Which place is cheaper, Sydney or Vang Vieng?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Vang Vieng or Sydney?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Sydney? 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 Sydney?
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.
Sydney
Sydney, known as the harbour city, is the most famous and frequently visited city in Australia. It is at the economical and cultural heart of the country, and is one of the most beautiful and livable cities in the world. It's situated on the water with stunning views of the famous harbour throughout the city. It's most famous landmarks include the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. It is also very close wonderful beaches, parks, and nature.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Laos, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Laos, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Australia, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Australia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVang Vieng $14Sydney $273
The average daily cost (per person) in Vang Vieng is $14, while the average daily cost in Sydney is $273. 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 Sydney in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVang Vieng $4.34Sydney $102
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVang Vieng $8.68Sydney $204
Compare Hotels in Vang Vieng and Sydney
Looking for a hotel in Vang Vieng or Sydney? 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 Sydney Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Vang Vieng $3.18Sydney $15
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Sydney
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Sydney:
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Taxi Ride$13
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Taxi to Airport$16
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sydney
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Sydney:
- Limoroo, Luxe Private Transfers to The Blue Mountains Australia: $297
- Airport Transfer From Sydney Airport to Hotels and Home: $295
- Private Transfer from Sydney Hotels to Airport: $255
- Tandem Skydive with Optional Transfers: $248
- Premium Private Transfer FROM Sydney Airport to Sydney CBD/Downtown 1-11 people: $238
- Premium Private Transfer FROM Sydney Airport to Sydney CBD/Downtown 1-13 people: $215
- Sydney Airport (SYD): Private Transfer to Sydney hotels: $205
- Airport transfers and shuttle bus - home/hotels: $196
- From Sydney Hotels - Hotel Transfer to Airport: $195
- Airport Transfer From Sydney Airport to Hotels and Home: $165
- Sydney Airport Departure Transfer (Sydney Central Business District to Airport): $164
- Sydney Airport Private Car Departure Transfer: $162
Is it cheaper to fly into Vang Vieng or Sydney?
Prices for flights to both Sydney 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 $6.31Sydney $44
Typical Food Prices in Sydney
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Sydney:
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Tea$2.60
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Lunch Special$9.73
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Food/Drink Coogie Beach$9.73
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Meat Pies$3.24
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sydney
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Sydney.
- Vivid Lights Festival Pizza Cruise Tour in Vivid Sydney: $16
- VIVID Dinner Cruise with Complimentary Drink on Arrival: $36
- Vivid Sydney Harbor Cruise with Buffet Dinner: $46
- Admission to Vivid Dinner Cruise in Sydney : $46
- Sydney's Little Italy Food Tour: $50
- Sydney Street Art & Food Tour: $53
- Christmas in July Dinner Cruise on Sydney Harbour: $56
- Harbor Sunset Cruise with Dinner: $58
- Sydney Harbour: Tall Ship Vivid Dinner Cruise: $58
- Twilight Dinner Cruise on Coral Trekker: $59
- Small Group Refugee Chef Dinner Banquet at Bohemian Cafe: $63
- Kids Cooking Classes: $63
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Vang Vieng $4.87Sydney $31
Tours and Activities in Vang Vieng
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Vang Vieng.
- Half-Day Nam Song River Kayak Tour with Zipline or Tham None: $27
- Vang Vieng Kayaking Fun Rapid and Float Tour: $35
- Vang Vieng Bike Tour: $39
- One Day Guided Tour: Kayaking, Zipline & Tubing In The Cave from Vang Vieng : $50
- Train ticket Vang vieng to Luang prabang: $50
- Blue Lagoon and Countryside Bike Tour with Lunch: $50
- Vang Vieng Tour B - Nam Xay Viewpoint Hike & Blue Lagoon 1 Tour: $55
- Discover Vang Vieng Private Tour- Trekking, Kayaking and Caving: $102
- Vang Vieng Tour A - Blue lagoon 3 with Caves and Zipline: $110
- Jungle & Caves Full-Day Private Trekking Tour: $120
- Full Day Private Kayaking, Zipline & Tubing In The Cave Tour: $156
Typical Entertainment Prices in Sydney
Here are a few typical costs in Sydney for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Theatre Show$29
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Sydney Tower Visit (for 2)$30
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Blue Mountain Tour/Featherdale Park (for 2)$124
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Powerhouse Museum$9.76
Tours and Activities in Sydney
Here are a few actual costs in Sydney for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Small-Group Sydney's Northern Beaches and Ku-ring-gai National Park Bus Tour: $228
- 2 Hours Sydney Harbour's True Crime Cruise Tour: $36
- 2-Hour Guided Walking Tour in Sydney Harbour National Park : $36
- 3 Hours Abba Tribute Cruise on Sydney Harbour: $65
- 3 Hr Whale Watching Discovery Cruise in Sydney: $72
- 3-Hour Private Bike Tour with a Local Sydney Guide: $227
- 3.5 Hours Explore Bondi Beach and Sydney Sightseeing Tour: $195
- 4-Hour Freediving Taster Experience at Shelly Beach, Manly: $182
- Allianz Stadium Guided Walking Tour: $17
- Art Gallery of NSW: State of the Art Gallery Tour: $29
- Australia: Tourist eSIM Data Plan: $11
- Australian National Maritime Museum: All-Inclusive Ticket: $16
