A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Vang Vieng vs. Torquay for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Vang Vieng or Torquay?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Vang Vieng or Torquay? 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 Torquay?

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.

Torquay

Located on the eastern end of the Great Ocean Road, Torquay is a seaside town of Victoria famous for its surfing and beaches. Surf town through and through, it is also the headquarters for the Quiksilver and Rip Curl surf gear companies, and home to the Rip Curl Easter Pro, the world's longest running surf contest held on Bells Beach.

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 Budget Tours to Australia, and The Best Luxury Tours to Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Torquay or Vang Vieng?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Vang Vieng is $14, while the average daily cost in Torquay is $86. 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 Torquay in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Vang Vieng $4.34
    Torquay $39
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Vang Vieng $8.68
    Torquay $78
Compare Hotels in Vang Vieng and Torquay

Looking for a hotel in Vang Vieng or Torquay? 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.

Hotels in Vang Vieng


Hotels in Torquay


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
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Vang Vieng $3.18
    Torquay $39

Is it cheaper to fly into Vang Vieng or Torquay?

Prices for flights to both Torquay 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Vang Vieng $6.31
    Torquay $25

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Vang Vieng $4.87
    Torquay $11

Tours and Activities in Vang Vieng

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Vang Vieng.

  • Discover Vang Vieng Private Tour- Trekking, Kayaking and Caving: $102
  • Full Day Private Kayaking, Zipline & Tubing In The Cave Tour: $156
  • Half-Day Nam Song River Kayak Tour with Zipline or Tham None: $27
  • One Day Guided Tour: Kayaking, Zipline & Tubing In The Cave from Vang Vieng : $50
  • Train ticket Vang vieng to Luang prabang: $50
  • Vang Vieng Bike Tour: $39
  • Vang Vieng Kayaking Fun Rapid and Float Tour: $35
  • Vang Vieng Tour A - Blue lagoon 3 with Caves and Zipline: $110
  • Vang Vieng Tour B - Nam Xay Viewpoint Hike & Blue Lagoon 1 Tour: $55
  • Blue Lagoon and Countryside Bike Tour with Lunch: $50
  • Jungle & Caves Full-Day Private Trekking Tour: $120

Tours and Activities in Torquay

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Torquay.

  • Fraser Island & Dolphin Sailing Adventure: $73
  • Hervey Bay Whale Watching Experience: $94
  • K'gari (Fraser Island) West Coast Half Day Cruise from Hervey Bay: $93
  • Milbi Sunset Cruise with Champagne and Prawns: $52
  • Spirit of Hervey Bay Whale Watching Cruise: $92
  • Three-Quarter Day Hervey Bay Premium Whale Watching Cruise: $119
  • Turtle Discovery & Great Sandy Marine Park Adventure: $83

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Vang Vieng $1.14
    Torquay $7.42


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vang Vieng and Torquay, we can see that Torquay 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 Torquay 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 Torquay would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Torquay 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 Torquay Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Vang Vieng or Torquay?

Torquay has a larger population, and is about 90% larger than the population of Vang Vieng. When comparing the sizes of Vang Vieng and Torquay, 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 Torquay?

Torquay 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 Torquay in the Summer?

Both Torquay 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 Torquay in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Vang Vieng is generally cooler than Torquayin January. Daily temperatures in Vang Vieng average around 22°C (72°F), and Torquay fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Torquay. In July, Vang Vieng usually receives less rain than Torquayin January. Vang Vieng gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Torquay receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Vang Vieng 22°C (72°F) 
    Torquay 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Vang Vieng or Torquay in the Autumn?

Both Torquay 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. Furthermore, most visitors come to Torquay for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Vang Vieng is around the same temperature as Torquay in the autumn. The daily temperature in Vang Vieng averages around 23°C (73°F) in October, and Torquay fluctuates around 22°C (72°F)in April.

Vang Vieng usually gets less rain in October than Torquayin April. Vang Vieng gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Torquay receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Vang Vieng 23°C (73°F) 
    Torquay 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Vang Vieng or Torquay in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Vang Vieng and Torquay. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vang Vieng year-round. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Torquay because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Vang Vieng is much warmer than Torquay. Typically, the winter temperatures in Vang Vieng in January average around 24°C (75°F), and Torquay averages at about 15°C (59°F)in July.

In January, Vang Vieng usually receives around the same amount of rain as Torquayin July. Vang Vieng gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Torquay receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Vang Vieng 24°C (75°F) 
    Torquay 15°C (59°F)

Should I visit Vang Vieng or Torquay in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Vang Vieng as well as Torquay. Vang Vieng attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Torquay this time of year.

In April, Vang Vieng is generally around the same temperature as Torquayin October. Daily temperatures in Vang Vieng average around 23°C (73°F), and Torquay fluctuates around 21°C (71°F).

Vang Vieng receives a lot of rain in the spring. Vang Vieng usually gets more rain in April than Torquayin October. Vang Vieng gets 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain, while Torquay receives 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Vang Vieng 23°C (73°F) 
    Torquay 21°C (71°F)

Typical Weather for Torquay and Vang Vieng

Vang Vieng Torquay
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (75°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 26°C (78°F) 164 mm (6.5 in)
Feb 24°C (75°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 25°C (78°F) 163 mm (6.4 in)
Mar 24°C (75°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 24°C (76°F) 134 mm (5.3 in)
Apr 23°C (73°F) 188 mm (7.4 in) 22°C (72°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
May 23°C (73°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 19°C (66°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 16°C (61°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 22°C (72°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 15°C (59°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Aug 22°C (72°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 16°C (61°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 19°C (65°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Oct 23°C (73°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 21°C (71°F) 75 mm (2.9 in)
Nov 23°C (73°F) 113 mm (4.4 in) 23°C (74°F) 106 mm (4.2 in)
Dec 23°C (73°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 25°C (77°F) 134 mm (5.3 in)


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