Which place is cheaper, Penang or Vang Vieng?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Vang Vieng or Penang?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Penang? 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 Penang?
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.
Penang
Just off the northwestern coast of Malaysia is the charming and diverse island state of Penang. As the link between the ancient kingdoms of Asia and Europe's colonial empire, this area is enriched with Malay, Chinese, Indian and European influences. This exciting culture is centered in George Town, the main city of the state.
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 10-Day Tours in Malaysia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Malaysia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVang Vieng $14Penang $103
The average daily cost (per person) in Vang Vieng is $14, while the average daily cost in Penang is $103. 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 Penang in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVang Vieng $4.34Penang $49
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVang Vieng $8.68Penang $98
Compare Hotels in Vang Vieng and Penang
Looking for a hotel in Vang Vieng or Penang? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Vang Vieng $3.18Penang $12
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Penang
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Penang:
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Local Bus$1.26
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Island Ferry$0.50
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Bus From Airport to George Town$0.57
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Taxi From Airport to George Town$9.64
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Motorbike Rental (One Day)$6.29
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Bicycle Rental (One Day)$2.10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Penang
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Penang:
- Full-Day Private Transfer in Penang City : $210
- Penang City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur City Hotels One-way Transfer: $140
- Penang City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur Airport One-way Transfer: $140
- Chauffeur: Penang Island to Singapore Van Transfer: $138
- Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal, Penang to Kuala Lumpur Hotel (Door to Door) Transfer: $120
- Penang Intl Airport (PEN): Transfer to Penang Island hotels: $116
- Penang Airport (PEN): Transfer to Swettenham Cruise Port: $116
- Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal: Transfer to Penang Island: $116
- Penang City to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $107
- Penang to Kuala Lumpur 1-way Transfer: $107
- Penang Airport PEN to Penang Island - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $85
- Penang Airport to Swettenham Cruise Port - Round Trip Transfer: $76
Is it cheaper to fly into Vang Vieng or Penang?
Prices for flights to both Penang 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 $6.31Penang $33
Typical Food Prices in Penang
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Penang:
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Snack$1.68
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Dinner at The Suffolk House (for 2)$72
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Lunch at Sakae Sushi (for 2)$61
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Lassy Juice$1.47
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Dinner for 2$3.14
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Street Stall Food$0.59
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$3.98
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Italian Lunch (for Two)$10
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Penang
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Penang.
- Penang Food Tour - Georgetown: $62
- Eat Like A Local: Penang Street Food Tour: $62
- 3-Hour Heritage on a Plate Dinner Hop in George Town Penang: $65
- Private Half Day Penang Tasty Local Street Food Tour: $87
- 4-Hour Georgetown Food Tour: $88
- Cooking Classes In Penang By Penang Chiak: $93
- Private Dinner at THE TOP with Skywalk Experience from Penang: $103
- Chef Samuel's Private Malaysian Cooking Class with Wet Market Tour: $116
- Food Tour at Penang - Eat Like a Local, Feel Like a Local: $120
- Experience Malaysia: Authentic Malaysia Cooking Tour: $121
- Dinner at Penang Hill Including Train Ride: $141
- Penang's Night Eat-Venture Vespa Food Tour: $160
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Vang Vieng $4.87Penang $49
Tours and Activities in Vang Vieng
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Vang Vieng.
