Which place is cheaper, Lima 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 Lima?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Lima? 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 Lima?
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.
Lima
Lima, the capital city of Peru, is likely to be your point of entry for the country. Lima was founded in 1535 and was the seat of the Spanish rule for 300 years. It's a surprisingly modern city despite its rich history, but many beautiful churches and colonial architecture remain today. There are also large slum areas that highlight the poverty that exists in the city. The city and its surrounding metropolitan area have a population of about 8.5 million people, many of whom came from the Andes Mountains in search of work. Unfortunately the work opportunities are limited and the poverty is obvious as you arrive in Lima.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Laos, The Best Budget Tours to Laos, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Peru, and The Best Adventure Tours to Peru.
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Vang Vieng Prices
Laos PricesLima Prices
Peru Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVang Vieng $19Lima $95
The average daily cost (per person) in Vang Vieng is $19, while the average daily cost in Lima is $95. 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 Lima in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVang Vieng $4.25Lima $52
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVang Vieng $8.50Lima $104
Compare Hotels in Vang Vieng and Lima
Looking for a hotel in Vang Vieng or Lima? 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 Lima Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Vang Vieng $3.11Lima $6.06
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 Lima
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Lima are as follows:
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Taxi Ride$5.73
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Taxi Ride$5.73
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Short Taxi Ride$4.30
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lima
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lima:
- Direct Private Transfer From Lima to Paracas, English Speaking Driver: $269
- Private Transfer From Lima To Huacachina With 2 Stops: $263
- Private Transfer from Pisco Port to Jorge Chavez Airport (LIM): $201
- Private Transfer from Jorge Chávez (LIM) Airport to Lima: $59
- Larco Museum Complete Guided Tour with Transfers (Small Group): $55
- Lima Airport (LIM) to Miraflores - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $48
- Jorge Chavez Airport (LIM) to Lima - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $43
- Lima J Chavez Airport (LIM) to Lima - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $43
- Lima Airport Transfers by SUV/Van: $43
- Assistance - Transfer Cusco Airport to Hotel & Viceversa: $40
- Tour Magic Water Park in Lima with Small Group Transfer: $38
- Private Lima Airport Transfer - Minivan 24hrs: $35
Is it cheaper to fly into Vang Vieng or Lima?
Prices for flights to both Lima 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 $11Lima $32
Typical Food Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of dining costs in Lima are as follows:
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Lunch for Two$4.59
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Ice cream$3.73
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Coffee$3.15
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Donut$1.00
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lima
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Lima.
- Lima Food Tour with Ceviche, Pisco, and Grilled Chicken: $32
- Food Tour and Market Experience: 12 Peruvian Snacks: $40
- Lima Food Tour - Prepare your Anticuchos and Pisco Sour : $48
- #1 Reviewed Lima Cooking Class: $49
- Dinner at the Huaca Pucllana Restaurant: $55
- Private Guided Walking Street Food Tour in Lima: $55
- Peru’s Most Beloved Recipes Cooking Class: $58
- Lima Market Tour & Ceviche Cooking Class with Pisco Sour: $59
- Lima Night: Cooking Experience with locals: $65
- Peruvian Cooking Class, Local Market Tour & Exotic Fruit Tasting: $65
- Vegan Peruvian Food Cooking Class | Ceviche + Pisco Sour: $69
- 4 iconic restaurants of Lima / 3-hour guided food tour: $69
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Vang Vieng $4.76Lima $9.15
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Lima are as follows:
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Entrance to Museo Larco (for 2)$17
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Movie Tickets$2.44
Tours and Activities in Lima
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Lima are as follows:
- Ballestas Islands + Huacachina Tour From Lima (Private Group): $190
- Cycling Tour Miraflores - Barranco - Chorrillos: $30
- Lima bike and 5 Step Food Tasting Experience: $92
- Private Classic City Tour Experience of Lima: $65
- Private Stopover Tour of Lima from the Airport: $150
- Sunset in Huacachina and Tacama: Private Tour from Lima: $220
- #1 Full Day Tour From Paracas and Huacachina Oasis: $59
- 1 Day Tour to Huacachina from Lima (Dunebuggy + Vineyards): $225
- 2 Day Tour from Nazca Lines Flight, Paracas, and Huacachina: $279
- 2 Day Tour from Paracas, Ballestas Island and Huacachina: $149
- 2 Day Tour from Paracas, Huacachina, and Pisco Vineyard: $149
- 2 Days 1 Night Paracas Ica Tour from Lima: $150
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVang Vieng $1.11Lima $5.95
Typical Alcohol Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Lima are as follows:
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Bottle of Wine$7.71
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Beer$4.30
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Cocktail$3.44
Sample the Local Flavors in Lima
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Lima:
- Lima Pub Crawl - Party tour: Friday Barranco/Saturday miraflores: $19
- Bar Crawl Night Tour in Miraflores: $30
- Local Wine Tour : $55
- From Paracas & Huacachina & Wine Tasting: $135
- Full Day Paracas, Huacachina and Wine Tasting from Lima : $138
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vang Vieng and Lima, we can see that Lima is more expensive. And not only is Vang Vieng much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Vang Vieng is in Asia and Lima is in South America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Lima would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lima 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 Lima Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Vang Vieng or Lima?
Lima has a larger population, and is about 310 times larger than the population of Vang Vieng. When comparing the sizes of Vang Vieng and Lima, 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 Lima?
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 Lima in the Summer?
Both Lima 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 Lima year-round.
Vang Vieng usually gets more rain in July than Lima. Vang Vieng gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Lima receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the summer, Vang Vieng often gets more sunshine than Lima. Vang Vieng gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lima receives 36 hours of full sun.
In the summer, Vang Vieng is a little warmer than Lima. Typically, the summer temperatures in Vang Vieng in July average around 22°C (72°F), and Lima averages at about 18°C (64°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyVang Vieng 22°C (72°F)Lima 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Lima in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Vang Vieng and Lima. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vang Vieng year-round. Lima attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In October, Vang Vieng usually receives more rain than Lima. Vang Vieng gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Lima receives 7 mm (0.3 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 Lima during autumn. Vang Vieng gets 222 hours of sunny skies, while Lima receives 60 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Vang Vieng is generally a little warmer than Lima. Daily temperatures in Vang Vieng average around 23°C (73°F), and Lima fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberVang Vieng 23°C (73°F)Lima 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Lima in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Vang Vieng as well as Lima. Vang Vieng attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Lima throughout the year.
Vang Vieng usually gets more rain in January than Lima. Vang Vieng gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Lima receives 4 mm (0.2 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 Lima. Vang Vieng gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lima receives 185 hours of full sun.
Vang Vieng is around the same temperature as Lima in the winter. The daily temperature in Vang Vieng averages around 24°C (75°F) in January, and Lima fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryVang Vieng 24°C (75°F)Lima 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Lima in the Spring?
Both Lima 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 Lima because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Vang Vieng. In April, Vang Vieng usually receives more rain than Lima. Vang Vieng gets 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain, while Lima receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vang Vieng. Vang Vieng usually receives more sunshine than Lima during spring. Vang Vieng gets 230 hours of sunny skies, while Lima receives 182 hours of full sun in the spring.
In the spring, Vang Vieng is around the same temperature as Lima. Typically, the spring temperatures in Vang Vieng in April average around 23°C (73°F), and Lima averages at about 22°C (72°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilVang Vieng 23°C (73°F)Lima 22°C (72°F)
Typical Weather for Lima and Vang Vieng
| Vang Vieng | Lima | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 24°C (75°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Apr | 23°C (73°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| May | 23°C (73°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (72°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (72°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 3 mm (0.1 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.