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

Should you visit Vang Vieng or Lisbon?

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

Should I visit Vang Vieng or Lisbon? 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 Lisbon?

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.

Lisbon

Portugal's capital city of Lisbon continues to grow in popularity as a travel destination. The cultural scene has come to life in recent years and the city itself is stunningly beautiful. It sits on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean and is made up of hills that create a dramatic and scenic layout. The city has many white-bleached limestone buildings, narrow alleyways, and a laidback charm that appeals to visitors.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Laos, The Best Budget Tours to Laos, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Portugal, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal.


Which place is cheaper, Lisbon 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.

The average daily cost (per person) in Vang Vieng is $19, while the average daily cost in Lisbon is $196. 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 Lisbon in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Vang Vieng $4.25
    Lisbon $74
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Vang Vieng $8.50
    Lisbon $148
Compare Hotels in Vang Vieng and Lisbon

Looking for a hotel in Vang Vieng or Lisbon? 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 Lisbon


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 Lisbon Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Vang Vieng $3.11
    Lisbon $29

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 Lisbon

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Lisbon:


  • Taxi Ride
    $7.63

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lisbon

Also for Lisbon, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • From the Algarve to Lisbon; Guided transfer with extra Wow!: $763
  • Full Day Tour - Transfer to Algarve from Lisbon with Stops: $705
  • Private Transfer: Seville to Lisbon: $705
  • Private Door to Door Transfers from/to (Seville - Lisbon): $587
  • Private Transfer From Algarve To Lisbon By 8 Seats Minibus: $528
  • One Way Private Transfer to/from Faro: $505
  • Algarve to Lisbon Airport Transfer: $470
  • Private Transfer Lisbon-Algarve: $370
  • Transfer to Elvas from Lisbon: $298
  • Private transfer from Lisbon to Lagos with 2 hours sightseeing: $295
  • Horse Riding on the Beach with private transfer from Lisbon: $291
  • Transfers from/to Lisbon Airport to: Fátima / Nazaré / Alcobaça..: $287

Is it cheaper to fly into Vang Vieng or Lisbon?

Prices for flights to both Lisbon 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
    Lisbon $86

Typical Food Prices in Lisbon

For Lisbon, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Coffee
    $2.93

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lisbon

For Lisbon, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Hard Rock Cafe Lisbon with Set Lunch or Dinner : $32
  • Sunset DJ Party – Sangria, Pizza & Open Bar : $35
  • Sangria DJ Party – Luxury Boat, Pizza & Open Bar: $54
  • Lisbon Fado Experience: Walking Tour, Dinner and Live Music Show: $59
  • Dinner with Rising Stars of Fado at Canto do Poeta: $66
  • Sexy Cabaret Show with Dinner in Lisbon: $72
  • Devour The Ultimate Portuguese Food Tour : $76
  • Lisbon Gastronomic Food Tour with Wine in Baixa: $76
  • Ultimate Lisbon Food Tour – Street Eat, Taverns & Flaming Sausage: $82
  • Lisbon E-Bike Guided Food Tour with Five Food Tastings: $83
  • Indie Food Tour: $83
  • Lisbon Original Morning Food Tour by Food Lover Tour: $84

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Vang Vieng $4.76
    Lisbon $28

Tours and Activities in Vang Vieng

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

  • 1 Day Guided Tour in Cave from Vang Vieng: $175
  • Get Your Laos–China Train Ticket Fast – No Waiting, No Worries: $30
  • Laos: Jungle Zipline and Caving Tour: $58
  • Nam Xay Viewpoint Hike & Blue Lagoon 1 Tour in Vang Vieng: $180
  • Nam Xay Viewpoint Hike and Blue Lagoon Tour: $79
  • One Day Guided Tour: Kayaking, Zipline & Tubing In The Cave from Vang Vieng : $50
  • Vang Vieng 1-Day Cave Exploration Tour with Guide: $175
  • Vang Vieng Ballooning Adventures: $260
  • Vang Vieng Bike Tour: $49
  • Vang Vieng Day Tour - Longtail boat, Paragliding: $175
  • Vang Vieng Hot Air Balloon Experience and Longtail Boat: $137
  • Vang Vieng Hot Air Balloon Kayak Zipline,Blue lagoon1 Tour: $148

