Which place is cheaper, Kota Kinabalu 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.
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Should you visit Vang Vieng or Kota Kinabalu?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Kota Kinabalu? 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 Kota Kinabalu?
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.
Kota Kinabalu
Kota Kinabalu, originally Jesselton, is the capital of Sabah, which is on the northern part of the island of Borneo. Kota Kinabalu is located just between the western side of the island and Tambunan Rafflesia Forest Reserve. Most of Kota Kinabalu's historic buildings were destroyed by bombing during World War II, so the city had to be rebuilt. KK, as it's commonly called, is a compact, but booming town today, with its new shopping centers, seaside condominiums, and bustling marketplaces.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Laos, The Best Budget Tours to Laos, The Best Luxury Tours to Malaysia, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Malaysia.
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Vang Vieng Prices
Laos PricesKota Kinabalu Prices
Malaysia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVang Vieng $19Kota Kinabalu $68
The average daily cost (per person) in Vang Vieng is $19, while the average daily cost in Kota Kinabalu is $68. 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 Kota Kinabalu in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVang Vieng $4.25Kota Kinabalu $21
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVang Vieng $8.50Kota Kinabalu $42
Compare Hotels in Vang Vieng and Kota Kinabalu
Looking for a hotel in Vang Vieng or Kota Kinabalu? 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 Kota Kinabalu Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Vang Vieng $3.11Kota Kinabalu $25
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kota Kinabalu
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kota Kinabalu:
- Kota Kinabalu Airport BKI to Borneo - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $77
- Kota Kinabalu Hotel to Jetty Round Trip Transfer: $53
- Kota Kinab Airport to Kota Kinabalu - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $48
- Kota Kinabalu Airport (BKI) to Borneo - Arrival Private Transfer: $38
- Stand Up Paddle Boarding with Sunrise/Sunset Tour at Kota Kinabalu with transfer: $32
- Private Arrival Transfer : Kota Kinabalu International Airport: $30
- Private Transfer from Kota Kinabalu Hotels to Kota Kinabalu Port: $25
- Private Transfer from Kota Kinabalu Port to Kota Kinabalu hotels: $25
- Transfer from Kota Kinabalu Airport BKI to Kota Kinabalu Port: $25
- Private Transfer- Kota Kinabalu Airport BKI to Kota Kinabalu Port: $25
- Private Transfer- Kota Kinabalu Port to Kota Kinabalu Airport BKI: $25
- Kota Kinabalu to Kota Kinab Airport: Departure Private Transfer: $24
Is it cheaper to fly into Vang Vieng or Kota Kinabalu?
Prices for flights to both Kota Kinabalu 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 $11Kota Kinabalu $30
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kota Kinabalu
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Kota Kinabalu.
- Sabah Traditional Authentic Cuisine Cooking Class 3 Hours: $29
- Beringgis Mangove Fireflies, Sunset Tour & Dinner: $33
- Klias River Cruise with Dinner and Fireflies: $55
- Kawa Mangrove Cruise & Fireflies with Dinner: $67
- Ethnic Cooking Class & Upside Down House & 3D Wonders Museum: $92
- Taste Of Borneo Cooking Class: $95
- North Borneo Sunset Dinner Cruise: $121
- Kota Kinabalu Night Tour with Dinner & Cultural Dance Show: $138
- Kota Kinabalu Sunset Cruise with Buffet Dinner: $187
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Vang Vieng $4.76Kota Kinabalu $6.43
Tours and Activities in Vang Vieng
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Vang Vieng.
