Which place is cheaper, Zagreb 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 Zagreb?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Zagreb? 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 Zagreb?
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.
Zagreb
Zagreb, in central Croatia, is the country's capital. It has a wonderful old town that has cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and a great atmosphere. Many people travel to Croatia specifically for its beaches and coastal towns, but if you overlook this lovely capital city, you'll miss a large part of the culture and personality that is Croatia.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Laos, The Best Budget Tours to Laos, The Best 2-Week Tours from Dubrovnik, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Split.
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Vang Vieng Prices
Laos PricesZagreb Prices
Croatia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVang Vieng $18Zagreb $103
The average daily cost (per person) in Vang Vieng is $18, while the average daily cost in Zagreb is $103. 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 Zagreb in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVang Vieng $4.17Zagreb $56
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVang Vieng $8.34Zagreb $112
Compare Hotels in Vang Vieng and Zagreb
Looking for a hotel in Vang Vieng or Zagreb? 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 Zagreb Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Vang Vieng $3.06Zagreb $11
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vang Vieng
Also for Vang Vieng, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Vang Vieng Private Transfer: Hotel - Railway Station - Vientiane: $11
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zagreb
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zagreb:
- From Private Transfer to Ljubljana and Lake Bled: $1,050
- Private Split to Zagreb transfer with Plitvice lakes & Wine: $1,004
- Zagreb to Rovinj: Private Transfer with Plitvice Lakes Visit: $823
- Private Transfer Tour from Zagreb - Split via Plitvice Lakes: $729
- Budapest: Private transfer to Zagreb or Zagreb to Budapest: $553
- Zagreb to Split: Personalized Transfer & Custom Day Trip!: $426
- Private Transfer to Plitvice Lakes National Park: $408
- From Sarajevo: 1-Way Transfer to Zagreb or opposite: $408
- Zagreb to Rovinj private transfer or vice versa: $290
- Private direct transfer from Zagreb to Rijeka with a local driver: $217
- Zagreb Airport (ZAG) to Moravske Toplice - Round-Trip Transfer: $202
- Transfer from Zagreb to Split with Entry Ticket to Plitvice Lakes: $196
Is it cheaper to fly into Vang Vieng or Zagreb?
Prices for flights to both Zagreb 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 $11Zagreb $33
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zagreb
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zagreb.
- Zagreb Food Tour: Local Dishes & City Stories: $83
- Zagreb Food Tour: Local Dishes & City Stories: $92
- Zagreb Food Tour: Bite into Traditional Dishes and Flavors: $140
- Zagreb Walking Food Tour - Sightseeing - Dolac Market Visit: $156
- PRIVATE Half-Day Food Tour: The 10 Tastings of Zagreb With Locals: $196
- Authentic Market Tour and Cooking Class in the Heart of Zagreb: $199
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Vang Vieng $4.68Zagreb $14
Tours and Activities in Vang Vieng
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Vang Vieng.
- Nam Song River Kayak Tour: $18
- Tham Nangfar and Tham Nam Day Tour with Kayaking: $24
- Get Your Laos–China Train Ticket Fast – No Waiting, No Worries: $30
- Blue Lagoon and Countryside Bike Tour with Lunch: $38
- One Day Guided Tour: Kayaking, Zipline & Tubing In The Cave from Vang Vieng: $50
- Vang Vieng Zipline & Kayaking Cave Adventure: $50
- Kayaking&Zipline&Cave Tubing&cave tour: $51
- Vang Vieng Day Tour: Zipline, Water Cave, Kayak & Blue Lagoon 3: $52
- Vang Vieng Tour B - Nam Xay Viewpoint Hike & Blue Lagoon 1 Tour: $55
- Vang Vieng Jungle Day Tour: $58
- Laos: Jungle Zipline and Caving Tour: $58
- Vangvieng Climbing & Ballon Adventure: $60
Tours and Activities in Zagreb
Here are a few actual costs in Zagreb for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- (120min) Zagreb All Around Tour-all of the Lower town/Upper town: $89
- 2 hour Private Walking Tour of Zagreb: $64
- 2-Hour Private Walking Tour of Zagreb: $70
- 4 Day Private Istria Tour from Explore & Enjoy: $1,657
- Amazinga Entertainment Entry Ticket 3h: $38
- Baroque Varaždin and Trakošćan Castle Private Tour from Zagreb: $227
- Best Of Zagreb Walking Tour: $64
- Best of Zagreb Walking Tour: $105
- Best of Zagreb! Private Walking Tour; Meet the greats -Sit & Meet: $104
- Best of Zagreb! Self-guided Waking tour Sit&Meet Croatian greats!: $22
- Best of 4-Hour Cycling Tour: $93
- Big Zagreb Private Tour: $116
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVang Vieng $1.09Zagreb $10
Sample the Local Flavors in Zagreb