Tours and Activities in Lisbon

For Lisbon, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Divine Journey : Fatima Full Day Private Tour: $216
  • Fatima, Batalha, Nazare, Obidos Small Group Tour From Lisbon: $90
  • Lisbon Essential Walking Tour: History, Stories and Lifestyle: $30
  • Lisbon Romantic Exclusive Tour for 2 at Sunset : $180
  • Fatima, Nazare, Obidos, mira de aire cave private tour: $239
  • Private Sailing Experience: $180
  • Private Walking Tour - Wandering Around Lisbon: $114
  • Sintra or Cascais Half-day Private Tour - The real portuguese essence!: $132
  • Sintra, Cascais and Estoril Coast with Tickets from Lisbon: $77
  • from Sintra half-day sightseeing tour: $206
  • Évora Historical Private Tour : $156
  • Évora Wine & Heritage Tour from Lisbon : $102

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Vang Vieng $1.11
    Lisbon $21

Sample the Local Flavors in Lisbon

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Lisbon:

  • Lisbon Port Wine Tasting at Taylors Shop and Tasting Room: $19
  • Lisbon Pub Crawl: $24
  • Lisbon Pub Crawl: $24
  • Port Wine Tasting Apéritif/Digestif at Portuguese Wine Bar: $29
  • A Taste of Wine Tasting Experience: $42
  • Catamaran Luxury Sunset and Wine Tour: $42
  • Tipsy Tour Fun Bar Crawl in Lisbon with Local Guide: $47
  • Wine tasting at Quinta das Murgas: $66
  • Wine Tasting with a Perfumer: $66
  • Wine Tasting and Culture: $76
  • Wine Tasting with Cheeses Charcutaria and Bread Table: $78
  • Lisbon Small-Group Portuguese Food and Wine Tour: $84


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


Which is Bigger, Vang Vieng or Lisbon?

Lisbon has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Vang Vieng. When comparing the sizes of Vang Vieng and Lisbon, 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 Lisbon?

Lisbon 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 Lisbon in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Vang Vieng and Lisbon. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vang Vieng year-round. Also, the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Lisbon this time of year.

Vang Vieng is around the same temperature as Lisbon in the summer. The daily temperature in Vang Vieng averages around 22°C (72°F) in July, and Lisbon fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lisbon this time of the year. Vang Vieng usually receives less sunshine than Lisbon during summer. Vang Vieng gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Lisbon receives 352 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Vang Vieng usually receives more rain than Lisbon. Vang Vieng gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Lisbon receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Vang Vieng 22°C (72°F) 
    Lisbon 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Vang Vieng or Lisbon in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Vang Vieng as well as Lisbon. Vang Vieng attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Lisbon for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Vang Vieng is a little warmer than Lisbon. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Vang Vieng in October average around 23°C (73°F), and Lisbon averages at about 19°C (66°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lisbon. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vang Vieng this time of the year. In the autumn, Vang Vieng often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Lisbon. Vang Vieng gets 222 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lisbon receives 213 hours of full sun.

Vang Vieng usually gets less rain in October than Lisbon. Vang Vieng gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Lisbon receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Vang Vieng or Lisbon in the Winter?

Both Lisbon and Vang Vieng are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vang Vieng throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Lisbon in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Vang Vieng is generally much warmer than Lisbon. Daily temperatures in Vang Vieng average around 24°C (75°F), and Lisbon fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vang Vieng. Vang Vieng usually receives more sunshine than Lisbon during winter. Vang Vieng gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Lisbon receives 144 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Lisbon. In January, Vang Vieng usually receives less rain than Lisbon. Vang Vieng gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Lisbon receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Vang Vieng 24°C (75°F) 
    Lisbon 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Vang Vieng or Lisbon in the Spring?

Both Lisbon and Vang Vieng during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Vang Vieng because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, most visitors come to Lisbon for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.

Vang Vieng is a little warmer than Lisbon in the spring. The daily temperature in Vang Vieng averages around 23°C (73°F) in April, and Lisbon fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In Lisbon, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Vang Vieng. In the spring, Vang Vieng often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Lisbon. Vang Vieng gets 230 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lisbon receives 235 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Vang Vieng. Vang Vieng usually gets more rain in April than Lisbon. Vang Vieng gets 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain, while Lisbon receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Vang Vieng 23°C (73°F) 
    Lisbon 16°C (60°F)

Typical Weather for Lisbon and Vang Vieng

Vang Vieng Lisbon
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (75°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 12°C (53°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Feb 24°C (75°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 13°C (55°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Mar 24°C (75°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 14°C (58°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 23°C (73°F) 188 mm (7.4 in) 16°C (60°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
May 23°C (73°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 18°C (64°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 21°C (69°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Jul 22°C (72°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Aug 22°C (72°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 23°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 22°C (72°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Oct 23°C (73°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 23°C (73°F) 113 mm (4.4 in) 15°C (59°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
Dec 23°C (73°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 12°C (54°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)