Which place is cheaper, Koh Pha Ngan or Vientiane?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Vientiane or Koh Pha Ngan?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Vientiane or Koh Pha Ngan, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Vientiane or Koh Pha Ngan?
Vientiane
You wouldn't expect the capital city to have such a relaxing environment, but in Vientiane, Laos you can sit back and take in the beautiful scenery without feeling pressure to see every little thing. With Vientiane, what you see is what you get.
While picturesque temples and markets line the streets, the city is still experiencing a successful building boom. Even the Presidential Palace has undergone some hefty renovations.
Koh Pha Ngan
Ko Phangan (or Pha Ngan) is best known for its full moon parties, attracting backpackers and budget travelers the world over for all-night parties on the beach. The clear, blue water, beautiful beaches, and tropical atmosphere bring the tourists to the island, and the low prices, diverse activities, and abundant amenities keep them here.
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 Thailand, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Thailand.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVientiane $15Koh Pha Ngan $45
The average daily cost (per person) in Vientiane is $15, while the average daily cost in Koh Pha Ngan is $45. 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 Vientiane and Koh Pha Ngan in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVientiane $6.01Koh Pha Ngan $23
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVientiane $12Koh Pha Ngan $46
Compare Hotels in Vientiane and Koh Pha Ngan
Looking for a hotel in Vientiane or Koh Pha Ngan? 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: Vientiane Hotel Prices and Koh Pha Ngan Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Vientiane $2.08Koh Pha Ngan $13
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Vientiane
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Vientiane are as follows:
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Tuk Tuk Ride$4.24
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vientiane
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Vientiane:
- Private Transfer in Laos: $5.00
- Vientian Private Airport Transfer - Wattay Airport: $15
- Vientiane - Hanoi Sleeping Bus Transfer : $63
- Vientiane Airport Transfer: Wattay airport to hotel - Private transfer: $15
- Vientiane Private Airport and Hotel Transfers: $9.00
- Wattay Airport (VTE): Private Transfer to/from Vientiane: $29
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Koh Pha Ngan
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Koh Pha Ngan are as follows:
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Scooter Rental$8.18
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Ferry Ride$14
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Gas for Scooter$3.00
Is it cheaper to fly into Vientiane or Koh Pha Ngan?
Prices for flights to both Koh Pha Ngan and Vientiane 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 dayVientiane $6.32Koh Pha Ngan $10
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Vientiane
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Vientiane.
- Private Evening Food Tour of Laos: $70
Typical Food Prices in Koh Pha Ngan
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Koh Pha Ngan:
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Noodle Lunch (for One)$1.09
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Sit Down Dinner (for Two)$11
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Smoothies (for Two)$1.09
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Ice Cream$0.55
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Juice$1.64
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3 Spring Rolls$0.82
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2 Pancakes$1.64
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Vientiane $3.54Koh Pha Ngan $17
Tours and Activities in Vientiane
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Vientiane are as follows:
- Vientiane ATV and Canopy Walking Experience: $48
- Vientiane Sky Luge and Roller Zipline Experience: $55
- From Hue: Hue to Vientiane Bus tickets: $62
- Half-Day Vientiane City Bike Tour: $67
- Vientiane Half-Day City Tour: $69
- Guided Vientiane City and Buddha Park Full-Day Tour: $81
- Private Custom Tour with a Local Guide in Vientiane: $82
- Vientiane City Day Tour and Buddha Park Visit with Lunch: $88
- 2 Days Private Tour in Vientiane and Vang Vieng: $90
- Private Vientiane Tour - include Buddha Park: $100
- Private Tour: Full-day Vientiane's Must-See Sights and River Sunset with Lunch: $101
- Private Tour: Half-day City Guided Tour of Vientiane: $113
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVientiane $2.35Koh Pha Ngan $9.89
Typical Alcohol Prices in Koh Pha Ngan
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Koh Pha Ngan are as follows:
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Drinks at Irish Pub (for Two)$7.09
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vientiane and Koh Pha Ngan, we can see that Koh Pha Ngan is more expensive. And not only is Vientiane much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Vientiane would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Vientiane 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 Koh Pha Ngan would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Koh Pha Ngan than you might in Vientiane.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Vientiane Expensive? and Is Koh Pha Ngan Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Vientiane or Koh Pha Ngan?
Vientiane has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Koh Pha Ngan. When comparing the sizes of Vientiane and Koh Pha Ngan, 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 Vientiane or Koh Pha Ngan?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Vientiane or Koh Pha Ngan in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Vientiane and Koh Pha Ngan. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vientiane year-round. Koh Pha Ngan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Koh Pha Ngan receives a lot of rain in the summer. Vientiane gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Vientiane usually receives more rain than Koh Pha Ngan. Vientiane gets 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
Vientiane is a little warmer than Koh Pha Ngan in the summer. The daily temperature in Vientiane averages around 30°C (85°F) in July, and Koh Pha Ngan fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyVientiane 30°C (85°F)Koh Pha Ngan 24°C (76°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Koh Pha Ngan in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Vientiane as well as Koh Pha Ngan. Vientiane attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Pha Ngan throughout the year.
Also, December to March in Koh Pha Ngan is the dry season. October and November in Koh Pha Ngan is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Koh Pha Ngan. Vientiane usually gets less rain in October than Koh Pha Ngan. Vientiane gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the autumn, Vientiane is a little warmer than Koh Pha Ngan. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Vientiane in October average around 28°C (83°F), and Koh Pha Ngan averages at about 24°C (75°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberVientiane 28°C (83°F)Koh Pha Ngan 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Koh Pha Ngan in the Winter?
Both Koh Pha Ngan and Vientiane are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vientiane throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Pha Ngan because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The dry season in Koh Pha Ngan is December to March. In January, Vientiane usually receives less rain than Koh Pha Ngan. Vientiane gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
In January, Vientiane is generally around the same temperature as Koh Pha Ngan. Daily temperatures in Vientiane average around 24°C (75°F), and Koh Pha Ngan fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryVientiane 24°C (75°F)Koh Pha Ngan 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Koh Pha Ngan in the Spring?
Both Koh Pha Ngan and Vientiane during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Vientiane because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Pha Ngan year-round.
Vientiane usually gets more rain in April than Koh Pha Ngan. Vientiane gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
It's very hot in Vientiane this time of the year. Vientiane is a little warmer than Koh Pha Ngan in the spring. The daily temperature in Vientiane averages around 31°C (88°F) in April, and Koh Pha Ngan fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilVientiane 31°C (88°F)Koh Pha Ngan 24°C (76°F)
Typical Weather for Koh Pha Ngan and Vientiane
| Vientiane | Koh Pha Ngan | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (85°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) |
| Apr | 31°C (88°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| May | 30°C (87°F) | 255 mm (10 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (86°F) | 273 mm (10.7 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (85°F) | 266 mm (10.5 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 323 mm (12.7 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (84°F) | 295 mm (11.6 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (83°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 240 mm (9.5 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 335 mm (13.2 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (74°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 134 mm (5.3 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.