The average daily cost (per person) in Vang Vieng is $14, while the average daily cost in Koh Phi Phi is $72. 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 Phi Phi in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVang Vieng $4.34Koh Phi Phi $40
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVang Vieng $8.68Koh Phi Phi $80
Compare Hotels in Vang Vieng and Koh Phi Phi
Looking for a hotel in Vang Vieng or Koh Phi Phi? 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 Phi Phi Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Vang Vieng $3.18Koh Phi Phi $6.89
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Koh Phi Phi
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Koh Phi Phi:
-
Ferry to Maya Beach (for 2)$15
-
Longboat Taxi$2.73
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Koh Phi Phi
Also for Koh Phi Phi, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- One-Way Departure Transfer from Phi Phi Island (Speedboat) to Phuket Airport : $52
- Superfast Transfer from Koh Phi Phi to Krabi by Arisa Speed Boat: $28
- Speedboat Transfer Phi Phi Tonsai to Phuket with Dropoff Service: $25
- Koh Phi Phi to Phuket VIP Speed Boat Transfer: $22
Is it cheaper to fly into Vang Vieng or Koh Phi Phi?
Prices for flights to both Koh Phi Phi 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 dayVang Vieng $6.31Koh Phi Phi $11
Typical Food Prices in Koh Phi Phi
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Koh Phi Phi:
-
Crepe$1.64
-
Sit Down Lunch$9.27
-
Casual Lunch$5.73
-
Coconut Donut$0.27
-
Lunch at Mexican Restaurant (for 2)$11
-
Sit Down Dinner$14
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Vang Vieng $4.87Koh Phi Phi $45
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Koh Phi Phi
For Koh Phi Phi, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
-
Kayak Rental$8.18
Tours and Activities in Koh Phi Phi
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Koh Phi Phi.
- 6 Hours Private Tour Around Phi Phi Islands From Phi Phi: $160
- Early Bird Phi Phi Islands Tour From Phi Phi by Speedboat: $57
- Early Bird Phi Phi and 4 Islands Tour by Speedboat from Krabi: $97
- Ferry from Phi Phi Islands to Phuket with Dropoff Service by Royal Jet Cruiser: $13
- Half Day & Sunset Phi Phi Island Tour From Phi Phi by Speedboat: $57
- Half Day Tour Around Phi Phi Islands By Private Longtail Boat From Phi Phi: $107
- Koh Phi Phi to Phuket by Phi Phi Cruiser: $17
- Maya Bay Sunset and Plankton Swimming Tour: $69
- PHI PHI ISLAND - Sunrise Trip From Phi Phi Don By Phi Phi Local Tour: $53
- Phi Phi 7 Islands Full-Day Tour From Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $27
- Phi Phi Island Half Day Tour From Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $18
- Phi Phi Island To Phuket By Phi Phi Cruiser: $17
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayVang Vieng $1.14Koh Phi Phi $5.66
Typical Alcohol Prices in Koh Phi Phi
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Koh Phi Phi from other travelers:
-
Mojito Bucket$14
-
Banana Daiquiri$5.46
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vang Vieng and Koh Phi Phi, we can see that Koh Phi Phi 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 Phi Phi would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Koh Phi Phi 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 Phi Phi Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Vang Vieng or Koh Phi Phi?
Vang Vieng has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Koh Phi Phi. When comparing the sizes of Vang Vieng and Koh Phi Phi, 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 Phi Phi?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Koh Phi Phi in the Summer?
Both Koh Phi Phi 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. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Phi Phi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Phi Phi. In July, Vang Vieng usually receives less rain than Koh Phi Phi. Vang Vieng gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
It's quite sunny in Koh Phi Phi. Vang Vieng usually receives less sunshine than Koh Phi Phi during summer. Vang Vieng gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Phi Phi receives 206 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Vang Vieng is generally cooler than Koh Phi Phi. Daily temperatures in Vang Vieng average around 22°C (72°F), and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyVang Vieng 22°C (72°F)Koh Phi Phi 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Koh Phi Phi in the Autumn?
Both Koh Phi Phi 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Phi Phi year-round.
December to March is the dry season in Koh Phi Phi. May to November is the rainy season in Koh Phi Phi. Koh Phi Phi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Vang Vieng usually gets less rain in October than Koh Phi Phi. Vang Vieng gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 304 mm (12 in) of rain this time of the year.
It's quite sunny in Vang Vieng. In the autumn, Vang Vieng often gets more sunshine than Koh Phi Phi. Vang Vieng gets 222 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Phi Phi receives 181 hours of full sun.
Vang Vieng is cooler than Koh Phi Phi in the autumn. The daily temperature in Vang Vieng averages around 23°C (73°F) in October, and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberVang Vieng 23°C (73°F)Koh Phi Phi 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Koh Phi Phi in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Vang Vieng and Koh Phi Phi. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vang Vieng year-round. Koh Phi Phi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
December to March in Koh Phi Phi is the dry season. In January, Vang Vieng usually receives more rain than Koh Phi Phi. Vang Vieng gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Koh Phi Phi this time of the year. In Vang Vieng, it's very sunny this time of the year. Vang Vieng usually receives less sunshine than Koh Phi Phi during winter. Vang Vieng gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 hours of full sun in the winter.
In the winter, Vang Vieng is cooler than Koh Phi Phi. Typically, the winter temperatures in Vang Vieng in January average around 24°C (75°F), and Koh Phi Phi averages at about 28°C (82°F).
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryVang Vieng 24°C (75°F)Koh Phi Phi 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Koh Phi Phi in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Vang Vieng as well as Koh Phi Phi. Vang Vieng attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Phi Phi throughout the year.
May to November in Koh Phi Phi is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Koh Phi Phi. Vang Vieng receives a lot of rain in the spring. Vang Vieng usually gets more rain in April than Koh Phi Phi. Vang Vieng gets 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Koh Phi Phi. 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 Koh Phi Phi. Vang Vieng gets 230 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Phi Phi receives 249 hours of full sun.
In April, Vang Vieng is generally cooler than Koh Phi Phi. Daily temperatures in Vang Vieng average around 23°C (73°F), and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilVang Vieng 23°C (73°F)Koh Phi Phi 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Koh Phi Phi and Vang Vieng
| Vang Vieng | Koh Phi Phi | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Mar | 24°C (75°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Apr | 23°C (73°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| May | 23°C (73°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 318 mm (12.5 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 279 mm (11 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (72°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (72°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 262 mm (10.3 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 399 mm (15.7 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 304 mm (12 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 62 mm (2.4 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.