Also in Zagreb, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Pub Crawl, 1-Hour of Unlimited Drinks, & Club Entry: $34
- Zagreb:Private Bar Crawling and Alcohol Testing with a Guide: $35
- Private Zagreb Walking Tour and Wine Tasting From Zagreb: $109
- WINE TASTING near Zagreb - drink and eat as much as you can!: $139
- Japetić Viewpoint Hike & Plešivica Wine Tasting: $151
- Hrastje Plešivičko Wine Tasting Day Trip: $175
- From Samobor Highlights & Wine Tasting in Plešivica: $193
- Plesivica Region Wine Tasting Half-day Tour: $259
- Castle & Wine Tasting - Private Day Trip from Zagreb: $267
- Fairytale Castle & Wine Tasting & Lunch: $290
- From Fairytale Castle & Wine Tasting & Lunch: $292
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vang Vieng and Zagreb, we can see that Zagreb 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 Zagreb 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 Zagreb would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Zagreb 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 Zagreb Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Vang Vieng or Zagreb?
Zagreb has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Vang Vieng. When comparing the sizes of Vang Vieng and Zagreb, 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 Zagreb?
Zagreb 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 Zagreb in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Vang Vieng as well as Zagreb. Vang Vieng attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Zagreb because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Vang Vieng is generally around the same temperature as Zagreb. Daily temperatures in Vang Vieng average around 22°C (72°F), and Zagreb fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zagreb. In the summer, Vang Vieng often gets less sunshine than Zagreb. Vang Vieng gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 266 hours of full sun.
Vang Vieng usually gets less rain in July than Zagreb. Vang Vieng gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyVang Vieng 22°C (72°F)Zagreb 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Zagreb in the Autumn?
Both Zagreb 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, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Zagreb this time of year.
Vang Vieng is much warmer than Zagreb in the autumn. The daily temperature in Vang Vieng averages around 23°C (73°F) in October, and Zagreb fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vang Vieng. Vang Vieng usually receives more sunshine than Zagreb during autumn. Vang Vieng gets 222 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 133 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Vang Vieng usually receives less rain than Zagreb. Vang Vieng gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberVang Vieng 23°C (73°F)Zagreb 13°C (55°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Zagreb in the Winter?
Both Zagreb 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. Also, many travelers come to Zagreb for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Zagreb. In the winter, Vang Vieng is much warmer than Zagreb. Typically, the winter temperatures in Vang Vieng in January average around 24°C (75°F), and Zagreb averages at about 1°C (35°F).
It's quite sunny in Vang Vieng. In the winter, Vang Vieng often gets more sunshine than Zagreb. Vang Vieng gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 54 hours of full sun.
Vang Vieng usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Zagreb. Vang Vieng gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryVang Vieng 24°C (75°F)Zagreb 1°C (35°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Zagreb in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Vang Vieng and Zagreb. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vang Vieng year-round. Also, many visitors come to Zagreb in the spring for the activities around the city.
In April, Vang Vieng is generally much warmer than Zagreb. Daily temperatures in Vang Vieng average around 23°C (73°F), and Zagreb fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
In Vang Vieng, it's very sunny this time of the year. Vang Vieng usually receives more sunshine than Zagreb during spring. Vang Vieng gets 230 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 163 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 Zagreb. Vang Vieng gets 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilVang Vieng 23°C (73°F)Zagreb 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Zagreb and Vang Vieng
| Vang Vieng | Zagreb | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 1°C (35°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Mar | 24°C (75°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Apr | 23°C (73°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| May | 23°C (73°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (72°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (72°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 62 mm (2.4 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.