Which place is cheaper, Saint Thomas 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 Saint Thomas?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Saint Thomas? 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 Saint Thomas?
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.
Saint Thomas
Saint Thomas is a beautiful island in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Together with St. John, St. Croix, and Water Island, it forms the unincorporated territory of the United States. The island is also home to the territorial capital and port of Charlotte Amalie. The island's population is just over 50,000, which is slightly less than half of the territory's total population.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Laos, and The Best Budget Tours to Laos.
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Vang Vieng Prices
Laos PricesSaint Thomas Prices
USVI Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVang Vieng $19Saint Thomas $258
The average daily cost (per person) in Vang Vieng is $19, while the average daily cost in Saint Thomas is $258. 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 Saint Thomas in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVang Vieng $4.25Saint Thomas $131
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVang Vieng $8.50Saint Thomas $262
Compare Hotels in Vang Vieng and Saint Thomas
Looking for a hotel in Vang Vieng or Saint Thomas? 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 $3.11Saint Thomas $37
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 Saint Thomas
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Saint Thomas are as follows:
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Scooter Rental$65
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Taxi Ride$5.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Saint Thomas
Also for Saint Thomas, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Cyril E. King Airport STT to Charlotte Amalie RoundTrip Transfer: $204
- Prince Taxi & Tours St.Thomas Airport transfer to Redhook Ferry: $200
- Prince Taxi USVI ST.Thomas Airport transfer to Westin : $180
- Prince Taxi USVI-ST.Thomas Airport Transfer to Ritz Carlton : $180
- ST.Thomas Private Airport One-Way Transfers: $180
- Private Airport Transfer in Luxury Vehicle- St. Thomas, USVI: $179
- Private Arrival Transfer from Cyril E King Airport to Redhook Bay: $175
- Prince Taxi ST.Thomas Airport transfer to Yacht Haven/Bluebeards: $175
- Private Hotel and Resorts Transfers: $173
- PARADISE TAXI & TOURS USVI-St. Thomas- Airport Transfer to Ritz Carlton Elysian : $170
- Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI- St. Thomas - Airport Transfer to Red Hook Ferry: $160
- Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI-St Thomas- Airport Transfer Sapphire / Crystal Cove : $160
Is it cheaper to fly into Vang Vieng or Saint Thomas?
Prices for flights to both Saint Thomas 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 $11Saint Thomas $94
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Saint Thomas
For Saint Thomas, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Flavors: Cultural Cooking Class, St Thomas, USVI, USA : $81
- St. John Sail with Bar and Hors d'Oeuvres to Lovango Dinner: $119
- Sunset & Harbor Lights Dinner Sail from the Marriott's Frenchman's Cove: $119
- Afternoon Snorkel, Pizza & Sunset Tour departing from St. Thomas & St. John: $120
- Local Experience, St. John U.S. Virgin Islands Food Tour: $125
- Pizza Pi Shuttle (Official) - Jet Ski Trip St Thomas: $148
- St. John PiZZA Pi Snorkel Sail with Beach Stop, Lunch & Open Bar - Westin: $149
- Christmas Cove and Pizza Pi Happy Hour Sail Tour: $185
- Turtles, Pizza Pi & Sunset trip: $295
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Vang Vieng $4.76Saint Thomas $60
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
- 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 Hot Air Balloon Experience and Longtail Boat: $137
- Vang Vieng Hot Air Balloon Kayak Zipline,Blue lagoon1 Tour: $148
- Vang Vieng Jungle Day Tour: $58
- Vang Vieng Kayaking Fun Rapid and Float Tour: $65
Tours and Activities in Saint Thomas
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Saint Thomas.
- Island Icons & Treasures Tour - St. Thomas USVI : $199
- Magens Bay Trail Hiking Tour: $60
- Two-Hour Sightseeing Excursion : $58
- Vi Top Taxi &Tours USVI-Coki Beach Snorkeling Tour : $68
- 1 Hour Jet Ski Tour in the Virgin Islands from Westin St. John: $169
- 1-Hour Guided Jet Ski Tour in St. Thomas from Frenchman's Reef: $159
- 1.5 Hour Private Mini Jeep Tour on St. Thomas: $220
- 3 Hour Kayak and Snorkel Tour: $139
- Admission Ticket to Coral World & Coki Point Beach with Snorkeling: $40
- Best of Mangrove Lagoon Kayak, Hike and Snorkel Adventure with Picnic Lunch: $159
- Book Your Private Two and a Half Hour Island Tour today!: $150
- Children's Treasure Hunt Walking Tour: $25
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVang Vieng $1.11Saint Thomas $27
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vang Vieng and Saint Thomas, we can see that Saint Thomas 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 Saint Thomas is in Caribbean Islands, 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 Saint Thomas would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Saint Thomas 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 Saint Thomas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Vang Vieng or Saint Thomas?
Vang Vieng has a larger population, and is about 25% larger than the population of Saint Thomas. When comparing the sizes of Vang Vieng and Saint Thomas, 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 Saint Thomas?
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 Saint Thomas in the Summer?
Both Saint Thomas 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 Saint Thomas because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In July, Vang Vieng usually receives less rain than Saint Thomas. Vang Vieng gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
It's quite sunny in Saint Thomas. Vang Vieng usually receives less sunshine than Saint Thomas during summer. Vang Vieng gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.
In the summer, Vang Vieng is cooler than Saint Thomas. Typically, the summer temperatures in Vang Vieng in July average around 22°C (72°F), and Saint Thomas averages at about 29°C (83°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyVang Vieng 22°C (72°F)Saint Thomas 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Saint Thomas in the Autumn?
Both Saint Thomas 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 Saint Thomas year-round.
Saint Thomas gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Vang Vieng usually gets less rain in October than Saint Thomas. Vang Vieng gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Saint Thomas, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Vang Vieng. In the autumn, Vang Vieng often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Thomas. Vang Vieng gets 222 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 235 hours of full sun.
In October, Vang Vieng is generally cooler than Saint Thomas. Daily temperatures in Vang Vieng average around 23°C (73°F), and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberVang Vieng 23°C (73°F)Saint Thomas 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Saint Thomas in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Vang Vieng and Saint Thomas. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vang Vieng year-round. Saint Thomas attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Vang Vieng usually receives more rain than Saint Thomas. Vang Vieng gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Thomas 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 Saint Thomas during winter. Vang Vieng gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.
Vang Vieng is around the same temperature as Saint Thomas in the winter. The daily temperature in Vang Vieng averages around 24°C (75°F) in January, and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryVang Vieng 24°C (75°F)Saint Thomas 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Saint Thomas in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Vang Vieng as well as Saint Thomas. Vang Vieng attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Thomas throughout the year.
Vang Vieng receives a lot of rain in the spring. Vang Vieng usually gets more rain in April than Saint Thomas. Vang Vieng gets 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Thomas. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vang Vieng this time of the year. In the spring, Vang Vieng often gets less sunshine than Saint Thomas. Vang Vieng gets 230 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 272 hours of full sun.
In the spring, Vang Vieng is cooler than Saint Thomas. Typically, the spring temperatures in Vang Vieng in April average around 23°C (73°F), and Saint Thomas averages at about 27°C (80°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilVang Vieng 23°C (73°F)Saint Thomas 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Saint Thomas and Vang Vieng
| Vang Vieng | Saint Thomas | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 24°C (75°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 23°C (73°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 23°C (73°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (72°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (72°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 71 mm (2.8 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.