Which place is cheaper, Sao Paulo 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 Sao Paulo?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Sao Paulo? 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 Sao Paulo?
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.
Sao Paulo
With a population of around 11 million, and 20 million in the metropolitan area, Sao Paulo is the largest city in Brazil. It's also one of the wealthiest cities in the southern hemisphere, although you don't have to look far to see the income disparities and inequalities that exist. The city is diverse and culturally rich, with excellent food, music, and entertainment.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Laos, The Best Budget Tours to Laos, The Best 3-Day Tours from Manaus, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Brazil.
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Vang Vieng Prices
Laos PricesSao Paulo Prices
Brazil Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVang Vieng $19Sao Paulo $60
The average daily cost (per person) in Vang Vieng is $19, while the average daily cost in Sao Paulo is $60. 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 Sao Paulo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVang Vieng $4.25Sao Paulo $28
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVang Vieng $8.50Sao Paulo $56
Compare Hotels in Vang Vieng and Sao Paulo
Looking for a hotel in Vang Vieng or Sao Paulo? 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 Sao Paulo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Vang Vieng $3.11Sao Paulo $5.76
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sao Paulo
Also for Sao Paulo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Sao Paulo Airport (GRU) to Ilhabela Port: $295
- Transfer from São Paulo to Port of Santos: $230
- Private Transfer from Gru Airport to Port or City of Santos (1 to 15 people): $229
- Private Transfer from Morumbi to Sao Paulo (GRU) Airport: $178
- Airport Transfer: Sao Paulo to Airport GRU by Luxury Van: $176
- Private Transfer from Sao Paulo hotels to Santos Cruise Port: $170
- Sao Paulo Guarulhos Airport GRU to Sao Paulo RoundTrip Transfer : $158
- Airport Transfer: Sao Paulo to Airport GRU by Business Car: $143
- Private Transfer from Sao Paulo city hotels to Santos Cruise Port: $138
- Transfer to Guarulhos Airport - up to 4 passengers sedan: $130
- Private Transfer from Alphaville to Sao Paulo (GRU) Airport: $125
- Private Transfer from Sao Paulo City to Congonhas (CGH) Airport: $123
Is it cheaper to fly into Vang Vieng or Sao Paulo?
Prices for flights to both Sao Paulo 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 $11Sao Paulo $24
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sao Paulo
For Sao Paulo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Make 9 Brazilian Faves in a 4-Hour Cooking Workshop in Sao Paulo: $85
- Authentic Brazilian Cooking Experience in SP: Feijoada & Moqueca: $189
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Vang Vieng $4.76Sao Paulo $3.89
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
- 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
- Vang Vieng 1-Day Cave Exploration Tour with Guide: $175
- Vang Vieng Ballooning Adventures: $260
- Vang Vieng Bike Tour: $49
- Vang Vieng Day Tour - Longtail boat, Paragliding: $175
- Vang Vieng Hot Air Balloon Experience and Longtail Boat: $137
- Vang Vieng Hot Air Balloon Kayak Zipline,Blue lagoon1 Tour: $148
Tours and Activities in Sao Paulo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Sao Paulo.
- São Paulo: 2 Hour Immersion Waling Tour in Paulista Avenue: $34
- 4 Hour Private Tour - São Paulo: $142
- 4-Hour Private Tour in Sao Paulo: $300
- 4-hour Sum-up Private Tour Of São Paulo Including Its Major Attractions : $134
- 5-hour Pelé Private Tour: The King of Football : $162
- 5-hour Private Street Art Tour Of São Paulo – The Coolest Urban Art Scenes: $176
- 5-hour Private Tour Of São Paulo With Its Main Sights – Optional Airport Pickup: $162
- 5h City Tour (pick up & delivery within SaoPaulo city): $240
- 6 Hour Ayrton Senna Tour – The Greatest Formula 1 Drivers of all Time: $193
- 6-Hour Classic Half-Day Private Tour of São Paulo – Optional Airport Pickup : $178
- 6-Hour Private Layover Tour in São Paulo from GRU & CGH Airports: $178
- 7-hour Private Tour Overview Of São Paulo – Optional For GRU Airport Pickup: $192
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVang Vieng $1.11Sao Paulo $3.38
Sample the Local Flavors in Sao Paulo
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Sao Paulo:
- Fine wine tastings in São Roque - Tour with local guides: $192
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vang Vieng and Sao Paulo, we can see that Sao Paulo 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 Sao Paulo is in South America, 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 Sao Paulo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sao Paulo 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 Sao Paulo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Vang Vieng or Sao Paulo?
Sao Paulo has a larger population, and is about 400 times larger than the population of Vang Vieng. When comparing the sizes of Vang Vieng and Sao Paulo, 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 Sao Paulo?
Sao Paulo 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 Sao Paulo in the Summer?
Both Sao Paulo 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, many visitors come to Sao Paulo in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
Vang Vieng is cooler than Sao Paulo in the summer. The daily temperature in Vang Vieng averages around 22°C (72°F) in July, and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 25°C (77°F)in January.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Sao Paulo. In July, Vang Vieng usually receives less rain than Sao Pauloin January. Vang Vieng gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the summer. The rainy season in Sao Paulo is October to March.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryVang Vieng 22°C (72°F)Sao Paulo 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Sao Paulo in the Autumn?
Both Sao Paulo 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. Also, most visitors come to Sao Paulo for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.
In the autumn, Vang Vieng is around the same temperature as Sao Paulo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Vang Vieng in October average around 23°C (73°F), and Sao Paulo averages at about 22°C (72°F)in April.
Vang Vieng usually gets more rain in October than Sao Pauloin April. Vang Vieng gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year. June to August is the dry season in Sao Paulo.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilVang Vieng 23°C (73°F)Sao Paulo 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Sao Paulo in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Vang Vieng and Sao Paulo. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vang Vieng year-round. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Sao Paulo because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In January, Vang Vieng is generally a little warmer than Sao Pauloin July. Daily temperatures in Vang Vieng average around 24°C (75°F), and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
In January, Vang Vieng usually receives more rain than Sao Pauloin July. Vang Vieng gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the winter. June to August in Sao Paulo is the dry season.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyVang Vieng 24°C (75°F)Sao Paulo 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Sao Paulo in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Vang Vieng as well as Sao Paulo. Vang Vieng attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Sao Paulo this time of year.
Vang Vieng is around the same temperature as Sao Paulo in the spring. The daily temperature in Vang Vieng averages around 23°C (73°F) in April, and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 21°C (70°F)in October.
Vang Vieng receives a lot of rain in the spring. Vang Vieng usually gets more rain in April than Sao Pauloin October. Vang Vieng gets 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year. October to March in Sao Paulo is the rainy season.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberVang Vieng 23°C (73°F)Sao Paulo 21°C (70°F)
Typical Weather for Sao Paulo and Vang Vieng
| Vang Vieng | Sao Paulo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Mar | 24°C (75°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Apr | 23°C (73°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| May | 23°C (73°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (72°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (72°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 150 mm (5.9 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.