Which place is cheaper, Tromso 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 Tromso?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Tromso? 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 Tromso?
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.
Tromso
The city of Tromso, in northern Norway, is named after the island of Tromsoya, on which it stands. Tromso is located 350 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle and is the largest city in Northern Norway. From September to March many people come to Tromso to see the northern lights. From 20 May to 20 July the midnight sun makes it possible to do as the locals and participate in various activities around the clock. In general, Tromso has a mild climate for such a northerly destination because of its seaside location and the warming effect of the Gulf stream. The area has a modern mix of outdoor activities, a vibrant nightlife, and places to eat local food.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Laos, The Best Budget Tours to Laos, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Norway, and The Best Adventure Tours to Norway.
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Vang Vieng Prices
Laos PricesTromso Prices
Norway Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVang Vieng $18Tromso $87
The average daily cost (per person) in Vang Vieng is $18, while the average daily cost in Tromso is $87. 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 Tromso in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVang Vieng $4.08Tromso $34
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVang Vieng $8.16Tromso $68
Compare Hotels in Vang Vieng and Tromso
Looking for a hotel in Vang Vieng or Tromso? 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 Tromso Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Vang Vieng $2.99Tromso $11
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
- Vang Vieng Private Transfer: Hotel - Railway Station - Vientiane: $11
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tromso
Also for Tromso, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Highway to Heaven - Aurora Cable Car Transfer in Tromsø: $128
- Private Airport and City Transfer in Tromso: $111
- Private Transfer Tromso Airport TOS to Tromso City: $82
Is it cheaper to fly into Vang Vieng or Tromso?
Prices for flights to both Tromso 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 $10Tromso $45
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tromso
For Tromso, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Tromso Aurora Cruise with 3-Course Dinner: $213
- Night Reindeer Sledding with Camp Dinner and Chance of Northern Lights: $224
- Small Group Tromsø: Northern Lights Chase with Photos and Dinner: $236
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Vang Vieng $4.57Tromso $6.92
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
- 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 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 Tromso
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tromso.
- 1 Hour Photo & History Cruise: $95
- 5 Fjords Tour by Minivan in 4 Hours: $204
- A Tromsø Introduction: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
- All-Inclusive Arctic Fjords and Sommarøy Scenic Tour: $209
- Arctic Fjords Sightseeing Adventure with Arctic Navigator: $139
- Arctic Nature Tour from Tromsø: $116
- Arctic Stand Up Paddleboarding Adventure near Tromsø: $192
- Aurora Adventure Tour with Creative Vacations: $295
- Aurora tour with free portrait and bonfire: $155
- Discover Tromsø: A Self-Guided Tour: $1.15
- Electric Fat Bike tour in Tromsø: $200
- Evening Fishing Cruise: $170
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVang Vieng $1.07Tromso $5.74
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vang Vieng and Tromso, we can see that Tromso 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 Tromso 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 Tromso would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tromso 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 Tromso Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Vang Vieng or Tromso?
Tromso has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Vang Vieng. When comparing the sizes of Vang Vieng and Tromso, 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 Tromso?
Tromso 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 Tromso in the Summer?
Both Tromso 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, most visitors come to Tromso for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
Vang Vieng is much warmer than Tromso in the summer. The daily temperature in Vang Vieng averages around 22°C (72°F) in July, and Tromso fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
It's quite sunny in Tromso. Vang Vieng usually receives less sunshine than Tromso during summer. Vang Vieng gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Tromso receives 205 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Vang Vieng usually receives less rain than Tromso. Vang Vieng gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyVang Vieng 22°C (72°F)Tromso 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Tromso in the Autumn?
Both Tromso 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, the autumn months attract visitors to Tromso because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.
The weather in Tromso can be very cold. In the autumn, Vang Vieng is much warmer than Tromso. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Vang Vieng in October average around 23°C (73°F), and Tromso averages at about 3°C (37°F).
It's quite sunny in Vang Vieng. In the autumn, Vang Vieng often gets more sunshine than Tromso. Vang Vieng gets 222 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tromso receives 49 hours of full sun.
Tromso gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Vang Vieng usually gets less rain in October than Tromso. Vang Vieng gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberVang Vieng 23°C (73°F)Tromso 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Tromso in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Vang Vieng and Tromso. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vang Vieng year-round. Also, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Tromso this time of year.
It's quite cold in Tromso in the winter. In January, Vang Vieng is generally much warmer than Tromso. Daily temperatures in Vang Vieng average around 24°C (75°F), and Tromso fluctuates around -4°C (25°F).
In Vang Vieng, it's very sunny this time of the year. Vang Vieng usually receives more sunshine than Tromso during winter. Vang Vieng gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Tromso receives 3 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Vang Vieng usually receives less rain than Tromso. Vang Vieng gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryVang Vieng 24°C (75°F)Tromso -4°C (25°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Tromso in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Vang Vieng as well as Tromso. Vang Vieng attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Tromso for the small town charm and the natural beauty.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Tromso. Vang Vieng is much warmer than Tromso in the spring. The daily temperature in Vang Vieng averages around 23°C (73°F) in April, and Tromso fluctuates around 1°C (33°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vang Vieng this time of the year. In the spring, Vang Vieng often gets more sunshine than Tromso. Vang Vieng gets 230 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tromso receives 160 hours of full sun.
Vang Vieng receives a lot of rain in the spring. Vang Vieng usually gets more rain in April than Tromso. Vang Vieng gets 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilVang Vieng 23°C (73°F)Tromso 1°C (33°F)
Typical Weather for Tromso and Vang Vieng
| Vang Vieng | Tromso | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | -4°C (25°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | -4°C (25°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Mar | 24°C (75°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | -2°C (28°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Apr | 23°C (73°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) | 1°C (33°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| May | 23°C (73°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (72°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (72°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) | -1°C (31°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | -3°C (27°F) | 104 mm (4.1 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.