- Get Your Laos–China Train Ticket Fast – No Waiting, No Worries: $30
- 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
- Vangrong One Day Shared Tour: $52
- Vang Vieng Tour B - Nam Xay Viewpoint Hike & Blue Lagoon 1 Tour: $55
- Vang Vieng Jungle Day Tour: $58
- Vang Vieng Kayaking Fun Rapid and Float Tour: $65
- Vang Vieng Kayaking Fun Rapid and Float Tour: $65
- Vang Vieng River Kayaking Rapid and Float Tour: $65
- Nam Xay Viewpoint Hike and Blue Lagoon Tour: $79
Tours and Activities in Kota Kinabalu
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kota Kinabalu are as follows:
- Sky-Mirror Photographing and Proboscis Monkey & Fireflies Watching River-Cruise: $46
- Bongawan River Cruise Proboscis Monkey, SkyMirror, Fireflies : $49
- Bongawan: River Safari Cruise, Private or Optional Ticket: $143
- Borneo (Klias) River Cruise & Fireflies Tour: $50
- Cowboy Town & Fireflies River Cruise: $62
- Day Trip to Kinabalu Park and Poring Hot Spring Guided Tour: $70
- From Kota Kinabalu : Kiulu White Water Rafting Tour + meal: $66
- Full Day Bongawan River Cruise with Proboscis Monkey Sightseeing: $55
- Indigenous Weaving Experience: $236
- Island Hopping Tour (2 Island) From Kota Kinabalu: $100
- Island Hopping Tour From Kota Kinabalu (2 island): $90
- Kinabalu National Park Tour: $135
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVang Vieng $1.11Kota Kinabalu $7.18
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vang Vieng and Kota Kinabalu, we can see that Kota Kinabalu 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 Kota Kinabalu would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kota Kinabalu 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 Kota Kinabalu Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Vang Vieng or Kota Kinabalu?
Kota Kinabalu has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Vang Vieng. When comparing the sizes of Vang Vieng and Kota Kinabalu, 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 Kota Kinabalu?
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 Kota Kinabalu in the Summer?
Both Kota Kinabalu and Vang Vieng during the summer 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 Kota Kinabalu year-round.
Kota Kinabalu gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Vang Vieng usually gets less rain in July than Kota Kinabalu. Vang Vieng gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Kota Kinabalu receives 255 mm (10 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Kota Kinabalu, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Vang Vieng often gets less sunshine than Kota Kinabalu. Vang Vieng gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kota Kinabalu receives 205 hours of full sun.
Vang Vieng is cooler than Kota Kinabalu in the summer. The daily temperature in Vang Vieng averages around 22°C (72°F) in July, and Kota Kinabalu fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyVang Vieng 22°C (72°F)Kota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Kota Kinabalu in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Vang Vieng and Kota Kinabalu. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vang Vieng year-round. Kota Kinabalu attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Kota Kinabalu receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Vang Vieng usually receives less rain than Kota Kinabalu. Vang Vieng gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Kota Kinabalu receives 336 mm (13.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
In Vang Vieng, it's very sunny this time of the year. Vang Vieng usually receives more sunshine than Kota Kinabalu during autumn. Vang Vieng gets 222 hours of sunny skies, while Kota Kinabalu receives 192 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In the autumn, Vang Vieng is cooler than Kota Kinabalu. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Vang Vieng in October average around 23°C (73°F), and Kota Kinabalu averages at about 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberVang Vieng 23°C (73°F)Kota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Kota Kinabalu in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Vang Vieng as well as Kota Kinabalu. Vang Vieng attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kota Kinabalu throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Kota Kinabalu. Vang Vieng usually gets less rain in January than Kota Kinabalu. Vang Vieng gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Kota Kinabalu receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vang Vieng this time of the year. In the winter, Vang Vieng often gets more sunshine than Kota Kinabalu. Vang Vieng gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kota Kinabalu receives 181 hours of full sun.
In January, Vang Vieng is generally around the same temperature as Kota Kinabalu. Daily temperatures in Vang Vieng average around 24°C (75°F), and Kota Kinabalu fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryVang Vieng 24°C (75°F)Kota Kinabalu 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Kota Kinabalu in the Spring?
Both Kota Kinabalu and Vang Vieng are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vang Vieng throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Kota Kinabalu because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Kota Kinabalu. It's quite rainy in Vang Vieng. In April, Vang Vieng usually receives more rain than Kota Kinabalu. Vang Vieng gets 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain, while Kota Kinabalu receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
It's quite sunny in Kota Kinabalu. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vang Vieng. Vang Vieng usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kota Kinabalu during spring. Vang Vieng gets 230 hours of sunny skies, while Kota Kinabalu receives 237 hours of full sun in the spring.
Vang Vieng is cooler than Kota Kinabalu in the spring. The daily temperature in Vang Vieng averages around 23°C (73°F) in April, and Kota Kinabalu fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilVang Vieng 23°C (73°F)Kota Kinabalu 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Kota Kinabalu and Vang Vieng
| Vang Vieng | Kota Kinabalu | |||
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| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Mar | 24°C (75°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 23°C (73°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) |
| May | 23°C (73°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 291 mm (11.5 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (72°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 255 mm (10 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (72°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 285 mm (11.2 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 336 mm (13.2 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 298 mm (11.7 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 230 mm (9.1 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.