Which place is cheaper, Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Rotterdam? 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 Rotterdam?
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.
Rotterdam
Rotterdam is the second largest city in the Netherlands and has the largest port in Europe. It's famously known as a city of architecture. In a few square kilometers of the city center you can get a complete overview of twentieth century architecture within Rotterdam.
Rotterdam is a very diverse, international, and hard working city. Nearly half of the city's population is not native to the Netherlands or have at least one parent from outside the country. Muslim's make up a significant portion of the population. Other area's represented include Cape Verde and the Dutch Antilles.
There's an air of optimism that permeates the entire city. There are frequent events, festivals and performances, making Rotterdam an enjoyable place to spend some time. Water is also an integral part of the city design.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Laos, The Best Budget Tours to Laos, The Best River Cruises from Amsterdam, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Netherlands.
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Vang Vieng Prices
Laos PricesRotterdam Prices
Netherlands Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVang Vieng $18Rotterdam $222
The average daily cost (per person) in Vang Vieng is $18, while the average daily cost in Rotterdam is $222. 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 Rotterdam in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVang Vieng $4.19Rotterdam $95
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVang Vieng $8.38Rotterdam $190
Compare Hotels in Vang Vieng and Rotterdam
Looking for a hotel in Vang Vieng or Rotterdam? 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 Rotterdam Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Vang Vieng $3.07Rotterdam $30
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vang Vieng
Also for Vang Vieng, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Vang Vieng Private Transfer: Hotel - Railway Station - Vientiane: $11
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rotterdam
Also for Rotterdam, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private direct transfer from Rotterdam to Brussels: $289
- Private transfer from Rotterdam to Amsterdam, 2h Stop in Haarlem: $283
- Private transfer: Rotterdam>Amsterdam, 2h Stop in De Haar Castle: $274
- Private Minivan Transfer from Rotterdam: $271
- Private direct transfer from Rotterdam to Antwerp: $265
- Private transfer from Rotterdam to Amsterdam, 2h Stop in Gouda: $264
- Private Transfer from Rotterdam City to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport: $224
- Private direct transfer from Rotterdam to Arnhem: $218
- Private direct transfer from Rotterdam to Antwerp: $209
- Rotterdam to Amsterdam Airport(AMS) - Departure Private Transfer: $200
- Private transfer from Rotterdam cruise port to Schiphol Airport: $186
- Private Rotterdam Cruise Port Departure Transfer to AMS Schiphol Airport: $186
Is it cheaper to fly into Vang Vieng or Rotterdam?
Prices for flights to both Rotterdam 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 $11Rotterdam $103
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rotterdam
For Rotterdam, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Pizza Cruise: $46
- Rotterdam Food Tour: Taste The Alternative Side Of The City: $79
- Guided Food Tour: $80
- Iconic Rotterdam Food Tour: 7 Local Dishes with a Guide: $85
- Historic Delfshaven: Lunch or Dinner with a Private Chef: $87
- Food Tour by Bike: $104
- Guided Walking Food Tour: $104
- Rotterdam Walking Food Tour with 7 Delicious Tastings: $105
- Biking Rotterdam Food Tour with Local Guide: $117
- Private Walking Food Tour of Rotterdam: $130
- Private Food Tour in Rotterdam Taste the Future: $147
- Rotterdam Private 2-Hour Food Tour with Tastings: $175
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Vang Vieng $4.70Rotterdam $37
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
- BBQ Lunch Cruise on Nam Ngum Lake: $50
- 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
- Paramotor Experience in Vang Vieng Laos: $165
- Ultimate Kayak, Zipline and Tube Adventure in Vang Vieng: $113
- Vang Vieng 1-Day Cave Exploration Tour with Guide: $175
- Vang Vieng 2 Day Shared Hot Air Balloon Tour: $269
- Vang Vieng Adventure Day Tour: Kayaking, Zipline & Cave Tubing: $75
Tours and Activities in Rotterdam
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Rotterdam.
