Which place is cheaper, Yangshuo or Vang Vieng?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Vang Vieng or Yangshuo?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Yangshuo? 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 Yangshuo?
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.
Yangshuo
A county of the city, Guilin, Yangshuo is located in a region famous for its karst topography. Surrounded by jagged mountain peaks and bordered on one side by the Li River, Yangshuo has become a popular home base for tourists looking to explore the region's natural wonders. Backpackers and tourists, both foreign and domestic, come to Yangshuo every year making it a city of many cultures. Most locals are even able to speak English, which is fairly uncommon for Chinese cities.
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 China, and The Best Tours for Seniors to China.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVang Vieng $14Yangshuo $72
The average daily cost (per person) in Vang Vieng is $14, while the average daily cost in Yangshuo is $72. 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 Yangshuo in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVang Vieng $4.34Yangshuo $25
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVang Vieng $8.68Yangshuo $50
Compare Hotels in Vang Vieng and Yangshuo
Looking for a hotel in Vang Vieng or Yangshuo? 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
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Vang Vieng $3.18Yangshuo $42
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Yangshuo
Also for Yangshuo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Xingping hotel to Longsheng hotel: $107
- Private Impression Sanjie Liu Evening Show with Hotel Transfer: $88
- Impression Liu Sanjie - Ticket Booking (including Round-trip Transfer): $75
- Yangshuo Rock Climbing with Hotel Transfer (3 hours): $69
- Private Departure Transfer: Yangshuo to Guilin Train Stations: $49
- Private Departure Transfer: Yangshuo to Guilin International Airport (KWL): $49
- Private Transfer from Yangshuo Train Station to Yangshuo Hotel: $48
- Private Transfer from Yangshuo hotel to Guilin hotel: $37
- Private Transfer from Yangshuo(Xingping) Train Station to Yangshuo Hotel: $21
- Private Transfer from Xingping hotel to Yangshuo hotel: $21
Is it cheaper to fly into Vang Vieng or Yangshuo?
Prices for flights to both Yangshuo 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 dayVang Vieng $6.31Yangshuo $19
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Yangshuo
For Yangshuo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- 3-Hour Yangshuo Cooking Class with Yangshuo Town Shopping: $138
- Yangshuo Full Day Tour: Cooking class, River boat, Light Show: $259
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Vang Vieng $4.87Yangshuo $23
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 Yangshuo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Yangshuo.
- Longji Rice Terraces Day Tour from Yangshuo hotel: $181
- Yangshuo Helicopter Tour from Yangshuo hotel: $149
- 1 Day - Yangshuo Bike Tour: $80
- 1-Day Longji Rice Terraces hiking tour from Guilin/Yangshuo hotel: $188
- 1-Day Tour: Yangshuo Yulong Bamboo Boat and Ruyi Peak Cable Car: $149
- 2 Day - Longji Rice Terraces - Sunrise Hiking Tour: $280
- Full-Day Li-River Tour from Yangshuo to Yangdi With the English Speaking Driver: $159
- Full-day Tour: Longji Rice Terraces & Minority Villages: $146
- Full/Half-Day Yangshuo Xianggong Hill Sunrise Private Tour: $136
- Guilin Highlight Sightseeing Private Day City Tour: $139
- Guilin Tea plantation and Longji Rice Terraces Day Tour from Yangshuo hotel: $181
- Guilin Yangshuo Day tour from Guangzhou by Round Way Bullet Train: $212
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayVang Vieng $1.14Yangshuo $33
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vang Vieng and Yangshuo, we can see that Yangshuo 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 Yangshuo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Yangshuo 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 Yangshuo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Vang Vieng or Yangshuo?
Yangshuo has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Vang Vieng. When comparing the sizes of Vang Vieng and Yangshuo, 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 Yangshuo?
Yangshuo 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 Yangshuo in the Summer?
Both Yangshuo 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.
In July, Vang Vieng is generally cooler than Yangshuo. Daily temperatures in Vang Vieng average around 22°C (72°F), and Yangshuo fluctuates around 30°C (86°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Yangshuo. In July, Vang Vieng usually receives less rain than Yangshuo. Vang Vieng gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Yangshuo receives 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyVang Vieng 22°C (72°F)Yangshuo 30°C (86°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Yangshuo in the Autumn?
Both Yangshuo 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.
Vang Vieng is around the same temperature as Yangshuo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Vang Vieng averages around 23°C (73°F) in October, and Yangshuo fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
Vang Vieng usually gets less rain in October than Yangshuo. Vang Vieng gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Yangshuo receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberVang Vieng 23°C (73°F)Yangshuo 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Yangshuo in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Vang Vieng and Yangshuo. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vang Vieng year-round.
In the winter, Vang Vieng is much warmer than Yangshuo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Vang Vieng in January average around 24°C (75°F), and Yangshuo averages at about 10°C (49°F).
In January, Vang Vieng usually receives around the same amount of rain as Yangshuo. Vang Vieng gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Yangshuo receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryVang Vieng 24°C (75°F)Yangshuo 10°C (49°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Yangshuo in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Vang Vieng as well as Yangshuo. Vang Vieng attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In April, Vang Vieng is generally a little warmer than Yangshuo. Daily temperatures in Vang Vieng average around 23°C (73°F), and Yangshuo fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).
It's quite rainy in Yangshuo. Vang Vieng receives a lot of rain in the spring. Vang Vieng usually gets less rain in April than Yangshuo. Vang Vieng gets 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain, while Yangshuo receives 263 mm (10.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilVang Vieng 23°C (73°F)Yangshuo 20°C (68°F)
Typical Weather for Yangshuo and Vang Vieng
| Vang Vieng | Yangshuo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Mar | 24°C (75°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) |
| Apr | 23°C (73°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 263 mm (10.3 in) |
| May | 23°C (73°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 334 mm (13.2 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 320 mm (12.6 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (72°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 206 mm (8.1 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (72°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 168 mm (6.6 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 47 mm (1.9 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.