A Travel Price Comparison for Laos Vang Vieng vs. Luang Prabang for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Vang Vieng or Luang Prabang?

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

Should I visit Vang Vieng or Luang Prabang? 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 Luang Prabang?

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.

Luang Prabang

Southeast Asia is a region full of mystical wonders and cultural charm, but nowhere is as charming as the city of Luang Prabang. As the former capital of Laos, Luang Prabang was reopened to tourism in 1989. With that move the city experienced an upswing in revenue and was able to restore and rebuild the beautiful colonial mansions to serve as guesthouses and hotels for the new swarm of tourists.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Laos, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Laos, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Laos, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Laos.


Which place is cheaper, Luang Prabang 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.

  • Vang Vieng Prices
    Laos Prices
    Luang Prabang Prices
    Laos Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Vang Vieng $18
    Luang Prabang $14

The average daily cost (per person) in Vang Vieng is $18, while the average daily cost in Luang Prabang is $14. 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 Luang Prabang in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Vang Vieng $4.21
    Luang Prabang $5.55
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Vang Vieng $8.42
    Luang Prabang $11
Compare Hotels in Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang

Looking for a hotel in Vang Vieng or Luang Prabang? 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 Luang Prabang


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 Luang Prabang Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Vang Vieng $3.08
    Luang Prabang $2.05

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Luang Prabang

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Luang Prabang are as follows:


  • Tuk Tuk Ride
    $2.29

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Luang Prabang

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

  • Private Transfer from Tortola island to Tortola Cruise Port: $82
  • LPQ Airport: Private Transfer to/from Luang Prabang City: $29
  • Luang Prabang Private Airport transfers: $9.00
  • Luang Prabang Private Taxi transfers: $8.45

Is it cheaper to fly into Vang Vieng or Luang Prabang?

Prices for flights to both Luang Prabang 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
    Luang Prabang $5.30

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Luang Prabang

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

  • Day-time Bamboo weaving & Cooking Classes join-in: $44
  • Bamboo Weaving Workshop & Cooking Class: $44
  • Evening Bamboo weaving & Cooking classes join-in: $47
  • Mekong Sunset Cruise and Hot Pot Dinner: $50
  • Luang Prabang Mekong Sunset Cruise and Hot Pot Dinner: $51
  • Evening Cooking Class & Local Baci Ceremony: $51
  • Home-cooked dinner & Baci ceremony with Villagers in Ban Nasang: $52
  • Laos Cooking Class in Luang Prabang: $55
  • Luang Prabang Evening food tour by Tuktuk: $57
  • Luang Prabang Evening Food Tour by Tuk-Tuk: $58
  • Cooking Class: $58
  • Full Day bamboo experience with cooking class & Kuang si waterfalls: $59

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Vang Vieng $4.72
    Luang Prabang $2.64

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: $159
  • 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
  • 1-Day Adventure Wander w/ Hike, Kayaking & Lunch: $82
  • Blue Lagoon and Countryside Bike Tour with Lunch: $50
  • Jungle & Caves Full-Day Private Trekking Tour: $120
  • Nam Song River Kayak Tour: $27

Tours and Activities in Luang Prabang

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Luang Prabang.

  • Kuangsi waterfall with sunset view Mekong cruiser Pakou Cave : $89
  • 1 DAY Mekong Cruise to Pak Ou Caves. Kuang Si Waterfalls . Local Villages: $48
  • 5D EXPLORE MEKONG RIVER CRUISE & WORLD HERITAGE CITY OF LAOS: $800
  • Bike to Kuangsi Waterfall and Cruise the Mekong River Back - Luang Prabang 1 day: $170
  • Biking & Kayaking through Nam Khan River Valley - Luang Prabang full day tour: $73
  • Chiang Rai: Slow Boat to Luang Prabang 2-Day-1-Night Tour: $145
  • Dine and Cruise on Mekong River: $66
  • Elephant keeper experience with Kuangsi waterfall day tour: $117
  • Experience Aroma Candle Making in a Pottery & Tea Ceremony: $29
  • From Guided Mountain Bike Tour with Lunch: $42
  • Full day / Half Day Kayaking and Pak Ou Caves with optional sunset cruise: $41
  • Full day Kayaking and Pak Ou Caves with sunset cruise: $55

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Vang Vieng $1.10
    Luang Prabang $1.76


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang, we can see that Vang Vieng is more expensive. And not only is Luang Prabang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Luang Prabang would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Luang Prabang 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 Vang Vieng would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Vang Vieng than you might in Luang Prabang.

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 Luang Prabang Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Vang Vieng or Luang Prabang?

Luang Prabang has a larger population, and is about 90% larger than the population of Vang Vieng. When comparing the sizes of Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang, 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 Luang Prabang?

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 Luang Prabang in the Summer?

Both Luang Prabang 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 Luang Prabang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Luang Prabang. In July, Vang Vieng usually receives less rain than Luang Prabang. Vang Vieng gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 228 mm (9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

In the summer, Vang Vieng is cooler than Luang Prabang. Typically, the summer temperatures in Vang Vieng in July average around 22°C (72°F), and Luang Prabang averages at about 28°C (82°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Vang Vieng 22°C (72°F) 
    Luang Prabang 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Vang Vieng or Luang Prabang in the Autumn?

Both Luang Prabang 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 Luang Prabang year-round.

Luang Prabang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Vang Vieng usually gets less rain in October than Luang Prabang. Vang Vieng gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 126 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.

In October, Vang Vieng is generally cooler than Luang Prabang. Daily temperatures in Vang Vieng average around 23°C (73°F), and Luang Prabang fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Vang Vieng 23°C (73°F) 
    Luang Prabang 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Vang Vieng or Luang Prabang in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vang Vieng year-round. Luang Prabang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In January, Vang Vieng usually receives more rain than Luang Prabang. Vang Vieng gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Vang Vieng is a little warmer than Luang Prabang in the winter. The daily temperature in Vang Vieng averages around 24°C (75°F) in January, and Luang Prabang fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Vang Vieng 24°C (75°F) 
    Luang Prabang 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Vang Vieng or Luang Prabang in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Vang Vieng as well as Luang Prabang. Vang Vieng attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Luang Prabang throughout the year.

It's quite rainy in Luang Prabang. Vang Vieng receives a lot of rain in the spring. Vang Vieng usually gets more rain in April than Luang Prabang. Vang Vieng gets 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the spring, Vang Vieng is cooler than Luang Prabang. Typically, the spring temperatures in Vang Vieng in April average around 23°C (73°F), and Luang Prabang averages at about 28°C (82°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Vang Vieng 23°C (73°F) 
    Luang Prabang 28°C (82°F)

Typical Weather for Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng

Vang Vieng Luang Prabang
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (75°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 21°C (70°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
Feb 24°C (75°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 23°C (73°F) 19 mm (0.7 in)
Mar 24°C (75°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 26°C (79°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Apr 23°C (73°F) 188 mm (7.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
May 23°C (73°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 29°C (84°F) 147 mm (5.8 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 28°C (82°F) 258 mm (10.2 in)
Jul 22°C (72°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 28°C (82°F) 228 mm (9 in)
Aug 22°C (72°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 28°C (82°F) 289 mm (11.4 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 27°C (81°F) 173 mm (6.8 in)
Oct 23°C (73°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 26°C (79°F) 126 mm (5 in)
Nov 23°C (73°F) 113 mm (4.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Dec 23°C (73°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 20°C (68°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)


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