Which place is cheaper, Xiamen 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 Xiamen?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Xiamen? 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 Xiamen?
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.
Xiamen
Xiamen is a coastal city in the Fujian Province of China and has been a major port city and gateway to China for centuries. This vibrant and modern city was named the most livable city in the world in 2002 and one of the first cities to be named a Special Economic Zone. Xiamen is best known for being home to Gulangyu Island, a beautiful island full of historic colonial buildings and lovely walking paths.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Laos, The Best Budget Tours to Laos, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in China, and The Best Historical Tours in China.
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Vang Vieng Prices
Laos PricesXiamen Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVang Vieng $19Xiamen $84
The average daily cost (per person) in Vang Vieng is $19, while the average daily cost in Xiamen is $84. 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 Xiamen in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVang Vieng $4.25Xiamen $31
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVang Vieng $8.50Xiamen $62
Compare Hotels in Vang Vieng and Xiamen
Looking for a hotel in Vang Vieng or Xiamen? 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 $3.11Xiamen $6.08
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 Xiamen
Also for Xiamen, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer Service between Xiamen City and Yongding Hakka Tulou : $115
- Private Transfer to Gaobei Tulou and Yunshuiyao Village from Xiamen City: $98
- Private Transfer to Tianluokeng Tulou and Hekeng Hakka Tulou from Xiamen City : $98
- Private Transfer to Hongkeng Tulou and Yunshuiyao Village from Xiamen City: $98
- Private Transfer to Gaobei Tulou and Hongkeng Tulou from Xiamen City: $98
- Private Transfer to Tianluokeng and HekengHakka Tulou fromXiamen: $90
- Private Transfer Service between Xiamen and Anxi : $89
- Private Transfer between Xiamen City and Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster : $89
- Private Transfer Between Xiamen City and HongKeng Hakka Tulou Cluster: $89
- Private Transfer between Xiamen City and Hui'an county in Quanzhou: $89
- Private Xiamen Gaoqi Airport Departure Transfer from City Areas: $33
- Private Xiamen Gaoqi Airport Arrival Transfer to City Area: $30
Is it cheaper to fly into Vang Vieng or Xiamen?
Prices for flights to both Xiamen 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 $11Xiamen $46
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Vang Vieng $4.76Xiamen $16
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 Xiamen
For Xiamen, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Fujian Tulou Private Day Tour to World Heritage Site Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster: $178
- 4-Hour Xiamen Private Local Food Market Experience: $103
- 4-Hour Xiamen Private Shore Excursion Tour in Your Way: $121
- 4-hour Xiamen Private Flexible Tour in Your Way: $115
- A Night Tour to Xiamen Gulang Island: $100
- Flexible Private Xiamen Layover Tour from Cruise Port or Airport : $155
- Flexible Private Xiamen Layover Tour with Meal: $176
- Flexible Xiamen Private Half Day Tour with Meal Option: $164
- From 3-Day Tulou and Gulangyu Island Tour: $589
- Fujian Hakka Tulou Private Day Tour of Tianluokeng and Daping Lou: $194
- Hakka Tulou Private Day Tour of Yunshuiyao Ancient Village and Hekeng Tulou : $203
- Half-Day Private Tour to Xiamen Gulangyu Island Highlights: $192
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVang Vieng $1.11Xiamen $17
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vang Vieng and Xiamen, we can see that Xiamen 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 Xiamen would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Xiamen 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 Xiamen Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Vang Vieng or Xiamen?
Xiamen has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Vang Vieng. When comparing the sizes of Vang Vieng and Xiamen, 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 Xiamen?
Xiamen 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 Xiamen in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Vang Vieng and Xiamen. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vang Vieng year-round.
Vang Vieng is cooler than Xiamen in the summer. The daily temperature in Vang Vieng averages around 22°C (72°F) in July, and Xiamen fluctuates around 30°C (86°F).
Xiamen receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Vang Vieng usually receives less rain than Xiamen. Vang Vieng gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Xiamen receives 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyVang Vieng 22°C (72°F)Xiamen 30°C (86°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Xiamen in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Vang Vieng as well as Xiamen. Vang Vieng attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the autumn, Vang Vieng is around the same temperature as Xiamen. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Vang Vieng in October average around 23°C (73°F), and Xiamen averages at about 25°C (77°F).
Vang Vieng usually gets more rain in October than Xiamen. Vang Vieng gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Xiamen receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberVang Vieng 23°C (73°F)Xiamen 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Xiamen in the Winter?
Both Xiamen 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 Xiamen. Daily temperatures in Vang Vieng average around 24°C (75°F), and Xiamen fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).
In January, Vang Vieng usually receives more rain than Xiamen. Vang Vieng gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Xiamen receives 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryVang Vieng 24°C (75°F)Xiamen 14°C (58°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Xiamen in the Spring?
Both Xiamen 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 a little warmer than Xiamen in the spring. The daily temperature in Vang Vieng averages around 23°C (73°F) in April, and Xiamen fluctuates around 20°C (69°F).
Xiamen 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 Xiamen. Vang Vieng gets 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain, while Xiamen receives 147 mm (5.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilVang Vieng 23°C (73°F)Xiamen 20°C (69°F)
Typical Weather for Xiamen and Vang Vieng
| Vang Vieng | Xiamen | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 37 mm (1.4 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Mar | 24°C (75°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Apr | 23°C (73°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) |
| May | 23°C (73°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 197 mm (7.7 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (72°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (72°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 30°C (85°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 37 mm (1.4 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 25 mm (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.