Which place is cheaper, Shenzhen 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 Shenzhen?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Shenzhen? 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 Shenzhen?
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.
Shenzhen
Located in the Guangdong Province of southeastern China, Shenzhen is a metropolis that connects Hong Kong to China's mainland. It is one of China's most populous cities, inhabited by vast array of people from other Chinese regions. It is perhaps best known for it shopping, collection of amusement parks, green parks, museums and galleries, and a few historic sites. It is on UNESCO's Creative Cities list.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Laos, The Best Budget Tours to Laos, The Best Sightseeing Tours in China, and The Best Cultural Tours in China.
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Vang Vieng Prices
Laos PricesShenzhen Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVang Vieng $19Shenzhen $140
The average daily cost (per person) in Vang Vieng is $19, while the average daily cost in Shenzhen is $140. 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 Shenzhen in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVang Vieng $4.25Shenzhen $91
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVang Vieng $8.50Shenzhen $182
Compare Hotels in Vang Vieng and Shenzhen
Looking for a hotel in Vang Vieng or Shenzhen? 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 $3.11Shenzhen $15
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 Shenzhen
Also for Shenzhen, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Shenzhen Customized Local Tour with Transfer : $299
- Hong Kong Private Transfer to Macau hotel over Bridge: $265
- Private Transfer from Shekou Port to Guangzhou Int Airport (CAN): $175
- Luxury Private Airport Transfer: Hong Kong International Airport: $150
- Hong Kong Private Transfer — Victoria Peak ⇄ Tian Tan Big Buddha: $148
- Private Transfer: Airport HKG to Hong Kong by Luxury Van: $146
- Private Transfer: Hong Kong to Airport HKG by Luxury Van: $146
- HK Airport to Cruise Terminal Rounded-Trip Private Transfer by Lexus Luxury Car: $141
- Hong Kong Hassle free Airport Transfers in Tesla or Benz: $138
- Private Arrival Transfer from Hongkong Airport to Shenzhen City: $128
- Kai Tak Cruise Terminal to Hong Kong City - Round-Trip Private Transfer : $124
- Hong Kong Airport Transfer: $119
Is it cheaper to fly into Vang Vieng or Shenzhen?
Prices for flights to both Shenzhen 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 $11Shenzhen $35
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Shenzhen
For Shenzhen, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Hong Kong Street Food Tour with Locals - Dim Sum, Wonton & more: $53
- Wet market tour & cooking class with local mum: $98
- Explore Hong Kong: Mid-Autumn Festival Food Tour: $103
- Discover Hong Kong’s Hidden Eats on a Tin Hau Food Tour: $109
- Small-Group Hong Kong Island Food Tour: $116
- Traditional Chinese Pun Choi cooking class in Hong Kong: $146
- Private Food Tour in Hong Kong: $148
- Hong Kong Street Food Tour with Local Guide: $149
- The 10 Tastings of Hong Kong With Locals: Private Street Food Tour : $176
- Hong Kong Private & Personalized Food Tour with a Local: $177
- Asian Favorites Cooking Class in Hong Kong (4-Course Meal): $184
- Hong Kong Style Noodles Cooking Class (Includes 4-Course Meal): $184
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Vang Vieng $4.76Shenzhen $17
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 Shenzhen
For Shenzhen, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Custom private tour of Hong Kong Island - Half day: $228
- Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car Ticket in Hong Kong: $24
- Seat-in-Coach: Macau Day Tour with Simple Lunch from Hong Kong: $185
- Shenzhen Self-Guided Flexible Tour with Private Car and Driver : $87
- (Private class) Hong Kong gourmet baking experience class: Hong Kong-style egg tart + custard mooncake: $89
- 4-Hour Private Hong Kong Layover Tour: $280
- 4-Hour Small Group Kowloon Sightseeing Tour: $103
- Aberdeen Fishing Village Private Tour by Minivan: $232
- Aberdeen fisherman cultural tour+dim sum by local: $140
- Afternoon Hiking Tour Sharp Island Geopark: $40
- Aqua Luna: Symphony of Lights Cruise in Hong Kong: $49
- Best Seller: VIP Lantau Tai O Tour Priority Cable Car, Big Buddha: $95
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVang Vieng $1.11Shenzhen $19
Sample the Local Flavors in Shenzhen
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Shenzhen:
- Hong Kong Pub Crawl at Lan Kwai Fong (LKF): $46
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vang Vieng and Shenzhen, we can see that Shenzhen 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 Shenzhen would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Shenzhen 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 Shenzhen Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Vang Vieng or Shenzhen?
Shenzhen has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Vang Vieng. When comparing the sizes of Vang Vieng and Shenzhen, 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 Shenzhen?
Shenzhen 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 Shenzhen in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Vang Vieng and Shenzhen. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vang Vieng year-round.
Vang Vieng is cooler than Shenzhen in the summer. The daily temperature in Vang Vieng averages around 22°C (72°F) in July, and Shenzhen fluctuates around 30°C (85°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Shenzhen this time of the year. Vang Vieng usually receives less sunshine than Shenzhen during summer. Vang Vieng gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Shenzhen receives 231 hours of full sun in the summer.
Shenzhen receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Vang Vieng usually receives less rain than Shenzhen. Vang Vieng gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Shenzhen receives 323 mm (12.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyVang Vieng 22°C (72°F)Shenzhen 30°C (85°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Shenzhen in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Vang Vieng as well as Shenzhen. Vang Vieng attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the autumn, Vang Vieng is cooler than Shenzhen. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Vang Vieng in October average around 23°C (73°F), and Shenzhen averages at about 26°C (78°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vang Vieng this time of the year. In the autumn, Vang Vieng often gets more sunshine than Shenzhen. Vang Vieng gets 222 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shenzhen receives 190 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Shenzhen. Vang Vieng usually gets less rain in October than Shenzhen. Vang Vieng gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Shenzhen receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberVang Vieng 23°C (73°F)Shenzhen 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Shenzhen in the Winter?
Both Shenzhen and Vang Vieng are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vang Vieng throughout the year.
In January, Vang Vieng is generally much warmer than Shenzhen. Daily temperatures in Vang Vieng average around 24°C (75°F), and Shenzhen fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vang Vieng. Vang Vieng usually receives more sunshine than Shenzhen during winter. Vang Vieng gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Shenzhen receives 140 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Vang Vieng usually receives more rain than Shenzhen. Vang Vieng gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Shenzhen receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryVang Vieng 24°C (75°F)Shenzhen 16°C (60°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Shenzhen in the Spring?
Both Shenzhen and Vang Vieng during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Vang Vieng because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Vang Vieng is around the same temperature as Shenzhen in the spring. The daily temperature in Vang Vieng averages around 23°C (73°F) in April, and Shenzhen fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
It's quite sunny in Vang Vieng. In the spring, Vang Vieng often gets more sunshine than Shenzhen. Vang Vieng gets 230 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shenzhen receives 95 hours of full sun.
Shenzhen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Vang Vieng. Vang Vieng usually gets more rain in April than Shenzhen. Vang Vieng gets 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain, while Shenzhen receives 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilVang Vieng 23°C (73°F)Shenzhen 23°C (73°F)
Typical Weather for Shenzhen and Vang Vieng
| Vang Vieng | Shenzhen | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Mar | 24°C (75°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Apr | 23°C (73°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 154 mm (6.1 in) |
| May | 23°C (73°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 325 mm (12.8 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 382 mm (15 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (72°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 30°C (85°F) | 323 mm (12.7 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (72°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 393 mm (15.5 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 300 mm (11.8 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 27 mm (1.1 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.