- Half-Day Nam Song River Kayak Tour with Zipline or Tham None: $27
- Vang Vieng Kayaking Fun Rapid and Float Tour: $35
- Vang Vieng Bike Tour: $39
- One Day Guided Tour: Kayaking, Zipline & Tubing In The Cave from Vang Vieng : $50
- Train ticket Vang vieng to Luang prabang: $50
- Blue Lagoon and Countryside Bike Tour with Lunch: $50
- Vang Vieng Tour B - Nam Xay Viewpoint Hike & Blue Lagoon 1 Tour: $55
- Discover Vang Vieng Private Tour- Trekking, Kayaking and Caving: $102
- Vang Vieng Tour A - Blue lagoon 3 with Caves and Zipline: $110
- Jungle & Caves Full-Day Private Trekking Tour: $120
- Full Day Private Kayaking, Zipline & Tubing In The Cave Tour: $156
Typical Entertainment Prices in Penang
Here are a few typical costs in Penang for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Butterfly Gardens$6.50
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Trishaw Tour (One Hour)$6.29
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Fort Cornwallis Entrance$0.42
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Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi Entrance$2.10
Tours and Activities in Penang
Here are a few actual costs in Penang for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Penang City Temple Tour with Penang Hill(Fast Lane) & Kek Lok Si: $100
- 4 Hour Food and Heritage Walking Tour in Penang George Town: $75
- 4-Hour Heritage Walking Tour of Georgetown: $58
- 6-Hours Penang Private Tour: $151
- Admission Ticket for Dark Mansion Glow-in-the-Dark Museum in Penang: $8.80
- Asia Camera Museum Admission Ticket: $5.38
- Countryside Cycling Tour by Matahari: $82
- Discover Georgetown Heritage Private Tour in Penang: $51
- Discover Penang City Tour: $47
- Discover Penang City in Amazing Tour: $82
- Enjoy Hill & Temple Sightseeing Tour - Penang City: $68
- Entopia Butterfly Farm & Tropical Spice Garden Tour: $81
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVang Vieng $1.14Penang $15
Typical Alcohol Prices in Penang
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Penang:
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Beer$1.68
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vang Vieng and Penang, we can see that Penang 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 Penang would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Penang 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 Penang Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Vang Vieng or Penang?
Penang has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Vang Vieng. When comparing the sizes of Vang Vieng and Penang, 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 Penang?
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 Penang in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Vang Vieng as well as Penang. Vang Vieng attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Penang throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Penang. Vang Vieng usually gets less rain in July than Penang. Vang Vieng gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Penang receives 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Penang. In the summer, Vang Vieng often gets less sunshine than Penang. Vang Vieng gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Penang receives 211 hours of full sun.
Vang Vieng is cooler than Penang in the summer. The daily temperature in Vang Vieng averages around 22°C (72°F) in July, and Penang fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyVang Vieng 22°C (72°F)Penang 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Penang in the Autumn?
Both Penang and Vang Vieng are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vang Vieng throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Penang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Penang. In October, Vang Vieng usually receives less rain than Penang. Vang Vieng gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Penang receives 340 mm (13.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
In the autumn, Vang Vieng is cooler than Penang. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Vang Vieng in October average around 23°C (73°F), and Penang averages at about 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberVang Vieng 23°C (73°F)Penang 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Penang in the Winter?
Both Penang and Vang Vieng during the winter 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 Penang year-round.
Vang Vieng usually gets less rain in January than Penang. Vang Vieng gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Penang receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
In January, Vang Vieng is generally cooler than Penang. Daily temperatures in Vang Vieng average around 24°C (75°F), and Penang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryVang Vieng 24°C (75°F)Penang 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Penang in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Vang Vieng and Penang. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vang Vieng year-round. Penang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Penang receives a lot of rain in the spring. Vang Vieng gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Vang Vieng usually receives less rain than Penang. Vang Vieng gets 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain, while Penang receives 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Penang this time of the year. In Vang Vieng, it's very sunny this time of the year. Vang Vieng usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Penang during spring. Vang Vieng gets 230 hours of sunny skies, while Penang receives 218 hours of full sun in the spring.
Vang Vieng is cooler than Penang in the spring. The daily temperature in Vang Vieng averages around 23°C (73°F) in April, and Penang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilVang Vieng 23°C (73°F)Penang 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Penang and Vang Vieng
| Vang Vieng | Penang | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | 24°C (75°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Apr | 23°C (73°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) |
| May | 23°C (73°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (72°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (72°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 330 mm (13 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 340 mm (13.4 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 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.