Which place is cheaper, Setubal 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 Setubal?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Setubal? 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 Setubal?
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.
Setubal
Setubal is a busy working port and major commercial fishing center. Setubal is a city that has always had a close connection to the seas, and this is celebrated along the newly rejuvenated waterfront, which encompasses the colorful fishing harbor, the popular urban park and the Troia Peninsula ferry terminal. Within the charming historic center is a maze of narrow alleys, hidden plazas, and family-owned shops, along with Portugal's largest fish market. Setubal is primarily an industrial city, but is situated in a region of immense beauty; to the east is the stunning Serra da Arrabida, to the north is historic Palmela, while to the south are the paradise beaches of the Troia Peninsula. Setubal may not be a conventional holiday destination, but there is a surprising amount to see and do within the city and the surrounding region.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Laos, The Best Budget Tours to Laos, The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal.
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Vang Vieng Prices
Laos PricesSetubal Prices
Portugal Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVang Vieng $18Setubal $167
The average daily cost (per person) in Vang Vieng is $18, while the average daily cost in Setubal is $167. 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 Setubal in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVang Vieng $4.11Setubal $66
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVang Vieng $8.22Setubal $132
Compare Hotels in Vang Vieng and Setubal
Looking for a hotel in Vang Vieng or Setubal? 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 Setubal Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Vang Vieng $3.01Setubal $61
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 Setubal
Also for Setubal, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer: Grândola > Lisbon: $272
- Serra da Arrabida Natural Park E Bike Tour with Transfers: $183
- Comporta Melides Private Transfers to Multiple Destinations: $152
- Transfer Sesimbra to Lisbon Airport: $97
- Sesimbra Private Transfer to/from Lisbon: $54
- Boat Transfer to Ribeiro do Cavalo Beach with Return: $23
Is it cheaper to fly into Vang Vieng or Setubal?
Prices for flights to both Setubal 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 $10Setubal $67
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Setubal
For Setubal, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Traditional Evora Cooking Class & Wine Pairings in Fatima’s Home: $220
- Lisbon Getaway: Private Arrábida Wine & Food Tour: $229
- Authentic Evora Cooking Class with Wine in Chef Sofia’s Garden: $279
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Vang Vieng $4.61Setubal $14
Tours and Activities in Vang Vieng
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Vang Vieng.
- 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
- Vang Vieng 1-Day Cave Exploration Tour with Guide: $175
- Vang Vieng 2 Day Shared Hot Air Balloon Tour: $269
- Vang Vieng Ballooning Adventures: $260
- Vang Vieng Day Tour - Longtail boat, Paragliding: $175
- Vang Vieng Day Tour: Zipline, Water Cave, Kayak & Blue Lagoon 3: $52
Tours and Activities in Setubal
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Setubal.
- Évora : History, Heritage & Alentejo Wine — Private Tour: $148
- Évora : Love at First Sight – Private Walking Tour with a Local: $79
- Évora : Small-Group Cultural Walking Tour & Chapel of Bones: $79
- Évora Private Food and Wine Walking Tour in the UNESCO Old Town: $183
- Évora Private Walking Tour with Cathedral & Chapel of Bones: $113
- Évora Roman Legacy: Ancient City & Archaeology — Private Tour: $125
- Évora Self-Guided City Walking Tour & Scavenger Hunt: $5.72
- Évora Walking Tour: $54
- Évora or Montemor-o-Novo: Guided Tour to Escoural Caves: $29
- Évora to Monsaraz Private Tour: Village & Local Pottery: $239
- Arrábida Family and Group Kayak Adventure: $125
- Arrabida Adventure Circuit: $74
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVang Vieng $1.08Setubal $11
Sample the Local Flavors in Setubal
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Setubal:
- Jeep Tour through Arrábida Azeitão and Wine Tasting: $74
- Private Half Day Arrabida Tour with Wine Tasting in Sesimbra: $140
- Half Day Wine Tour Around Evora: $149
- Private Arrábida Wine Tour from Lisbon with Tastings: $165
- Private Arrábida Nature Walk & Premium Wine Tour from Setúbal: $183
- Azeitão Private Wine Tour from Lisbon – Premium Wineries: $229
- Évora Walking and Wine Tasting Experience: $229
- Portuguese Wine Tasting in Lisbon with an Award-Winning Sommelier: $299
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vang Vieng and Setubal, we can see that Setubal 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 Setubal 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 Setubal would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Setubal 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 Setubal Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Vang Vieng or Setubal?
Setubal has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Vang Vieng. When comparing the sizes of Vang Vieng and Setubal, 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 Setubal?
Setubal 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 Setubal in the Summer?
Both Setubal 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.
In the summer, Vang Vieng is around the same temperature as Setubal. Typically, the summer temperatures in Vang Vieng in July average around 22°C (72°F), and Setubal averages at about 23°C (73°F).
It's quite sunny in Setubal. Vang Vieng usually receives less sunshine than Setubal during summer. Vang Vieng gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Setubal receives 352 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Vang Vieng usually receives more rain than Setubal. Vang Vieng gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Setubal receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyVang Vieng 22°C (72°F)Setubal 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Setubal in the Autumn?
Both Setubal 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.
In October, Vang Vieng is generally a little warmer than Setubal. Daily temperatures in Vang Vieng average around 23°C (73°F), and Setubal fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
In Setubal, 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 Setubal. Vang Vieng gets 222 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Setubal receives 213 hours of full sun.
Vang Vieng usually gets less rain in October than Setubal. Vang Vieng gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Setubal receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberVang Vieng 23°C (73°F)Setubal 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Setubal in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Vang Vieng and Setubal. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vang Vieng year-round.
Vang Vieng is much warmer than Setubal in the winter. The daily temperature in Vang Vieng averages around 24°C (75°F) in January, and Setubal fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).
In Vang Vieng, it's very sunny this time of the year. Vang Vieng usually receives more sunshine than Setubal during winter. Vang Vieng gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Setubal receives 144 hours of full sun in the winter.
Setubal receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Vang Vieng usually receives less rain than Setubal. Vang Vieng gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Setubal receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryVang Vieng 24°C (75°F)Setubal 12°C (53°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Setubal in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Vang Vieng as well as Setubal. Vang Vieng attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the spring, Vang Vieng is a little warmer than Setubal. Typically, the spring temperatures in Vang Vieng in April average around 23°C (73°F), and Setubal averages at about 16°C (60°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Setubal. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vang Vieng this time of the year. In the spring, Vang Vieng often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Setubal. Vang Vieng gets 230 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Setubal receives 235 hours of full sun.
Vang Vieng receives a lot of rain in the spring. Vang Vieng usually gets more rain in April than Setubal. Vang Vieng gets 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain, while Setubal receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilVang Vieng 23°C (73°F)Setubal 16°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Setubal and Vang Vieng
| Vang Vieng | Setubal | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Mar | 24°C (75°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Apr | 23°C (73°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| May | 23°C (73°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (72°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (72°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 108 mm (4.3 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.