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVang Vieng $1.14Sydney $15
Typical Alcohol Prices in Sydney
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Sydney:
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Wine$10
Sample the Local Flavors in Sydney
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Sydney:
- Haunted Pub Tour with Local Guide: $20
- Night Out Pub Crawl with Local Guide: $29
- Private Wine Tour and Tasting: $56
- Urban Winery Wine Tasting Tour with Cheese Platter: $56
- Beach and Brew - Hike and Brewery (Men and Women): $73
- Balmain Pub Walking Tour: $76
- Luxury Hunter Valley Wildlife & Wine Tasting Tour from Sydney: $83
- Sydney Beer and Brewery Tour: $102
- Brewery, Winery, and Distillery Tasting Tour: $111
- Northern Beaches Brewery Tour and Tasting: $121
- From Hunter Valley Wine Tour with Cheese Tasting: $143
- From Hunter Valley Multi-Brewery Tour with Lunch: $147
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vang Vieng and Sydney, we can see that Sydney 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 Sydney is in Pacific, 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 Sydney would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sydney 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 Sydney Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Vang Vieng or Sydney?
Sydney has a larger population, and is about 180 times larger than the population of Vang Vieng. When comparing the sizes of Vang Vieng and Sydney, 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 Sydney?
Sydney 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 Sydney in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Vang Vieng as well as Sydney. Vang Vieng attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Sydney in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
Vang Vieng is around the same temperature as Sydney in the summer. The daily temperature in Vang Vieng averages around 22°C (72°F) in July, and Sydney fluctuates around 23°C (73°F)in January.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sydney. In the summer, Vang Vieng often gets less sunshine than Sydneyin January. Vang Vieng gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sydney receives 236 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Sydney. Vang Vieng usually gets less rain in July than Sydneyin January. Vang Vieng gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Sydney receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryVang Vieng 22°C (72°F)Sydney 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Sydney in the Autumn?
Both Sydney and Vang Vieng are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vang Vieng throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Sydney for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In the autumn, Vang Vieng is a little warmer than Sydney. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Vang Vieng in October average around 23°C (73°F), and Sydney averages at about 19°C (65°F)in April.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vang Vieng. Vang Vieng usually receives more sunshine than Sydney during autumn. Vang Vieng gets 222 hours of sunny skies, while Sydney receives 195 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Sydney. In October, Vang Vieng usually receives less rain than Sydneyin April. Vang Vieng gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Sydney receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilVang Vieng 23°C (73°F)Sydney 19°C (65°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Sydney in the Winter?
Both Sydney and Vang Vieng during the winter 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 winter months attract visitors to Sydney because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In January, Vang Vieng is generally much warmer than Sydneyin July. Daily temperatures in Vang Vieng average around 24°C (75°F), and Sydney fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).
In Sydney, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Vang Vieng. In the winter, Vang Vieng often gets more sunshine than Sydneyin July. Vang Vieng gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sydney receives 208 hours of full sun.
Vang Vieng usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Sydneyin July. Vang Vieng gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Sydney receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyVang Vieng 24°C (75°F)Sydney 12°C (53°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Sydney in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Vang Vieng and Sydney. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vang Vieng year-round. Furthermore, the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Sydney this time of year.
Vang Vieng is a little warmer than Sydney in the spring. The daily temperature in Vang Vieng averages around 23°C (73°F) in April, and Sydney fluctuates around 18°C (64°F)in October.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sydney 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 Sydney during spring. Vang Vieng gets 230 hours of sunny skies, while Sydney receives 240 hours of full sun in the spring.
Vang Vieng gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Vang Vieng usually receives more rain than Sydneyin October. Vang Vieng gets 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain, while Sydney receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberVang Vieng 23°C (73°F)Sydney 18°C (64°F)
Typical Weather for Sydney and Vang Vieng
| Vang Vieng | Sydney | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) |
| Mar | 24°C (75°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| Apr | 23°C (73°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| May | 23°C (73°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 128 mm (5 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (72°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (72°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 81 mm (3.2 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.