- "Remastered" Audiovisual Experience in Rotterdam: $31
- 2-Hour Walking Tour in Gouda All inclusive: $21
- All Inclusive, Private Tour Rotterdam + Euromast 360º view: $195
- All-Inclusive Private Windmill Tour to Kinderdijk from Rotterdam: $224
- Art and Architecture Walking Tour in Rotterdam - guided by Architects: $71
- Best Intro Tour of Rotterdam with a Local: $164
- Best of Private Walking Tour with a Local: $48
- Best of small-group walking tour: $23
- Boat & Beer Walking Tour: $117
- Bonton Male Dance Show Evening Ticket: $58
- Breda Fun Puzzle Quest: True Lord Self-Guided Tour: $5.59
- Cruise Terminal Private Tour by Luxury Van: $346
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVang Vieng $1.10Rotterdam $22
Sample the Local Flavors in Rotterdam
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Rotterdam:
- Beer Brewery 'Noordt' Beer Tasting: $9.31
- Brewery Noordt Tour Including Two Beers: $20
- Stadshaven Brewery Tour with Beer Tastings: $26
- The Ultimate Rotterdam Bar Crawl Experience: $41
- Ludwig's Original Pub Crawl with VIP Club Entry: $52
- Ludwig's Private Pub Crawl with VIP Club Entry: $576
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vang Vieng and Rotterdam, we can see that Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Vang Vieng or Rotterdam?
Rotterdam has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Vang Vieng. When comparing the sizes of Vang Vieng and Rotterdam, 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 Rotterdam?
Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam in the Summer?
Both Rotterdam 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. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Rotterdam because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
Vang Vieng is a little warmer than Rotterdam in the summer. The daily temperature in Vang Vieng averages around 22°C (72°F) in July, and Rotterdam fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).
It's quite sunny in Rotterdam. Vang Vieng usually receives less sunshine than Rotterdam during summer. Vang Vieng gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Rotterdam receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Vang Vieng usually receives less rain than Rotterdam. Vang Vieng gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyVang Vieng 22°C (72°F)Rotterdam 17°C (62°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Rotterdam in the Autumn?
Both Rotterdam 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. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Rotterdam this time of year.
In the autumn, Vang Vieng is much warmer than Rotterdam. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Vang Vieng in October average around 23°C (73°F), and Rotterdam averages at about 11°C (51°F).
It's quite sunny in Vang Vieng. In the autumn, Vang Vieng often gets more sunshine than Rotterdam. Vang Vieng gets 222 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rotterdam receives 105 hours of full sun.
Vang Vieng usually gets less rain in October than Rotterdam. Vang Vieng gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberVang Vieng 23°C (73°F)Rotterdam 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Rotterdam in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Vang Vieng and Rotterdam. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vang Vieng year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Rotterdam for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Rotterdam. In January, Vang Vieng is generally much warmer than Rotterdam. Daily temperatures in Vang Vieng average around 24°C (75°F), and Rotterdam fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).
In Vang Vieng, it's very sunny this time of the year. Vang Vieng usually receives more sunshine than Rotterdam during winter. Vang Vieng gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Rotterdam receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Vang Vieng usually receives less rain than Rotterdam. Vang Vieng gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryVang Vieng 24°C (75°F)Rotterdam 2°C (36°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Rotterdam in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Vang Vieng as well as Rotterdam. Vang Vieng attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Rotterdam in the spring for the activities around the city.
Vang Vieng is much warmer than Rotterdam in the spring. The daily temperature in Vang Vieng averages around 23°C (73°F) in April, and Rotterdam fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vang Vieng this time of the year. In the spring, Vang Vieng often gets more sunshine than Rotterdam. Vang Vieng gets 230 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rotterdam receives 158 hours of full sun.
Vang Vieng receives a lot of rain in the spring. Vang Vieng usually gets more rain in April than Rotterdam. Vang Vieng gets 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilVang Vieng 23°C (73°F)Rotterdam 8°C (46°F)
Typical Weather for Rotterdam and Vang Vieng
| Vang Vieng | Rotterdam | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Mar | 24°C (75°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Apr | 23°C (73°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| May | 23°C (73°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (72°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (72°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 80 mm (3.1 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.