Which place is cheaper, Luang Prabang or Vang Vieng?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in Laos, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Laos, The Best 2-Week Tours in Laos, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Laos.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVang Vieng $14Luang Prabang $14
The average daily cost (per person) in Vang Vieng is $14, 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
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVang Vieng $4.34Luang Prabang $5.72
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVang Vieng $8.68Luang 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.
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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Vang Vieng $3.18Luang Prabang $2.11
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Luang Prabang
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Luang Prabang are as follows:
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Tuk Tuk Ride$2.36
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: $80
- LPQ Airport: Private Transfer to/from Luang Prabang City: $29
- Luang Prabang Private Airport transfers: $9.00
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
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Food Meals for one dayVang Vieng $6.31Luang Prabang $5.47
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:
- Luang Prabang Local Market and Morning Food Tour with Drinks: $29
- 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
- Evening Cooking Class & Local Baci Ceremony: $51
- Luang Prabang Mekong Sunset Cruise and Hot Pot Dinner: $51
- Laos Cooking Class in Luang Prabang: $55
- Cooking Class: $55
- Luang Prabang Evening food tour by Tuktuk: $56
- Luang Prabang Evening Food Tour by Tuk-Tuk: $57
- Luang Prabang Evening Food Tour by Tuk-Tuk : $58
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Vang Vieng $4.87Luang Prabang $2.72
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: $155
- 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
Tours and Activities in Luang Prabang
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Luang Prabang.
- Kuangsi waterfall tour with Sunset Mekong cruiser to Pakou Cave: $77
- 1 DAY Mekong Cruise to Pak Ou Caves. Kuang Si Waterfalls . Local Villages: $48
- 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
- Dine and Cruise on Mekong River: $66
- Elephant keeper experience option waterfall day tour: $115
- From Guided Mountain Bike Tour with Lunch: $42
- Full Day Kuang Si Warerfalls & Rice Farming Experience in Living Land: $95
- Full Day Private Tour in Luang Prabang: $163
- Full Day Private Tour to Kuang Si Falls: $126
- Full day / Half Day Kayaking and Pak Ou Caves with optional sunset cruise: $41
- Full-Day Luang Prabang Highlights Tour Including Kuangsi Waterfall: $85
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVang Vieng $1.14Luang Prabang $1.82
When comparing the travel costs between Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang, we can see that Vang Vieng is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
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).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyVang 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).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberVang 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).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryVang 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).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilVang 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) |
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.